Top 50 Players in the NFL (1 Viewer)

[PadresLakers]

Any day now, you can read our 2007 season preview magazine, which has landed safely in our hot little hands here in the office and soon should be in yours. I think we made some nice changes to this year's mag and offer some very good features. The Kickoff section is a must-read, too.

Chargers RB LaDainian TomlinsonOne section that has not changed is the player ratings story, highlighted by the Top 50 players list. It always generates controversy and discussion around the league — and I must say I thought colleague Mike Wilkening did an extremely thorough (every time I write/hear/see this word, I think of Big Lebowski: "He's a good man ... and thorough") job of compiling this year's list, which is headed up by LaDainian Tomlinson at No. 1, natch.

Taking things a step further, Dan Arkush broke down the list, team by team, to show the breakdown. And now, I bring it to you:

San Diego (5)

RB LaDainian Tomlinson (1)

TE Antonio Gates (18)

NT Jamal Williams (24)

LB Shawne Merriman (25)

OG Kris Dielman (48)

Indianapolis (4)

QB Peyton Manning (2)

WR Marvin Harrison (12)

DE Dwight Freeney (16)

WR Reggie Wayne (30)

New England (3)

QB Tom Brady (3)

DE Richard Seymour (21)

NT Vince Wilfork (45)

Cincinnati (3)

QB Carson Palmer (4)

WR Chad Johnson (11)

RB Rudi Johnson (40)

Seattle (3)

OT Walter Jones (27)

LB Julian Peterson (28)

RB Shaun Alexander (44)

Philadelphia (3)

QB Donovan McNabb (33)

OG Shawn Andrews (36)

RB Brian Westbrook (38)

Arizona (3)

WR Larry Fitzgerald (20)

WR Anquan Boldin (46)

S Adrian Wilson (50)

Kansas City (2)

RB Larry Johnson (5)

TE Tony Gonzalez (41)

St. Louis (2)

RB Steven Jackson (6)

WR Torry Holt (14)

Denver (2)

CB Champ Bailey (7)

WR Javon Walker (26)

Carolina (2)

DE Julius Peppers (8)

WR Steve Smith (15)

New Orleans (2)

QB Drew Brees (9)

OT Jammal Brown (35)

Chicago (2)

LB Brian Urlacher (17)

DT Tommie Harris (34)

Baltimore (2)

S Ed Reed (22)

OT Jonathan Ogden (43)

Minnesota (2)

DT Kevin Williams (23)

OG Steve Hutchinson (32)

Pittsburgh (2)

S Troy Polamalu (29)

NT Casey Hampton (31)

N.Y. Giants (2)

DE Mike Strahan (47)

TE Jeremy Shockey (49)

Miami (1)

DE Jason Taylor (10)

San Francisco (1)

RB Frank Gore (13)

Houston (1)

WR Andre Johnson (19)

Dallas (1)

CB Terence Newman (37)

Buffalo (1)

WR Lee Evans (39)

Cleveland (1)

TE Kellen Winslow (42)

Teams without Top 50 players: N.Y. Jets, Tennessee, Jacksonville, Oakland, Washington, Green Bay, Detroit, Atlanta and Tampa Bay.

I'd love to hear your feedback. Of course, you need to buy the magazine to hear the reasoning for each pick, but I am sure you guys have your opinions on who got left out or shouldn't have made the list, or who needs to be higher/lower. Bring it.

http://nflblogs.profootballweekly.com/aroundtheNFL/

 

[trader jake]

As usual defensive players and offensive lineman are vastly underrated.

Reputation over production a bit too much for my liking. It's not Pro-Bowl selection bad but it's not the best list.

 

[The Shizzle]

Kellen Winslow at 42

Julian Peterson at 28

Both jumped out as odd to me.

 

[-OZ-]

Larry Johnson @ #5? Is this FF or NFL?

Don't get me wrong, he's a good back, just not a top 5 overall player.

Ask 32 GMs if they'd want LJ or Peppers. I'm speculating, but I think Peppers takes that.

No Reggie Bush?

 

[Iron_Far]

Is Terrence Newman even a Top 50 Cornerback?

 

[mlbnfl]

If he really means top 50 PLAYERS then its a joke that TO isnt on the list.

 

[My Hope Street Alias]

Continuing OZ's theme: LJ over Champ Bailey? Don't see it myself.

 

[Chaz McNulty]

Do you really think that if GM's had a league wide redraft that the first left tackle would go at #27.

 

[Garts]

I LOVE Carson palmer, but he isn't the 4th best player in the NFL...also Walter jones is better then the 27th best....Andre Johnson #19...?? Little high.

Frank Gore had 1 great year and all of a sudden he's #13??

oooooooooooook

 

[Chase Stuart]

I'm not sure what the list is trying to be. The top 50 players from 2006? The top 50 players for 2007? The top 50 players for the rest of their careers? The top 50 players for the next few years? The most accomplished 50 players still in their prime?

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Any day now, you can read our 2007 season preview magazine, which has landed safely in our hot little hands here in the office and soon should be in yours. I think we made some nice changes to this year's mag and offer some very good features. The Kickoff section is a must-read, too.

I'd love to hear your feedback. Of course, you need to buy the magazine to hear the reasoning for each pick, but I am sure you guys have your opinions on who got left out or shouldn't have made the list, or who needs to be higher/lower. Bring it.

do you work for PFW?

 

[Garts]

maybe in shipping and receiving..

 

[trader jake]

Any day now, you can read our 2007 season preview magazine, which has landed safely in our hot little hands here in the office and soon should be in yours. I think we made some nice changes to this year's mag and offer some very good features. The Kickoff section is a must-read, too.

I'd love to hear your feedback. Of course, you need to buy the magazine to hear the reasoning for each pick, but I am sure you guys have your opinions on who got left out or shouldn't have made the list, or who needs to be higher/lower. Bring it.

do you work for PFW?

He cut and pasted from here.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Did TommyGunz get a timeout again?

 

[PadresLakers]

Any day now, you can read our 2007 season preview magazine, which has landed safely in our hot little hands here in the office and soon should be in yours. I think we made some nice changes to this year's mag and offer some very good features. The Kickoff section is a must-read, too.

I'd love to hear your feedback. Of course, you need to buy the magazine to hear the reasoning for each pick, but I am sure you guys have your opinions on who got left out or shouldn't have made the list, or who needs to be higher/lower. Bring it.

do you work for PFW?

He cut and pasted from here.

What he said...My rankings would be much more accurate

 

[PahtyTom]

Is Terrence Newman even a Top 50 Cornerback?

Yes, top 5 even.

 

[Slingblade]

Almost as funny as the Maxim top 100.

 

[SSOG]

Is Terrence Newman even a Top 50 Cornerback?

Yes, top 5 even.

Agreed. Newman is tremendously underrated right now. He was great his rookie season, but then slipped his sophomore season and everyone forgot about him... but he quietly had one of the three best seasons in the NFL in 2005, and was again extremely good in 2006. His game doesn't get much recognition because he excels in solid coverage rather than jumping routes and making plays (meaning his INT totals are never that impressive), and he doesn't tell the world how great he is like DeAngelo Hall does, but I'd call him one of the top-5 CBs in the NFL pretty easily.My top 5 list would be Champ Bailey at #1, and then #2-5 would be, in one order or another, Terrence Newman, Ronde Barber, Lito Sheppard, and Chris McAllister. Nnamdi Asomugha and Asante Samuels were phenominal last year but need a couple more good years before I add them, and Pacman Jones would totally be on the list (probably at #2) if it weren't for all of the off-the-field issues (unfair to penalize him for that, but on the other hand, I'd far prefer a mediocre CB who can actually play to an elite CB who is sitting at home). Also, if Al Harris starts playing closer to his 2004-2005 levels and not at his 2006 levels, he can make the list again, too. After Bailey (who is the no-brainer #1), then there are 8-10 CBs clumped together in a big second tier.

 

[fsufan]

it should be

1A. Manning

1B. Brady

3. LT

 

[Two Deep]

How did Winslow get on that list.

 

[Despyzer]

Do you really think that if GM's had a league wide redraft that the first left tackle would go at #27.

Of course not, but this isn't a re-draft.

 

[Phlash]

If this is being based on last year, then keep in mind Ty Warren outplayed Seymour and Wilfork by a LOT. Warren was a Pro-Bowler in every sense of the word and got snubbed horrifically.

 

[Banger]

Kris Diehlman (48) over Marcus McNeill?

 

[Despyzer]

Kris Diehlman (48) over Marcus McNeill?

From that same team, how about the guy that a lot of people consider to be the best defender in the league not even being the best guy on defense on his own team?

 

[On The Rocks]

No Aaron Schobel??

I suppose he would be borderline...but I think he makes a top 50.

 

[k2isabeast]

How did Winslow get on that list.

Alittle too soon to say but we can basically consider 06 as his rookie year since he played 2 games in previous 2 seasons..that said he put up 875 yds, 89 catches while only putting up 3 TD's..playing in CLE who runs alot of 2 TE sets so those are damn good numbers given those factors which only look to improve..Compare that to Gates rookie season of 389 yds, 24 catches, 2TD'S playing in SD..

*This year will be KW2's year! The biggest surge may come in 2nd 1/2 IF Quinn is designated the starter.

 

[V1LL]

Strahan there cuz it's an odd year?

 

[Pat Patriot]

If this is being based on last year, then keep in mind Ty Warren outplayed Seymour and Wilfork by a LOT. Warren was a Pro-Bowler in every sense of the word and got snubbed horrifically.

I was going to post the same thing. Seymour has a well deserved reputation but Wilfork over Warren right now is comical. Warren is an absolute stud.

 

[komments]

I'm a bit surprised that you have Andre Johnson and a couple other WRs over Roy Williams Jr. Also I would have thought Ernie Sims belonged on the list somewhere.

 

[SoFresh&SoClean]

I LOVE Carson palmer, but he isn't the 4th best player in the NFL...also Walter jones is better then the 27th best....Andre Johnson #19...?? Little high.

Frank Gore had 1 great year and all of a sudden he's #13??

oooooooooooook

He isn't? You do realize how important QBs are, right? Looks about right for the top 5 players to me. They have all put up stellar numbers over the past few years.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Sorry, maybe I am a homer...

but Brian Dawkins must be on this list. Having Troy Polamlu on here and not BDawk is insane. TP couldnt cover a freaking bed.

Oh and not to mention TP isnt even one of the top two players on his own team. Seems you guys forgot the top 1-2 OG in the game.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

And here is what makes this list about one of the worst lists of anything that I have seen...

TE Kellen Winslow (42) ??????????? You must be talking about his Pop

 

[kensat30]

Rudi Johnson? That's a joke.

 

[Despyzer]

Rudi Johnson? That's a joke.

ABOVE Shaun Alexander!

 

[Borat]

If this is being based on last year, then keep in mind Ty Warren outplayed Seymour and Wilfork by a LOT. Warren was a Pro-Bowler in every sense of the word and got snubbed horrifically.

I was going to post the same thing. Seymour has a well deserved reputation but Wilfork over Warren right now is comical. Warren is an absolute stud.

I agree that Warren was the best of the three last season, but to say Wilfork over Warren is "comical" is a bit over the top, in my opinion. Wilfork has become one of the game's truly elite 3-4 nose tackles.

 

[Borat]

Sorry, maybe I am a homer...but Brian Dawkins must be on this list. Having Troy Polamlu on here and not BDawk is insane. TP couldnt cover a freaking bed.

Coverage skills be damned; you're forgetting that Polamalu is young, fast, exciting, and has wild hair. That alone is worth at least 20 spots in these rankings.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Sorry, maybe I am a homer...but Brian Dawkins must be on this list. Having Troy Polamlu on here and not BDawk is insane. TP couldnt cover a freaking bed.

Coverage skills be damned; you're forgetting that Polamalu is young, fast, exciting, and has wild hair. That alone is worth at least 20 spots in these rankings.

Very valid point. I take back my comments.GREAT LIST !! :X

 

[SoFresh&SoClean]

Rudi Johnson? That's a joke.

ABOVE Shaun Alexander!

Rudi being abouve SA is wrong, but Rudi is no slouch. Sure he doesn't break off huge runs and I think him not being a FF superstar makes people think he's not as good as he really is. He's put up stats year after year and it's not looking like it's going to change anytime soon since he can't be hurt and Perry is looking like he's on the way out. There's maybe mmm... 45 backs I'd rather see on the Bengals but that's it, Gore hasn't done it enough and IDK about Westbrook.ETA: Mr. Bush

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Sorry, maybe I am a homer...but Brian Dawkins must be on this list. Having Troy Polamlu on here and not BDawk is insane. TP couldnt cover a freaking bed.

Coverage skills be damned; you're forgetting that Polamalu is young, fast, exciting, and has wild hair. That alone is worth at least 20 spots in these rankings.

Very valid point. I take back my comments.GREAT LIST !!

Ed Reed is ahead of Polamalu on that list, and I can't really argue that shouldn't be the case -- but saying Dawkins belongs ahead of Polamalu is silly.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Sorry, maybe I am a homer...but Brian Dawkins must be on this list. Having Troy Polamlu on here and not BDawk is insane. TP couldnt cover a freaking bed.

Coverage skills be damned; you're forgetting that Polamalu is young, fast, exciting, and has wild hair. That alone is worth at least 20 spots in these rankings.

Very valid point. I take back my comments.GREAT LIST !!

Ed Reed is ahead of Polamalu on that list, and I can't really argue that shouldn't be the case -- but saying Dawkins belongs ahead of Polamalu is silly.

What has Polamalu done ? The guy was exposed last season and BD has been one of the best for the past 6 seasons. Polamalu is up there with Roy Williams as far as being an over rated player. He has nice hair, and looks great flying around, but the guy is out of position more times then not and has cover skills almost as bad as Williams.

 

[CA_7]

Surprised I didn't see Sam Adams on this list with some of the other picks they made

 

[k2isabeast]

Sorry, maybe I am a homer...but Brian Dawkins must be on this list. Having Troy Polamlu on here and not BDawk is insane. TP couldnt cover a freaking bed.Oh and not to mention TP isnt even one of the top two players on his own team. Seems you guys forgot the top 1-2 OG in the game.

As a Browns homer Id even agree with putting TP over Dawkins..He indirectly affects almost every play on defense due to his speed. as for the KW2 comment I slightly agree based on production so far maybe we're a little quick to have him in a top 50 list but Id bet after this season he'd make this list easily..

 

[k2isabeast]

Where would a guy like Orlando Pace fit here? also was Freeney mentioned? I know I saw Peppers fairly high..

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Sorry, maybe I am a homer...but Brian Dawkins must be on this list. Having Troy Polamlu on here and not BDawk is insane. TP couldnt cover a freaking bed.Oh and not to mention TP isnt even one of the top two players on his own team. Seems you guys forgot the top 1-2 OG in the game.

As a Browns homer Id even agree with putting TP over Dawkins..He indirectly affects almost every play on defense due to his speed.

Well just on last years stats91 Tackles, 1 sack, 4 INTs, 9 Pass Defense, 5 forced fumbles -VS- 76 Tackles, 1 sack, 3 INTs, 7 Pass Defense, 1 forced fumblesAnd one of these is a FS and one is a SS Dont get me wrong, I like TP and think he is a very nice safety/linebacker. But BD should be ahead of him, had a better year last year and has done it for 10 years.

 

[radiohead417]

I'd have Champ Bailey top 4, maybe even top 2.

As a Jaguars homer I think Rashean Mathis and John Henderson belong on the list.

Javon Walker and Andre Johnson seem too high.

Tommie Harris, Terence Newman, Kellen Winslow are all a joke. Strahan over Umeniyora? Hm.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Sorry, maybe I am a homer...but Brian Dawkins must be on this list. Having Troy Polamlu on here and not BDawk is insane. TP couldnt cover a freaking bed.

Coverage skills be damned; you're forgetting that Polamalu is young, fast, exciting, and has wild hair. That alone is worth at least 20 spots in these rankings.

Very valid point. I take back my comments.GREAT LIST !!

Ed Reed is ahead of Polamalu on that list, and I can't really argue that shouldn't be the case -- but saying Dawkins belongs ahead of Polamalu is silly.

What has Polamalu done ? The guy was exposed last season and BD has been one of the best for the past 6 seasons. Polamalu is up there with Roy Williams as far as being an over rated player. He has nice hair, and looks great flying around, but the guy is out of position more times then not and has cover skills almost as bad as Williams.

How was he exposed last year? He had a shoulder injury that limited his range and tackling ability for a few games. Polo doesn't have the pure cover skills that Dawkins does but his motor and instincts allow him to play recklessly because his close time off the charts. Williams routinely gets toasted in coverage. Polo does not. Comparing TP to Roy Williams for being overrated would be a lot like me comparing Dawkins to John Lynch for being old and on the decline.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Shockey is so over rated

 

[Christo]

I'd have Champ Bailey top 4, maybe even top 2. As a Jaguars homer I think Rashean Mathis and John Henderson belong on the list.Javon Walker and Andre Johnson seem too high.Tommie Harris, Terence Newman, Kellen Winslow are all a joke. Strahan over Umeniyora? Hm.

Tommie Harris is a joke?Question: Have you actually ever seen him play? And when I ask that, I don't mean if you've seen a Bears game that he played in. I'm asking whether you actually paid any attention to him in particular. The guy's a beast. With Harris on the field it's like having an extra player. Harris has to be double teamed every single play.The Bears D went into the crapper after he was hurt last year. At the beginning of the season the Bears were giving up 10 points a game. After Mike Brown was hurt, they fell to 12 points a game. After Harris was hurt, they fell to 21 points a game.

 

[SSOG]

I'd have Champ Bailey top 4, maybe even top 2. As a Jaguars homer I think Rashean Mathis and John Henderson belong on the list.Javon Walker and Andre Johnson seem too high.Tommie Harris, Terence Newman, Kellen Winslow are all a joke. Strahan over Umeniyora? Hm.

Mathis I can see, but Henderson... no. Walker isn't too high- the guy is the best red-zone WR this side of Larry Fitzgerald, and he was a stud last year on an offense where he was the first, second, and third option as everything else crumbled around him (despite being in his first year back from a major season-ending injury AND changing teams/learning a new offensive system). I also think that Harris, Newman, and Winslow are fine- Harris has been covered already (Chicago's defensive MVP last year, Urlacher-be-damned), Newman has already been covered (arguably the #2 CB in the NFL, and almost certainly in the top 5), and I have a soft spot for Winslow because he's the only "receiving threat" TE that is also a devastating blocker. His receiving game might still be behind Gates/Gonzo, but his blocking game is way ahead of either of theirs.

 

[radiohead417]

I'd have Champ Bailey top 4, maybe even top 2. As a Jaguars homer I think Rashean Mathis and John Henderson belong on the list.Javon Walker and Andre Johnson seem too high.Tommie Harris, Terence Newman, Kellen Winslow are all a joke. Strahan over Umeniyora? Hm.

Tommie Harris is a joke?Question: Have you actually ever seen him play? And when I ask that, I don't mean if you've seen a Bears game that he played in. I'm asking whether you actually paid any attention to him in particular. The guy's a beast. With Harris on the field it's like having an extra player. Harris has to be double teamed every single play.The Bears D went into the crapper after he was hurt last year. At the beginning of the season the Bears were giving up 10 points a game. After Mike Brown was hurt, they fell to 12 points a game. After Harris was hurt, they fell to 21 points a game.

I've definitely watched Harris - good player, pro-bowl player, but he's too high on this list. You really think Harris is worth 9 points a game, or perhaps are you letting statistics manipulate the discussion?