NFL Network top 100 players of 2013: Mario Williams is No. 72

NFL Network has been running a series on the Top 100 players of 2013, counting down ten players at a time for the last few weeks. A Buffalo Bills player made the cut - voted in by his peers, as is everyone on the list - when Mario Williams came in at No. 72 overall, just ahead of Antonio Gates and just behind Trent Richardson.

Williams, 28, signed the richest free agent contract for a defender in the history of the NFL last off-season - a six-year, $96 million deal with $50 million guaranteed that set some very lofty expectations for the veteran pass rusher. He finished his first season in Buffalo with 10.5 sacks - his highest single-season output since his first Pro Bowl campaign in 2008 - and did so despite having mid-season surgery to correct a wrist issue that plagued him for the first six games on the schedule.

Where Williams will line up in 2013 remains to be seen, and might be a snap-by-snap affair. A 4-3 defensive end by trade, you're likely to see Williams stand up as a linebacker, play his traditional role or even move inside to a three-technique on occasion playing in Mike Pettine's hybrid defense. Wherever he's lining up, he's also being counted on to spearhead a Bills pass rush that still needs to improve.

What do you think, Bills fans - is No. 72 too high, too low or just right for Mario?