Adrian Peterson is the best running back in the NFL and among the top five players in the league according to his peers.

Each year the NFL Network asks the league's current players to vote on the top 100 and after Peterson's standout 2015 season he has soared to the top of the list. Peterson is ranked No. 5 heading into the 2016 season, up from No. 62 in 2015.

Carolina quarterback Cam Newton is No. 1, followed by New England quarterback Tom Brady, Houston defensive end J.J. Watt, Pittsburgh wide receiver Antonio Brown and Peterson to round out the top five.

Peterson won the rushing title in 2015 with 1,485 yards. He also led in the league in rushing touchdowns (11) and carries (327) to complete the rushing "triple crown."

Players from around the league and Peterson's teammates explained why he is so special on NFL Network's The Top 100 Players:

"He runs angry and I love that about him," said Green Bay defensive tackle Mike Daniels.

"I like to refer to Adrian Peterson as an animal. The guy is just relentless. He doesn't stop. His legs are always moving. He breaks tackles. Man, the guy, he runs angry," said Denver linebacker Brandon Marshall.

"If you ask defenders who played again him, they say "It hurts when he runs," and so you got to respect that and admire that," said Oakland running back Latavius Murray.

"When we played them, the first drive I had to make like four solo tackles on him and my shoulder is still kind of banged up from it. But it's tough man. It's tough," said Arizona safety Tyrann Mathieu.

"The way he jumps, cuts this way, that way, then he finds a hole and breaks through. The guy is amazing. You can't pick and choose a gap on him because he plays the game with you a little bit. … The way he finds holes is the best thing he does," said Los Angeles defensive tackle Michael Brockers.

"Best running back of this generation will be Adrian Peterson. In this league it's about your mentality and how you approach the game. He has a heart full of fight," said Jacksonville running back Chris Ivory.

"He's not slowing down at all. I don't think he's ready to pass the torch off to anybody any time soon. Just one of those really impressive running backs." Said New Orleans linebacker James Laurinaitis.

"It's so easy for him," said Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs.

"[I asked Peterson] 'How long are you going to play?' He said 'I'm going to play until I'm 40. I was like 'AD, that's 10 more years from now.' And he really believes he can do it. You can't tell his guy that he can't do nothing. … I'm really starting to believe he can be one of those guys that can play that long," said Vikings defensive back Captain Munnerlyn.

Vikings safety Harrison Smith is No. 73 and defensive tackle Linval Joseph is No. 76.