Making a list like this without upsetting people is an impossibility. 32 teams, 53 players per roster; that's 1,696 active NFL players. To select the top 100 AND put them in a reasonable order is a thankless task. Nevertheless, here are my guidelines:
1. Order of position value, in my not-so-humble opinion: 1. Quarterback 2. Wide Receiver 3. Offensive Line 4. Defense 5. Running Back 6. Tight End 7. Kicker 8. Punter. My list is heavily slanted in favor of quarterbacks because the entire industry revolves around that position. The fates of franchises rest on the shoulders of that position.
2. Injuries are tricky in the NFL. Almost everyone seems to suffer a significant injury at some point in their professional careers. That said, the players who continue to get hurt will be docked on this list. The more consistently healthy and available players are simply more valuable.
3. The NFL isn't like the NBA or MLB, in that I normally consider the preceding two or three seasons. Things change too quickly due to injuries and general wear and tear, especially at the running back position. The heavy weight is on this season and last season -- that's basically it.
HONORABLE MENTION(S)
Notice how (arguably) the two biggest disappointments of the 2015 season, Luck and Suh, have both been left off my list. Luck has struggled with injuries and even when he has played, he's been one of the worst and least efficient quarterbacks in the NFL. I certainly haven't been the only one bashing Luck or questioning whether or not he's been a fraud all along. There's no question that Matt Hasselbeck has thoroughly outplayed Luck, and that in itself is astonishing. We'll see if Luck bounces back in 2016.
Suh, on the other hand, is being punished for a different reason: He has barely tried since signing a massive contract with the Dolphins. This is looking like another Albert Haynesworth situation. Even though Suh is one of the most talented players in the world, he'll have to exert some consistent effort to get back into my top 100.
SPECIAL MENTION
There's nothing this fiery guy couldn't do at the wide receiver position; he ran picture-perfect routes, was never afraid to go over the middle, matched up well against physical corners, blocked with the best of them and seemingly never dropped a pass. He has been a true warrior. So long, Smitty.
JOHNNY FRO'S TOP 100
100. Reggie Nelson, S, Bengals: One of the best and most consistent safeties for quite a long time, Reggie still has it at age 32. He's one of the veteran leaders of the Bengals' very solid defensive unit and most importantly, he is leading the NFL in interceptions with six. He's always been a reliable defensive playmaker.
99. Marshal Yanda, G, Ravens: I'm not trying to pull the wool over anybody's eyes here -- I am NOT an expert on studying offensive linemen and their specific abilities. However, I will tell you who is: Cris Collinsworth, my absolute favorite and most trusted NFL analyst. He very convincingly said the tape shows that Yanda is easily one of the premier offensive linemen in the game. I will definitely take his word for it. Yanda was also a Pro Bowler last season.
98. Delanie Walker, TE, Titans: I owe Bill Barnwell, formerly of Grantland, an apology. Prior to the season I bashed him for ranking Delanie ahead of DeMarco Murray, who was the game's best running back in 2014. Now I have Delanie at 98 and DeMarco didn't even make my top 110. Delanie is 4th in tight end yards and 1st in receptions. A real solid, all-around tight end. I admit it, I was wrong.
97. Dashon Goldson, S, Redskins: Did you know that Dashon Goldson is the best player on the Redskins? Probably not, but it only takes one game (or maybe even one quarter) to see it. This kid is everywhere. He's 21st in solo tackles and 9th in total tackles.
96. Tyrod Taylor, QB, Bills: What a terrific job by the Bills front office and head coach Rex Ryan. Tyrod had been the back-up to Joe Flacco for a couple seasons, buried behind the face of a franchise, but the Bills brass saw something. They signed him as their QB3 behind Matt Cassel and E.J. Manuel, but he clearly outplayed them in camp. Accordingly, Rex turned over the car keys and Tyrod has rewarded him immensely. He's 5th in the NFL in quarterback rating. "T-Mobile" has been a real difference maker.
95. Jonathan Stewart, RB, Panthers: Easily one of the most underrated players in the game this season. Ron Rivera's Panthers have had jaw-dropping success with their mostly conservative offensive style this year, and Stewart has been their second-best player behind MVP candidate Cam Newton. You probably didn't know that Stewart is third in the league in rushing yards.
94. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Dolphins: I'm not a big Tannehill guy, but he's 7th in yards and 9th in touchdowns. He's an athletic quarterback whose success may be limited by an average supporting cast. We'll see if the Dolphins front office will ever get him front-line weapons.
With Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Ben Roethlisberger, Tony Romo, Drew Brees, Philip Rivers, Carson Palmer and Eli Manning all getting up there in years and experience, Bortles appears to be part of the new wave of franchise quarterbacks. We'll see if he improves on his late-game turnovers in year three.
92. Malcolm Smith, LB, Raiders: Two of my points of emphasis (as always) on this list are (1) players in their prime and (2) explosiveness. Malcolm Smith qualifies in both areas. He is 5th in the NFL in solo tackles and is a primary piece of the Raiders' hope-inspiring rebuilding process. He may not get as much press as others, but he's one of those defensive players who always stands out when you get an opportunity to watch him play. He's all over the field.
91. Amari Cooper, WR, Raiders: An explosive rookie who already gets the WR1 bracket treatment from opposing defenses. This kid is the real deal. The defensive attention he receives has allowed Michael Crabtree to have a renaissance season in Oakland. The Derek Carr, Cooper, Crabtree trio has been effective and fun to watch. Yes, a Raiders team has actually been entertaining.
90. Aaron Donald, DT, Rams: I am very strict on this point: When an interior defensive linemen appears among the league leaders in sacks, they are automatically a top 100 player. Defensive tackles are primarily responsible for stuffing the run and stabilizing the D-line, so when they can get to the QB, that's a major bonus. Donald was a Pro Bowler last season and has continued his dominant play this season. He's a force.
89. Paul Posluszny, LB, Jaguars: Has consistently been one of the top linebackers in the game. Nothing glamorous to say about this guy. He's as steady as they come, and he's 4th in the league in solo tackles. That's the mark of a pro's pro.
87. Jarvis Landry, WR, Dolphins: Has developed very quickly into a consistently reliable safety valve for Tannehill. Landry is 5th among receivers in receptions, with 76. He's not as much of a vertical threat as I would like for a WR1, but that's nitpicking. He's been really, really good and has showcased steady improvement throughout his two pro seasons.
86. Tamba Hali, DE, Chiefs: Everyone should know who this guy is at this point. I don't have to say much. He's been putting heavy pressure on opposing quarterbacks for years. Any team would be ecstatic to have him.
85. Nick Mangold, C, Jets: This world-class veteran has had a couple of nagging injuries force him onto the sideline for short stints this season, and during those stints the Jets have looked like one of the worst offensive teams in football. He's that valuable. Fitzpatrick has said that the team's communication seems to break down without the big fella in the middle, and things simply don't run as smoothly. Mangold is easily one of the best offensive linemen of our generation.
84. Jeremy Maclin, WR, Chiefs: Maclin's an interesting case. Clearly, as expected, his production is a bit down going from Chip Kelly's wide-open offense to Andy Reid's far more conservative passing attack, but this season has taught us a lot about Maclin's value to both teams. The Eagles' offense has completely fallen apart in his absence, while the Chiefs' offense hasn't sputtered as much as you would expect in the absence of injured superstar Jamaal Charles. Alex Smith has had another solid season, due in part to Maclin's presence (KC hasn't had a #1 receiver in recent years - Dwayne Bowe, ew). Number 19 is a good, consistent route runner who certainly makes a difference for any team he plays for.
85. Nick Mangold, C, Jets: This world-class veteran has had a couple of nagging injuries force him onto the sideline for short stints this season, and during those stints the Jets have looked like one of the worst offensive teams in football. He's that valuable. Fitzpatrick has said that the team's communication seems to break down without the big fella in the middle, and things simply don't run as smoothly. Mangold is easily one of the best offensive linemen of our generation.
83. D'Qwell Jackson, LB, Colts: Despite some off-the-field troubles, D'Qwell has shined this season, leading the NFL in tackles with 111. He was always a well-regarded player during his tenure with the Browns, and he appears to have vaulted himself into the elite linebacker discussion now with the Colts. He's a smart leader in the middle of the field who anticipates offensive plays and moves before they happen. That's how he beats everyone else to the tackle.
82. Tyler Eifert, TE, Bengals: As a big, rangy, athletic tight end with good ball skills, Eifert has always been accompanied by the hype machine. This year he's transformed the hype into reality, dominating the tight end leaderboard with 12 touchdowns. Eifert deserves a ton of credit in the evolution of Andy Dalton, a formerly-maligned quarterback who has catapulted himself into the MVP discussion this season. Eifert has emerged as Dalton's emergency escape option, particularly in the redzone. Tight end has devolved into a weak and shallow position in the NFL, making Eifert one of the few studs in the pack.
81. Doug Martin, RB, Bucs: This guy's had a bizarre career. A handful of years ago he broke out with a monster season in both fantasy and reality, and many were wondering if he was going to join the running back position's long-term elite. Well, for the people who were wondering, the answer turned out to be "no." He disappeared in recent years due to injuries and ineffective play, but Martin is back in a major way in 2015. Believe it or not, he is second in the NFL in rushing -- trailing only the great Adrian Peterson -- with 1,038 yards through 11 games. He has allowed the Bucs to have some offensive balance and in the games that Jameis Winston has played well, Martin deserves credit for drawing defensive attention in the box.
80. Janoris Jenkins, CB, Rams: Some defensive players are like a good official -- you barely notice them because they quietly go about their job(s) so well. Janoris Jenkins is NOT one of those guys. Janoris Jenkins is bright lights playmaker; always in the middle of the big plays for the Rams' dynamic and athletic defense. I wouldn't call Janoris a pure cover corner -- like say, Darrelle Revis or Chris Harris -- but he has the speed and ability to successfully cover opposing #1 wideouts when he's disciplined and engaged. He's one of the more entertaining defensive players in the game.
81. Doug Martin, RB, Bucs: This guy's had a bizarre career. A handful of years ago he broke out with a monster season in both fantasy and reality, and many were wondering if he was going to join the running back position's long-term elite. Well, for the people who were wondering, the answer turned out to be "no." He disappeared in recent years due to injuries and ineffective play, but Martin is back in a major way in 2015. Believe it or not, he is second in the NFL in rushing -- trailing only the great Adrian Peterson -- with 1,038 yards through 11 games. He has allowed the Bucs to have some offensive balance and in the games that Jameis Winston has played well, Martin deserves credit for drawing defensive attention in the box.
79. Malcolm Jenkins, S, Eagles: Chip Kelly has decimated the Eagles roster to the point where Jenkins is far-and-away their best player. Malcolm Jenkins is an excellent football player, but you cannot be a serious contender for anything if he's easily your top player. Anyway, this blurb is supposed to be about Malcolm and not Chip. Malcolm is a steady, smart all-around safety with solid ball skills and top-tier tackling ability. He's one of those defensive players whose name always seems to be popping up during television broadcasts (for some reason, I hear Joe Buck's voice more than others in this case). Relative to his position, Malcolm is the total package.
78. Joe Haden, CB, Browns: Joe is more in the mold of Revis and Harris than Janoris Jenkins is. There was a time when Revis was the consensus #1 cornerback and it seemed like Haden was poised to takeover that distinction, but injuries and nagging wear-and-tear have disrupted that possible transition. Regardless, Joe is still an outstanding cover corner and is certainly one of the top two players on a weak Browns team that has been mired in a bizarre quarterback controversy throughout another disappointing campaign. Such is life in Cleveland.
77. Joe Thomas, T, Browns: I've never seen an offensive lineman be such a hot-button trade topic. Seems like every team in the NFL has been interested in acquiring Big Joe via trade at some point this season. He's simply that good. Players, coaches and analysts continually rave about his size, agility, football IQ and fundamental blocking technique(s).
76. Tashaun Gibson, S, Browns: Three Browns in a row -- go figure. I had no idea that Gibson was arguably the best safety in the NFL, until I watched a handful of Browns games. He almost seems to be playing by himself on Cleveland's defense, especially when Haden is injured and out of the lineup. He literally (well, I guess not literally) does everything for them.
75. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Packers: In an ideal world, all of your defensive players have great discipline and ability while working in perfect harmony as a unit. However, in the absence of that (in the real world), it helps to have explosive playmakers who aren't afraid to take a chance from time to time. Ha Ha is exactly that type of valuable player. He's 7th in the league in solo tackles and seemingly never misses an opportunity to corral an interception. He has the best name in the game, and he's an entertaining player to watch. He very quickly transformed from a joke (because of his name) to a highly-regarded, top-tier safety.
78. Joe Haden, CB, Browns: Joe is more in the mold of Revis and Harris than Janoris Jenkins is. There was a time when Revis was the consensus #1 cornerback and it seemed like Haden was poised to takeover that distinction, but injuries and nagging wear-and-tear have disrupted that possible transition. Regardless, Joe is still an outstanding cover corner and is certainly one of the top two players on a weak Browns team that has been mired in a bizarre quarterback controversy throughout another disappointing campaign. Such is life in Cleveland.
77. Joe Thomas, T, Browns: I've never seen an offensive lineman be such a hot-button trade topic. Seems like every team in the NFL has been interested in acquiring Big Joe via trade at some point this season. He's simply that good. Players, coaches and analysts continually rave about his size, agility, football IQ and fundamental blocking technique(s).
76. Tashaun Gibson, S, Browns: Three Browns in a row -- go figure. I had no idea that Gibson was arguably the best safety in the NFL, until I watched a handful of Browns games. He almost seems to be playing by himself on Cleveland's defense, especially when Haden is injured and out of the lineup. He literally (well, I guess not literally) does everything for them.
74. Allen Robinson, WR, Jaguars: He's the main reason why Blake Bortles is (probably) playing better than he should. One of the premier young wideouts in the game, A-Rob is tied for 2nd in receiver TDs and 7th in yards. Sky's the limit for this kid. Another player who has improved rapidly.
73. Devonta Freeman, RB, Falcons: In all of my fantasy drafts this season, rookie RB Tevin Coleman was going 2-3 rounds before this guy; at which point I would say, "Why gamble on Coleman when you can just wait a few rounds and nab Freeman?" (Which I did, twice.) Freeman came into the NFL with a little added hype because of the Falcons' preseason on HBO's Hard Knocks, in which everyone seemed to be raving about his speed and "burst." This season he's made good on the hype, leading all rushers with 9 touchdowns (11 combined) and sitting 3rd in receptions, with 48. He's been an irreplaceable all-around back for Atlanta. HC Dan Quinn can't wait to get him back this week from a concussion.
72. Jay Cutler, QB, Bears: There's something a little different about Jay this season. He's a little happier, lighter and there's definitely a different hop to his step. I think HC John Fox deserves some credit here. Cutler has always been a big arm with a bad attitude, but this year he's been both solid and respectable. The problem for him is that his primary weapon, Alshon Jeffery -- who is an absolute monster -- always seems to be in and out of the lineup with various injuries. Cutler needs Alshon all the time in order to reach his full potential. Chicago could also use a legitimate WR2.
71. Matthew Stafford, QB, Lions: He's basically the same guy as Cutler, right? Both quarterbacks have been touted as huge arms with loads of talent who receive questionable support from their teammates. Both have been referred to as "hot heads" and "gunslingers." But it's not all bad because the quarterback position is the center of the NFL universe, and neither of these guys are incompetent or unqualified. I think in the grand scheme, both Stafford and Cutler have playoff-level ability, given the proper coaching and circumstances. Nevertheless, they'll never be elite because of mental and physical inconsistency.
70. Bobby Wagner, LB, Seahawks: I feel like I'm kind of sick of all these Seahawk guys, between the back-to-back Super Bowl appearances and all of the offseason controversy surrounding their final redzone playcall against the Pats. (It's annoying that HC Pete Carroll and OC Darrell Bevell continue to maintain that they made the correct playcall, right? I mean I don't want to be unfairly results-oriented, but they opted to throw the ball from the 1-yard line and they subsequently lost the Super Bowl on an interception. How is that the right call?) Anyway, Wagner is a beast who always takes down his opponent in one-on-one tackle situations. I feel like he's so energetic, scary and good that he has to be on steroids. Feel the same way about a lot of these Seahawk defenders.
68. Chris Harris, CB, Broncos: The fourth-best pure cover corner in the game. Sure, it helps to play opposite Aqib Talib, but Harris' ability and incredible awareness stand on their own. The Broncos' defense suffered mightily without him in their putrid Super Bowl performance against the Seahawks.
67. Greg Olsen, TE, Panthers: As the tight end position continues to spiral downward into obsolescence, guys like Olsen become increasingly more valuable. Simply put, a good tight end is hard to find right now. Olsen has been consistently good throughout his solid NFL career, and never more important than this year, where the Panthers are undefeated despite being without their #1 WR Kelvin Benjamin for the entire season. Olsen is Cam Newton's safety net and go-to-guy. That's worth an awful lot on an undefeated team.
66. Kam Chancellor, S, Seahawks: Another Seahawks freak. He's all over the field, and always seems to make the big defensive play at exactly the right time. His immense value became overtly clear during his holdout period earlier this season, when the "Legion of Boom" looked like "The Legion of Average Players" without him. He's that good.
65. Carlos Dunlap, DE, Bengals: Cincinnati has been one of the best teams and defenses in the league this year, and one of its biggest strengths is its defensive line, led by Dunlap (8.5 sacks, 4th overall) and Geno Atkins. These big boys can rumble.
64. Mike Evans, WR, Bucs: You can't teach raw size and athleticism, and Evans has both. He's a bit like the aforementioned Alshon Jeffery (another big WR who never seems to be 100% healthy) and that, for the most part, is a major compliment. If he can stay on the field with consistency, perhaps Evans and Jameis Winston can become one of the premier 1-2 punches in the NFL in the coming years. Time will tell.
62. Sammy Watkins, WR, Bills: I can't say I minded when Watkins complained that he wasn't getting the ball enough; offenses that don't utilize their best weapons make no sense to me. Sammy's speed may be a bit overrated, but he fights for the ball in the air and very often outworks his opponent. He runs slants and crossing patterns with no fear of getting lit up. That kind of fearlessness is invaluable to pro offenses and particularly the quarterbacks who lead them. Sammy's a rock solid #1 receiver.
61. Aqib Talib, CB, Broncos: Talib reminds me of Antonio Cromartie in his prime, but better. Cromartie would gamble and make some game-changing picks, but he was never a great cover man. Talib gambles and wins like Cromartie used to, but he can also cover when he commits to it. It's splitting hairs with Chris Harris, but I think Talib is Denver's #1 corner. A matter of personal preference, I suppose.
60. Keenan Allen, WR, Chargers: It's been an interesting few seasons for Keenan -- he broke out in a major way in 2013, was a bona fide bust last season and followed up with some outstanding work this year before suffering a season-ending injury. Quite a roller coaster ride. Keenan is like a souped-up possession receiver; he's a first-down machine who is strong in the redzone and piles up receptions at an incredible pace. Philip Rivers has missed him dearly since he went down.
59. LeSean McCoy, RB, Bills: Like tight end, the running back position appears to be slowly dying. Everyone knows that rushers have historically short primes, but the lack of RB production is borderline ridiculous this season. Doug Martin is second in rushing, followed by Jonathan Stewart and Chris Johnson -- can you believe that? Where are the big guns? Anyway, after a sub-par year playing for Chip Kelly, "Shady" McCoy appears to have regained his burst and returned to his shifty, make-you-miss ways. The Bills' offense has looked terrible at times, but it's a totally different story when both Watkins and McCoy are out there and healthy. Shady's probably the closest thing we've seen to Barry Sanders.
57. Matt Forte, RB, Bears: Quietly one of the best two-way running backs of his generation, Forte is finally beginning to lose a step. Injuries have crept in, and RB2 Jeremy Langford looks like the real deal. Nonetheless, from a technical standpoint, Forte is still a near-perfect back. He's been one of the top two or three receiving backs for quite some time, not to mention his incredible consistency and efficiency when given opportunities in the redzone. He's a quiet and humble team player.
56. Reshad Jones, S, Miami Dolphins: Here's a big-time player. The Dolphins may be a mess -- head coaching change, big-money free agent (Suh) doesn't even try, mediocre talent across the board -- but Jones has been a shining star throughout the shit. He's tied for 3rd in solo tackles and 4th in total tackles. He's easily one of the best in the world at getting around a block and making an athletic tackle in heavy traffic. That's one of the marks of a true superstar defender. Reshad doesn't need help bringing his man down; he has it under control. Too bad the rest of his team sucks.
55. DeMarcus Ware, LB, Broncos: One of the best pure pass rushers in the game, and has been for awhile. Anyone who knows football, knows that the key to a successful defense is getting pressure on the quarterback. Ware has been doing that with consistency from the very beginning.
54. Clay Matthews, LB, Packers: I don't know why, but my gut feeling is that I'm overrating Matthews here. Is he really just a big name at this point? Maybe he shouldn't be acting in Pitch Perfect 2; maybe he should be a little more concerned about football. That being said, he's still a super rangy and athletic linebacker with a propensity for high-impact plays. He's still good, but doesn't feel like a top 50 player to me at this juncture in his high-profile career.
52. Desmond Trufant, CB, Falcons: Lighting-quick laterally and jet-fast vertically, Trufant is a premier cover corner and easily Atlanta's top defensive player. It's nice to have a CB1 in his prime. Makes everybody's life easier on the defensive end.
51. Patrick Peterson, CB, Cardinals: I'm getting the same feeling that I had with Clay Matthews. Peterson is one of the best pure athletes in the game -- there is absolutely no denying that fact -- but I'm not as confident in his discipline and technical ability as a corner. His speed, athleticism and explosiveness tend to hide his flaws, but I still feel as if his name is TOO big. He's a great football player; I'm just not sure he's a great corner.
50. Zack Martin, G, Cowboys: What Martin and the rest of his line mates accomplished last season was truly incredible -- I was completely convinced that DeMarco Murray was an elite running back who could not be replaced. This year he goes to the Eagles and looks like a slow, plodding back who is lucky to get any touches at all. The line made the man, and Zack Martin is the unquestioned superstar of the group. They've made Darren McFadden look five years younger this season.
49. Richard Sherman, CB, Seahawks: The playing the one side of the field thing really bothers me. If you're really the best in the world at your position, you can match up with anyone, anywhere...right? Well, apparently that isn't the case with Sherman. However, when a game-changing play is available to be made, he makes it. I will never dance around that point. Richard Sherman is a playmaker, through and through. A really good corner, but not the best.
48. Darrelle Revis, CB, Jets: He's still essentially inside receivers' jerseys on intermediate routes (seems to know the routes better than they do), but he's becoming a bit susceptible on stretch plays in top-tier match-ups. I'd still take him over anyone within 20-30 yards of coverage, but the top two corners -- still yet to come on the list -- can cover all the way to the endzone. That's just youth, more than anything else.
47. Lavonte David, LB, Bucs: The Carolina Panthers have boasted the best linebackers in the game this season; that's a given. However, for the #2 spot, I would argue that a very strong case could be made for the Tampa Bay Bucs, led by Lavonte who is 5th in total tackles, already with 94. Lavonte has been joined by Kwon Alexander and my friend and fellow UConn Husky, Danny Lansanah, to form a fearsome threesome down in sunny Tampa Bay. Lansanah is smart and determined and Alexander is a true impact player, but Lavonte is the cream of the crop. There's nothing he can't do as a defender.
46. Telvin Smith, LB, Jaguars: I'll be honest -- football is my third sport. At this point I probably know the most about basketball, followed by baseball. So, accepting that reality, there is nothing more rewarding for me than watching a defensive player and thinking, "Man, that guy really seems like a standout," and then looking up his stats and finding that he's #1 in solo tackles and #3 in total tackles. Justice was served. I've seen four Jaguars games this season, and Telvin has consistently played like a man among boys. May not be long before he's one of the top two or three defensive players on the planet.
44. Cameron Wake, DE, Dolphins: Arguably the best pass rusher in the universe. Too bad he suffered a season-ending injury earlier this year.
43. Le'Veon Bell, RB, Steelers: Along with another star running back who has yet to appear on my list, Le'Veon is one of the two most talented all-around players at his position. However, he has had alarming issues with both injuries and suspensions. He should be somewhere in the top 25 or 30, but I'll have to see him return to 100% health in order to get a promotion.
41. Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons: When I see Matt Ryan's name on paper, my initial reaction is "he's having a shitty season." But if you review the numbers, you will find that "Matty Ice" is 4th in passing yards and 7th in completion percentage. He isn't having one of the best seasons of his quality NFL career, but he hasn't been crappy enough to fall outside of the top 50. The quarterback position is just too important, and Matty is still in his prime. I also think the Falcons need to drastically improve their receiving corps outside of the incredible Julio Jones. It certainly looks like Matty needs a little help.
39. Geno Atkins, DT, Bengals: Unanimously considered one of the elite interior defensive linemen in the world. The year Geno was sidelined by injury, the Bengals' defense plummeted from one of the best to shockingly below average. There's just no way to replace this monster. Cincinnati will need him at 100% if it is going to make a legitimate playoff run (for once) this season.
38. Chandler Jones, DE, Patriots: The only defensive standout on the league's most-hated and best-coached team. Chandler is one of those pass rushers whose arms seem to grow when they reach out for the opposing quarterback. He refuses to miss when he has the opportunity for a sack, and Bill Belichick loves him for it. He's currently 3rd in the league in sacks, with 10.5. I'm ranking him slightly ahead of Ziggy because Chandler is a bit more versatile as a defender. We're splitting hairs here, though.
** EDITOR'S NOTE: Blurbs from this point on include notes and analysis from games played through Sunday, December 6. **
37. Julian Edelman, WR, Patriots: Back-to-back losses for the Patriots, and we can truly see how valuable Edelman and Rob Gronkowski are. Edelman has developed from Wes Welker's understudy to one of the NFL's best receivers, particularly on intermediate and underneath routes. He has no fear of being laid out over the middle, and his diminutive stature makes him slippery and difficult to tackle. He's also one of the top three or four receivers on third down. Edelman is simply a hard-working team player with tremendous value.
36. Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs: With the production at his position on the decline, Jamaal is arguably the only running back you can build an offense around. He's lightning-quick, fast and explosive in the open field. He's also an underrated between-the-tackles rusher with world-class ability in the screen game. All aspects considered, he's a gamechanger. Sadly, he suffered his second season-ending injury this year. Jamaal just cannot seem to stay on the field. That's the only reason he's not in the top 15 or 20.
35. Thomas Davis, LB, Panthers: Thomas Davis' arms are bigger than my entire body. This guy is a BEAST. He and Luke Kuechly are easily the premier 1-2 punch at the linebacker position. Davis is a tackling machine who strikes fear in the hearts of opposing quarterbacks and crossing wide receivers, and he's surprisingly adept in coverage given his size. He's faster than you think. The 12-0 Panthers have boasted four of the most valuable players in the NFL this season, and "TD" is the first to make my list. A fun player to watch.
** EDITOR'S NOTE: Blurbs from this point on include notes and analysis from games played through Sunday, December 6. **
37. Julian Edelman, WR, Patriots: Back-to-back losses for the Patriots, and we can truly see how valuable Edelman and Rob Gronkowski are. Edelman has developed from Wes Welker's understudy to one of the NFL's best receivers, particularly on intermediate and underneath routes. He has no fear of being laid out over the middle, and his diminutive stature makes him slippery and difficult to tackle. He's also one of the top three or four receivers on third down. Edelman is simply a hard-working team player with tremendous value.
36. Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs: With the production at his position on the decline, Jamaal is arguably the only running back you can build an offense around. He's lightning-quick, fast and explosive in the open field. He's also an underrated between-the-tackles rusher with world-class ability in the screen game. All aspects considered, he's a gamechanger. Sadly, he suffered his second season-ending injury this year. Jamaal just cannot seem to stay on the field. That's the only reason he's not in the top 15 or 20.
35. Thomas Davis, LB, Panthers: Thomas Davis' arms are bigger than my entire body. This guy is a BEAST. He and Luke Kuechly are easily the premier 1-2 punch at the linebacker position. Davis is a tackling machine who strikes fear in the hearts of opposing quarterbacks and crossing wide receivers, and he's surprisingly adept in coverage given his size. He's faster than you think. The 12-0 Panthers have boasted four of the most valuable players in the NFL this season, and "TD" is the first to make my list. A fun player to watch.
34. Emmanuel Sanders, WR, Steelers: I'm still pissed my Jets didn't sign Sanders when they had the opportunity a couple of offseasons ago. But hey, John Idzik was the worst GM in the history of professional sports. He literally allowed David Nelson and Greg Salas to be our starting receivers for a portion of the 2014 season. Anyway, I digress because my blood pressure is going to escalate. Sanders is the complete package -- an excellent route runner with great versatility and hands. As a former teammate of the incredible Antonio Brown, you can see the similarities in Sanders' game. (Now that I think about it, the Steelers' wide receiver coach probably deserves a raise.) The diversity of Sanders' routes often opens up relatively easy 40-50 yard opportunities for him.
33. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals: A pro's pro; similar in a lot of ways to my "Special Mention" player earlier, Steve Smith, Sr. Fitz is getting up there in age, but he's been outstanding this season for Bruce Arians, Carson Palmer and the Cardinals. There were rumblings about his play declining in recent years, but I have always disagreed, particularly when Palmer was injured and Ryan Lindley -- arguably the worst quarterback to take a snap in 2014 -- was under center. You can't expect any veteran receiver to succeed under those circumstances. Now, with Palmer completely healthy and John Brown and Michael Floyd taking some attention away from him, Fitz has been as reliable and effective as ever. He's a class act and wonderful teammate.
31. A.J. Green, WR, Bengals: I'm not a huge A.J. Green guy because I don't like his lazy route running or lack of physicality, but he's been a consistent WR1 producer for a long time now. He's not necessarily the #1 receiver I'd like to go to war with, but there's absolutely no way to argue with his consistently excellent statistical output. He's a true, reliable, professional #1, but not the best of the best.
30. Von Miller, LB, Broncos: Pass rushers are the easiest to write about -- either they can get to the quarterback with consistency, or they can't. I think Miller is the second-best pass rusher in the world, and I think most would agree (although some may have him #1). Like I said about Chris Harris earlier, Miller was sorely missed in the Broncos' embarrassing Super Bowl appearance against the Seahawks. Who knows -- maybe it would have been a bit different if they were both healthy and active. Woulda, coulda, shoulda.
29. Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Jets: "Mo-Will" is so good against the pass that you would swear he's an outside pass rusher, but of course, he is not. Mo is an interior defensive lineman who swallows up the run and chases down quarterbacks with astonishing speed for his size. He's been the consistent anchor of the Jets' vaunted defensive line for quite some time, and he shows absolutely no signs of slowing down. This guy is going to cash in in free agency. Get your wallets open, execs.
27. Dez Bryant, WR, Cowboys: Normally a shoo-in for the top 15, Dez hasn't quite been himself since returning from injury. The flux at the quarterback position for the Cowboys hasn't helped, either. We'll see if Dez can return to elite form in 2016.
26. Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens: It's been a season to forget for "Joe Cool," but that doesn't change the fact that the NFL revolves around the quarterback position, and Joe has been one of the league's elite big-game quarterbacks throughout his career. He throws (arguably) the best deep ball in the game, but he had no one to unleash it to this season. As I correctly predicted in my preseason rankings, GM Ozzie Newsome left his quarterback out to dry with one of the weakest receiving corps in either conference. Wide receiver is the second-most important position in football. If your receivers cannot get consistent separation, your offense completely stalls. You cannot run the ball effectively without threats in the passing game. You cannot have the necessary offensive balance if your receivers fail to get loose from coverage. Flacco's still a strong professional quarterback; (prior to the injury) he just didn't have the weapons this year. Do better, Ozzie.
25. Tony Romo, QB, Cowboys: Same situation as Dez, basically. When Romo did return from injury, he didn't look like himself. Nevertheless, he's one of the greatest statistical quarterbacks in the history of the NFL, so we'll see if he can bounce back -- as Jerry Jones has already predicted he will -- next season.
23. Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions: "Megatron" has looked healthy and strong this season, but horrific playcalling from fired OC Joe Lombardi and inconsistent passing from Matthew Stafford have subdued his offensive numbers a bit. Like I said about Brandon Marshall earlier, Calvin is everything you want in a #1 receiver: big, strong, fast and a monster in the redzone. New OC Jim Bob Cooter -- yes, his name is really Jim Bob Cooter -- has done a better job keeping Golden Tate and Theo Riddick involved since taking over, so some of the defensive attention has shifted away from Megatron. Subsequently, he has taken advantage, including a three-touchdown game on Thanksgiving.
22. Jordy Nelson, WR, Packers: A perfect example of how important a true #1 receiver is. Aaron Rodgers has been considered the most complete quarterback in the world for awhile now, and yet he simply hasn't been as good without Jordy. The entire Packers team hasn't looked as good without Jordy; he's that valuable. He's big, long and athletic, but his greatest assets are his world-class hands and route running. His timing with Rodgers is impeccable. Hopefully we'll see him at 100% health next year.
20. Alshon Jeffery, WR, Bears: This guy is a giant. No one boxes out an opposing defensive back better than Alshon. He simply gets in front of them and allows Jay Cutler to toss the ball anywhere in his general vicinity. You cannot effectively cover Alshon with one DB; he really requires a double-team to keep him relatively quiet. He may be the best and most available redzone target in the world. Only knock on him is the inability to stay in the lineup with consistency.
19. Demaryius Thomas, WR, Broncos: Like A.J. Green earlier, Demaryius is simply not a "Fro guy." He may be one of the two or three most physically gifted players at his position, but Demaryius has an off-putting propensity for late-game drops in do-or-die situations. To be one of the greats, you have to perform at your best when the stakes are the highest -- a la Tom Brady or at Demaryius' position, Antonio Brown -- and Demaryius doesn't consistently do that. Nevertheless, I cannot argue with his outstanding statistical production, year over year. He does a nice job staying healthy and on the field as well. A great talent, but not as great as he could be.
18. Andy Dalton, QB, Bengals: Who knows what to believe when it comes to this guy. He's been a slightly above-average quarterback for awhile now, known best for falling apart in the postseason. Will it be different this season? Regardless, nothing about Dalton's history changes the fact that he's probably the #3 candidate for NFL MVP this year. He's been the steady force at the center of the Bengals' somewhat surprising success. We'll see if he'll be the same excellent player when it really matters.
17. Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers: I'm sorry, I just didn't have the heart to rank Dalton ahead of Rivers. Philip has been one of the top fantasy quarterbacks this season, despite the fact that the Chargers have been a trainwreck as a whole. He's a fiery warrior, and always has been. I've never been impressed by his arm strength, but he's proven me wrong throughout his outstanding professional career.
16. Justin Houston, LB, Chiefs: After quietly amassing 21 total sacks from 2012-2013, Houston -- the premier pass rusher in the game -- broke the NFL record by piling up 22 sacks in the 2014 season. The variety of his pass rush techniques is unparalleled. He can get at the quarterback from every possible angle, and he's followed up nicely with 7.5 sacks through 11 starts this year. What a combination he forms with the veteran Tamba Hali.
15. Eli Manning, QB, Giants: Of course we all know about his impressive postseason pedigree, but I don't think it's fair to label Eli as purely a "playoff quarterback." He's one of the best in the league, no matter what the circumstances because he trusts all of his teammates, and that makes him versatile and difficult to prepare for. He doesn't simply lock on Odell Beckham and pepper him with targets, and he didn't do that when Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks and/or Plaxico Burress were his favorite target, either. Like his brother, Eli reads coverages well at the line and is never afraid to audible out of a potentially disastrous playcall. Unfortunately, the Cruz injury has severely weakened the Giants' receiving corps this season, leaving Eli with solid if unspectacular stats. I think, the way he's throwing the ball, that it could have been a career year for Eli with better weapons around him. He looks completely sure of himself.
14. Russell Wilson, QB, Seahawks: I've written so much about Russell throughout the past few seasons that there isn't much left to say. The long and short of it is that he's NOT purely a "running quarterback." Those who continue to cling to that label are ignorant and simply don't watch football. (Aside: I've been noticing that there are a lot of "fans" who love to talk/post/tweet about football, but far less who actually watch and/or know what they are talking about. I watch the games as they are happening, and talk after. I try not to mix the two too often because important plays get missed.) Anyhow, Russell often finds the absolute perfect mix of run and pass. The Seahawks' offensive line has been a major collective disappointment, but Russell has found ways to work around the constant defensive pressure. After an uncharacteristically slow start to the year, it certainly feels as if he and the Seahawks are now poised for another postseason run. Russell is a dangerous player on a dangerous team.
13. Odell Beckham, WR, Giants: During the drama-filled Jets-Giants game this weekend, I said the following as a Jets fan: "I just don't feel comfortable without Revis or Marcus Williams out there because Beckham can break off a big one at any time." And that he did, snapping off a 72-yard touchdown on a routine slant play. You simply cannot let "ODB" get behind you; once you do, he's gone. Not to mention the fact that he has (arguably) the best hands in the world, combined with showstopping leaping and cutting ability. He's one of the most entertaining players in the league and a true, big-time playmaker.
12. Vontae Davis, CB, Colts: Vontae Davis is the best corner in the world. He can use his speed and physicality to play press coverage; he can give a little cushion and jump routes with impeccable timing, and he always finishes the plays he has a chance to make. Multiple times this season I have seen Vontae make an interception along the sideline or back of the endzone, while keeping both feet in bounds as well as Antonio Brown or DeAndre Hopkins. No corner should have footwork and hands as good as that. Maybe he should play both sides of the ball. He's also one of the top tacklers among cornerbacks. Boy, the lowly Dolphins have to be kicking themselves that they gave up on a talent as unique as this. That reputation as a "problem guy" goes right out the window when you become the absolute best player at your position. Nice work, Miami.
19. Demaryius Thomas, WR, Broncos: Like A.J. Green earlier, Demaryius is simply not a "Fro guy." He may be one of the two or three most physically gifted players at his position, but Demaryius has an off-putting propensity for late-game drops in do-or-die situations. To be one of the greats, you have to perform at your best when the stakes are the highest -- a la Tom Brady or at Demaryius' position, Antonio Brown -- and Demaryius doesn't consistently do that. Nevertheless, I cannot argue with his outstanding statistical production, year over year. He does a nice job staying healthy and on the field as well. A great talent, but not as great as he could be.
17. Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers: I'm sorry, I just didn't have the heart to rank Dalton ahead of Rivers. Philip has been one of the top fantasy quarterbacks this season, despite the fact that the Chargers have been a trainwreck as a whole. He's a fiery warrior, and always has been. I've never been impressed by his arm strength, but he's proven me wrong throughout his outstanding professional career.
16. Justin Houston, LB, Chiefs: After quietly amassing 21 total sacks from 2012-2013, Houston -- the premier pass rusher in the game -- broke the NFL record by piling up 22 sacks in the 2014 season. The variety of his pass rush techniques is unparalleled. He can get at the quarterback from every possible angle, and he's followed up nicely with 7.5 sacks through 11 starts this year. What a combination he forms with the veteran Tamba Hali.
13. Odell Beckham, WR, Giants: During the drama-filled Jets-Giants game this weekend, I said the following as a Jets fan: "I just don't feel comfortable without Revis or Marcus Williams out there because Beckham can break off a big one at any time." And that he did, snapping off a 72-yard touchdown on a routine slant play. You simply cannot let "ODB" get behind you; once you do, he's gone. Not to mention the fact that he has (arguably) the best hands in the world, combined with showstopping leaping and cutting ability. He's one of the most entertaining players in the league and a true, big-time playmaker.
11. Luke Kuechly, LB, Panthers: If J.J. Watt didn't exist, Kuechly would easily be the best defensive player in the NFL. I can't say enough about how incredible he has been this season and last year, for that matter. He's the unquestioned leader of the Panthers elite defense, and there's nothing he can't do at the linebacker position. Personally, I think the most impressive part of his multi-faceted game is his football IQ. He reads the quarterback's eyes better than anyone, and that's usually a distinction reserved for safeties or cornerbacks. Kuechly is a phenomenal cover linebacker who can also get to the QB and smother running backs who have entered the second level. Relative to his position, he's the perfect player.
10. Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots: If you look in the imaginary sports dictionary under "matchup problem," you will see a photo of Gronk. That's exactly what he is -- the biggest matchup problem in the NFL. How do you even try to contain 6'6", 265 pounds with speed, power and outstanding pass-catching ability? The answer is...you don't. Now when you combine Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels' offensive scheme with Tom Brady's quarterbacking, they make Gronk even more unstoppable. He's the best tight end on the planet, by far. Gronk's the crown jewel of a weak position around the league, which makes him even more valuable.
9. Julio Jones, WR, Falcons: Once again we return to the idea that the second-most important position in football is wide receiver. The Atlanta Falcons have absolutely fallen apart since opposing defenses have decided to double-team Julio throughout the game. No more single coverage, no more easy opportunities. The problem here is that Roddy White is washed up and Leonard Hankerson is not a #2 receiver. There is no one to take attention away from Julio, and the Falcons have collapsed as a result. The only way to combat a lack of quality depth at wide receiver is to have an effectively mobile quarterback, a la Russell Wilson or Cam Newton. If your quarterback stays in the pocket, you need outstanding receivers if you want to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender. As for Julio, we all know he's a gifted, physical freak. One defender just isn't enough.
7. Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings: I've never really been an Adrian Peterson guy -- I've always felt the smarter defenses contain him by loading the box and taking conservative tackle angles -- but he's proven me wrong again this season. I was unsure if he could return to form after a long hiatus from the game, but he's back and good as new. The most impressive aspect of AP's rushing attack is that you can literally see opposing defenders shying away from tackling him. When he gets running downhill with a head of steam, it's over. He's tackling you; not the other way around. However, he is leading the league in fumbles. That's always been a concerning issue of his; therefore I'm keeping him out of the top five.
6. Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers: When either Landry Jones or Michael Vick have been forced under center for the Steelers this season, they have looked like one of the weaker teams in the league. However, whenever Big Ben is healthy and calling the signals, Pittsburgh has looked like one of the top teams in the AFC. That pretty much says it all, doesn't it? We all know what Ben can do -- he's a tough warrior a la Tom Brady or Philip Rivers, and in the past three or four seasons his statistical output has really exploded. Quarterback is the most important position, and Ben is one of the absolute best in the world.
Tom Brady is the ultimate pocket quarterback. No one prepares better or understands opposing coverages as well as he does. No one makes average players look better than he does. No one competes as hard as he does, and no one wants it more than he does. To me, Tom Brady is football's Michael Jordan, minus the awe-inspiring God-given gifts. But as far as heart, toughness and competitiveness go, Tom has the same blood as Michael. He's the second-best clutch athlete I've ever seen.
On the field, I have nothing but respect for the guy. Off the field, he was really sleazy during Deflategate. Oh well, not every athlete is going to conduct his/herself with class. It's not really the Patriots way, anyway.
POSITION SUMMARY
QB: Brady (1), Rodgers (2), Newton (5), Roethlisberger (6), Wilson (14), E.Manning (15), Rivers (17), Dalton (18), Palmer (24), Romo (25), Flacco (26), Ryan (41), Carr (45), Brees (58), Mariota (69), Stafford (71), Cutler (72), Bortles (93), Tannehill (94), T.Taylor (96)
WR: Brown (3), Hopkins (8), Jones (9), Beckham (13), Thomas (19), Jeffery (20), Nelson (22), C.Johnson (23), Bryant (27), Marshall (29), Green (31), Fitzgerald (33), Sanders (34), Edelman (37), K.Allen (60), Watkins (62), Evans (64), A.Robinson (74), Maclin (84), Landry (87), Decker (88), Cooper (91)
RB: Peterson (7), Gurley (21), Charles (36), L.Bell (43), Forte (57), McCoy (59), Freeman (73), D.Martin (81), Stewart (95)
TE: Gronkowski (10), Olsen (67), Eifert (82), D.Walker (98)
DT: Wilkerson (28), Atkins (39), G.McCoy (63), A.Donald (90)
DE: Watt (4), C.Jones (38), Ansah (40), Wake (44), Dunlap (65)
LB: Kuechly (11), Houston (16), V.Miller (30), T.Davis (35), Bowman (42), T.Smith (46), L.David (47), Matthews (54), Ware (55), Wagner (70), D.Jackson (83), Hali (86), Posluszny (89), M.Smith (92)
CB: Davis (12), Norman (32), Revis (48), Sherman (49), Peterson (51), Trufant (52), Talib (61), C.Harris (68), Haden (78), J.Jenkins (80)
S: Mathieu (53), R.Jones (56), Chancellor (66), Dix (75), T.Gibson (76), M.Jenkins (79), Goldson (97), R.Nelson (100)
OL: Z.Martin (50), J.Thomas (77), Mangold (85), Yanda (99)
** ALL COMMENTS/ARGUMENTS ARE WELCOME! **
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