blacksaint

QUARTERBACK
1. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis: His Super Bowl ring clinches his spot here at the top.

2. Tom Brady, New England: He's not far behind. In fact, it's 1 and 1A.

3. Carson Palmer, Cincinnati: Now that he's a year removed from the knee injury, he should be even better in 2007.

4. Drew Brees, New Orleans: He is the perfect fit for the Sean Payton offense. He has the ability to find the right guy and get it out on time.

5. Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia: Even coming off an injury-marred season, he's still one of the league's best.

RUNNING BACK
1. LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego: There is no debate at all who should top this list. He has a chance to break all the rushing records if he can stay healthy.

2. Larry Johnson, Kansas City: He's had two really big back-to-back seasons, proving that he isn't a one-year wonder.

3. Frank Gore, San Francisco: His breakout season came in 2006 and now he needs to show he wasn't a one-hit wonder. The bet here is that he isn't.

4. Steven Jackson, St. Louis: He was fifth in the league in rushing last season, but he also caught 90 passes.

5. Fred Taylor, Jacksonville: He averaged 5 yards per carry last season, rushing for 1,146 yards.

FULLBACK
1. Mike Karney, New Orleans: He's a load as a blocking back. How do you think Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush get all those yards?

2. Lorenzo Neal, San Diego: He's the guy who paves the way for LaDainian Tomlinson.

3. Kyle Johnson, Denver: He can catch it, block and run with it if needed. He's a good, young player.

4. Dan Kreider, Pittsburgh: He's a sledgehammer when taking on linebackers. He paved the way for Willie Parker to get to the Pro Bowl.

5. Ovie Mughelli, Atlanta: The Falcons paid him a lot of money to be their fullback for a reason. He can block.

WIDERECEIVER
1. Chad Johnson, Cincinnati: His 15.7 per-catch average was the best among the league's best receivers. That's why he is tops on this list.

2. Andre Johnson, Houston: He's big and strong and fast. He doesn't get the due he deserves.

3. Torry Holt, St. Louis: For some reason, he doesn't get the attention he deserves. He's right there near the top.

4. Steve Smith, Carolina: When he was slowed by injury, it really affected the Panthers offense. When he's on the field, he is a game-breaker.

5. Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis: He's consistently among the top receivers in the league. At some point, though, he will start to slow down.

TIGHT END
1. Antonio Gates, San Diego: He gets the slight edge over the Chiefs' Tony Gonzalez because he's in his prime.

2. Tony Gonzalez, Kansas City: The most-prolific pass-catching tight end in the league can still scare teams down the middle of the field.

3. Jeremy Shockey, N.Y. Giants: Love him or hate him -- and that's the way it is with him -- he's a good player. He loves to play the game, too.

4. Kellen Winslow, Cleveland: After missing 2005 from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident, he bounced back with an 89-catch season. If he stays on the field, he can be even better.

5. Alge Crumpler, Atlanta -- He's the best blocker of the elite group. He doesn't have blazing speed, but he knows how to get open.

CENTER
1. Olin Kreutz, Chicago: He's been topping this list the past few years. He keys that Bears rushing attack.

2. Nick Mangold, N.Y. Jets: In his rookie season, he showed why he will be a perennial Pro Bowl player.

3. Jamaal Jackson, Philadelphia: He has power and quickness, which you need at the position. He's an emerging player.

4. Tom Nalen, Denver: He's getting up in the years, but he still keys the Denver run game. His ability to move is vital in the Denver blocking scheme.

5. Kevin Mawae, Tennessee -- For a young line, he was just what they needed. Vince Young should be happy he has him.

GUARD
1. Shawn Andrews, Philadelphia: In his third season, he emerged as the best player on the best line in the league. He physically mauls his opponents.

2. Steve Hutchinson, Minnesota: His play dropped down some after the move from Seattle to Minnesota as a free agent, but he's still near the top.

3. Logan Mankins, New England: Keep an eye on him. He's one of the rising guards in the league.

4. Brian Waters, Kansas City: With Will Shields gone, Waters will finally get the attention he's deserved for a long time. He outplayed Shields in a couple of seasons.

5. Kris Dielman, San Diego -- On a good line, he was the team's best player. He was rewarded for it with a huge contract after the season.

TACKLE
1. Walter Jones, Seattle: Year after year, he's the best overall lineman in the league. That won't change in 2007.

2. Jammal Brown, New Orleans: In his second season, he really came on after moving from the right side to the left. He will be a Pro Bowl player for a long time.

3. Jonathan Ogden, Baltimore: He might not be the player he was a few years ago, but he still plays at a high level.

4. Marcus McNeil, San Diego: As a rookie he was a dominant left tackle. When he truly learns the position, watch out.

5. Tarik Glenn, Indianapolis: He has protected Peyton Manning's backside his entire career -- and done a heck of a job.

QB - Drew Brees should be third, ahead of Carson Palmer.
RB - Reggie Bush should crack that list after this year.
WR - Same can be said about Marques Colston.
TE - Jeremy Shockey is so overrated, I rank Alge Crumpler higher than him.
OG - Keep an eye out for Jahri Evans next year.
OT - Jon Stinchcomb is in the top ten in my book and climbing.

saint4life
(504)

BoudinSandwich

Lorenzo, baby!