Ravens nose tackle Haloti Ngata came in at number 45 on the 2014 installment of NFL Network's annual Top 100 Players list. He joins quaterback Joe Flacco, 58th, and offensive guard Marshall Yanda, 55th, on this year's list. Like both of those players, Ngata is coming off of what many consider a down year for the big lineman.
Drafted 12th overall in the 2006 draft out of Oregon, Nagata has been a perennial pro bowler and member on this list for much of his career.
However, like Flacco, who threw 22 interceptions and dropped 39 spots from the 2013 Top players list (which followed his Super Bowl MVP season), and Yanda, who suffered through injuries and poor play around him in a lesser 2013 campaign than he is accustomed to, Ngata did not perform up to contract this past year. His 1.5 sacks were his lowest since 2009, when he started two fewer games.
Reports are that he looks fit and healthy as he has been in some time, and combined with the help of new line depth of 2014 second round selection Timmy Jernigan, fourth round pick Brent Urban, and second year player Brandon Williams, Ngata and the Ravens will look to up those numbers and earn that 45th overall place on the NFL Network's list.