Thursday, June 02, 2005
SPORTS AND B'S NFL PLAYER RANKINGS
I've never done a full-blown player ranking post before. But I figured that this would be a good time to do just that. Somebody cares about my opinion when it comes to football, right?
My criteria for the 2005 Sports and Bremertonians NFL Player Rankings:
1) These are my personal rankings.
2) Statistics don't always matter.
I've ranked every position. Top 10 in all positions except the offensive line and fullback. I've ranked the Top 5 in the OL categories (center, guard, tackle). Top 3 for fullbacks.
2005 SPORTS AND BREMERTONIANS NFL PLAYER RANKINGS
OFFENSE
QUARTERBACKS
1) Peyton Manning, IND
49 touchdowns in 2004
2) Tom Brady, NE
Can't argue with 3 Super Bowl titles in 4 seasons as a starter
3) Daunte Culpepper, MIN
4,717 passing yards and 39 touchdowns in 2004
4) Donovan McNabb, PHI
Big 5 finally got to the Super Bowl last season
5) Matt Hasselbeck, SEA
Accurate passer, unquestioned leader of Seahawks offense
6) Brett Favre, GB
I can rank Favre 6th. Why? It’s my list, that’s why!
7) Michael Vick, ATL
When healthy, the Falcons are a legitimate contender
8) Drew Brees, SD
2004 wasn't a fluke for the former Purdue star
9) Jake Delhomme, CAR
Hey Saints fans, Aaron Brooks or Delhomme?
10) Trent Green, KC
It's not all Priest Holmes in Kansas City
RUNNING BACKS
1) LaDainian Tomlinson, SD
Most complete running back in football
2) Curtis Martin, NYJ
Possibly the most underrated player of our generation
3) Shaun Alexander, SEA
Mr. Consistency. But Maurice Morris is better, right? Didn’t think so.
4) Corey Dillon, NE
That’s no cancer, baby
5) Priest Holmes, KC
He lives to please fantasy footballers everywhere
6) Willis McGahee, BUF
He wasn’t 100 percent in 2004. Scary.
7) Deuce McAllister, NO
The Deuce will be loose from New Orleans after 2005
8) Edgerrin James, IND
Not the same player he once was, but still a solid back
9) Rudi Johnson, CIN
Very solid piece of a Bengals offense that will be one of the league's best in 2005
10) Jamal Lewis, BAL
Has had a very eventful offseason
FULLBACKS
1) Mack Strong, SEA
He's a Pro Bowler in my book
2) Tony Richardson, KC
Another vital piece of the high-powered Chiefs offense
3) Fred Beasley, SF
New head coach Mike Nolan will use Beasley more than Dennis Erickson did
WIDE RECEIVERS
1) Marvin Harrison, IND
Not flashy, but he doesn’t have to be
2) Terrell Owens, PHI
Love him or hate him, he comes to play
3) Randy Moss, OAK
Great fit for the Black Hole
4) Hines Ward, PIT
The toughest receiver in football
5) Chad Johnson, CIN
Former Beaver has a Trojan passing to him. Not a bad combination.
6) Muhsin Muhammad, CHI
Rex Grossman will like Mr. Muhammad
7) Torry Holt, STL
He should be higher, but it’s my list
8) Chris Chambers, MIA
Who will throw the ball to him down in South Beach?
9) Derrick Mason, BAL
Best receiver in Ravens history (1996-present) and he hasn't played a game in Baltimore yet
10) Javon Walker, GB
Don't worry Packers fans, he will be play this season
TIGHT ENDS
1) Tony Gonzalez, KC
Best tight end of the past 20 years
2) Alge Crumpler, ATL
Great weapon for Vick
3) Antonio Gates, SD
Not just a Golden Flash in the pan
4) Jason Witten, DAL
Jay Novacek for the new millennium
5) Todd Heap, BAL
He would be higher on the list if he could just stay healthy
6) Dallas Clark, IND
The Colts won’t miss Marcus Pollard
7) Randy McMichael, MIA
See Chris Chambers
8) Daniel Graham, NE
He may be Tom Brady's favorite receiver soon
9) Bubba Franks, GB
Solid performer from the U
10) Doug Jolley, NYJ
New offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger can't wait to use the former Raider
CENTERS
1) Kevin Mawae, NYJ
Former Seahawk still getting it done
2) Olin Kreutz, CHI
Just one of many solid linemen from the UW
3) Matt Birk, MIN
Harvard Man
4) Jeff Saturday, IND
Name’s Saturday, plays on Sundays
5) Mike Flanagan, GB
Was missed in 2004 by Brett Favre and co.
GUARDS
1) Steve Hutchinson, SEA
1/2 of the best left side in NFL along with Walter Jones
2) Will Shields, KC
The Chiefs offensive line is the best in NFL
3) Brian Waters, KC
See Shields
4) Alan Faneca, PIT
Man of steel in the Steel City
5) Mike Wahle, CAR
A big loss for Green Bay
TACKLES
1) Walter Jones, SEA
Best offensive lineman in football
2) Jonathan Ogden, BAL
Tall. Very tall.
3) Willie Roaf, KC
Pine Bluff, AR is his hometown (my current hometown)
4) Orlando Pace, STL
Pancake maker
5) Robert Gallery, OAK
Too high? He's going to be a Top 5 tackle very soon.
DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE ENDS
1) Dwight Freeney, IND
Undisputedly the best part of a so-so Colts defense
2) Julius Peppers, CAR
Cornerstone of very good Panthers defensive line
3) Richard Seymour, NE
Right up there with Freeney as far as best DE’s in the AFC go
4) Jason Taylor, MIA
Pass rushing machine
5) Mike Rucker, CAR
Part of best DE tandem in the NFL (Peppers)
6) Bertrand Berry, ARZ
Anchor of a Cardinals defense that should be better in 2005
7) Simeon Rice, TB
Isn't finished yet
8) Shaun Ellis, NYJ
He, not John Abraham, is the best DE on the Jets roster
9) Trevor Pryce, DEN
Can he stay healthy in 2005?
10) Grant Wistrom, SEA
The Seahawks missed Wistrom in a big way when he was hurt in 2004
DEFENSIVE TACKLES
1) Kris Jenkins, CAR
Hurt in 2004, but is still the best defensive tackle in the NFL today
2) Marcus Stroud, JAX
Forms best DT tandem in the NFL along with John Henderson
3) Kevin Williams, MIN
Made Chris Hovan expendable
4) La’Roi Glover, DAL
Still productive
5) Shaun Rogers, DET
Best player on a Lions defense that isn’t that bad
6) John Henderson, JAX
See Marcus Stroud
7) Jamal Williams, SD
Solid 3-4 performer
8) Sam Adams, BUF
Immovable object
9) Corey Simon, PHI
He could play with more fire, but is still one of the better DTs out there
10) Rod Coleman, ATL
The Falcons stole him from Oakland last season
INSIDE LINEBACKERS
1) Ray Lewis, BAL
The best linebacker of our generation
2) James Farrior, PIT
The MVP of a 15-1 Steelers team from a year ago
3) Zach Thomas, MIA
Size doesn’t matter
4) Tedy Bruschi, NE
Will he play in 2005?
5) Keith Brooking, ATL
Most underrated defensive player in the NFL
6) Jonathan Vilma, NYJ
Superstar
7) Ed Hartwell, ATL
New piece to a Falcons defense that played in the NFC title game last season
8) Al Wilson, DEN
Very hard hitter
9) Brian Urlacher, CHI
His image is more prevalent than his game, at least IMO
10) Donnie Edwards, SD
Big mistake by the Chiefs to let this guy leave town
OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS
1) Derrick Brooks, TB
Right up there with Ray Lewis
2) Keith Bulluck, TEN
Leader of the Titans defense
3) Jamie Sharper, SEA
Huge free agent signing by the Seahawks
4) Terrell Suggs, BAL
Could line up at defensive end more often in 2005
5) Takeo Spikes, BUF
Former Bengal not missing Cincinnati one bit
6) Joey Porter, PIT
Emotional player
7) Marcus Washington, WSH
The Redskins defense isn’t the problem in D.C.
8) Brian Simmons, CIN
A key cog of Marvin Lewis’ defense in Cincinnati
9) D.J. Williams, DEN
Breakout star in 2005
10) LaVar Arrington, WSH
He’s not a Top 5 linebacker. Top 10? Yes.
CORNERBACKS
1) Chris McAlister, BAL
Most physical cornerback in the NFL
2) Champ Bailey, DEN
Lives up to the shutdown corner rep
3) Patrick Surtain, KC
A major acquisition for a woeful Chiefs defense
4) Samari Rolle, BAL
If only the Ravens still played the Titans twice a year
5) Antoine Winfield, MIN
One of the bright spots of the Vikings defense
6) Nate Clements, BUF
Aggressive
7) Sam Madison, MIA
Will have to be the main man in a depleted Miami secondary
8) Chris Gamble, CAR
Had 6 INT in 2004, tying Ken Lucas for the NFC INT lead
9) Ken Lucas, CAR
The Panthers opened up their wallets for the former Seahawk
10) Marcus Trufant, SEA
Soon to be a Top 5 corner
SAFETIES
1) Ed Reed, BAL
As good as Ray Lewis is, Reed may just be the best player on the Ravens defense
2) Roy Williams, DAL
Horse collar or no horse collar, Williams will remain among the top safeties in the game
3) Rodney Harrison, NE
Unceremoniously dumped by San Diego, who’s laughing now?
4) Donovin Darius, JAX
May be his final season in Jacksonville in 2005
5) Brian Dawkins, PHI
Veteran who's vital to the Eagles defense
6) Tony Parrish, SF
Too bad he plays for the awful 49ers
7) Mike Brown, CHI
Had an injury-plagued 2004 season, but should rebound in 2005
8) Corey Chavous, MIN
Instinctive
9) Tank Williams, TEN
As good as his name
10) Michael Boulware, SEA
Will only get better
SPECIAL TEAMS
KICKERS
1) Adam Vinatieri, NE
Clutch is everything in life
2) Mike Vanderjagt, IND
Idiot kicker?
3) David Akers, PHI
Where’s he from? Louisville!
4) Josh Brown, SEA
He’s money and he knows it
5) Jason Elam, DEN
Altitude, baby
6) Sebastian Janikowski, OAK
Fits right in with the Raiders
7) Jason Hanson, DET
Former Washington State star
8) Matt Stover, BAL
Accurate as they come
9) Jeff Wilkins, STL
Easy 3 points in the Edward Jones Dome
10) Olindo Mare, MIA
He's been around forever, it seems like
PUNTERS
1) Shane Lechler, OAK
By far, the best punter in football
2) Todd Sauerbrun, DEN
He’s going to love the Mile High City
3) Craig Hentrich, TEN
Can kick field goals if called upon
4) Hunter Smith, IND
Averaged 45.2 yds/punt in 2004
5) Chris Gardocki, PIT
Unsung hero in the Steel City
6) Mitch Berger, NO
Produced in the Metrodome. Now producing in the Superdome
7) Chris Hanson, JAX
Hang time!
8) Mike Scifres, SD
Did a solid job replacing longtime punter Darren Bennett
9) Jeff Feagles, NYG
Still producing
10) Brad Maynard, CHI
A defense’s best friend
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Agree? Disagree? Use the comments box. Rankings are subjective and are more than likely to spark debate one way or the other. At least I hope it will, anyway.
My criteria for the 2005 Sports and Bremertonians NFL Player Rankings:
1) These are my personal rankings.
2) Statistics don't always matter.
I've ranked every position. Top 10 in all positions except the offensive line and fullback. I've ranked the Top 5 in the OL categories (center, guard, tackle). Top 3 for fullbacks.
2005 SPORTS AND BREMERTONIANS NFL PLAYER RANKINGS
OFFENSE
QUARTERBACKS
1) Peyton Manning, IND
49 touchdowns in 2004
2) Tom Brady, NE
Can't argue with 3 Super Bowl titles in 4 seasons as a starter
3) Daunte Culpepper, MIN
4,717 passing yards and 39 touchdowns in 2004
4) Donovan McNabb, PHI
Big 5 finally got to the Super Bowl last season
5) Matt Hasselbeck, SEA
Accurate passer, unquestioned leader of Seahawks offense
6) Brett Favre, GB
I can rank Favre 6th. Why? It’s my list, that’s why!
7) Michael Vick, ATL
When healthy, the Falcons are a legitimate contender
8) Drew Brees, SD
2004 wasn't a fluke for the former Purdue star
9) Jake Delhomme, CAR
Hey Saints fans, Aaron Brooks or Delhomme?
10) Trent Green, KC
It's not all Priest Holmes in Kansas City
RUNNING BACKS
1) LaDainian Tomlinson, SD
Most complete running back in football
2) Curtis Martin, NYJ
Possibly the most underrated player of our generation
3) Shaun Alexander, SEA
Mr. Consistency. But Maurice Morris is better, right? Didn’t think so.
4) Corey Dillon, NE
That’s no cancer, baby
5) Priest Holmes, KC
He lives to please fantasy footballers everywhere
6) Willis McGahee, BUF
He wasn’t 100 percent in 2004. Scary.
7) Deuce McAllister, NO
The Deuce will be loose from New Orleans after 2005
8) Edgerrin James, IND
Not the same player he once was, but still a solid back
9) Rudi Johnson, CIN
Very solid piece of a Bengals offense that will be one of the league's best in 2005
10) Jamal Lewis, BAL
Has had a very eventful offseason
FULLBACKS
1) Mack Strong, SEA
He's a Pro Bowler in my book
2) Tony Richardson, KC
Another vital piece of the high-powered Chiefs offense
3) Fred Beasley, SF
New head coach Mike Nolan will use Beasley more than Dennis Erickson did
WIDE RECEIVERS
1) Marvin Harrison, IND
Not flashy, but he doesn’t have to be
2) Terrell Owens, PHI
Love him or hate him, he comes to play
3) Randy Moss, OAK
Great fit for the Black Hole
4) Hines Ward, PIT
The toughest receiver in football
5) Chad Johnson, CIN
Former Beaver has a Trojan passing to him. Not a bad combination.
6) Muhsin Muhammad, CHI
Rex Grossman will like Mr. Muhammad
7) Torry Holt, STL
He should be higher, but it’s my list
8) Chris Chambers, MIA
Who will throw the ball to him down in South Beach?
9) Derrick Mason, BAL
Best receiver in Ravens history (1996-present) and he hasn't played a game in Baltimore yet
10) Javon Walker, GB
Don't worry Packers fans, he will be play this season
TIGHT ENDS
1) Tony Gonzalez, KC
Best tight end of the past 20 years
2) Alge Crumpler, ATL
Great weapon for Vick
3) Antonio Gates, SD
Not just a Golden Flash in the pan
4) Jason Witten, DAL
Jay Novacek for the new millennium
5) Todd Heap, BAL
He would be higher on the list if he could just stay healthy
6) Dallas Clark, IND
The Colts won’t miss Marcus Pollard
7) Randy McMichael, MIA
See Chris Chambers
8) Daniel Graham, NE
He may be Tom Brady's favorite receiver soon
9) Bubba Franks, GB
Solid performer from the U
10) Doug Jolley, NYJ
New offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger can't wait to use the former Raider
CENTERS
1) Kevin Mawae, NYJ
Former Seahawk still getting it done
2) Olin Kreutz, CHI
Just one of many solid linemen from the UW
3) Matt Birk, MIN
Harvard Man
4) Jeff Saturday, IND
Name’s Saturday, plays on Sundays
5) Mike Flanagan, GB
Was missed in 2004 by Brett Favre and co.
GUARDS
1) Steve Hutchinson, SEA
1/2 of the best left side in NFL along with Walter Jones
2) Will Shields, KC
The Chiefs offensive line is the best in NFL
3) Brian Waters, KC
See Shields
4) Alan Faneca, PIT
Man of steel in the Steel City
5) Mike Wahle, CAR
A big loss for Green Bay
TACKLES
1) Walter Jones, SEA
Best offensive lineman in football
2) Jonathan Ogden, BAL
Tall. Very tall.
3) Willie Roaf, KC
Pine Bluff, AR is his hometown (my current hometown)
4) Orlando Pace, STL
Pancake maker
5) Robert Gallery, OAK
Too high? He's going to be a Top 5 tackle very soon.
DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE ENDS
1) Dwight Freeney, IND
Undisputedly the best part of a so-so Colts defense
2) Julius Peppers, CAR
Cornerstone of very good Panthers defensive line
3) Richard Seymour, NE
Right up there with Freeney as far as best DE’s in the AFC go
4) Jason Taylor, MIA
Pass rushing machine
5) Mike Rucker, CAR
Part of best DE tandem in the NFL (Peppers)
6) Bertrand Berry, ARZ
Anchor of a Cardinals defense that should be better in 2005
7) Simeon Rice, TB
Isn't finished yet
8) Shaun Ellis, NYJ
He, not John Abraham, is the best DE on the Jets roster
9) Trevor Pryce, DEN
Can he stay healthy in 2005?
10) Grant Wistrom, SEA
The Seahawks missed Wistrom in a big way when he was hurt in 2004
DEFENSIVE TACKLES
1) Kris Jenkins, CAR
Hurt in 2004, but is still the best defensive tackle in the NFL today
2) Marcus Stroud, JAX
Forms best DT tandem in the NFL along with John Henderson
3) Kevin Williams, MIN
Made Chris Hovan expendable
4) La’Roi Glover, DAL
Still productive
5) Shaun Rogers, DET
Best player on a Lions defense that isn’t that bad
6) John Henderson, JAX
See Marcus Stroud
7) Jamal Williams, SD
Solid 3-4 performer
8) Sam Adams, BUF
Immovable object
9) Corey Simon, PHI
He could play with more fire, but is still one of the better DTs out there
10) Rod Coleman, ATL
The Falcons stole him from Oakland last season
INSIDE LINEBACKERS
1) Ray Lewis, BAL
The best linebacker of our generation
2) James Farrior, PIT
The MVP of a 15-1 Steelers team from a year ago
3) Zach Thomas, MIA
Size doesn’t matter
4) Tedy Bruschi, NE
Will he play in 2005?
5) Keith Brooking, ATL
Most underrated defensive player in the NFL
6) Jonathan Vilma, NYJ
Superstar
7) Ed Hartwell, ATL
New piece to a Falcons defense that played in the NFC title game last season
8) Al Wilson, DEN
Very hard hitter
9) Brian Urlacher, CHI
His image is more prevalent than his game, at least IMO
10) Donnie Edwards, SD
Big mistake by the Chiefs to let this guy leave town
OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS
1) Derrick Brooks, TB
Right up there with Ray Lewis
2) Keith Bulluck, TEN
Leader of the Titans defense
3) Jamie Sharper, SEA
Huge free agent signing by the Seahawks
4) Terrell Suggs, BAL
Could line up at defensive end more often in 2005
5) Takeo Spikes, BUF
Former Bengal not missing Cincinnati one bit
6) Joey Porter, PIT
Emotional player
7) Marcus Washington, WSH
The Redskins defense isn’t the problem in D.C.
8) Brian Simmons, CIN
A key cog of Marvin Lewis’ defense in Cincinnati
9) D.J. Williams, DEN
Breakout star in 2005
10) LaVar Arrington, WSH
He’s not a Top 5 linebacker. Top 10? Yes.
CORNERBACKS
1) Chris McAlister, BAL
Most physical cornerback in the NFL
2) Champ Bailey, DEN
Lives up to the shutdown corner rep
3) Patrick Surtain, KC
A major acquisition for a woeful Chiefs defense
4) Samari Rolle, BAL
If only the Ravens still played the Titans twice a year
5) Antoine Winfield, MIN
One of the bright spots of the Vikings defense
6) Nate Clements, BUF
Aggressive
7) Sam Madison, MIA
Will have to be the main man in a depleted Miami secondary
8) Chris Gamble, CAR
Had 6 INT in 2004, tying Ken Lucas for the NFC INT lead
9) Ken Lucas, CAR
The Panthers opened up their wallets for the former Seahawk
10) Marcus Trufant, SEA
Soon to be a Top 5 corner
SAFETIES
1) Ed Reed, BAL
As good as Ray Lewis is, Reed may just be the best player on the Ravens defense
2) Roy Williams, DAL
Horse collar or no horse collar, Williams will remain among the top safeties in the game
3) Rodney Harrison, NE
Unceremoniously dumped by San Diego, who’s laughing now?
4) Donovin Darius, JAX
May be his final season in Jacksonville in 2005
5) Brian Dawkins, PHI
Veteran who's vital to the Eagles defense
6) Tony Parrish, SF
Too bad he plays for the awful 49ers
7) Mike Brown, CHI
Had an injury-plagued 2004 season, but should rebound in 2005
8) Corey Chavous, MIN
Instinctive
9) Tank Williams, TEN
As good as his name
10) Michael Boulware, SEA
Will only get better
SPECIAL TEAMS
KICKERS
1) Adam Vinatieri, NE
Clutch is everything in life
2) Mike Vanderjagt, IND
Idiot kicker?
3) David Akers, PHI
Where’s he from? Louisville!
4) Josh Brown, SEA
He’s money and he knows it
5) Jason Elam, DEN
Altitude, baby
6) Sebastian Janikowski, OAK
Fits right in with the Raiders
7) Jason Hanson, DET
Former Washington State star
8) Matt Stover, BAL
Accurate as they come
9) Jeff Wilkins, STL
Easy 3 points in the Edward Jones Dome
10) Olindo Mare, MIA
He's been around forever, it seems like
PUNTERS
1) Shane Lechler, OAK
By far, the best punter in football
2) Todd Sauerbrun, DEN
He’s going to love the Mile High City
3) Craig Hentrich, TEN
Can kick field goals if called upon
4) Hunter Smith, IND
Averaged 45.2 yds/punt in 2004
5) Chris Gardocki, PIT
Unsung hero in the Steel City
6) Mitch Berger, NO
Produced in the Metrodome. Now producing in the Superdome
7) Chris Hanson, JAX
Hang time!
8) Mike Scifres, SD
Did a solid job replacing longtime punter Darren Bennett
9) Jeff Feagles, NYG
Still producing
10) Brad Maynard, CHI
A defense’s best friend
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Agree? Disagree? Use the comments box. Rankings are subjective and are more than likely to spark debate one way or the other. At least I hope it will, anyway.
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