This is the second segment in a triad of rankings as we gear
up for the 2012 season. First I ranked
the 32 teams based on how happy or unhappy they are with their current quarterback
situations.
Note: this was not necessarily a ranking of the ‘best’ QBs
in the league right now, but rather the best QB situations for the foreseeable
future. For example, I still think
Rivers is a better QB than Newton , but because
of current contracts and long-term potential and the trajectory of their
careers, I would rather have Newton .
This ranking lists the NFL’s top 100 players, based primarily on the 2011 season, but also considering each player’s track record,
age, durability, off-field issues, and contracts.
There have been a flurry of these Top 100 lists lately, with
most of them being purely idiotic. For
example, the NFL players voted and decided that Ray Lewis is the 4th
best player in the NFL. Yes, #4 overall
in the entire league, not fourth best on his own defense. Come off it.
Then NFL.com ranked inconsistent quarterbacks like Vick and
Romo in the top 20, ahead of game-changing superstars like Jared Allen and Larry
Fitzgerald. And the epically doltish NFL
Network has Joe Thomas way back in the 80s, just 13 spots ahead of Tim
Tebow. Really? There are only 13 NFL
players between the best offensive lineman in football and a lousy backup
quarterback? Wow.
But there are responsible analysts, such as Pro Football
Focus (PFF), the Bleacher Report, Peter King at SI.com, Football Outsiders,
WalterFootball.com, and Pete Prisco at CBSsports. Using their lists and analysis, but also
relying heavily on my personal prejudices, I’ve concocted this list of the Top
100 Players in the NFL.
Top 100
1. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers
Best player at the most important position. I wouldn’t bet
against him having another MVP year.
2. Darelle Revis, CB, Jets
Narrowly edges out Calvin because he owned Calvin
head-to-head (1 catch, 13 yards) and has been elite for a longer period of time.
3. Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions
Single-handedly won at least 5 games last year. Maybe more. His route-running, hands, speed
and ability to break tackles are all excellent, but it’s his ability to leapover 3 guys in the end zone that sets him apart from every other receiver ever. The only thing that can stop him is being on
the cover of a stupid video game.
1999 – Victim: Garrison Hearst.
For the first time in Madden’s history, they decided to put a player on the cover, instead of Madden himself. They chose Hearst, coming off a season with 2,100 total yards…
What happened? Hearst broke his ankle, missed two entire seasons, and experienced post-surgery complications called Avascular Necrosis, meaning the bone inside his foot literally died. The Niners went from 12-4 to 4-12. A few years later, Hearst got in trouble for anti-gay remarks, saying “Hell no, I don’t want no faggots on my team.”
Overall curse grade – 97
Arguably the greatest player of all time was within 1,500 yards of the career rushing record and only 31 years old when he was put on the cover of Madden…
What happened? Barry faxed a letter to the Wichita Eagle newspaper announcing his retirement, on what will go down in history as the worst day in the history of the NFL. A legendary career was ruined and a franchise decimated.
Overall curse grade – 5,000,000
George had just run for 1,500 yards and 14 scores and the Titans went 13-3 …
What happened? He fell short of 1,000 yards for the first time in his career, had only 5 TDs, and ran for a sad 3.0 YPC. The Titans went 7-9 and missed the playoffs.
Overall curse grade – 65
The All Pro had just led the Vikings to the playoffs and thrown 33 TDs and 16 picks. He was well on his way to
What happened? A 5-11 season, followed by a 6-10 season in which Daunte threw 23 picks and set an NFL record with 23 fumbles. Then, when his career bounced back in 2004, he blew out both knees and never threw more than 6 TDs in a season again. His career ended in shambles, as quarterback of the Sacramento Mountain Lions.
Overall curse grade – 80
Nobody was more curse-proof than Faulk. He had run for 1,300 yards in three straight seasons (all playoff seasons); he had a Super Bowl ring, five straight Pro Bowls, an MVP, and was the three-time reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year, not to mention the consensus #1 pick in every fantasy football draft...
What happened? He ran for just 953 yards, the Rams went 7-9, and he never eclipsed 1,000 yards again. The following year, he started just 10 games, and was slowly phased out in favor of newcomer Steven Jackson.
Overall curse grade – 90
The phenom was revolutionizing the quarterback position, running for almost 800 yards in his sophomore season, and leading the Falcons to a playoff victory …
What happened? Just one day after Madden hit shelves, Vick broke his leg in a preseason game and missed the first 11 games of the year. The Falcons went 5-11. Then, he rebounded, compiled three straight quality seasons (just 1 playoff appearance though), but then was arrested for killing dogs and spent 23 months in prison. He is now arguably the most hated person in sports, and deservedly so.
Overall curse grade – 95
Five straight years as a First Team All Pro, and one of the best linebackers of all time in his prime …
What happened? He got off easy with a season-ending hamstring injury in week 6. The Ravens went 6-10. Lewis has been a Pro Bowler in 13 of his 14 seasons. The one season he wasn’t – 2005, when he was on the Cover.
Overall curse grade – 55
Five straight Pro Bowls, five straight playoff appearances, and enough swagger to pronounce “I don’t believe in the Curse at all...”
What happened? McNabb suffered a sports hernia in the first game of the season, played through the pain, then tore an ACL while jumping out of bounds in week 9 and missed the rest of the season. Philly went 6-10.
Overall curse grade – 85
The reigning MVP had just run for 1,880 yards and a record 27 TDs. The Seahawks went 13-3 and made the Super Bowl.
What happened? He broke his leg in week 3, and missed 6 games. The next year, he broke his wrist, his knee, and his ankle. He never ran for more than 900 yards in a season again, and played just 2 more years in the NFL, despite having just signed an 8-year, $62 million dollar deal, the largest ever for a running back.
Overall curse grade – 95
The Rookie of the Year had just gone 8-5 as a starter, with 4 fourth-quarter comeback wins. He appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live to deride any chance of the Curse taking him down...
What happened? Well, he only missed one game with a leg injury, finished with a solid 10-6 record, and made the playoffs. The Curse seemed to be broken! But then next year, Young injured his knee in week one, Kerry Collins took over the starting job, and the Titans went 13-3 while Young rode the bench. After that, he got his starting job back, did okay, got hurt a few times, never made the playoffs, and eventually went nuts, throwing his shoulder pads into the crowd, storming out of the locker room, texting his coach to apologize, and getting kicked off the team. He’s been a joke ever since, and the former #3 overall pick is now a backup on the Bills.
Overall curse grade – 80
This is where it really gets bad. After ten straight seasons of ruining careers, the Madden franchise decided to wield some mercy by putting a retired player on the cover. Nothing could go wrong, right?
What happened? Everything went wrong. Favre un-retired, but the Packers didn’t want him because they liked Aaron Rodgers too much, so Favre went to the Jets, where he played lousy, hurt his ankle, texted pictures of his penis to a girl half his age, missed the playoffs, was despised by teammates, retired, unretired, retired, unretired, became a laughingstock, watched Aaron Rodgers win a Super Bowl, became a Viking, hurt his shoulder, retired, unretired, became reviled by everybody, retired, cried, tried to unretire but nobody wanted him, and finished his career as a sad, sad figure of a man.
Overall curse grade – 99
How do you avoid a Curse that has struck 11 straight years? By putting two players on the cover!
What happened?
Larry, meanwhile, appeared to break the Curse. He played all 16 games, had 13 TDs, and won a classic playoff game with 82 yards and 2 TDs. The next year, however, Kurt Warner retired, Anquan Boldin left, Karlson Dansby left, and the Cards went 5-11 behind 65.9 QB rating. Fitzy is now stuck with a huge contract on a terrible team.
Overall curse grade – Polamalu – 75, Fitzgerald – 65
Total – 70
Coming off a Super Bowl victory and a 109.6 QB rating, Brees was not about to be taken down by the Curse …
What happened? He threw twice as many interceptions as the previous year and his passer rating dropped to 90.9, but the Saints still went 11-5. But because of a stupid rule, the 11-5 Saints had to play on the road in the playoffs, at 7-9 Seattle, who pulled the massive upset. Later, it was discovered that the Saints were not only paying each other to injure players, but also wiretapping opposing teams. Brees now is without his head coach and engaged in a potential holdout.
Overall curse grade – 65
For the first time, the fans decided the victim with an online vote. Hillis, a fantasy football darling with massive biceps and a rugged attitude, upset Aaron Rodgers and Michael Vick and ended up on the cover, despite less than 1,500 total rushing yards in his entire career …
What happened? In honesty, Hillis never should have been on the cover in the first place. But it was still shocking when he let a contract dispute, strep throat, and two hamstring injuries limit him to 587 yards and 3 TDs, while the Browns went 4-12. Now Hillis is a backup RB for a lousy team, and instead of the multi-year deal he sought with the Browns, he settled for 1 year, $3 million with KC. He is the first victim to admit that he believes in the Curse.
Overall curse grade – 90
We should be prepared for anything, up to and including Calvin being abducted by Colombian drug lords . My hope is a 4-6 week injury with no long-term repercussions. Realistically, he’s going on IR sometime in September, and maybe will be able to play in 2013. In other words, draft Titus Young in your fantasy leagues.
On to the rest of the top 100 …
4. Patrick Willis, ILB, 49ers
A perfect middle linebacker who has no weaknesses. He
averaged one missed tackle per 44 attempts, by far the best rate in the
league.
5. DeMarcus Ware, OLB, Cowboys
The best pass-rusher in the league, with 91 sacks in his
last 6 seasons, and 19.5 last year. No slouch in coverage either.
6. Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
Still the master of dissecting defenses, but not as
consistent as he used to be.
7. Drew Brees, QB, Saints
Set the single-season passing yards record with a bunch of
mediocre receivers.
8. Jared Allen ,
DE
The Vikings may have gone 3-13, but you can’t blame it on
the guy with a league-high 22 sacks.
9. Joe Thomas, LT, Browns
It’s become trendy to criticize Joe Thomas this offseason.
I’ve even seen him ranked behind LTs Andrew Whitworth and Tyron Smith, who
don’t crack my top 75. I don’t understand … yes, he had 9 penalties, but he was essentially perfect in pass protection for the fifth straight year and a completely
overbearing run blocker . He’s as good as it gets on the offensive line, and will be for a long time.
10. Jason
Pierre-Paul , DE
He was the best player on the Super Bowl champs last year,
recording 16.5 sacks and leading all defensive linemen in tackles with 86. Probably
should have been Super Bowl MVP. And he’s just going to get better.
11. Troy Polamalu, S, Steelers
Because of his age (31), recent injuries, and the Steelers
crummy CBs, Troy
has somehow become underrated. He’s
still the most complete safety in the league, dominating both the secondary and
the line of scrimmage with amazing instincts and acceleration.
12. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals
With no quarterback to throw him the ball, Fitz’s TDs and
completions were down, but he dropped only 3 passes out of 151 targets, and was
4th in the NFL in receiving yardage despite being on perhaps the worst offense
in the league.
13. Julius Peppers, DE, Bears
Was just as dominant in his second season with Chicago as he was in his
first. Peppers is quietly the best run-stopping DE among 4-3 teams; the Bears
have ranked 2nd and 5th in run defense since he arrived, compared to 23rd
before he showed up.
14. Mario Williams ,
DE
So much for moving to the 3-4. Mario spent 5 games in the Texans’ new
defense before tearing a pectoral muscle and missing the season; now he moves
back to the 4-3 DE spot where he’s been so dominant. Buffalo
may have actually gotten him for a bargain at 6-years, $100 million. If he stays healthy.
15. Haloti Ngata, DT, Ravens
Ngata is taking all kinds of flak, much like Joe Thomas, for
what was perceived as an ‘average’ 2011 season. He ranked 90th on the PFF list,
and 25th on the Prisco list. But Baltimore
once again ranked in the top 5 in run defense, extending that streak to 6
straight seasons since Ngata was drafted. Also, Haloti amassed 5 sacks, 2
forced fumbles, and 3 fumbles recovered while being flagged for only 1 penalty in 16 games.
16. Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings
Coming off an ACL tear, it’s unclear if AP should even be in
the top 100. But if he’s at even 90%
health, he’s the best RB in a decade with his combination of speed and
strength. Many people have
MJD/McCoy/Forte/Rice ahead of AP because of their impact in the passing game,
but that’s really a result of scheme and because those teams don’t have good
receivers. AP is the best pure runner,
and Foster is second. (see 29).
17. Justin Smith ,
DE
Can dominate the defensive line as a DT or a DE in any
scheme. Was unstoppable late in the season and in the playoffs, and created
matchup problems all year that led to a 14 sack season for his rookie teammate.
18. Von Miller, OLB, Broncos
The reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year didn’t miss a
tackle all season, and racked up 12 sacks with a broken hand playing on a bad
team. Now, he’s got Peyton Manning at
QB, which means the other team will be passing more, which means … 20 sacks? 30?
19. Nick Mangold, C, Jets
Center isn’t a sexy position, but the Jets completely fell
apart last year when their stud missed two games. He’s the best interior
O-lineman in the league, not only physically but with his ability to analyze
defenses and make audibles on the field. He’s basically Mark Sanchez’s brain on
the field. His sister is an Olympic
weightlifter, too.
20. Nnamdi Asomugha, CB, Eagles
Fell out of the top 50 on pretty much everybody’s list after
one bad season in Philly in which he was simply miscast. Still has elite cover
skills and should rebound this year.
21. Trent Cole ,
DE
Just like Peppers and JPP, he is dominant in all phases on
the defensive line. Deemed the ‘most complete 4-3 DE’ by Pro Football Focus.
22. Duane Brown, LT, Texans
The former first round pick was considered a ‘project’ for a
couple seasons; last year he emerged as a legitimate stud. He was the only
tackle all season who did not give up a sack, and the only tackle who
successfully manhandled Terrell Suggs. Pretty good in the running game too.
23. Cameron Wake, OLB, Dolphins
Against constant double teams, Wake notched 9 sacks and 72
hits/hurries, for the second most QB pressures, behind only Jared Allen.
24. Jake Long, LT, Dolphins
Played most of the 2011 season with a torn bicep, and now
might miss games early in 2012. But it’s the last year of his contract, so he
should be ready to kick some serious butt, even if it means blocking for Ryan
Tannehill.
25. Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots
I had more trouble with this ranking than any other. Prisco
put him 10th, PFF put him 6th, and I’m barely including him in the top 25. Why?
Well, for one thing, I think if you take him off the Patriots and put
him on any other team, he wouldn’t even reach half of his absurd 2012 numbers:
90 receptions, 1,300 yards and 17 TDs. Further, he’s only played one good
season so far, and I like to see someone play two great years before they’re
deemed a franchise stud.. And lastly, he benefits from the Patriots unusual
offense that does not target receivers downfield. His record-breaking season
was a combination of being a physically freakish player and also playing in a
perfect system.
26. Jonathan Joseph, CB, Texans
It’s not just Revis and Asomugha anymore atop the CB world.
Joseph definitely belongs in the conversation, as does Joe Haden (see 31).
27. Geno Atkins, DT, Bengals
Leaps past Suh as the league’s best 4-3 defensive
tackle. A fourth round pick in 2010,
Atkins dominated from start to finish last season, leading all DTs with 49 QB
disruptions and performing very well against the run.
28. Tamba Hali, OLB, Chiefs
On a defense that was mostly terrible, Hali faced routine
double coverage and still managed 12 sacks and 4 forced fumbles.
29. Arian Foster, RB, Texans
Missed three games last year, but still racked up 1,850
total yards and scored 12 TDs. Kept Houston ’s
offense clicking despite the losses of Schaub and Andre Johnson. And not only
did he catch 53 passes, but he did more with those passes than any other RB –
his average of 11.6 yards per reception was the highest among RBs.
30. Navarro Bowman, ILB, 49ers
In his first year as the full-time starter next to Patrick
Willis, Bowman almost outplayed his All Pro teammate, with an NFC-best 111 solo
tackles. He saved his best for the
playoffs, with 25 tackles in 2 games. It’s fair to say, (though unfair for the
rest of the league), San Fran has the two best inside linebackers in football.
31. Joe Haden, CB, Browns
Haden picked off 6 passes as a rookie, but none last year as
QBs barely looked in his direction. Nonetheless, he led all CBs in passes
broken up with 17 and he allowed just a 49% completion percentage to passes
thrown in his direction, all while guarding the best receiver on every team he
faced. Held Fitzgerald, Marshall, and Wallace to under 65 yards each with no scores.
32 – 35. RayMatt McDrew
For the sake of not splitting straws, I am lumping Ray Rice,
Matt Forte, LeSean McCoy, and Maurice Jones-Drew into a four-way tie. They are
all great in all phases of the game. I would take any one of them as my
franchise RB in a heartbeat. They each caught at least 40 passes for the second
straight year, and they all ran for 1,300 yards, except Forte, who was on pace
for 1,330 before he got hurt. From a
fantasy perspective, I would rank them McCoy, then Rice, Forte, and lastly MJD
because of the terrible offense he plays on. But beware: Ray, Matt and Maurice
are all involved in potential contract holdouts. Nobody wants to pay running backs anymore,
and with Peterson, Charles, Forte, Mendenhall, and Fred Jackson all suffering
major leg injuries, it’s understandable. Especially in the world of RBBC.
36. Ndamukong Suh, DT, Lions
Statistically he declined from 2010 to 2011, but
double-teams don’t show up on the stat sheet. At least half of Cliff Avril’s 11
sacks were created by Suh. But, he
really needs to stop stomping, lying, pouting, crashing cars and acting like a
jerk and just focus on not overpursuing and getting trapped. He has the
potential to be the best DT in the league, but he’s not there yet.
37. Andre Johnson, WR, Texans
For a while, Andre reigned supreme above Calvin and Larry,
but missing 8 games last year with lingering knee problems really hurts his
stock. He might miss action in early 2012. When healthy, he’s the complete
package, good for 100 catches, 1,500 yards, and 8 TDs. But the gap between him
and the next batch of receivers is narrowing.
38. Peyton Manning, QB, Broncos
Another enigma … but all reports are that his arm looks just
fine. I suspect John Elway did his research. Peyton might be in for a monster
comeback year.
39. Brian Cushing, ILB, Texans
The 2009 D-ROY battled through a drug-suspension in 2010 and
a move from 4-3 OLB to 3-4 ILB in 2011, and posted his best season yet, racking
up 114 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 picks, 2 fumbles forced, and earning team MVP
honors. He was the best inside linebacker in the AFC but did not make the Pro
Bowl thanks to another idiotic homage to Ray Lewis.
40. Daryl Smith, OLB, Jaguars
Believe it or not, Jacksonville
ranked 6th in total defense last year. Without Smith, they would have been
closer to 26th. He was all over the field, racking up 107 tackles, including
more stops in the running game than any other OLB. He also broke up more passes
than any 4-3 OLB, and knocked down the quarterback on 15% of the plays in which
he blitzed, highest rate of any linebacker. He was really special, despite
playing for a horrible team.
41. Carl Nicks, G,
Buccaneers
It’s tough to rate guards, because typically your All Pro
guards coincide with your elite quarterbacks, and you start to wonder if
Stephen Peterman would suddenly be a Pro Bowler on New
England . But Nicks is best
known as a run-blocking specialist who also happens to excel at protecting the
QB. Moving from New Orleans to Tampa
will be a test for him, but he should pass and help turn Tampa ’s offense around.
42. James Harrison, OLB, Steelers
Roger Goddell’s #1 enemy missed 5 games last year due to
suspension and injuries, and has been steadily on the decline since his D-MVP
2008 season. But he’s still one of the most fearsome pass rushers even at 34
years old.
43. Jason Witten, TE, Cowboys
Still the best all-around TE in the league, with great
hands, great intelligence, and a capable blocker. Doesn’t have that Gronkowski/Graham type of
speed, but makes up for it with durability (hasn’t missed a game in 8 years)
and leadership (didn’t put up with T.O’s nonsense) and consistency (catches at
least 80 balls every single season.)
44. Lardarius Webb,
CB, Ravens
It was a tough call for the fifth best corner, but I went
with Webb narrowly over Flowers and Carr.
In his first year as the full-time starter, Webb started all 16 games
and allowed an unbelievable zero TDs, while grabbing 5 picks and then 3 more in
the playoffs. He can play outside in man coverage or in the slot. The days of Baltimore not having a
cornerback are finally over.
45. Brandon
Flowers, CB, Chiefs
KC ranked an impressive 6th against the pass last year, despite
losing Eric Berry in week one. The biggest reason was Flowers, though Brandon
Carr (#68) deserves props too. Flowers began the year in rough shape, giving up
5 TDs in the first 3 games, but then gave up only one score the rest of the
season. Before that he had allowed an amazingly stingy 6 TDs in his first 43 starts.
46. Vince Wilfork, DT, Patriots
The 320 pounder has surprising athleticism and moves from DT
to DE to nosetackle on any given play. He had his best season in 2011 with 3.5
sacks, 2 INTs, 52 tackles, and three dominant performances in the playoffs
against a myriad of double teams.
47. Clay Matthews, OLB, Packers
While he declined from 13.5 sacks last year to 6 sacks in
2011, the Packers insist he was actually better in 2011, making dozens of plays
that don’t show up on the stat sheet. It may be true; Clay had more QB hurries and
hits that didn’t result in sacks than any other player in football. He was also
great in coverage, with 3 INTs and 9 passes deflected.
48. Chris Myers, C, Texans
The second best center in the league behind Mangold, and one
of the league’s best run-blockers.
49. Derrick Johnson, ILB, Chiefs
All over the field, racked up 131 tackles, great in
coverage, one of the best pure inside linebackers in all of football. That Chiefs defense is actually going to be really good
with Eric Berry healthy and Dontari Poe at DT.
50. Calais Campbell , DE
A very effective DE in the 3-4 scheme. He led all players
with 9 passes batted down at the line of scrimmage, and led all 3-4 DEs with 55
tackles. He’s recorded at least 6 sacks in each of the last 3 seasons, and truly
earned the 5 year, $55 million contract that will invariably cause his play to decline.
51. Matt Stafford, QB, Lions
The Unflappable Kid threw for an astounding 5,000 yards in
his first full season. Give as much credit to Calvin Johnson as you want -
5,000 yards is still amazing. Especially when you consider that Stafford suffered more dropped passes (46) than any other
quarterback. He still had issues with decision making and accuracy, especially
early in the season, but his game has totally evolved into something worthy of
a #1 pick.
52. Eli Manning, QB, Giants
Didn’t have the regular season success that the other elite
quarterbacks had, and barely snuck into the playoffs. But there was nothing
fluky about his postseason play – the best game of his season was the Super
Bowl, and he outplayed Aaron Rodgers in the first round. Eli was under pressure
on more snaps than any other QB in the league during the regular season, and
led the NFL with a 69.4% completion percentage on passes in which the QB was
under pressure. Pretty amazing. Also led the league in completions and yards
for passes that traveled more than 20 yards in the air.
53. Evan Mathis, G, Eagles
The former third round pick spent 2005 through 2008 trying
to make a roster. He finally landed in Cincinnati ,
where he played 25 games at left guard and didn’t give up a single sack. Philly
swooped him up, he started at left guard all 16 games, and again, didn’t give
up a single sack. He also graded as the best run-blocking left guard by PFF,
consistently openings holes for LeSean McCoy, who had a league-high 17 rushing
TDs.
54. A.J. Green, WR, Bengals
Reminds me so much of Calvin Johnson that it’s scary. Could
easily be the best WR in the league as soon as 2014.
55. Dwight Freeney ,
DE
Lost in the Colts 2-14 season was another solid effort by
Freeney, a pure pass-rushing phenom. But he’s got a myriad of issues going into
this season: ubiquitous trade rumors, a move to the 3-4 defense, a new coach
and new coordinator, and a $14 million salary that the fans don’t think he
deserves.
56. Marshal Yanda, G, Ravens
Considered the best right guard in football by just about
everybody; strong enough to maul DTs and open holes, athletic enough on
counters and screens to chase down linebackers and give Ray Rice plenty of room
to maneuver.
57. Elvis Dumervil, OLB, Broncos
The 2009 sack-champ missed all of 2010 with a chest injury,
but returned in 2011 with a solid bounce-back season. He started slowly, as did
the entire Broncos team, but finished with 10 sacks in the last 10 games. He
and Miller should be considered the best pass-rushing duo in the NFL.
58. Cortland
Finnegan, CB, Rams
When he’s not fist-fighting receivers or punching helmetless
linemen, Finnegan is a top-notch cover corner with great physicality and a
knack for locating the ball. He’s durable (missed 3 games in 6 seasons),
consistent, willing to matchup against elite receivers, and arguably the best
tackler among CBs. He now reunites with Jeff Fisher in St.
Louis after six seasons in Tennessee .
The only potential downside is whether $27 million guaranteed will turn him
into a slacker.
59. Kyle Williams, DT, Bills
Following an outstanding 2010 campaign, Williams was
considered one of the best DT/DE hybrids in football, very comparable to Justin
Smith from the Niners (see #17). Then in
week 9 last year he went down for the year with a foot injury … and the Bills
quickly fell apart, losing 7 straight games. Not a coincidence. Now, he returns healthy, and along with Mario
Williams and Marcel Dareus forms the best defensive line in football.
60. Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers
Few players mean more to their teams than Big Ben, simply
because no other QB can play the way he plays, absorbing contact and turning
would-be sacks into big gains. He’s totally uncanny and downright lucky at the
QB position, but he gets it done in crunch time and on 3rd and long.
61. Ed Reed, S, Ravens
Not the 9-INTs-a-year safety we used to know, but still
dominant in coverage and capable of huge plays. He saved his best performances
for the playoffs, and was deemed “the best secondary player I’ve coached
against” by Bill Belichick.
62. Justin Tuck ,
DE
The Subway Spokesperson has been replaced by JPP as the
Giants’ most feared pass-rusher, but Tuck can still get after the quarterback and
command double teams.
63. Phillip Rivers, QB, Chargers
Last year was a severe downturn in his career, and it’s
doubtful he’ll ever get back to elite QB status. But he’s still capable of
carrying the Bolts on his back and leading them to 5 or 6 victories by himself.
Not shabby at all.
64. Charles Woodson, CB, Packers
No longer an elite coverage player (allowed tons of yards
and plenty of TDs, and committed 9 penalties), but still the smartest and most
wily veteran CB in the league. His 7 INTs were third most in the league, and he’s a trustworthy tackler with
an amazing 28 forced fumbles and 15 sacks in his Hall of Fame career.
65. Chris Long, DE, Rams
The former #2 overall pick, and Howie’s son, began his
career as a borderline bust, with 17 sacks in 3 years and despicable defense
against the run. But last year his potential was realized during a 13 sack
season on the heinous Rams; he is still a liability in the running game, but
getting better.
66. Chris Johnson, RB, Titans
Was truly atrocious last year, with a 4.0 YPC and only 4
total TDs. But I’m willing to write that off as an anomaly caused by an
offseason of contract negotiations and a missed training camp. All indications
are that he’s ready to take this season seriously, and if he still elite speed,
that’s good enough to make him the seventh best RB in the league.
67. Wes Welker, WR, Patriots
Led the NFL in receptions and was 2nd in receiving yards.
Clearly, he’s a benefactor of playing with Tom Brady. But he shouldn’t be
punished for the team he plays for. 1,569 receiving yards is impressive no matter
what, and Brady’s QB rating was 116.2 on passes thrown to Welker, compared to
98.5 on passes thrown to anyone else.
68. Brandon Carr, CB, Cowboys
The Grand
Valley State Dallas
– 5 years, $50 million. Now his
challenge is to continue his excellent play despite the large contract. Carr
was always second fiddle to Flowers in KC, and now will play next to #6 pick
Morris Claiborne, giving Dallas
possibly the best CB tandem in the league, just a year after having a garbage
secondary.
69. Jimmy Graham, TE, Saints
He may line up at tight end, but statistically speaking,
Graham was a top 5 receiver last year. Just like Gronkowski, he creates nightmarish
matchup problems because of his size and speed.
70. David Harris, MLB, Jets
From Ottawa
Hills High
School
71. Jason Babin ,
DE
For a guy to rank outside of the top 70 and finish with 18
sacks, something must be amiss. For Babin, it was the notorious wide-nine
scheme. While ranking 3rd in the NFL in sacks, he contributed next to nothing for
the Eagles’ wretched run defense, and committed 12 penalties. But still … 18
sacks is impressive.
72. Paul Posluszny, MLB, Jaguars
Poz suffered two broken
arms during his four years in Buffalo
and fell short of lofty expectations. But Jacksonville
wisely signed him for 6-years anyway, and he did not disappoint, with an
excellent 2011 campaign during which he posted the best PFF coverage grade of
any linebacker, as well as an average of one missed tackle per 23 attempts, the
third best rate among linebackers.
73. Mike Wallace, WR, Steelers
The speedster proved in 2011 that he can do more than just run
the ‘go’ route. He dropped only 4 balls out of 113 targets, replaced Hines Ward
as the most reliable possession receiver, and had nearly 1,200 receiving yards
despite constant double teams. He is the most feared speed receiver in the NFL
right now, in part because DeSean Jackson is too busy being an idiot.
74. Sione Pouha, DT, Jets
Doesn’t make any impact in the pass-rush, but one of the
stingiest run-stuffers in football. Sheds blocks faster than anybody and takes up
massive amounts of space.
75. Champ Bailey, CB, Broncos
Still a top coverage corner at age 34. Not going to scare
anybody with his speed, but understands technique and mechanics as well as
anybody.
76. Greg Jennings, WR, Packers
Aaron Rodgers’ #1 weapon is nothing extraordinary, but he’s
steady, sure-handed, and makes great plays after the catch. Jordy Nelson had
better stats, but Jennings
is the better player.
77. Victor Cruz, WR, Giants
I’m not a big fan of one-year wonders, but Cruz proved to me
that he is a future star. He gained more yards from the slot (1,208) than
anyone else, while also averaging 3.08 yards per route run, the top mark in the
league. An amazing season and his trajectory is pointing way up.
78. Jordan Gross, LT, Panthers
At the suddenly sexy left tackle position, I have Gross
ranked 5th, behind elite players Joe Thomas, Jake Long and Duane Brown (and
Jason Peters, who is injured for all of 2012).
It’s very close between Gross, Whitworth, and Tyron Smith, and plenty of
others who just missed the top 100, including Ryan Clady, Donald Penn,
D’Brickashaw Ferguson, and Michael Roos. It’s a subjective position, but I like
Gross because Carolina
is able to run the ball successfully with third and fourth string RBs like Mike
Goodson and Tyrell Sutton, and Gross is the rock of that line. The Panthers
were 1st in the NFL last year in YPC.
79. Patrick Peterson, CB, Cardinals
Still learning the ropes as a CB (gave up a lackluster 59%
completion percentage as a rookie), but he’s hands down the best kick returner
in the NFL, with no apologies to the overrated Devin Hester. Peterson ran 4
kicks back for TDs as a rookie, 2 of which were game winners. He also blocked
two punts, and his 699 punt return yards were almost 100 yards more than anyone
else. And by this time next year, my hunch is we’ll be talking about him as an
elite coverage player as well.
80. Eric Weddle, S, Chargers
The only safety on this list besides Polamalu and Reed,
Weddle has been solid for a few years, but was downright incredible last year.
He allowed just 11 completions for 110 yards in 16 games, while intercepting 7
passes. Now, he’s got a 5-year, $40 million contract, which he earned. But will
it affect his play? Probably, yes.
81. Andrew Whitworth, LT, Bengals
Bengals’ fans like to contend that Whitworth actually had a
better season than fellow AFC North tackle Joe Thomas. That may have been true;
he gave up just 3 sacks and 3 QB hits. But one season is just one season, and
Joe Thomas has been dominant for five seasons.
82. Tyron Smith, LT, Cowboys
The rookie from USC was fantastic at right tackle in 2011,
and now moves to left tackle where he’ll face off against elite pass rushers like JPP, Cole, Harrison,
Peppers, Abraham, and Orakpo. Let’s see how that works out for him
before we proclaim him the next Jake Long. Also, I don’t trust players from
USC.
83. Aldon Smith, OLB, 49ers
Another hugely successful rookie, Aldon took advantage of
his great defensive teammates and recorded 17 sacks when you include the
playoffs. Oddly enough, he wasn’t an every down player – just a situational
pass rusher. When he plays every down, it’ll probably take a toll on his sack
total, as he will have to battle fatigue within the game.
84. Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Broncos
While Doom and Gloom (Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller) get all
the credit on Denver ’s
defense, Bunkley was an essential part of their Tebownian six-game winning
streak. Just like Pouha at #74, Bunkley did nothing in the pass rush; in fact,
he wasn’t even on the field for most third downs. But when he was on the field,
he made the tackle on 11.3% of running plays – the highest mark of all DTs.
85. Josh Sitton, G, Packers
Overall, the Packers have a very good but not amazing
offensive line. They have no weak links, and no superstars. Sitton was their best blocker though,
with only 2 sacks and 1 QB hit allowed.
86. Brian Orakpo, OLB, Redskins
A pure pass-rushing specialist, Orakpo now has 29 sacks in
his first 3 seasons. But he offers next to nothing against the run, and he’s
best known for playing Scrabble with the Geico caveman.
87. Lance Briggs, OLB, Bears
While Urlacher unfairly absorbs all of the attention and credit,
Briggs quietly goes about being one of the best 4-3 outside linebackers in
football. Briggs had more tackles than
Urlacher last season and was all over the field.
88. Vontae Davis, CB, Dolphins
Faced a lot of pressure as the only competent player in Miami ’s secondary, but
played admirably. He’s one of the few CBs who can line up against any stud WR
in the league and not be overmatched. Now, if only he can teach his younger
brother Michael to stop killing tourists with a hammer. Yikes.
89. Chris Gamble, CB, Panthers
When the Pro Bowls were announced, Gamble was considered one
of the biggest snubs, and rightfully so. He allowed just 27 receptions for 338
yards and gave up a measly QB rating of 53.3 on passes thrown in his direction,
with 3 INTs. Those are almost
Revis-esque numbers, and especially impressive that he did it playing for a
terrible defense.
90. Lamar Woodley, OLB, Steelers
Missed six games with a hamstring injury, but still picked
up 9 sacks in 10 games, including 7.5 sacks over a 4-game stretch in which Harrison was out. That’s 53 sacks in his last 64 games.
And just think, the Lions drafted Drew Stanton instead of this guy!
91. John Abraham ,
DE
People were treating Abraham like a fossil before the 2011
season, but the 34 year old proved he’s still a threat off the edge with 9.5
sacks and 4 forced fumbles.
92. Tramon Williams, CB,
Packers
After his breakout 2010 season, Tramon came down to earth
with a mediocre 2011 in which he, along with the entire Packers defense, gave
up way too many yards and TDs. But let’s realize that that had something to do
with Aaron Rodgers putting up 30+ points in the first half over and over and
forcing defenses to air it out. Tramon is learning from Woodson how to outsmart
young QBs and pick off crappy passes; he has at least 4 INTs in 4 straight
years. I'm betting he'll bounce back with a solid 2012.
93. Antonio Brown, WR, Steelers
With only 9 WRs in my top 100, it’s a shame to include two
Steelers. But Brown belongs on this list; in addition to being a top-notch slot
guy with great hands, great speed and great moves, he’s also the league’s
second best kick returner.
94. Stephen Tulloch, MLB, Lions
The most underrated Lion, Tulloch racked up 84 solo tackles
last year, more than any Lion in almost 10 years. With all Detroit's D-linemen
overpursuing on every play, Tulloch was the constant who kept our defense from
being rotten. He also allowed an average of 0.4 yards per play when he was in
coverage – the best mark of any inside linebacker.
95. Marcell Dareus, DT, Bills
A future star at DT, Dareus was stout against the run and
notched 5.5 sacks.
96. Cam Newton ,
QB, Panthers
Set all kinds of rookie passing records, while running for
700 yards and 14 scores as well. Sky is the limit.
97. Maurice Pouncey, C, Steelers
The only good offensive lineman on the Steelers, Pouncey is
quickly blossoming into one of the best centers in the league and will be a
mainstay for Pittsburgh
for a decade to come.
98. Roddy White, WR, Falcons
He puts up insane numbers (averages about 90 catches, 1,200
yards and 9 TDs over the last five years), but the physical talent is not on
the same level as guys like Calvin, Fitz, and AJ Green. It won’t be long until
Julio Jones is Atlanta ’s
#1 receiver. But for now, Roddy led the league in targets and was second in
receptions, so that earns him a spot in the top 100.
99. Charles Tillman, CB, Bears
A super physical corner who is perennially one of the best
tackling CBs and usually forces about 4 fumbles a year. Not bad in coverage
either.
100. Carlos Rogers, CB, 49ers
With all the studs on the Niners defense, Rogers often gets overlooked, but the former
Redskin had a great season defending primarily slot receivers. Six
interceptions, 18 passes broken up, and 40 solo tackles is outstanding, along
with a 52.8% completion percentage allowed.
Honorable Mention:
Terrell Suggs, OLB, Ravens
*Would have ranked 7th*
Elite pass rusher, elite run stopper, and a well-deserved
Defensive MVP. It’s a shame he’ll miss most of 2012 with an
Achilles injury he suffered playing basketball.
Jason Peters, LT, Eagles
*Would have ranked 13th*
Ranked as the top tackle by just about every analyst last
year, he was dominant in pass protection (4 total QB hits allowed) and run
blocking.
Too bad he’ll miss all of 2012.
Leon Hall, CB, Bengals
A top 10 cornerback when healthy, Hall ruptured his Achilles
last November and might miss the first 4-6 weeks of the 2012 season. Who knows
if he’ll ever be 100% again.
Darren McFadden, RB, Raiders
Only 7 RBs crack the top 100, and that’s largely due to
injuries. Sure, the NFL has become a “passing league” and RBBC has run rampant,
but injuries have made elite running backs into a thing of the past. Along with
McFadden, you could add Steven Jackson, Frank Gore, Jamaal Charles, and
Michael Turner to the list of great talents who can’t stay healthy.
Karlos Dansby, ILB, Dolphins
A couple of great tacklers who just miss the top 100.
Jahri Evans, G, Saints
A great guard, but not worth $56 million. He wasn’t even the
Saints’ best guard last year, but he's the highest paid guard ever.
Tony Romo, QB, Cowboys
For that matter, you could add Miles Austin and Dez Bryant
to the Honorable Mention. That offense has so much talent and potential, but is
so dang dysfunctional.
Eric Berry, S, Chiefs
Earl Thomas, S, Seahawks
There is every reason to believe that these two will be the
Reed and Polamalu of the next generation. Jarius Byrd from Buffalo also deserves mention.
Not Honorable
Mention:
Rolando McClain, ILB, Raiders
A rare talent with potential to be a top 20 overall player.
The former #8 pick had a really nice 2011 season, but an imbecilic affinity for
firearms seems to have destroyed his career. He’ll spend 180 days in jail for
“assault,” but if you read the story he really should be spending 180 years in
prison. What a scum bag.
Trent Williams, LT, Redskins
Russell Okung, LT, Seahawks
A couple of top 6 picks from the past 3 years who have
completely and utterly not worked out at left tackle.
Brian Urlacher, MLB, Bears
Ray Lewis, MLB, Ravens
No disrespect; these are both good players who used to be
great players. But their primes are past, even if nobody wants to admit it.
The 2009 Draft Class
Matthew Stafford comes in at #51, but nobody else from the top 12 ranks in the
top 100. Jason Smith, Tyson Jackson, Aaron Curry, Mark Sanchez … that is one horrendous top 5. (Compared to the 2011 Draft, in which 7 of the top 10 picks are already top 100 players)
Charles Johnson, DE, Panthers
Johnson robbed Carolina
for 6-years, $72 million, and then played a completely forgettable, barely
noticeable, ho-hum season at defensive end.
He’s basically a role player getting paid like a superstar. Hey wait a
second … when did Joe Dumars become GM of the Carolina Panthers??
Stats:
Teams with the most players in the Top 100:
Pittsburgh (7)
Green Bay (6)
Philly, San Fran, Baltimore, Houston, Denver (5)
Team with the fewest players in the Top 100:
Oakland, Seattle (0)
Indy, Tennessee, Washington, Tampa (1)
San Diego, Cleveland, New Orleans, Atlanta, St. Louis, Minnesota (2)
That's all I got. What do you think?
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