DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum The Top 5 players in the NFL...

In your guys opinion,who are the Top 5 players in the NFL at this moment?
Regardless of position list your Top 5 players.....
I'll start it off. In no order.

1. Larry Fitzgerald....The best WR in the NFL..period. Randy who?

2. James Harrison...Potential to be a HOF.

3. Adrian Peterson...A modern day O.J Simpson.

4.Ed Reed....A gamechanger in every sense...he gets better every year,

5. Troy Polumalu....The most complete saftey in football. Most intelligent player in the NFL.....

IMO, I just can't put James Harrison on that list...

You gotta put Peyton Manning on there too.

I don't know how you can name the top 5 players in the NFL without naming Peyton Manning.

Anyway, my top 5

1. Peyton Manning

2. Ed Reed

3. DeMarcus Ware

4. Larry Fitzgerald

5. Adrian Peterson

I look at all the QB's in the NFL,but none really stand head and shoulders above the others IMO.
I guess in this era watching QB's dink and dunk on 18 play drives just looks blah.
I know Drew Brees threw for 5,000 yards....but watching Marino do it..its just different in how they did it.
maybe in this day and age,defenses are forcing QB's to get smaller incriments of yards at a time....

I know how good AP is, but I think at this point Deangelo Williams is better. It's close though.

I like the lists but I think AP is the best rb. in the league hands down.

1. Peyton Manning
2. Troy Polamalu
3. Larry Fitzgerald
4. Ed Reed
5. Shaun Rogers...little bit of homerism

This is very difficult because there are a lot of really good players out there.

Ed Reed
DeMarcus Ware
Troy Polamulu
Peyton Manning
Tom Brady

And there's more........ Peterson has a lot of ability, Fitz is very good, Moss had a down year compared to last year.......... And that's not adding in guys on the O and D-Lines. James Harrison played very well and so did

I hate these kinds of lists. Especially with the NFL, there's just too many positions to evaluate to make that kind of a list.

NBA is much easier for me to narrow down, and even at that, different guys have big nights at different times (LeBron, Kobe, CP3, Dwayne Wade, Duncan)

j/c

Troy P - Best overall natural ability and instinct / beast

Peyton - Most technical / complete player

AP - Today's Jim Brown

Josh Cribbs - Most Heart in the NFL / never gives less than 150%

Kurt Warner - Best second life in the NFL

Warner makes the list over Reed... barely.

1. Joe Thomas

2. Joe Thomas

3. Joe Thomas

4. Joe Thomas

5. Joe Thomas


ok so I'm partcial to O-Lineman

IMO......here they are....in no particular order..........

1. L.T. - AP hasn't proved anything so far..one rushing title doesn't make him the best just yet....

2. Tom Brady - everyone has seemed to forget about him...

3. Peyton Manning - Best student of the game, maybe ever....

4. Brett Favre - Just can't argue with all of the records.......can you..????

5. Ray Lewis - He literally runs that team....I don't think they would even need a coach as long as he is there

1. Tom Brady

2. Ed Reed

3. Peyon Manning

4. Andre Johnson

5. Joe Thomas

Fitz is awesome, but is getting over hyped, he plays in a pass happy offense, with a good QB and another stud opposite of him.

Troy Polumalu isn't half the safety Ed Reed is, Reed can cover, and hit. Troy is a sell out, Ryan Clarke has his ass this year. Last year Troy was off cuz he had nobody to back his gambling. Great player, not a top 5, I beleive he;s the third best safety behind Reed and Bob Sanders(when healthy).

Agree on Troy, a free-wheeling CF'er. But,...he's allowed to do what LeBeau let's him do,...and they're on their way, and here we sit,....

The kid's a great player,...but I agree, probably not top 5. That's why I left him off after taking Reed. (Ignore the Gohlston joke,....)

I don't think I can name the 5 best... too many to chose from that are easily worthy

Can't seem to combine Offense and Defense to get a 5...so I'll do both and let the chips fall where they may.

I'm going through this with the attitude of Building a new team - who do I want to go with and build the team around.

OFFENSE: I would Build an offense around these players and have a SB Dynasty going

Manning QB
Fitzgerald WR
A. Johnson (Texans) WR
Peterson RB
Joe Thomas LT

Defense: Tough cause so many Older players playing well but would rather go with youth.

Like baseball I'm building up the middle for my defense

Haynesworth NT/DT
Polamalu SS
Willis LB
Ware LB/DE
Peppers LB/DE

The last two was for a pass rush which are the cornerstones of a winning team. I chose both of those players cause they could play in any system....4-3 or 3-4

Again those are my 5 to build a SB dynasty around from the defensive side.

Mixing the two...don't carry the weight in my eyes of of a TEAM or UNIT as I went into this by the thought process of who I build a "TEAM" around.

JMHO

Not to pee on anyone's parade, but this is a fool's errand. It's like "name the top 5 best beers in the world." Well, my list will change depending on what kind of "Best" I'm looking for at the time (not to say of the variation in other people's lists). An overall "best" doesn't exist for a lot of things, but especially in the realm of NFL players. As someone said, Fitz could be the product of his system - on Detroit he might suck it up. One of our backups could be an All Star in a different scheme. Soooooo many variables.

So just another way of saying I'm sitting this one out

i understand that everyone is on the larry fitzgerald bandwagon, he's the flavor of the week, but top 5? sorry, but no. (we always do this, don't we? especially with the nfl)

1. tom brady, don't care what anyone says, that's the guy i want on the field in any type of clutch situation. that guy is money, and he was robbed by a combo of poor defense and a miraculous catch, otherwise he'd have 4 rings, and he'd be 16-2 all time in the playoffs, nobody can touch that in the nfl, right now.

2. adrian peterson, probably the most physically gifted player in the nfl, he's fun to watch, reminds me a lot of jim brown (from what i've seen in film, anways)

3. ed reed, year in and year out this guy does nothing but make plays, i know he plays for baltimore and we are supposed to hate balitmore, but i love watching that guy play, he's better than polamalu. and he can stay on the field more than bob sanders, who'd be on this list if he wasn't in the training room all the time.

4. steven jackson, could be #1 on this list if he was in a better situation, that guy is fierce though.

5. mario williams - this guy looks like a freaking power forward in the nba. he's unbelievable, he owned joe thomas in our matchup this year. and we've only scratched the surface with him.

i think if jim schwartz and lions management can start moving upward, fix the qb position, calvin johnson can make this list. he's the closest thing to what lebron would look like in a football uni. good player, good guy, i hope the lions build around him.

James Harrison is no longer the best WR on his team. He should get into the Hall of Fame IMO.

A top five is tough. I don't know that I could pick just 5 guys.

Peyton or Brady would be on there. Either one is exceptional at what they do. I think Peyton is the better student of the game though.

Jason Taylor was injured this year, but I still think he's the best "tweener" out there. He wasn't used as well as he could have been in Miami and he still excelled.

Bob Sanders is a difference maker. He literally makes the defense a different machine when he's in there.

And as much as I hate to say it.....Ray Lewis is just...well, he's Ray Lewis. I gotta respect the guy.

I enjoyed this thread. Thank you for posting it.

Here's the top 50 per PFW and their polling of folks "in the know."


Pro Football Weekly’s Super 50

By Mike Wilkening
Jan. 22, 2009

With the help of coaches, scouts and personnel men from around the league, we at Pro Football Weekly present our list of the top 50 players of 2008, based on their performance and their value to their clubs.

All comments were made on condition of anonymity.

1. QB Peyton Manning / Indianapolis Colts: “You take Peyton Manning out of there, they’re not having a parade for Tony Dungy.”

2. WR Larry Fitzgerald / Arizona Cardinals: “He’s got long arms and the strength to ward off guys. He’s got good arm strength.”

3. S Ed Reed / Baltimore Ravens: “He makes more plays on the ball than anyone I’ve ever seen. He’s like a Willie Mays back there. He’s got that mentality where he says, ‘If I see it, I’m going, and if I’m wrong, I’m wrong.’ But most of the time, he’s right.”

4. RB Adrian Peterson / Minnesota Vikings: “If he can stay healthy, he could be a great back. Wear-and-tear comes where you’re getting (hit) by the linebackers.”

5. OLB James Harrison / Pittsburgh Steelers: “He’s a little like Dwight Freeney in that both guys are not built like the classic rusher, but he’s explosive, strong and has natural leverage. He plays hard.”

6. OLB DeMarcus Ware / Dallas Cowboys: “Dominates vs. the run and the pass.”

7. DT Albert Haynesworth / Tennessee Titans: “A guy who can completely take over the line of scrimmage. He takes up two guys inside. If you single-block him, he’ll throw the guard into the backfield. “

8. S Troy Polamalu / Pittsburgh Steelers: “He’s really learned how to play in deep coverage, as well as being a force near the line of scrimmage. You see him now being much more productive in coverage in the deep half, middle of the field. I think he’s realizing (that with) the style of play he came into the league with, he wasn’t going to last very long.”

9. QB Kurt Warner / Arizona Cardinals: “Understands the quick-throwing game. He’s got quality receivers. I think things are working out for him.”

10. QB Drew Brees / New Orleans Saints: “He just gets the job done. He sees the field extremely well for his height. He’s just as productive as any QB in the league.”

11. WR Andre Johnson / Houston Texans: “As consistent as any of your elite receivers. He’s been very productive. He’s got the ability to make the tough catches. He’s got the speed to run by you.”

12. RB Michael Turner / Atlanta Falcons: “A force.”

13. QB Philip Rivers / San Diego Chargers: “He’s uncanny. He does a very good job of getting the ball outside.”

14. RB Brian Westbrook / Philadelphia Eagles: “There’s a million things they can do with that guy.”

15. QB Jay Cutler / Denver Broncos: “His arm strength is what sets him apart. You have to really be disciplined in your deep zone coverage (against him).”

16. WR Steve Smith / Carolina Panthers: “He can go up in traffic and get it, which is surprising for a guy his size.”

17. QB Chad Pennington / Miami Dolphins: “He has all the intangibles.”

18. RB Chris Johnson / Tennessee Titans: “He’s brought the big play to (Tennessee).”

19. QB Donovan McNabb / Philadelphia Eagles: “He turned into the old McNabb (after being benched).”

20. CB Nnamdi Asomugha / Oakland Raiders: “He’s the prototype. He’s got long arms and great speed. He tackles. Understands the game. Has the hands. Has the ability when the ball’s in the air to come down with it.”

21. DE Dwight Freeney / Indianapolis Colts: “He gets his, but he also opens things up for the other guys. He’s got the quickest pirouette off the upfield move I’ve ever seen. You blink, he’s gone.”

22. RB DeAngelo Williams / Carolina Panthers: “He brings a lot to the table.”

23. QB Matt Ryan / Atlanta Falcons: “He’s going to be very good for a long time.”

24. OT Michael Roos / Tennessee Titans: “The guy stays off the ground (and) in good position. He doesn’t overextend.”

25. DE John Abraham / Atlanta Falcons: “Had a tremendous year.”

26. DE Jared Allen / Minnesota Vikings: “He’s 100 mph. He’s impacted that defense on third downs.”

27. ILB Ray Lewis / Baltimore Ravens: “Obviously he’s the heartbeat for them. He just knows how to play the position. A lot of that position is presence, and he has that.”

28. DT Kevin Williams / Minnesota Vikings: “Plays the run very stoutly and rushes the passer from the middle.”

29. WR Roddy White / Atlanta Falcons: “Has all the qualities you look for.”

30. DE Mario Williams / Houston Texans: “Williams is a step above. I’d hate to see them add a productive pass rusher (opposite him).”

31. QB Ben Roethlisberger / Pittsburgh Steelers: “He extends the play. He really gets that offense going.”

32. QB Matt Cassel / New England Patriots: “One of the most improved players in the league.”

33. RB Clinton Portis / Washington Redskins: “He’s always available on Sundays, even if he’s banged up.”

34. OLB Joey Porter / Miami Dolphins: “Works to get his sacks.”

35. DE Julius Peppers / Carolina Panthers: “He does a lot for that team.”

36. DE Justin Tuck / N.Y. Giants: “A very good player.”

37. RB Matt Forté / Chicago Bears: “It’s clearly a different team when he’s not in there.”

38. MLB Jon Beason / Carolina Panthers: “A playmaker and a football guy. He’s an attack linebacker.”

39. WR Calvin Johnson / Detroit Lions: “Basically the only thing they had.”

40. RB Thomas Jones / N.Y. Jets: “I think he’s a warrior.”

41. WR Wes Welker / New England Patriots: “His short-area quickness is unbelievable. He has a really good feel for underneath coverages.“

42. MLB Patrick Willis / San Francisco 49ers: “He does a lot for that defense. He brings that playmaking ability.”

43. WR Brandon Marshall / Denver Broncos: “You like his size, quickness and ability to make the tough catch.”

44. QB Eli Manning / N.Y. Giants: “When he makes a bad play, you like that he doesn’t freak out.”

45. NT Kris Jenkins / N.Y. Jets: “Dominated the point of attack. He moved people back.”

46. WR Anquan Boldin / Arizona Cardinals: “He’s tough to bring down.”

47. TE Tony Gonzalez / Kansas City Chiefs: “As impressive as ever. Man, he does it with double coverage.”

48. OG Chris Snee / N.Y. Giants: “Once he gets his hands into position, he can control opponents.”

49. CB Cortland Finnegan / Tennessee Titans: “He’s a good little cover guy. His closing speed is very good.”

50. RB Steve Slaton / Houston Texans: “He has been excellent.”

Honorable mention: Rams S O.J. Atogwe, Broncos OT Ryan Clady, Colts TE Dallas Clark, Cardinals LB Karlos Dansby, Eagles S Brian Dawkins, Cardinals DT Darnell Dockett, Steelers ILB James Farrior, Titans S Michael Griffin, Panthers OT Jordan Gross, Giants RB Brandon Jacobs, Packers WR Greg Jennings, Raiders P Shane Lechler, Ravens WR Derrick Mason, Eagles S Quintin Mikell, Colts DE Robert Mathis, Patriots ILB Jerod Mayo, Patriots WR Randy Moss, Ravens DT Haloti Ngata, Jets CB Darrelle Revis, Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, Browns NT Shaun Rogers, Cowboys QB Tony Romo, Eagles CB Asante Samuel, Chargers P Mike Scifres, Ravens OLB Terrell Suggs, Jets RB-RS Leon Washington, Colts WR Reggie Wayne, Vikings CB Antoine Winfield, Cowboys TE Jason Witten, Steelers OLB LaMarr Woodley.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Someone mentioned L.T.......I had to LOL at that. The dude is washed up, it's a wrap for him. Odd that Joe Thomas isn't on the list anywhere......

Seeing only 2 Olinemen are on the list, it isn't surprising Thomas isn't on there.

Not knocking him mind you, just the way these lists go...the 2nd 50 is where many of the linemen will fall.

Couple more OLmen on the "Honorable Mention" part of the list though.....

Wasn't it the beginning of this season when Eric Stiebach and Joe Thomas were in the top 10 of all NFL players? Funny how one season changes things. Warner wouldn't have been on anyones top 50 lists in the beggining of the season and now he is rated #9.

Shaun Rogers is not in the top 50? He should be at least top 25

No Shaun Rogers? Josh Cribbs?

Joe Thomas isn't on that list because when your offense is ranked in the bottom 5,no one on that offense merits a Top 50 appearance.
Thomas had a much better rookie year than sophmore season.