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<blockquote data-quote="Dantés" data-source="post: 724897" data-attributes="member: 12283"><p>We all need fodder like this to get us through the offseason. Plus this sort of thing is highly debatable, so hopefully we get some nice, sharp arguments going on (realistically, this will get like 3 "likes" and fade into the forum ether, but I'm trying here). </p><p></p><p>To be clear, this is a projection for me. I'm not arguing who I thought was the best in 2016, but who I think will be the best in 20`17. A lot of this comes down to what people value. At RB for instance, I put a premium on passing down skills because that's where the league has gone. I'll address what I predict to be the most "hot take-y" in the blurbs. </p><p></p><p>So with no more ado...</p><p></p><p><strong>Quarterback: </strong>Supporting cast means a lot to me. Roethlisberger has maybe the best in the game and is still pretty uneven-- so he's out. I think Cam Newton will fall out of this list for good once his body forces him to stop running (he's a sub-average NFL passer). Ryan was epic last season, but I predict that year to be an outlier that he won't achieve again without Shanahan (though I obviously still think he's great). Philip Rivers has been the best with the worst for a long time in my opinion. </p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">A. Rodgers, GB</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">T. Brady, NE</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">A. Luck, IND</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">D. Brees, NO</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">R. Wilson, SEA</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">M. Ryan, ATL</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">D. Carr, OAK</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">P. Rivers, LAC</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">M. Mariota, TEN</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">M. Stafford, DET</li> </ol><p></p><p><strong>Running Back: </strong>Elliott not being #3 is bound to be the most controversial thing in any of theses rankings (and I admit it carries the distinct risk of making me look foolish). However, McCoy has been one of the best for years at creating yards for himself and I expect that to continue for at least one more season. And honestly, what Howard did behind an average (at best) line and with a terrible support cast is more impressive to me than what Elliott accomplished in what is, bar none, the cushiest spot for a running back in the NFL.</p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">L. Bell, PIT</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">D. Johnson, ARI</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">L. McCoy, BUF</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">J. Howard, CHI</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">E. Elliott, DAL</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">D. Murray, TEN</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">J. Ajayi, MIA</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">T. Gurley, LAR</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">D. Freeman, ATL</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">M. Gordon, LAC</li> </ol><p></p><p><strong>Wide Receiver: </strong>Seems like Bryant gets credit as a top 5 guy for player that we haven't consistently seen in a couple of seasons now. He's still great, but in general I think Cowboys have a way of getting overrated. I gave the last spot to Hilton over Cooper because, while neither is a big RZ threat, Hilton creates the bigger plays. </p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">A. Brown, PIT</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">O. Beckham, NYG</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">J. Jones, ATL</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">A. Green, CIN</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">M. Evans, TB</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">J. Nelson, GB</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">M. Thomas, NO</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">D. Bryant, DAL</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">D. Hopkins, HOU</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">T. Hilton, IND</li> </ol><p></p><p><strong>Tight End: </strong>I probably have Rudolph higher than most would. I've always thought he was sleeping in that offense. With Bradford, I expect that he will continue to produce. And he's always been a quality blocker. I'm not sure that much else here needs explaining. </p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">R. Gronkowski, NE</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">T. Kelce, KC</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">G. Olsen, CAR</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">J. Reed, WAS</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">D. Walker, TEN</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">K. Rudolph, MIN</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">T. Eifert, CIN</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">M. Bennett, GB</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">J. Graham, SEA</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Z. Ertz, PHI</li> </ol><p></p><p><strong>Offensive Tackle: </strong>Tyron Smith is still an awesome left tackle but, again, as a Cowboy I think he's a little overrated compared to the other "elites" (who I consider to be Williams and Thomas), as well as some of the young up and comers. The Pats and Titans have stellar duo (as do the Packers-- Bulaga would have been in my top 15). </p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">J. Thomas, CLE</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">T. Williams, WAS</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">D. Bakhtiari, GB</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">T. Smith, DAL</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">T. Armstead, NO</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">A. Whitworth, LAR</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">T. Lewan, TEN</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">N. Solder, NE</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">J. Conklin, TEN</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">M. Cannon, NE</li> </ol><p></p><p><strong>Guard: </strong>Here's a spot where I don't think a Cowboy is overrated at all. </p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Z. Martin, DAL</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">M. Yanda, BAL</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">K. Osemele, OAK</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">K. Zeitler, CLE</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">T. Lang, DET</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">G. Jackson, OAK</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">R. Foster, PIT</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">J. Bitonio, CLE</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">D. Decastro, PIT</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">B. Brooks, PHI</li> </ol><p></p><p><strong>Center: </strong>And here's another one. The Pouncey bros, on the other hand...</p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">T. Frederick, DAL</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">A. Mack, ATL</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">R. Hudson, OAK</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">R. Kalil, CAR</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">C. Whitehair, CHI</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">R. Kelly, IND</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">C. Linsley, GB</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">M. Pouncey, PIT</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">M. Pouncey, MIA</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">M. Paradis, DEN</li> </ol><p></p><p><strong>Interior Defense Line: </strong>This was easily the hardest list to pare down. So much talent at these positions right now. I left Wilkerson in after a down year because he career suggests he will bounce back to elite status. Mike Daniels, Linval Joseph, and Jurrell Casey just missed. It's hard to know where to put Watt (EDGE or DL), but he's #1 either way.</p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">J. Watt, HOU</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">A. Donald, LAR</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">G. Atkins, CIN</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">F. Cox, PHI</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">N. Suh, MIA</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">K. Short, CAR</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">C. Campbell, JAC</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">L. Williams, NYJ</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">M. Wilkerson, NYJ</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">G. McCoy, TB</li> </ol><p></p><p><strong>Edge Rusher: </strong>The AFCW dominates this list. It was another hard one to fit into 10 spots. I gave some projection credit to Clowney and Hunter. I think the former is finally healthy and will show out. And the latter is a freak show who just turned in 12+ sacks and will be 22 when he starts his third season (22!!!). </p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">J. Bosa, LAC</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">J. Houston, KC</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">K. Mack, OAK</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">V. Miller, DEN</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">D. Hunter, MIN</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">J. Clowney, HOU</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">M. Bennett, SEA</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">O. Vernon, NYG</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">C. Jordan, NO</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">B. Graham, PHI</li> </ol><p></p><p><strong>Off-Ball Linebacker: </strong>It was tough to come up with 10 really impressive names here. This position is down league wide. I suspect that all of the best athletes are being moved to EDGE because of the direction of the game. </p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">L. Kuechley, CAR</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">B. Wagner, SEA</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">J. Collins, CLE</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">R. Shazier, PIT</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">C. Mosley, BAL</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">S. Lee, DAL</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">L. David, TB</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">V. Burfict, CIN</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">K. Wright, SEA</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">D. Hightower, NE</li> </ol><p></p><p><strong>Cornerback: </strong>I fully expect Belichick to turn Gilmore into an elite corner (just look what he's done with the much more limited Butler). I put a premium on man coverage ability. Sherman is the lone exception to that rule. If Jason Verrett ever stays healthy, look out. </p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">P. Peterson, ARI</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">S. Gilmore, NE</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">R. Sherman, SEA</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">J. Verrett, LAC</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">J. Ramsey, JAC</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">C. Harris, DEN</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">J. Jenkins, NYG</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">D. Rodgers-Cromartie, NYG</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">D. Trufant, ATL</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">A. Talib, DEN</li> </ol><p></p><p><strong>Safety: </strong>I don't know what to say here. These are safeties....</p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">H. Smith, MIN</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">E. Thomas, SEA</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">E. Weddle, BAL</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">L. Collins, NYG</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">D. McCourty, NE</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">T. Mathieu, ARI</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">E. Berry, KC</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">K. Chancellor, SEA</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">K. Neal, ATL</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">H. Clinton-Dix, GB</li> </ol></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Dantés, post: 724897, member: 12283"] We all need fodder like this to get us through the offseason. Plus this sort of thing is highly debatable, so hopefully we get some nice, sharp arguments going on (realistically, this will get like 3 "likes" and fade into the forum ether, but I'm trying here). To be clear, this is a projection for me. I'm not arguing who I thought was the best in 2016, but who I think will be the best in 20`17. A lot of this comes down to what people value. At RB for instance, I put a premium on passing down skills because that's where the league has gone. I'll address what I predict to be the most "hot take-y" in the blurbs. So with no more ado... [B]Quarterback: [/B]Supporting cast means a lot to me. Roethlisberger has maybe the best in the game and is still pretty uneven-- so he's out. I think Cam Newton will fall out of this list for good once his body forces him to stop running (he's a sub-average NFL passer). Ryan was epic last season, but I predict that year to be an outlier that he won't achieve again without Shanahan (though I obviously still think he's great). Philip Rivers has been the best with the worst for a long time in my opinion. [LIST=1] [*]A. Rodgers, GB [*]T. Brady, NE [*]A. Luck, IND [*]D. Brees, NO [*]R. Wilson, SEA [*]M. Ryan, ATL [*]D. Carr, OAK [*]P. Rivers, LAC [*]M. Mariota, TEN [*]M. Stafford, DET [/LIST] [B]Running Back: [/B]Elliott not being #3 is bound to be the most controversial thing in any of theses rankings (and I admit it carries the distinct risk of making me look foolish). However, McCoy has been one of the best for years at creating yards for himself and I expect that to continue for at least one more season. And honestly, what Howard did behind an average (at best) line and with a terrible support cast is more impressive to me than what Elliott accomplished in what is, bar none, the cushiest spot for a running back in the NFL. [LIST=1] [*]L. Bell, PIT [*]D. Johnson, ARI [*]L. McCoy, BUF [*]J. Howard, CHI [*]E. Elliott, DAL [*]D. Murray, TEN [*]J. Ajayi, MIA [*]T. Gurley, LAR [*]D. Freeman, ATL [*]M. Gordon, LAC [/LIST] [B]Wide Receiver: [/B]Seems like Bryant gets credit as a top 5 guy for player that we haven't consistently seen in a couple of seasons now. He's still great, but in general I think Cowboys have a way of getting overrated. I gave the last spot to Hilton over Cooper because, while neither is a big RZ threat, Hilton creates the bigger plays. [LIST=1] [*]A. Brown, PIT [*]O. Beckham, NYG [*]J. Jones, ATL [*]A. Green, CIN [*]M. Evans, TB [*]J. Nelson, GB [*]M. Thomas, NO [*]D. Bryant, DAL [*]D. Hopkins, HOU [*]T. Hilton, IND [/LIST] [B]Tight End: [/B]I probably have Rudolph higher than most would. I've always thought he was sleeping in that offense. With Bradford, I expect that he will continue to produce. And he's always been a quality blocker. I'm not sure that much else here needs explaining. [LIST=1] [*]R. Gronkowski, NE [*]T. Kelce, KC [*]G. Olsen, CAR [*]J. Reed, WAS [*]D. Walker, TEN [*]K. Rudolph, MIN [*]T. Eifert, CIN [*]M. Bennett, GB [*]J. Graham, SEA [*]Z. Ertz, PHI [/LIST] [B]Offensive Tackle: [/B]Tyron Smith is still an awesome left tackle but, again, as a Cowboy I think he's a little overrated compared to the other "elites" (who I consider to be Williams and Thomas), as well as some of the young up and comers. The Pats and Titans have stellar duo (as do the Packers-- Bulaga would have been in my top 15). [LIST=1] [*]J. Thomas, CLE [*]T. Williams, WAS [*]D. Bakhtiari, GB [*]T. Smith, DAL [*]T. Armstead, NO [*]A. Whitworth, LAR [*]T. Lewan, TEN [*]N. Solder, NE [*]J. Conklin, TEN [*]M. Cannon, NE [/LIST] [B]Guard: [/B]Here's a spot where I don't think a Cowboy is overrated at all. [LIST=1] [*]Z. Martin, DAL [*]M. Yanda, BAL [*]K. Osemele, OAK [*]K. Zeitler, CLE [*]T. Lang, DET [*]G. Jackson, OAK [*]R. Foster, PIT [*]J. Bitonio, CLE [*]D. Decastro, PIT [*]B. Brooks, PHI [/LIST] [B]Center: [/B]And here's another one. The Pouncey bros, on the other hand... [LIST=1] [*]T. Frederick, DAL [*]A. Mack, ATL [*]R. Hudson, OAK [*]R. Kalil, CAR [*]C. Whitehair, CHI [*]R. Kelly, IND [*]C. Linsley, GB [*]M. Pouncey, PIT [*]M. Pouncey, MIA [*]M. Paradis, DEN [/LIST] [B]Interior Defense Line: [/B]This was easily the hardest list to pare down. So much talent at these positions right now. I left Wilkerson in after a down year because he career suggests he will bounce back to elite status. Mike Daniels, Linval Joseph, and Jurrell Casey just missed. It's hard to know where to put Watt (EDGE or DL), but he's #1 either way. [LIST=1] [*]J. Watt, HOU [*]A. Donald, LAR [*]G. Atkins, CIN [*]F. Cox, PHI [*]N. Suh, MIA [*]K. Short, CAR [*]C. Campbell, JAC [*]L. Williams, NYJ [*]M. Wilkerson, NYJ [*]G. McCoy, TB [/LIST] [B]Edge Rusher: [/B]The AFCW dominates this list. It was another hard one to fit into 10 spots. I gave some projection credit to Clowney and Hunter. I think the former is finally healthy and will show out. And the latter is a freak show who just turned in 12+ sacks and will be 22 when he starts his third season (22!!!). [LIST=1] [*]J. Bosa, LAC [*]J. Houston, KC [*]K. Mack, OAK [*]V. Miller, DEN [*]D. Hunter, MIN [*]J. Clowney, HOU [*]M. Bennett, SEA [*]O. Vernon, NYG [*]C. Jordan, NO [*]B. Graham, PHI [/LIST] [B]Off-Ball Linebacker: [/B]It was tough to come up with 10 really impressive names here. This position is down league wide. I suspect that all of the best athletes are being moved to EDGE because of the direction of the game. [LIST=1] [*]L. Kuechley, CAR [*]B. Wagner, SEA [*]J. Collins, CLE [*]R. Shazier, PIT [*]C. Mosley, BAL [*]S. Lee, DAL [*]L. David, TB [*]V. Burfict, CIN [*]K. Wright, SEA [*]D. Hightower, NE [/LIST] [B]Cornerback: [/B]I fully expect Belichick to turn Gilmore into an elite corner (just look what he's done with the much more limited Butler). I put a premium on man coverage ability. Sherman is the lone exception to that rule. If Jason Verrett ever stays healthy, look out. [LIST=1] [*]P. Peterson, ARI [*]S. Gilmore, NE [*]R. Sherman, SEA [*]J. Verrett, LAC [*]J. Ramsey, JAC [*]C. Harris, DEN [*]J. Jenkins, NYG [*]D. Rodgers-Cromartie, NYG [*]D. Trufant, ATL [*]A. Talib, DEN [/LIST] [B]Safety: [/B]I don't know what to say here. These are safeties.... [LIST=1] [*]H. Smith, MIN [*]E. Thomas, SEA [*]E. Weddle, BAL [*]L. Collins, NYG [*]D. McCourty, NE [*]T. Mathieu, ARI [*]E. Berry, KC [*]K. Chancellor, SEA [*]K. Neal, ATL [*]H. Clinton-Dix, GB [/LIST] [/QUOTE]
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