The NFL's Top 100 Players

I've posted lists of this length and magnitude elsewhere in the past. Before I get to the rankings, I like to explain my general rationale and some of the specifics of the decision-making process. Here are some essential rules, so you can better understand my thinking:

(1) The most emphasis will be placed on the current NFL season, but the rankings are not entirely based upon the '08-09 NFL campaign. The previous two years will be taken into account, and weighed accordingly.

(2) Proven players get the nod over upstarts if they have maintained an all-pro caliber level of play. For example, Edgerrin James is a proven player, but his performance was shaky to the point where he was benched this season, which means a guy like Pierre Thomas or Le'Ron McClain would certainly be ranked ahead of him.

(3) Realize that I don't believe these rankings are set in stone. The difference from one spot to the next is negligible, but that doesn't mean I'm making these choices whimsically. Each player is where they are for a reason, but it you think Derrick Mason is better than Braylon Edwards, and I have Edwards 67 and Mason 68, don't think much of that. It's worth getting fired up if I had Edwards 17 and Mason 96, or another separation of that nature.

(4) I'll be ranking on both sides of the ball -- defensive players and offensive linemen are included. It's not easy.

(5) The following players have been excluded from contention due to serious injuries and/or season-crushing suspensions: Tom Brady, Carson Palmer, Plaxico Burress, Osi Umenyiora, Nick Barnett, and Chris McAlister.

(6) I'll provide commentary and analysis for the top 15, and then list the rest in order to maintain my sanity.  

That said, let's do this thing...

#1-Larry Fitzgerald-WR, Arizona Cardinals

Some may consider this an unusual choice, and I must admit that wide receivers don't normally reside at the top of my lists. But Larry has it all: ridiculous hops, outstanding hands, the courage to go over the middle with reckless abandon, and the wherewithal to find his way into the endzone.

Simply put, he's unstoppable. The only possible defense is to rough him up to the point where he's knocked out of the game, otherwise he can't be contained. Even when Fitz is double teamed, Kurt Warner can go up the ladder with his toss, and Larry has no problem making the climb. The talent, the football IQ, and the versatility -- it's all there for No. 1. 

#2-Peyton Manning-QB, Indianapolis Colts

This shows how flexible the list is right now. Sure Peyton was named league MVP this season, and he did an excellent job single-handedly pulling the Colts into the playoffs, but he's not what he once was. That was clearly evident in Indy's opening round loss to the Chargers.

Peyton's velocity is way down, and he's not fitting his passes into tight spaces anymore. Now, defenders are jumping into the passing lane and batting it down -- sometimes with ease. The slight decline may also be a result of Marvin Harrison's undeniable deteoriation. Still, with Tom Brady out, Peyton remains the most reliable quarterback in the world.

#3-Drew Brees-QB, New Orleans Saints

Considering Drew's incredible statistical output this year, the gap between he and Peyton is tighter than ever. Of course Peyton has proven more and Brees lacks the postseason track record, but the latter may be the best regular season QB in the game.

Drew makes quick reads, spreads the ball around to various teammates, keeps the entire offense in rhythm, and is incredibly accurate. With the quarterback position weaker than ever, the value of a signal caller like Brees is greater than it may have been in the past.

#4-Adrian Peterson-RB, Minnesota Vikings

He's the premier running back in the NFL because he's explosive, productive, and youthful. "AP" or "AD" -- whichever nickname you prefer -- will be heading into (only) his third season in '09-10, and yet he's already a bonafide superstar. He'll pile up two and three yard rushes and you think you have him right where you want him, until...

BOOM. He's gone. Seventy yards down the field and burning toward paydirt. You can stop him momentarily, but it's only a matter of time before he breaks lose. AP was very consistent statistically this season as well.  

#5-Andre Johnson-WR, Houston Texans

Andre doesn't have much winning on his resume, but he boasts gaudy individual statistics and off-the-charts talent and natural ability. Like Fitzgerald, he's the closest thing to completely and utterly unstoppable. 

Strong, fast, aggressive, and devastatingly dynamic: Andre's everything a coach, teammate or fan could ask for at the wide receiver position.

#6-Anquan Boldin-WR, Arizona Cardinals

He's battled a couple of injuries this season, but without a shadow of a doubt, Anquan was still one of the most productive receivers of all. Very similar to his predecessor (Andre) in all aspects of the game, and an absolute physical specimen -- one of the more fearless and relentless players at a so-called finesse position.

Certainly one of the most impressive offensive players in the world.

#7-James Harrison-LB, Pittsburgh Steelers

The NFL's Defensive Player of the Year is the total package in the middle of the field. For a linebacker, he's an exceedingly exceptional pass rusher, and he makes plays against the running game with ease. He gets to the ball as quickly as any LB I've ever seen, and when he gets there, he arrives with a bang. James doesn't just make the play, he makes sure to leave a mark, too.

8-Albert Haynesworth-DT, Tennessee Titans

The big fella at the heart of the intimidating Tennessee defense is the most versatile defensive tackle in the league. Albert plugs running lanes with his raw size and keen understanding of positioning, but he can also get after the quarterback with surprising speed.

Surprising, of course, because the man is an absolute house. He was the MVP of the AFC's most pleasant surprise this season.

#9-Troy Polamalu-S, Pittsburgh Steelers

Two Steelers' defensive players in the top ten overall, and they sure as hell deserve it. The sexy pick for this position would be Ed Reed, but I think Polamalu's the more well-rounded safety. Reed is the king against the pass, but Polamalu is stronger, more physical, a better tackler, superior against the run, and more dangerous in a blitz package. 

In general, he's unquestionably more active and around the ball than Reed. I couldn't argue with anyone that said Polamalu, and not Harrison, was the top player in Pittsburgh's defensive unit. I'm sticking with Harrison for now, but it's nearly too close to call.

#10-Kurt Warner-QB, Arizona Cardinals

Part of me wants to discount some of what Kurt has been able to do this season, because of the presence of Fitzgerald, Boldin, and the oft-forgotten Steve Breaston. But Warner has earned every bit of this by preparing precisely for the big games, and making the correct reads on the fly. Sure the weapons are right there at his disposal, but he still has to know how to use them -- and that he does.

Kurt looks like the Rams version of himself, and the Arizona Cardinals' organization would be downright crazy to allow him to wander into free agency this offseason. Give the old man his money, asap.

#11-Ed Reed-S, Baltimore Ravens

He didn't quite make it into the top ten, but I couldn't wait any longer to get him on here. Reed is an incredible athlete and the best receiver/finisher I've ever seen at the safety position. It's extremely rare to find a defender who makes and completes so many big plays.

To boot, Reed led the NFL in interceptions this year. He's the premier defensive player on one of the top two units on the planet.

#12-DeMarcus Ware-LB, Dallas Cowboys

A scarily freakish pass rusher -- easily the best in the game. Mind-numbing speed for his size, with the power to discard even the strongest of offensive linemen. Twenty sacks this season. Wow. 

#13-Clinton Portis-RB, Washington Redskins

He tapered off toward the end of the year due to an unparalleled workload and a number of nagging-but-considerable injuries. However, Portis has been one of the most consistent -- if not the most consistent -- running backs in the league over the course of the past three seasons.

He's a horse; always willing to sacrifice his body and take a beating if necessary. Tough, strong, compact, and skilled -- a pure rusher.

#14-Ben Roethlisberger-QB, Pittsburgh Steelers

A true competitor, warrior, and leader. As far as raw skills go, Big Ben may be one of the most underrated quarterbacks in decades. When there's talk of the Steelers' success, often the credit is given to their stifling defense, with mention of their trademark running game. 

Ben's often thought of as a "game manager," but his ability stretches way beyond such a constricting label. Roethlisberger is mobile within the pocket with the agility necessary to roll out of trouble and throw accurately on the run. Both his presence and awareness are exceptional, and his arm is strong enough to make difficult throws down the field. Will he be adding a second Super Bowl ring to his already impressive resume?

We shall see...

#15-DeAngelo Williams-RB, Carolina Panthers

A breakout player this year, I'm shocked at the lack of love for DeAngelo in the MVP discussion and voting. Here's a guy that had over 1,500 yards rushing and twenty total touchdowns. Twice, he had four TDs -- in one game. DeAngelo was the best player on an elite regular season team in the Panthers, and he absolutely carried them in the second half. 

A true breakaway rusher, Williams is one of only a few that remain. When he gets into the second level, it's lights out. He's as explosive as they come, and his prime has arrived.

#16-Brian Westbrook-RB, Philadelphia Eagles

#17-Brandon Marshall-WR, Denver Broncos

#18-Steve Smith-WR, Carolina Panthers

#19-Michael Turner-RB, Atlanta Falcons

#20-Randy Moss-WR, New England Patriots

#21-Terrell Owens-WR, Dallas Cowboys

#22-LaDainian Tomlinson-RB, San Diego Chargers

#23-Philip Rivers-QB, San Diego Chargers

#24-Joey Porter-LB, Miami Dolphins

#25-Calvin Johnson-WR, Detroit Lions

#26-Asante Samuel-CB, Philadelphia Eagles

#27-Chris Johnson-RB, Tennessee Titans

#28-Kevin Williams-DT, Minnesota Vikings

#29-Julius Peppers-DE, Carolina Panthers

#30-Jared Allen-DE, Minnesota Vikings

#31-Reggie Wayne-WR, Indianapolis Colts

#32-Greg Jennings-WR, Green Bay Packers

#33-Terrell Suggs-DE, Baltimore Ravens

#34-Charles Woodson-CB, Green Bay Packers

#35-Justin Tuck-DE, New York Giants

#36-Tony Romo-QB, Dallas Cowboys

#37-Jay Cutler-QB, Denver Broncos

#38-Donovan McNabb-QB, Philadelphia Eagles

#39-Santana Moss-WR, Washington Redskins

#40-Roddy White-WR, Atlanta Falcons

#41-Patrick Willis-LB, San Francisco 49ers

#42-Bob Sanders-S, Indianapolis Colts

#43-Mario Williams-DE, Houston Texans

#44-Brandon Jacobs-RB, New York Giants

#45-Marion Barber-RB, Dallas Cowboys

#46-Haloti Ngata-DT, Baltimore Ravens

#47-Eli Manning-QB, New York Giants

#48-Adrian Wilson-S, Arizona Cardinals

#49-Ronnie Brown-RB, Miami Dolphins

#50-Jason Witten-TE, Dallas Cowboys

#51-Jamal Williams-DT, San Diego Chargers

#52-Kevin Mawae-OL, Tennessee Titans

#53-Brian Dawkins-S, Philadelphia Eagles

#54-T.J. Houshmandzadeh-WR, Cincinnati Bengals

#55-Dwyane Bowe-WR, Kansas City Chiefs

#56-Tony Gonzalez-TE, Kansas City Chiefs

#57-Darrelle Revis-CB, New York Jets

#58-Cortland Finnegan-CB, Tennessee Titans

#59-Wes Welker-WR, New England Patriots

#60-Braylon Edwards-WR, Cleveland Browns

#61-Thomas Jones-RB, New York Jets

#62-Steven Jackson-RB, St. Louis Rams

#63-Nnamdi Asomugha-CB, Oakland Raiders

#64-Matt Cassel-QB, New England Patriots

#65-Matt Forte-RB, Chicago Bears

#66-John Abraham-DE, Atlanta Falcons

#67-Casey Hampton-DT, Pittsburgh Steelers

#68-Ray Lewis-LB, Baltimore Ravens

#69-Lance Briggs-LB, Chicago Bears

#70-Steve Hutchinson-OL, Minnesota Vikings

#71-Chris Hope-S, Tennessee Titans

#72-Dwight Freeney-DE, Indianapolis Colts

#73-Aaron Kampman-DE, Green Bay Packers

#74-Kyle Vanden Bosch-DE, Tennessee Titans

#75-Steve Slaton-RB, Houston Texans

#76-Frank Gore-RB, San Francisco 49ers

#77-Antonio Gates-TE, San Diego Chargers

#78-Shaun O'Hara-OL, New York Giants

#79-Antoine Winfield-CB, Minnesota Vikings

#80-Antonio Bryant-WR, Tampa Bay Bucs

#81-Lamarr Woodley-LB, Pittsburgh Steelers

#82-Joe Thomas-OL, Cleveland Browns

#83-Derrick Mason-WR, Baltimore Ravens

#84-Pat Williams-DT, Minnesota Vikings

#85-Kris Jenkins-DT, New York Jets

#86-Shaun Rogers-DT, Cleveland Browns

#87-Keith Bulluck-LB, Tennessee Titans

#88-Jon Beason-LB, Carolina Panthers

#89-Walter Jones-OL, Seattle Seahawks

#90-Jay Ratliff-DT, Dallas Cowboys

#91-London Fletcher-LB, Washington Redskins

#92-Bart Scott-LB, Baltimore Ravens

#93-Robert Mathis-DE, Indianapolis Colts

#94-Aaron Rodgers-QB, Green Bay Packers

#95-Terence Newman-CB, Dallas Cowboys

#96-Kerry Collins-QB, Tennessee Titans

#97-Rashean Mathis-CB, Jacksonville Jaguars

#98-Matt Ryan-QB, Atlanta Falcons

#99-Hines Ward-WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

#100-James Farrior-LB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Honorable Mention:

(Note, these players are not ranked in order, they are merely listed by position):

Jeff Garcia-QB, Tampa Bay Bucs, Chad Pennington-QB, Miami Dolphins, Willie Parker-RB, Pittsburgh Steelers, Maurice Jones-Drew-RB, Jacksonville Jaguars, Marshawn Lynch-RB, Buffalo Bills, Marques Colston-WR, New Orleans Saints, Jerricho Cotchery-WR, New York Jets, Lee Evans-WR, Buffalo Bills, Jordan Gross-OL, Carolina Panthers, Fred Robbins-DT, New York Giants, Derrick Brooks-LB, Tampa Bay Bucs, Brian Urlacher-LB, Chicago Bears, DeMeco Ryans-LB, Houston Texans, Barrett Ruud-LB, Tampa Bay Bucs, Champ Bailey-CB, Denver Broncos, Al Harris-CB, Green Bay Packers.

List Summary and Notes:

Teams with most players in Top 100:

Tennessee Titans (8), Pittsburgh Steelers (7), Dallas Cowboys (7), Baltimore Ravens (6), Minnesota Vikings (6), Indianapolis Colts (5), Arizona Cardinals (4), Philadelphia Eagles (4), Carolina Panthers (4), New York Giants (4), Atlanta Falcons (4), San Diego Chargers (4), Green Bay Packers (4)

Top five at each position:

QB-Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Kurt Warner, Ben Roethlisberger, Philip Rivers

RB-Adrian Peterson, Clinton Portis, DeAngelo Williams, Brian Westbrook, Michael Turner

WR-Larry Fitzgerald, Andre Johnson, Anquan Boldin, Brandon Marshall, Steve Smith

TE-Jason Witten, Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates, Dallas Clark, Chris Cooley

OL-Kevin Mawae, Steve Hutchinson, Shaun O'Hara, Joe Thomas, Walter Jones

DT-Albert Haynesworth, Kevin Williams, Haloti Ngata, Jamal Williams, Casey Hampton

DE-Julius Peppers, Jared Allen, Terrell Suggs, Justin Tuck, Mario Williams

LB-James Harrison, DeMarcus Ware, Joey Porter, Patrick Willis, Ray Lewis

CB-Asante Samuel, Charles Woodson, Darrelle Revis, Cortland Finnegan, Nnamdi Asomugha

S-Troy Polamalu, Ed Reed, Bob Sanders, Adrian Wilson, Brian Dawkins

Offensive/Defensive Split:

53 offensive players/47 defensive.

Hope you enjoyed this. Please, I encourage you to post your comments, complaints, suggestions or even opposing lists.