Bretsky
06-26-2010, 12:42 PM
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/?tag=globalNav.nfl;fastFacts
Prisco's Top 50:
Peyton Manning and Tom Brady keep their grip on the top of their teams and these rankings.
Any list of the top players still starts with Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. It's been that way for a while.
Manning and Brady. Brady and Manning.
It's chic to say Drew Brees has joined the Big Two to make it a Big Three at the top of the quarterback pecking order -- and some might even have Brees ahead of Brady. But if you took a poll of general managers and asked them to pick the quarterback they'd most want to play with right now, I'd bet Manning and Brady would get the most votes.
That's why they top my list of the Top 50 NFL players, just as they have the past five years.
Brees is a close third, just off the pace. There is another quarterback in the top 10 -- San Diego's Philip Rivers. That might seem high, but I think he's just behind Brees, the man he replaced in San Diego.
The difference is Manning, Brady and Brees all have Super Bowl rings.
Rivers is where Brees was last spring, stats heavy and title-free. But another great season, possibly capped by a Super Bowl victory, could push him into the top five.
For now, Manning and Brady still stand above.
Time hasn't ruined their game -- at least not yet. Now for the league's top 25:
1. Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis Colts: He turned 34 in March, but he is still playing at a high level. Some Colts insiders say he had his best season in 2009. Could he actually be getting better?
2. Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots: It's trendy to bash him and say he wasn't the same player he had been in 2009. I don't buy it. His yardage total was the second-best of his career.
3. Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints: Winning a Super Bowl helps his cachet, but he's just outside the Big Two. Win another one, and we might have to re-think that.
Darrelle Revis helped the Jets surrender only eight TD passes last season. (US Presswire)
4. Darrelle Revis, CB, New York Jets: Revis Island is a quarterback's nightmare. He is now the best cover player in the NFL, and there's great value in that, which is why he's clamoring for a new contract.
5. DeMarcus Ware, OLB, Dallas Cowboys: His sack numbers fell from 20 to 11 last season, but he is still the elite pass-rushing linebacker in the league. He has also improved against the run.
6. Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans: His 2,000-yard season makes him a big jumper on this list. Now he has to get his contract issues behind him and show he can have another big season.
7. Andre Johnson, WR, Houston Texans: This quiet receiver -- yes, there is one -- is the game's best. He is big, strong and fast. He's in his prime now.
8. Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings: The only knock on him is his fumbling problems. He has big-play speed, and he can run inside the tackles.
9. Philip Rivers, QB, San Diego Chargers: Many will say this is way too high, but I think he's an elite passer now. He averaged 8.8 per attempt last season, best in the league.
10. Dwight Freeney, DE, Indianapolis Colts: He had 13½ sacks in only nine starts, limited by injuries. When he's healthy, there is no better down edge rusher in the game.
11. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals: He had another big season with Kurt Warner, but it will be interesting to see what happens now with Matt Leinart.
12. Jared Allen, DE, Minnesota Vikings: He is an intense player who can rush the passer but also can hold the point against the run. He's the key to the Vikings defense.
13. Ryan Clady, T, Denver Broncos: He's the best pass-blocking tackle in the game. He owns the left side. He did suffer an offseason knee injury that is a concern, but the Broncos think he will be ready.
Aaron Rodgers was fourth in the NFL in passing yards, touchdowns and passer rating. (US Presswire)
14. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers: He has proven beyond a doubt that the Packers did the right think letting Brett Favre go. He is perfect for their offense, playing with a swagger you want to see at his position.
15. Nnamdi Asomugha, CB, Oakland Raiders: He doesn't get a lot of action, so he'll never have big interception numbers. But you can bet quarterbacks know all about his cover skills.
16. Charles Woodson, CB, Green Bay Packers: The NFL's Defensive Player of the Year finally got some much-deserved attention last season. He is a good cover player who has a knack for the big play.
17. Mario Williams, DE, Houston Texans: He didn't get double-digit sacks last season for the first time in three. But he had some shoulder issues that bothered him throughout and still had nine sacks. He's a rare breed of athlete for a man his size.
18. Steven Jackson, RB, St. Louis Rams: How good would he be on a team with more offensive help? Jackson fought through some injury issues last season and still put up huge numbers. He's a dual threat.
19. Champ Bailey, CB, Denver Broncos: He's getting up in years, but he still was a Pro Bowl player last season. He remains a top-tier cover corner who will one day be in Canton.
20. Joe Thomas, T, Cleveland Browns: He is a diamond on a bad team. He is a tough-guy tackle who has excelled from the time he started as a rookie. As the Browns improve, his talent will be more appreciated.
21. Ed Reed, S, Baltimore Ravens: The 2009 season wasn't his best, but he's still the NFL's top safety. He reads the field better than any safety in the game. He is a ball hawk.
22. Patrick Willis, LB, San Francisco 49ers: This fourth-year player is a tackling machine. He is also smart and instinctive and tough. He's the Ray Lewis of this generation.
23. Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis Colts: He is as consistent as any receiver in the game. With Marvin Harrison gone in 2009, Wayne really emerged as the No. 1 weapon, even though he had been that for two years. He is underappreciated.
24. Antonio Gates, TE, San Diego Chargers: He is the security blanket for the Chargers passing game. He knows how to get open on third down. This former basketball player might be on his way to the Hall of Fame.
25. Kevin Williams, DT, Minnesota Vikings: He's as good an interior player as there is in the league. He can play the run, but he's quick enough to get pressure inside.
Stew over this 25 for a day or so. The top 25 is coming next.
26. LaMarr Woodley, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers: In 2008, James Harrison was the Steelers' best outside linebacker. Woodley passed him last season. He is a power rusher who can also hold up at the point of attack. He started slow, but really came on late.
27. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars: He was the Jacksonville offense last season. Jones-Drew answered a ton of questions about whether he could be a feature back. If only he had help from the passing game.
28. Randy Moss, WR, New England Patriots: Wes Welker caught a lot of passes because of Moss's speed. He is still one of the game's best deep threats -- ask any secondary player.
29. Jake Long, T, Miami Dolphins: He's a rock on the left side of the Miami line. He's improved greatly as a run blocker, and he excels in pass protection. He had one bad game -- the opener against the Falcons -- and then played at a high level in 2009.
30. Jahri Evans, G, New Orleans Saints: I had him 40th on this list last year before most realized how good he was. He is a mauler in the run game who is now the highest-paid guard in football for a reason.
31. Julius Peppers, DE, Chicago Bears: He's had double-digit totals in sacks in six of his eight seasons, getting 10½ last year for Carolina. Some scouts wonder if he wasn't just on a cash dash. He did get a huge deal from the Bears.
32. Elvis Dumervil, OLB, Denver Broncos: Dumervil really looked comfortable playing in the 3-4 scheme as an outside linebacker after coming into the league as a defensive end. He led the NFL in sacks with 17 while his speed makes up for his lack of ideal size.
33. Nick Mangold, C, New York Jets: He is now the best center in the NFL and excels in the middle of the Jets line. He is especially good in the run game, an athletic center who can get out and move.
34. Haloti Ngata, DT, Baltimore Ravens: After Ed Reed, he is now the best player on the Baltimore defense. He is a tough, physical player who really anchors in against the run.
35. Jason Witten, TE, Dallas Cowboys: He might be the most complete tight end in the league. He is a good receiver and a willing blocker -- Tony Romo loves having him.
36. Steve Hutchinson, G, Minnesota Vikings: He played the entire season on a shoulder that needed surgery and he still played at a high level. He's a mauler in the run game.
37. Brett Favre, QB, Minnesota Vikings: It's a shock to me that he's on this list. He really played well in 2009. Can he do it again this season -- if he plays?
38. Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers: Forget the off-the-field stuff, he's still a top quarterback. Now that he seems to be more focused, how much better can he be?
39. Leon Hall, CB, Cincinnati Bengals: This is a rising player at the corner position. He isn't a burner, but he has great technique and he knows how to play the ball.
40. Brandon Marshall, WR, Miami Dolphins: The Denver Broncos tired of his act, but they will miss his ability. He doesn't have blazing speed, but he is strong and knows how to get open. A new team will be good for him.
41. Troy Polamalu, S, Pittsburgh Steelers: He missed most of last season because of injuries, so it's tough to grade him. He is a big part of the Steelers defense when he's on the field, but he has to stay there.
42. DeMeco Ryans, LB, Houston Texans: He has a great instinct for getting to the football, combined with great speed. That adds up to a lot of tackles.
43. Dallas Clark, TE, Indianapolis Colts: He had 100 catches last season for the first time in his career. He's not a great blocker, but he is the prototype for the modern NFL tight end.
44. Adrian Wilson, S, Arizona Cardinals: He's the best in-the-box safety around, but he's also improved as a coverage player. His speed is a big asset for the Arizona defense.
45. Matt Schaub, QB, Houston Texans: He led the NFL in passing yards in 2009, which says a lot about him. He has emerged as one of the top passers in the game. Durability was the only issues before 2009 and he started every game last season.
46. Ray Rice, RB, Baltimore Ravens: He had his breakout season in 2009. His 5.3 per rush average was topped only by Chris Johnson among the league's top rushers. He's also a big threat in the passing game.
47. Darnell Dockett, DT, Arizona Cardinals: He is a flamboyant player who plays as well as he talks. He has a relentless style that makes up for his lack of bulk.
48. Michael Oher, T, Baltimore Ravens: This is bound to open some eyes but it shouldn't. Check back in a year and then we'll debate it some more.
49. Steve Smith, WR, Carolina Panthers: Imagine the type of numbers he could put up if he had some help -- or a quarterback? He is still one of the most-feared receivers in the game but the broken arm won't help.
50. Jay Ratliff, DT, Dallas Cowboys: He is a vital part of the Dallas defense. He plays the run well, but he can also get pressure inside.
Just missed: Wes Welker, WR, New England Patriots, Michael Roos, T, Tennessee Titans, Tony Romo, QB, Dallas Cowboys, DeAngelo Williams, RB, Carolina Panthers, D'Brickashaw Ferguson, T, New York Jets, Tony Gonzalez, TE, Atlanta Falcons, Jon Beason, MLB, Carolina Panthers, Chris Gamble, CB, Carolina Panthers, Johnathan Joseph, CB, Cincinnati Bengals, Miles Austin, WR, Dallas Cowboys, Clay Matthews, OLB, Green Bay Packers, Daryl Smith, OLB, Jacksonville Jaguars, Antoine Bethea, S, Indianapolis Colts, Sidney Rice, WR, Minnesota Vikings, Will Smith, DE, New Orleans Saints, Vincent Jackson, WR, San Diego Chargers, Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions, James Harrison, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers, Vernon Davis, TE, San Francisco 49ers, Chad Ochocinco, WR, Cincinnati Bengals, Ryan Kalil, C, Carolina Panthers, Brian Cushing, OLB, Houston Texans, Trent Cole, DE, Philadelphia Eagles and Albert Haynesworth, DT, Washington Redskins.
Prisco's Top 50:
Peyton Manning and Tom Brady keep their grip on the top of their teams and these rankings.
Any list of the top players still starts with Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. It's been that way for a while.
Manning and Brady. Brady and Manning.
It's chic to say Drew Brees has joined the Big Two to make it a Big Three at the top of the quarterback pecking order -- and some might even have Brees ahead of Brady. But if you took a poll of general managers and asked them to pick the quarterback they'd most want to play with right now, I'd bet Manning and Brady would get the most votes.
That's why they top my list of the Top 50 NFL players, just as they have the past five years.
Brees is a close third, just off the pace. There is another quarterback in the top 10 -- San Diego's Philip Rivers. That might seem high, but I think he's just behind Brees, the man he replaced in San Diego.
The difference is Manning, Brady and Brees all have Super Bowl rings.
Rivers is where Brees was last spring, stats heavy and title-free. But another great season, possibly capped by a Super Bowl victory, could push him into the top five.
For now, Manning and Brady still stand above.
Time hasn't ruined their game -- at least not yet. Now for the league's top 25:
1. Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis Colts: He turned 34 in March, but he is still playing at a high level. Some Colts insiders say he had his best season in 2009. Could he actually be getting better?
2. Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots: It's trendy to bash him and say he wasn't the same player he had been in 2009. I don't buy it. His yardage total was the second-best of his career.
3. Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints: Winning a Super Bowl helps his cachet, but he's just outside the Big Two. Win another one, and we might have to re-think that.
Darrelle Revis helped the Jets surrender only eight TD passes last season. (US Presswire)
4. Darrelle Revis, CB, New York Jets: Revis Island is a quarterback's nightmare. He is now the best cover player in the NFL, and there's great value in that, which is why he's clamoring for a new contract.
5. DeMarcus Ware, OLB, Dallas Cowboys: His sack numbers fell from 20 to 11 last season, but he is still the elite pass-rushing linebacker in the league. He has also improved against the run.
6. Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans: His 2,000-yard season makes him a big jumper on this list. Now he has to get his contract issues behind him and show he can have another big season.
7. Andre Johnson, WR, Houston Texans: This quiet receiver -- yes, there is one -- is the game's best. He is big, strong and fast. He's in his prime now.
8. Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings: The only knock on him is his fumbling problems. He has big-play speed, and he can run inside the tackles.
9. Philip Rivers, QB, San Diego Chargers: Many will say this is way too high, but I think he's an elite passer now. He averaged 8.8 per attempt last season, best in the league.
10. Dwight Freeney, DE, Indianapolis Colts: He had 13½ sacks in only nine starts, limited by injuries. When he's healthy, there is no better down edge rusher in the game.
11. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals: He had another big season with Kurt Warner, but it will be interesting to see what happens now with Matt Leinart.
12. Jared Allen, DE, Minnesota Vikings: He is an intense player who can rush the passer but also can hold the point against the run. He's the key to the Vikings defense.
13. Ryan Clady, T, Denver Broncos: He's the best pass-blocking tackle in the game. He owns the left side. He did suffer an offseason knee injury that is a concern, but the Broncos think he will be ready.
Aaron Rodgers was fourth in the NFL in passing yards, touchdowns and passer rating. (US Presswire)
14. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers: He has proven beyond a doubt that the Packers did the right think letting Brett Favre go. He is perfect for their offense, playing with a swagger you want to see at his position.
15. Nnamdi Asomugha, CB, Oakland Raiders: He doesn't get a lot of action, so he'll never have big interception numbers. But you can bet quarterbacks know all about his cover skills.
16. Charles Woodson, CB, Green Bay Packers: The NFL's Defensive Player of the Year finally got some much-deserved attention last season. He is a good cover player who has a knack for the big play.
17. Mario Williams, DE, Houston Texans: He didn't get double-digit sacks last season for the first time in three. But he had some shoulder issues that bothered him throughout and still had nine sacks. He's a rare breed of athlete for a man his size.
18. Steven Jackson, RB, St. Louis Rams: How good would he be on a team with more offensive help? Jackson fought through some injury issues last season and still put up huge numbers. He's a dual threat.
19. Champ Bailey, CB, Denver Broncos: He's getting up in years, but he still was a Pro Bowl player last season. He remains a top-tier cover corner who will one day be in Canton.
20. Joe Thomas, T, Cleveland Browns: He is a diamond on a bad team. He is a tough-guy tackle who has excelled from the time he started as a rookie. As the Browns improve, his talent will be more appreciated.
21. Ed Reed, S, Baltimore Ravens: The 2009 season wasn't his best, but he's still the NFL's top safety. He reads the field better than any safety in the game. He is a ball hawk.
22. Patrick Willis, LB, San Francisco 49ers: This fourth-year player is a tackling machine. He is also smart and instinctive and tough. He's the Ray Lewis of this generation.
23. Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis Colts: He is as consistent as any receiver in the game. With Marvin Harrison gone in 2009, Wayne really emerged as the No. 1 weapon, even though he had been that for two years. He is underappreciated.
24. Antonio Gates, TE, San Diego Chargers: He is the security blanket for the Chargers passing game. He knows how to get open on third down. This former basketball player might be on his way to the Hall of Fame.
25. Kevin Williams, DT, Minnesota Vikings: He's as good an interior player as there is in the league. He can play the run, but he's quick enough to get pressure inside.
Stew over this 25 for a day or so. The top 25 is coming next.
26. LaMarr Woodley, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers: In 2008, James Harrison was the Steelers' best outside linebacker. Woodley passed him last season. He is a power rusher who can also hold up at the point of attack. He started slow, but really came on late.
27. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars: He was the Jacksonville offense last season. Jones-Drew answered a ton of questions about whether he could be a feature back. If only he had help from the passing game.
28. Randy Moss, WR, New England Patriots: Wes Welker caught a lot of passes because of Moss's speed. He is still one of the game's best deep threats -- ask any secondary player.
29. Jake Long, T, Miami Dolphins: He's a rock on the left side of the Miami line. He's improved greatly as a run blocker, and he excels in pass protection. He had one bad game -- the opener against the Falcons -- and then played at a high level in 2009.
30. Jahri Evans, G, New Orleans Saints: I had him 40th on this list last year before most realized how good he was. He is a mauler in the run game who is now the highest-paid guard in football for a reason.
31. Julius Peppers, DE, Chicago Bears: He's had double-digit totals in sacks in six of his eight seasons, getting 10½ last year for Carolina. Some scouts wonder if he wasn't just on a cash dash. He did get a huge deal from the Bears.
32. Elvis Dumervil, OLB, Denver Broncos: Dumervil really looked comfortable playing in the 3-4 scheme as an outside linebacker after coming into the league as a defensive end. He led the NFL in sacks with 17 while his speed makes up for his lack of ideal size.
33. Nick Mangold, C, New York Jets: He is now the best center in the NFL and excels in the middle of the Jets line. He is especially good in the run game, an athletic center who can get out and move.
34. Haloti Ngata, DT, Baltimore Ravens: After Ed Reed, he is now the best player on the Baltimore defense. He is a tough, physical player who really anchors in against the run.
35. Jason Witten, TE, Dallas Cowboys: He might be the most complete tight end in the league. He is a good receiver and a willing blocker -- Tony Romo loves having him.
36. Steve Hutchinson, G, Minnesota Vikings: He played the entire season on a shoulder that needed surgery and he still played at a high level. He's a mauler in the run game.
37. Brett Favre, QB, Minnesota Vikings: It's a shock to me that he's on this list. He really played well in 2009. Can he do it again this season -- if he plays?
38. Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers: Forget the off-the-field stuff, he's still a top quarterback. Now that he seems to be more focused, how much better can he be?
39. Leon Hall, CB, Cincinnati Bengals: This is a rising player at the corner position. He isn't a burner, but he has great technique and he knows how to play the ball.
40. Brandon Marshall, WR, Miami Dolphins: The Denver Broncos tired of his act, but they will miss his ability. He doesn't have blazing speed, but he is strong and knows how to get open. A new team will be good for him.
41. Troy Polamalu, S, Pittsburgh Steelers: He missed most of last season because of injuries, so it's tough to grade him. He is a big part of the Steelers defense when he's on the field, but he has to stay there.
42. DeMeco Ryans, LB, Houston Texans: He has a great instinct for getting to the football, combined with great speed. That adds up to a lot of tackles.
43. Dallas Clark, TE, Indianapolis Colts: He had 100 catches last season for the first time in his career. He's not a great blocker, but he is the prototype for the modern NFL tight end.
44. Adrian Wilson, S, Arizona Cardinals: He's the best in-the-box safety around, but he's also improved as a coverage player. His speed is a big asset for the Arizona defense.
45. Matt Schaub, QB, Houston Texans: He led the NFL in passing yards in 2009, which says a lot about him. He has emerged as one of the top passers in the game. Durability was the only issues before 2009 and he started every game last season.
46. Ray Rice, RB, Baltimore Ravens: He had his breakout season in 2009. His 5.3 per rush average was topped only by Chris Johnson among the league's top rushers. He's also a big threat in the passing game.
47. Darnell Dockett, DT, Arizona Cardinals: He is a flamboyant player who plays as well as he talks. He has a relentless style that makes up for his lack of bulk.
48. Michael Oher, T, Baltimore Ravens: This is bound to open some eyes but it shouldn't. Check back in a year and then we'll debate it some more.
49. Steve Smith, WR, Carolina Panthers: Imagine the type of numbers he could put up if he had some help -- or a quarterback? He is still one of the most-feared receivers in the game but the broken arm won't help.
50. Jay Ratliff, DT, Dallas Cowboys: He is a vital part of the Dallas defense. He plays the run well, but he can also get pressure inside.
Just missed: Wes Welker, WR, New England Patriots, Michael Roos, T, Tennessee Titans, Tony Romo, QB, Dallas Cowboys, DeAngelo Williams, RB, Carolina Panthers, D'Brickashaw Ferguson, T, New York Jets, Tony Gonzalez, TE, Atlanta Falcons, Jon Beason, MLB, Carolina Panthers, Chris Gamble, CB, Carolina Panthers, Johnathan Joseph, CB, Cincinnati Bengals, Miles Austin, WR, Dallas Cowboys, Clay Matthews, OLB, Green Bay Packers, Daryl Smith, OLB, Jacksonville Jaguars, Antoine Bethea, S, Indianapolis Colts, Sidney Rice, WR, Minnesota Vikings, Will Smith, DE, New Orleans Saints, Vincent Jackson, WR, San Diego Chargers, Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions, James Harrison, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers, Vernon Davis, TE, San Francisco 49ers, Chad Ochocinco, WR, Cincinnati Bengals, Ryan Kalil, C, Carolina Panthers, Brian Cushing, OLB, Houston Texans, Trent Cole, DE, Philadelphia Eagles and Albert Haynesworth, DT, Washington Redskins.