NFL Top 50

[AlphaBean]

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/7423842

1. Peyton Manning, QB, Colts: He has been the best quarterback, and now he's clearly the best player. The only thing missing is a Super Bowl victory. 2. Ray Lewis, LB, Ravens: This is the best middle linebacker to play the game, which is high praise. Some said Lewis' play tailed off some last season when a shoulder injury forced him to change his tackling some. But he still gets to the football better than any middle/inside linebacker in history. 3. Steve McNair, QB, Titans: The co-MVP from last season has made major strides the past two years because of his ability to stay in the pocket. He can carry a team: and he does. 4. Priest Holmes, RB, Chiefs: The numbers he puts up are simply amazing, especially when you consider he was not drafted. So much for that hip injury slowing him down. 5. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers: He is a special player on a not-so-special team. He may never get his due playing for the Chargers, which isn't right. 6. Randy Moss, WR, Vikings: His statistics don't make him the best in the league, but ask most personnel guys and most defensive backs and they'll say Moss is the best. On this list, he is the highest-ranked receiver. 7. Marvin Harrison, WR, Colts: He didn't put up the same numbers as he did in 2002, but still put up some impressive numbers. Manning spread the ball more last season, which helped the Colts offense, but hurt Harrison's numbers. 8. Kris Jenkins, DT, Panthers: The best inside player in the game, a force who can play the run and also get pressure on the quarterback. The argument about Warren Sapp or Jenkins is over now. This may seem high, but ask the offensive coordinators who face him. 9. Champ Bailey, CB, Broncos: Bailey and Charles Woodson of the Raiders are the two best corners in the game (sorry, Ty Law). Some scouts said Bailey tailed off some last year, but others say he remains the league's best. 10. Jonathan Ogden, T, Ravens: Remains the best tackle in the game, a dominant run blocker who also is one heck of a pass protector. Only downside is a lack of a mean streak. 11. Clinton Portis, RB, Redskins: He may be the best pure runner in the game, and now he can show that he wasn't just a product of the Denver system. Joe Gibbs will love this guy. 12. Tom Brady, QB, Patriots: He has made a believer out of us. He's perfect for what the Patriots want him to do, which is to be effective in the high-percentage passing game. Two Super Bowls in three years. Wow. 13. Jamal Lewis, RB, Ravens: His legal issues aside, this is a player coming off a 2,000-yard rushing season, playing for a team that didn't throw it that well, either. He's a powerful runner. 14. Richard Seymour, DE, Patriots: Can dominate at end and tackle, depending on the scheme being used. Really came on late last season to dominate after a slow start. 15. Ahman Green, RB, Packers: In a league where the running backs are king, he is among the best. Green can run with it and catch, making him a duel threat. 16. Chris McAlister, CB, Ravens: A physical corner who can beat up a receiver, yet still turn and run with them. Coming off his best season. 17. Mike Strahan, DE, Giants: Quietly had one heck of a season in 2003, but now must deal with playing for a coach he obviously cares little about. 18. Brett Favre, QB, Packers: He's still one heck of a gunslinger, owning the big arm and demeanor to be great. His skills have eroded a bit, but not much. 19. Michael Vick, QB, Falcons: The leg injury set him back a bunch last year, but he has the skills to move into the top five next year. He does have to grow as a pocket passer. 20. Deuce McAllister, RB, Saints: A big-play threat who can also get the tough yards. He is another undervalued player who doesn't get his due. 21. Charles Woodson, CB, Raiders: Battled through injuries last season, but still played at a high level. Teams did pick on him a little more than in the past, but he still is a shut-down corner. 22. Al Wilson, MLB, Broncos: The Broncos did the right thing signing him to a long-term deal. Wilson plays the game with an attitude and he has the speed to chase down backs and play the pass. 23. Ty Law, CB, Patriots: He was outstanding last year in helping the Patriots win the Super Bowl. Has wonderful man cover skills, but also has a knack for playing the ball in zone coverage. 24. Brian Dawkins, S, Eagles: The hard-hitting safety will have to play even better with the loss of the two starting corners. Can impact the game from the safety spot, which is rare. 25. Derrick Brooks, LB, Bucs: With Warren Sapp and John Lynch gone, this is clearly Brooks' defense -- if it wasn't already. Brooks topped this list last year, but he falls a bit this time around. 26. Orlando Pace, T, Rams: He doesn't always seem to care about the game, reflecting a lack of passion. But he has the tools to dominate when he wants to do so. Has amazing feet for a man his size. 27. Julian Peterson, LB, 49ers: His multi-dimensional skills shined last year, but a nasty contract situation could impact his season. When he's on the field, he's an all-round player and key to the 49ers defense. 28. Tony Gonzalez, TE, Chiefs: He still rates as the best pass-catching tight end in the game, a weapon who helps offset the fact the Chiefs do not have big-play receivers. 29. Torry Holt, WR, Rams: No matter who plays quarterback, Holt is a consistent threat down the field. Holt's skills have improved each year, and he's now in his prime. 30. Brian Urlacher, LB, Bears: The trendy talk is that he didn't play that well last season, that he tends to run around blocks. He's not the power linebacker Dick Butkus was when he played for the Bears, but he's a playmaker, which is why he's one of the best. Not in the Lewis' class. 31. LaVar Arrington, LB, Redskins: He isn't as good as people rate him, in large part because he freelances too much. But he has all the tools. Gregg Williams will make him a better player. 32. Terrell Owens, WR, Eagles: This is a hard-working player who takes far too much grief for his antics. He's a big-play receiver who will help change the Eagles offense. 33. Marcus Stroud, DT, Jaguars: A riser on this board, Stroud went to his first Pro Bowl last season. It won't be his last as he moves near the top of the defensive tackle ratings. 34. Jason Taylor, DE, Dolphins: Even though there's a perception that Adewale Ogunleye is the better end on the Miami defense, more scouts would still take Taylor. 35. Jeremy Shockey, TE, Giants: He hasn't lived up to the hype, but every single team would take him in a minute. He has to stay healthy, and that's questionable now. 36. Walter Jones, T, Seahawks: He excels in pass protection, but, like Pace and Ogden, he doesn't play with a nasty streak. 37. Ed Reed, S, Ravens: Reed had a break-out year in his second season, showing outstanding cover skills and the ability to come up and thump against the run. 38. Donovan McNabb, QB, Eagles: After a slow start last season, McNabb bounced back to play well. Now the pressure is on even more with the no-receivers excuse gone with the signing of Terrell Owens. 39. Fred Taylor, RB, Jaguars: Two years without a missed game has helped him throw away the "Fragile Fred" label. He is the most underrated player in the league. 40. Todd Heap, TE, Ravens: His numbers are stunted by the offense he plays in, but he has the same type of tools as Shockey. As Kyle Boller grows this season, look for Heap to put up better numbers. 41. Takeo Spikes, LB, Bills: Had his best season last year, his first with the Bills. Has the speed coaches love, and has learned to harness it and play under control more. 42. Simeon Rice, DE, Bucs: His play tailed off some from 2002, but he still remains a threat off the corner. Look for a bounce-back year from Rice. 43. Roy Williams, S, Cowboys: This will be the season where his skills really shine now that he is comfortable with the defense. He has amazing ability for a safety his size. 44. Patrick Surtain, CB, Dolphins: In the past two years, he has clearly moved way past teammate Sam Madison in terms of coverage ability. 45. Keith Bulluck, LB, Titans: Another of the more underrated players in the league. Bulluck is an active player who always seems to be around the ball. 46. Chad Johnson, WR, Bengals: There is no more doubting that he is better than his more heralded cousin, Keyshawn. This is a big-play receiver. Just ask him. 47. Ricky Williams, RB, Dolphins: Miami's poor line play last season hurt Williams, but he also didn't have the same burst to the hole as he did in 2002. The alleged failed drug test is hanging over this season already. 48. Andre Johnson, WR, Texans: The leap for receivers going from their first to second seasons is usually a big one. That doesn't bode well for defensive backs readying to face Johnson. 49. Jevon Kearse, DE, Eagles: If his foot injury holds up, he is capable of a 15-sack season. That's a big if, though. Would be higher if he had been healthy last season. 50. Steve Hutchinson, G, Seahawks: He is the best guard in the league, which is why he's on this list. Has great athletic ability, but he's also a mauler when need be.

Only one Viking.

VICK for fucks sake. He's gotta be the most overrated player in the history of sports.

Oh, and Vince Carter.

Highlight reel = talent.

[AlphaBean]

Before someone else corrects me, let me just say that both Vick and Carter have talent, but they lack skill. Vince can dunk and sometimes put up a three pointer, but he's never proven that he has the ability to win.

Vick can destroy you with his legs, and has one hell of an arm, but really, if he couldn't run, what would he have?

He's not a QB. He's a halfback with a lower number.

The Falcons should run the 5-WR set all the time next year.

[Kris P Lettus]

20. Deuce McAllister, RB, Saints: A big-play threat who can also get the tough yards. He is another undervalued player who doesn't get his due.

[DaveWadding]

Originally Posted by AlphaBean Vick can destroy you with his legs, and has one hell of an arm, but really, if he couldn't run, what would he have?

One hell of an arm?

Brett Favre has no legs, but how does that make him any less than the Greatest QB of the past decade?

Also, I think Daunte Culpepper should have made the list.

and, of course, Nate Poole.

[AlphaBean]

Originally Posted by DaveWadding One hell of an arm? Brett Favre has no legs, but how does that make him any less than the Greatest QB of the past decade? Also, I think Daunte Culpepper should have made the list. and, of course, Nate Poole.

Favre has accuracy.

Vick can throw it from endzone to endzone, that doesn't mean he can put touch on the ball or have aim.

Pep can throw it 80 yards on a fucking dime, hitting Moss in stride right over his shoulder for the most beautiful hookups ever. Granted, Moss helps out with his ability to time his routes perfectly... but Pep has the best arm of the scrambling QBs...

McNair doesn't count, because he's a pocket QB through and through now.

And McNabb has a pretty bunk arm. I don't know what he's on that list for.

[HeartBreakMan2k]

And just where is Brock Lesnar on that list?! He's the next big thing I tell you

[Kris P Lettus]

Originally Posted by AlphaBean McNair doesn't count, because he's a pocket QB through and through now.

But he has strength and accuracy...

p.s.he's the f'n man..

[Bo]

Originally Posted by Kris P Lettus But he has strength and accuracy... p.s.he's the f'n man..

This man speaks the truth.

Plus look at the avitar.<<<<<<<<<<<<

[DaveWadding]

Originally Posted by AlphaBean And McNabb has a pretty bunk arm. I don't know what he's on that list for.

Because everybody wants to see him succeed because he's black, duh.

[BCWWF]

I think the top 8 or 9 on that list are good, but after that I don't know. I don't know if Wadding was kidding, but it seems like Culpepper could should have made that list. I'm not a huge fan of his, but I think he is better than Andre Johnson or Todd Heap.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

I think Vick gets a lot of hype but he is the real deal. A lot of people mistake his running ability as being his ONLY skill. He can throw the ball. I'm not just talking about throwing bombs or anything like that. He can make all the throws that he needs to make to be successful, and he throws them well.

[AlphaBean]

Originally Posted by sTiMa34 I think Vick gets a lot of hype but he is the real deal. A lot of people mistake his running ability as being his ONLY skill. He can throw the ball. I'm not just talking about throwing bombs or anything like that. He can make all the throws that he needs to make to be successful, and he throws them well.

A good QB can throw it into coverage, read coverages, whatever.

Vick runs around until someone is open.

Tampa Bay took away his legs. Without his legs, Vick falls apart. He's a halfback with a cannon arm. His accuracy is shit. Most overrated player in the NFL.

Besides Shockey.

[Boomer]

Originally Posted by AlphaBean A good QB can throw it into coverage, read coverages, whatever. Vick runs around until someone is open. Tampa Bay took away his legs. Without his legs, Vick falls apart. He's a halfback with a cannon arm. His accuracy is shit. Most overrated player in the NFL. Besides Shockey.

And yet the Falcons seem to win more with him there.

Yes, I can see how some people think he's overrated. But I'm a Georgian, and he's brought more hope to the Falcons than any other player has for any other team I've ever watched. And the Falcons are catering to his needs.

Falcons are doing alot of changes this year. West Coast. 4-3. But Vick finally has some recievers to throw to and some CBs to get him back on offense.

[The Miz]

Woodson is waaaaaaaay too high

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

I like seeing Ed Reed on that list

He is nasty...He doesnt seem to get as much as coverage either but I think he should. He is like Ray Lewis Jr. out there in the secondary

[FearedSanctity]

Not enough Broncos on that list.

I can't think of Al Wilson without laughing. For those who saw the game when Denver played New England last year on MNF, you'll know why.

[Crimson]

Kellen Winslow will be there next year baby.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Yea he is a fucking solider!!!!!!!

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

or warrior?

[VonErich Lives]

Manning #1?

I stopped reading there...

He's not the best all around player.

He's not the best athlete.

He might not even be the best QB in the league.

Give me RB like LT or Rickey Williams or Portis guys who can run, catch and block or a WR like TO or Harrison, game breakers or a LB like Ray Lewis, Zack Thomas, Tedi Bruschi who can shut down a running game, DB's like Law or Bailey or a DL like Jason Taylor.

Indy gave him way too much money, there cap is screwed and so is their team. There going to lose either Harrison or James, possible both. but that's a different story.

Back to the original question, #1 wouldn't be manning, that's for sure.

[VonErich Lives]

ok, read a few more and this list makes no sense... they tout manning for being the best player and best QB and then put Brady high up for "doing what they need him to do"...

Either this is on talent or on your team/role... either way, manning still isn't #1.

He breaks down under pressure and throws tantrums like Marino used to... different is, Marino was always pissed off, peyton just seems whiney... maybe he'll change... time will tell!

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Yea I think Ray Lewis is the best player in the NFL

He has the type of ability to make everyone else around him on the defense play better, where as Manning already has a bunch of offensive weapons surrounding him and I think they make him look better then he really is

[BCWWF]

Manning is #1 because he is the best at playing the most important position

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by BCWWF Manning is #1 because he is the best at playing the most important position

You could argue QB being "most important", especially if you look at superbowl wins by QB's who would be called "average" but surrounded by a good offense, great OL/Running game and good defense.

But for the sake of arguement, let's say it's the most important position in the NFL.

He's still not even the top QB.

If your talking a QB that does his job and wins, I'd take Brady.

If your talking skill, I'd take MCNair or McNabb

I'm not saying Manning is a bad QB, but not #1.

Brady, McNair, McNabb, Favre even at age 34? is still a great QB. Heck, I might even take Pennington before Manning... both have physical talent, both are smart QB's, Pennington seems not to rattle as much under pressure.

Now, if I'm picking a fantasy team, then yeah, Manning will put up numbers, but numbers don't make someone the best QB, an average QB puts up great numbers on the right offense.

[The Outlaw]

Originally Posted by VonErich Lives If your talking skill, I'd take MCNair or McNabb

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by The Outlaw

I gotta give those two the nod over Manning.

Arm/Accuracy there all about the same, but McNabb and McNair can get out of the pocket, move, throw on the run and run w/ the ball.

All things Manning has trouble with.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Not when it counts the most

[The Miz]

Is Shawn Alexander seriously not on that list?

[The Outlaw]

Originally Posted by The Miz Is Shaun Alexander seriously not on that list?

[Bo]

Originally Posted by The Miz Is Shawn Alexander seriously not on that list?

Yeah I know its a shame.

[Boomer]

And yeah, Shockey is way overrated. One of my worst fantasy picks last year.

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by Boomer And yeah, Shockey is way overrated. One of my worst fantasy picks last year.

Wait till this season... if he's healthy, has a real QB....

He has the physical tools to be one of the best TE's.

As for Fantasy, doesn't matter how great a player is or isn't, it's the role in the team and your league scoring. If your in a TD league a FB who goes 5 carries for 3 yds every game but 1 or 2 of those carries are TD's is a league MVP.

[DaveWadding]

Originally Posted by VonErich Lives Wait till this season... if he's healthy, has a real QB....

Yeah, Warner

I love that guy dearly, but he's done.

[Gonzo]

I think Peyton is a good QB, the best? Perhaps. Vick is what we call an "athlete". He has natural abilities such as his ability to run, throw and make plays. As far as an all around QB he isn't as good as everyone in the media makes him out to be.

As for Shockey being overrated; I am a Giants fan so of course this is going to look biased but I will say it anyway:

If you watch the games that Shockey is in you will see that he brings energy to all the other players around him. He doesn't score a whole hell of a lot, but he makes catches when they are important (I can remember one ball he dropped for no reason). Granted Heap and Gonzalez are good, I think Gonzalez is better too, but Heap is the prime receiving target on the Ravens therefore his numbers get padded. Stats lie, that is why Shockey doesn't look as good on paper. If you watch all the games, like I do, then you will see why everyone touts Shockey as being good.

[DaveWadding]

Originally Posted by Angry Irishman Heap is the prime receiving target on the Ravens therefore his numbers get padded.

Not true. He is just the most consistent.

[DaveWadding]

Heap or Gonzo own Jerkemey Suckey

[Boomer]

What do you expect from Vick? This is his 4th year in the NFL. Cut him some slack. He's young. He's got plenty of time to hone his talents.

[Gonzo]

Originally Posted by Boomer What do you expect from Vick? This is his 4th year in the NFL. Cut him some slack. He's young. He's got plenty of time to hone his talents.

I agree to a certain extent. He has had a tough time dealing with injuries. In order for him to take his game to the next level he needs to learn to use the pocket more and only scramble when nescessary. He won't last very long if he continues his style of play in the NFL. Defenses adapt and his game won't be good enough forever.

[Boomer]

Originally Posted by Angry Irishman I agree to a certain extent. He has had a tough time dealing with injuries. In order for him to take his game to the next level he needs to learn to use the pocket more and only scramble when nescessary. He won't last very long if he continues his style of play in the NFL. Defenses adapt and his game won't be good enough forever.

That's why they are giong West Coast. Quick pocket passes. If nothing develops, he does his thing.

[VonErich Lives]

Vick has great tools and is fun to watch and while he's got a great arm he's not a "great passer" yet. Heck, Rohan Davey who will most likely be #3 again for the Pats can toss it 50-70yds from his knees, doesn't mean I want him running a team just yet.

The injury hurt Vick, he lost time, and possible changed his style, it was the whole argument used on Cunningham, Stewart and even Brunell, good qb's, great tools, but to be truely great people argued they needed to stay in the pocket, become a pocket passer and then run when needed or not expected, rather then say a Flutie who had to run (cause he couldn't throw from the pocket most of the time).

In cunninghams case, he proved people wrong, he was a good passer still playing "his style", in Stewarts case, many think keeping him "in the pocket" is what hurt his career.

The problem w/ a "Running Qb" is while it's fun to watch and may put points on the board, anytime your QB is closer to a defender then his OL, he's "at risk" so many teams are afraid to let their QB run wild.

I think Vick has the tools and from reports to head, to learn the passing game, and step back so he can throw first and run second rather then the other way around... wouldn't be shocked if this becomes his "break out" year.