NFL's top 100 players

[Guest Vitamin X]

Numbers in parentheses are last year's rankings

 

1. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers (19). His total of 2,370 rushing and receiving yards last year was the second most in NFL history.

 

2. Peyton Manning, QB, Colts (10). No player in the NFL is responsible for more of his team's success. The reigning co-MVP calls most of the Colts' plays at the line of scrimmage and is entrusted with more authority over his offense than any other quarterback.

 

3. Ray Lewis, MLB, Ravens (4). He's much more than a middle linebacker; he's practically a head coach. Nobody leads like Lewis. "The guys around him rally around Ray so much," Bengals right tackle Willie Anderson says. "They listen to him so much; they're so in tune to him. The whole team feeds off him. It's amazing a guy can have that type of impact on a team."

 

4. Randy Moss, WR, Vikings (15). Probably the most indefensible player in the NFL. With an unbeatable combination of speed and stretch, Moss is a big-play machine. He led the league last season with 16 catches of 20 yards or more and 17 receiving touchdowns. All he does is beat you deep, but he does it very well.

 

5. Brett Favre, QB, Packers (1). With his high-risk, high-reward style, he still makes something out of nothing better than any quarterback. "You'd follow that man into hell," Packers guard Mike Wahle says. "From a leadership standpoint, you can't get any better than Brett Favre."

 

6. Steve McNair, QB, Titans (58). At 31, McNair, who shared MVP honors with Manning, still seems to be improving. "He sees everything, understands everything, doesn't put any pressure on himself and really turns it up on Sundays," Titans coach Jeff Fisher says. "As long as No. 9 is playing for us, we have a chance to win most of our games."

 

7. Michael Strahan, DE, Giants (5). Unlike most defensive ends, Strahan gets his sacks the old-fashioned way -- with technique. At 32, he remains a dangerous pass rusher and a top-notch run defender.

 

8. Jason Taylor, DE, Dolphins (7). His lean, tall frame might not fit the part, but Taylor is an assassin of a pass rusher. He beats opponents with speed and unpredictable moves, and he's more powerful than you might think. Taylor also plays first-rate run defense.

 

9. Tom Brady, QB, Patriots (NR). He performs his duties as efficiently as any player in the NFL. "He's not going to be the fastest or have the strongest arm, but he has a way of winning," Dolphins linebacker Junior Seau says. "He's calm under pressure, and his mentality and demeanor gravitate to the whole team."

 

10. Priest Holmes, RB, Chiefs (3). This preposterously productive player is the linchpin in the NFL's best offense. "If you lined him up and had him run a 40, I don't know if he could beat the guy who backs him up," says Pryce. "But on the football field, he runs like a 3.8. He is absolutely, by far, the fastest back around."

 

11. Julian Peterson, OLB, 49ers (50). In addition to linebacker, Peterson can play defensive end or cover wide receivers. He probably is the most athletic player in the NFL. "He's a werewolf," says one NFC personnel man.

 

12. Jonathan Ogden, OT, Ravens (16). "Ogden is the best, period," the Dolphins' Taylor says. "He's 8 feet tall and has a wingspan that's crazy. He moves his feet very well. He understands the angles of the game. Once he gets his hands on you, it's over."

 

13. Marvin Harrison, WR, Colts (11). Harrison probably is the league's best route runner -- defenders say he makes all his routes look the same initially -- and has hands that rarely fail him.

 

14. Champ Bailey, CB, Broncos (36). "You think you know what a corner should be until you've seen him," Broncos general manager Ted Sundquist says. "He has uncanny instincts and anticipation at the break. Tremendous feet. Very good ball skills. He has speed to run with fast guys downfield."

 

15. Richard Seymour, DL, Patriots (46). His ability to morph between an end and tackle is one of the keys to a great defense. "Seymour is just a phenomenon," Colts tight end Marcus Pollard says. "He's a big guy. He can run. He's strong. He has all the tools. He's smart. He's an incredible player. I can't say enough about him."

 

16. Ahman Green, RB, Packers (39). It's easy to overlook him in the shadow of Favre, but Green is one of the finest all-around backs. He ran for an NFL-high 96 first downs last season and averaged 6.1 yards per carry on first-down rushes.

 

17. Simeon Rice, DE, Bucs (17). A premier edge rusher, Rice had 15 sacks last season and 15 1/2 in 2002. Rice flashes highly unusual athleticism and has developed a blue-collar side.

 

18. Terrell Owens, WR, Eagles (2). "T.O. is different than most," 49ers safety Tony Parrish says. "A lot of people don't realize how fast he is because he's a power runner. Run after the catch, he's the best."

 

19. Torry Holt, WR, Rams (40). "He's really the complete package," Falcons coach Jim Mora says. "He has an excellent release. He stretches you up the field and makes tough catches. He's strong and physical."

 

20. Chris McAlister, CB, Ravens (54). He's a physical corner who challenges receivers on every play and closes as well on the ball as anyone. No cornerback tackles better.

 

21. Jamal Lewis, RB, Ravens (NR)

22. Walter Jones, OT, Seahawks (23)

23. Jevon Kearse, DE, Eagles (30)

24. Clinton Portis, RB, Redskins (22)

25. Orlando Pace, OT, Rams (45)

26. Daunte Culpepper, QB, Vikings (81)

27. Patrick Surtain, CB, Dolphins (41)

28. Will Shields, G, Chiefs (64)

29. Donovan McNabb, QB, Eagles (12)

30. Willie Roaf, OT, Chiefs (48)

31. Ed Reed, S, Ravens (NR)

32. Roy Williams, S, Cowboys (NR)

33. Brian Dawkins, S, Eagles (20)

34. Trevor Pryce, DE, Broncos (68)

35. Deuce McAllister, RB, Saints (34)

36. Brian Urlacher, MLB, Bears (6)

37. Chad Johnson, WR, Bengals (NR)

38. Julius Peppers, DE, Panthers (25)

39. Kris Jenkins, DT, Panthers (96)

40. Darren Sharper, S, Packers (33)

41. Ty Law, CB, Patriots (98)

42. Olin Kreutz, C, Bears (63)

43. Tony Gonzalez, TE, Chiefs (27)

44. Dwight Freeney, DE, Colts (84)

45. Leonard Little, DE, Rams (NR)

46. Rodney Harrison, S, Patriots (NR)

47. Adewale Ogunleye, DE, Bears (NR)

48. Kevin Mawae, C, Jets (92)

49. Matt Birk, C, Vikings (47)

50. Mike Rucker, DE, Panthers (NR)

51. Michael Vick, QB, Falcons (8)

52. Takeo Spikes, OLB, Bills (71)

53. Marcus Stroud, DT, Jaguars (NR)

54. Derrick Brooks, OLB, Bucs (9)

55. Zach Thomas, MLB, Dolphins (42)

56. Keith Bulluck, OLB, Titans (26)

57. Trent Green, QB, Chiefs (NR)

58. Todd Heap, TE, Ravens (44)

59. Kendrell Bell, ILB, Steelers (56)

60. Jeremy Shockey, TE, Giants (21)

61. Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seahawks (NR)

62. Corey Simon, DT, Eagles (94)

63. Antoine Winfield, CB, Vikings (NR)

64. Samari Rolle, CB, Titans (72)

65. Tony Parrish, S, 49ers (NR)

66. Steve Hutchinson, G, Seahawks (NR)

67. Shaun Alexander, RB, Seahawks (NR)

68. Edgerrin James, RB, Colts (29)

69. Al Wilson, MLB, Broncos (NR)

70. Adam Archuleta, S, Rams (NR)

71. Hines Ward, WR, Steelers (53)

72. Derrick Mason, WR, Titans (NR)

73. Anquan Boldin, WR, Cardinals (NR)

74. Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, DE, Packers (86)

75. Alan Faneca, G, Steelers (90)

76. Fred Taylor, RB, Jaguars (NR)

77. Steve Smith, WR, Panthers (NR)

78. Laveranues Coles, WR, Redskins (77)

79. Keith Brooking, OLB, Falcons (43)

80. Sam Madison, CB, Dolphins (74)

81. LaVar Arrington, OLB, Redskins (75)

82. Marcus Trufant, CB, Seahawks (NR)

83. Flozell Adams, OT, Cowboys (NR)

84. John Tait, OT, Bears (NR)

85. Donovin Darius, S, Jaguars (NR)

86. Travis Henry, RB, Bills (91)

87. Stephen Davis, RB, Panthers (NR)

88. Kevin Carter, DT, Titans (NR)

89. Mike Vrabel, OLB, Patriots (NR)

90. Tiki Barber, RB, Giants (62)

91. Donnie Edwards, ILB, Chargers (73)

92. Peter Boulware, OLB, Ravens (87)

93. Warren Sapp, DT, Raiders (13)

94. Anthony McFarland, DT, Bucs (79)

95. Charles Woodson, CB, Raiders (18)

96. Andre Carter, DE, 49ers (83)

97. Chad Pennington, QB, Jets (100)

98. Terrell Suggs, OLB, Ravens (NR)

99. Terence Newman, CB, Cowboys (NR)

100. Jake Delhomme, QB, Panthers (NR)

[Brett Favre 0]

Chad Pennington 97? My god.

[Guest The Winter Of My Discontent]

Charles Woodson 95?

 

Right. This list is horrible. Sam Madison is better than him?

 

Jeremy Shockey is better than Hines Ward?

 

Corrie Simon and Antoine Winfield that high?

 

Pssshhht

 

TIKI BARBER better than Woodson?

 

Oh man, I feel a hate crime coming on...

[Dr. Tom 0]

Yeah, the Ravens REPRESENT~! I can't argue with any of the choices for my home team, though I might've swapped McAlister and JAMAL~!

 

The rest of the list does eat deeply of the man-ass in several spots, though.

[Guest Vitamin X]

Well just like with any list, people are going to disagree.

 

I personally feel Jamal Lewis and Ahman Green were ranked way too low.

Charles Woodson 95?  Sam Madison is better than him?

 

Yup. Patrick Surtain too. Hell, you could even argue Mike McKenzie would be better if it wasn't for the retarded holdout which is probably going to affect his career in a hugely negative way.

 

That might be the cause for Woodson's drop as well.

 

EDIT: Also forgot to mention this list is largely based on what they've accomplished last season... Seeing as how the Raiders got shredded to a 4-12 season, I don't see why they have much reason to have many players among the top half of that list.

[Guest The Winter Of My Discontent]

The Raiders only had Woodson and Sapp rated.

 

And no, Madison isn't better than Woodson. Charles does a great job of shutting down his side of the field. And the Raiders were horrible because of their abysmal run defense; a problem that is hardly Charles' fault.

[HarleyQuinn 0]

Madison(first) vs Woodson(second)

2003: 50 tackles, 0 sacks, 3 INT, 0 FF

2003: 70 tackles, 1 sack, 3 INT, 1 FF

2002: 34 tackles, 0 sacks, 3 INT, 1 FF

2002: 37 tackles, 0 sacks, 1 INT, 4 FF

2001: 25 tackles, 0 sacks, 2 INT, 0 FF

2001: 53 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FF

2000: 39 tackles, 0 sacks, 5 INT, 2 FF

2000: 79 tackles, 0 sacks, 4 INT, 3 FF

 

Verdict: Woodson is clearly the better player. While Madison has more INTs Woodson tends to get more tackles and cause more fumbles. Also can contribute with sacks as well.

[Sass 0]

Didn't Pennington miss playing time last season because of his injured wrist?

 

This season, him and the Jets, should be very hard to beat.

[Guest Flyboy]

I agree, Sass... Pennington & Moss are going to tear it up this season. Plus, they added Justin McCareins are well. I like the Jets' chances this year.

 

35. Deuce McAllister, RB, Saints (34)

 

Pfft.

[Lt. Al Giardello 0]

McNabb deverse to be higher IMO.

 

Sure he doesn't have the greatest stat sheet, but he is a great leader and is always there in clutch time.

 

Remember 4-25? That was one of the greatest plays in football history.

[Guest MikeSC]

McNabb deverse to be higher IMO.

 

Sure he doesn't have the greatest stat sheet, but he is a great leader and is always there in clutch time.

 

Remember 4-25? That was one of the greatest plays in football history.

Fluke plays do not a great QB make. Remember the NEXT week, where he seemed to like completing passes to the Panthers?

 

And how in the hell is Sapp even rated in the top 100 at this point?

-=Mike

[Sass 0]

35. Deuce McAllister, RB, Saints (34)

 

Pfft.

Deuce is the quiet RB that no one seems to talk about but manages to work his ass off in every game he's in and puts up good numbers.

 

I agree, the dude got shafted here (along with several other guys).

[Lt. Al Giardello 0]

McNabb deverse to be higher IMO.

 

Sure he doesn't have the greatest stat sheet, but he is a great leader and is always there in clutch time.

 

Remember 4-25? That was one of the greatest plays in football history.

Fluke plays do not a great QB make. Remember the NEXT week, where he seemed to like completing passes to the Panthers?

Remember when he got injured very early in the game?

 

He wasn't playing at his 100%.

[Guest MikeSC]

McNabb deverse to be higher IMO.

 

Sure he doesn't have the greatest stat sheet, but he is a great leader and is always there in clutch time.

 

Remember 4-25? That was one of the greatest plays in football history.

Fluke plays do not a great QB make. Remember the NEXT week, where he seemed to like completing passes to the Panthers?

Remember when he got injured very early in the game?

 

He wasn't playing at his 100%.

He comes up with excuses every year. It's always somebody else's fault.

 

He's even LESS clutch than the Bills --- who could at least WIN the Conference Title game.

-=Mike

[the pinjockey 0]

I am glad to see a list where someone acknowledges LaVar Arrington is not one of the leagues elite players, at this point. But the list just looks like it was thrown together haphazardly, especially where they will bunch the positions (safeties low 30s, WRs 70s). It is kind of like they set out to do the list, but then said fuck it and just threw players on there.

 

As for McNabb, I have no problem with the rating and would have no problem if he was even a little lower.

[Guest Flyboy]

35. Deuce McAllister, RB, Saints (34)

 

Pfft.

Deuce is the quiet RB that no one seems to talk about but manages to work his ass off in every game he's in and puts up good numbers.

 

I agree, the dude got shafted here (along with several other guys).

Man, I'm definitely used to it. The man is without a doubt a Top 5 RB in the league and yet gets no props. But, that's all right...

[Fökai 0]

35. Deuce McAllister, RB, Saints (34)

 

Pfft.

Deuce is the quiet RB that no one seems to talk about but manages to work his ass off in every game he's in and puts up good numbers.

 

I agree, the dude got shafted here (along with several other guys).

Man, I'm definitely used to it. The man is without a doubt a Top 5 RB in the league and yet gets no props. But, that's all right...

So which of these running backs would you say he's better than?

 

1. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers (19).

10. Priest Holmes, RB, Chiefs (3).

16. Ahman Green, RB, Packers (39).

21. Jamal Lewis, RB, Ravens (NR)

24. Clinton Portis, RB, Redskins (22)

[Guest Flyboy]

Clinton Portis, hands down.

[Guest MikeSC]

Clinton Portis, hands down.

Gotta agree. It's hard to call Portis great when anybody who has been the RB for the Broncos over the past few seasons put up comparable numbers.

 

Deuce is a special, special player. Clinton might be --- but he hasn't proved a heck of a lot.

-=Mike

[Red Baron 0]

Out of that list, Portis is the best running back in the game.

 

Though Shaun Alexander at 67, is quite baffling though

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

Out of that list, Portis is the best running back in the game.

 

Though Shaun Alexander at 67, is quite baffling though

You must be joking? He will be badly exposed as a Redskin.

[NoCalMike 0]

Out of that list, Portis is the best running back in the game.

 

Though Shaun Alexander at 67, is quite baffling though

You must be joking? He will be badly exposed as a Redskin.

hmmm, so I guess Joe Gibbs and Joe Bugel, don't know how to coach? Please, just cease to exist already. Aren't those two coaches responsible for the Hall of Fame offensive line known as the hogs, and the offensive scheme that led 3 different RBs to superbowl wins? You can say what you want about the Denver system having producing good rushers, but the Gibbs/Bugel system produced 3 DIFFERENT SUPERBOWL WINNING RBs........

[NoCalMike 0]

I am glad to see a list where someone acknowledges LaVar Arrington is not one of the leagues elite players, at this point.

sure he is, anytime an offense specifically designs it's run plays to the opposite of wherever you are lined up on the field, it must mean you are SOMETHING special......Arrington usually leads the team in tackles or is at least in the top 3, and that is even with him having to run across the field to makes plays. Not to mention that for the FIRST YEAR in his NFL Career, this season he will be moved back to his NATURAL POSITION, weakside linebacker. So I fully expect to see his game stepped up a few notches this year.

[Dr. Tom 0]

Out of that list, Portis is the best running back in the game.

Lies. LaDanian Tomlinson is the best RB in the game. The list got it right. Portis is certainly very good, and I have no doubt he'll be successful in Washington. But LT2~! is where it's at for NFL running backs.

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

hmmm, so I guess Joe Gibbs and Joe Bugel, don't know how to coach? Please, just cease to exist already. Aren't those two coaches responsible for the Hall of Fame offensive line known as the hogs, and the offensive scheme that led 3 different RBs to superbowl wins? You can say what you want about the Denver system having producing good rushers, but the Gibbs/Bugel system produced 3 DIFFERENT SUPERBOWL WINNING RBs........

Portis may be good, but he's still yet to prove himself. Gibbs isn't going to lead the Redskins to a Super Bowl, at least not right off the bat. And last I checked, this isn't 1980s. The defenses are much tougher and faster. It will take a while for Gibbs to get used to the current pace of the game. Maybe he will, maybe he won't. All I know is Portis is overrated. He may do well this year, but in the long run, he won't stack up well against the other runners.

[Guest Vitamin X]

Madison(first) vs Woodson(second)

2003: 50 tackles, 0 sacks, 3 INT, 0 FF

2003: 70 tackles, 1 sack, 3 INT, 1 FF

2002: 34 tackles, 0 sacks, 3 INT, 1 FF

2002: 37 tackles, 0 sacks, 1 INT, 4 FF

2001: 25 tackles, 0 sacks, 2 INT, 0 FF

2001: 53 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FF

2000: 39 tackles, 0 sacks, 5 INT, 2 FF

2000: 79 tackles, 0 sacks, 4 INT, 3 FF

 

Verdict: Woodson is clearly the better player. While Madison has more INTs Woodson tends to get more tackles and cause more fumbles. Also can contribute with sacks as well.

Statistics don't count when you're talking about defensive backs as much, this was proved to me some time ago when I was arguing Mike McKenzie being traded for Ty Law would be a bad deal for the Packers. Even though McKenzie and Law have comparable stats, we all know who is the better player at the moment, though time will tell at what McKenzie could have become (I feel this holdout is going to kill his career).

 

You also have to look at competition and the skill level of the QB's they face in their division. Madison has to face down Pennington/Moss, Brady/Givens/Branch/Brown, and Bledsoe/Moulds/(and formerly Price). Who does Woodson face? The Chiefs have a hell of an offense, but other than that it's a crapshoot. What receiver on the Chargers intimidates ANYONE? And the Broncos are one of the more inconsistent attacks out there.

 

Personally, I think it's a toss-up, but there's no doubt in my mind that Woodson is slipping... he needs to have a good year this year.

[TheOriginalOrangeGoblin 0]

Top RB's are(in order);

 

1. Tomlinson

2. Lewis

3. Deuce

4. Priest

5. Alexander

6. Ahman

 

Portis isn't in the same league as those 6. Considering OLANDIS GARY got over 1000 yds playing in Denver, Portis' season aint that much of an accomplishment. He's by far the most overrated player in the league.

[Guest Vitamin X]

That is REALLY fucking wrong. How could you POSSIBLY rate Priest Holmes, fucking Shaun Alexander, and Clinton Portis above Ahman Green is beyond me. Now I can understand Tomlinson and Lewis, and could even give Deuce a toss-up with Green... MAYBE.

 

Aside from Green's fumbling problems (which have gotten only better and better..except for last year when he only coughed it up, you know in CRITICAL situations..argh), the guy was still the NFC's top rusher last year and not even in his prime yet.

[Brett Favre 0]

That is REALLY fucking wrong. How could you POSSIBLY rate Priest Holmes, fucking Shaun Alexander, and Clinton Portis above Ahman Green is beyond me. Now I can understand Tomlinson and Lewis, and could even give Deuce a toss-up with Green... MAYBE.

 

Aside from Green's fumbling problems (which have gotten only better and better..except for last year when he only coughed it up, you know in CRITICAL situations..argh), the guy was still the NFC's top rusher last year and not even in his prime yet.

I agree. He's underrated, nearly had 2,000 yards last year, and barely gets recognition because of Favre. But he's not better than Holmes.

 

1. Tomlinson

2. Holmes

3. Ahman Green

4. Lewis

5. Deuce

6. Portis

7. Alexander

[Guest Vitamin X]

That list seems about right, but I'd say there's some debate about spots 2-4. Everyone seems to be ranking Lewis lower than a lot of other running backs, considering the fact that 1. He almost broke the single season rushing record last year and fell shy by less than 100 yards, 2. He DID break the single game rushing record..almost did it TWICE, and 3. He is THE focal point of the Ravens offense and he manages to bulldoze right through an 8-man front regardless.

 

The only explanation I can see is that he is not as natural a receiver as Green, Holmes, Tomlinson, and Faulk (did everyone forget about him already?!), but he does one thing and does it very damn well: run.

 

I think my top 10 list would look something like this:

 

1. LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers

2. Jamal Lewis, Ravens

3. Ahman Green, Packers

4. Priest Holmes, Chiefs

5. Marshall Faulk, Rams (yes I'd still rate him that high)

6. Deuce McAllister, Saints

7. Clinton Portis, Redskins

8. Shaun Alexander, Seahawks

9. Corey Dillon, Patriots (though his ranking would be higher depending on how well he does with the Patriots this year)

10. Michael Bennett, Vikings