96. Jason Witten, TE, Dallas Cowboys

Peter Schrager's Top 99 NFL Player Rankings for '09

Tony Romo's Cabo buddy broke out in 2007, emerging as his quarterback's favorite target and the NFC's top tight end. Witten followed that up with an 81-catch campaign in '08. With T.O. out of the picture, he'll likely see even more action in '09. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

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99. Reggie Bush,... One of the tougher players to slot on this list, Bush gets the benefit of the doubt and cracks the Top 99. Barely. What to make of him, though? After three years in the league, is Bush the best punt returner/scat back in NFL history? A middle-of-the-road, complementary piece at running back? Or is he a colossal bust for being drafted No. 2 overall in 2006? He's my 99th-rated player in the NFL, which means he's somewhere in between all three. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
98. Rashean Math... Mathis only played in 12 games in '08, but is widely considered one of the top corners in the game. He should bounce back from what was an underwhelming season. Jaguars fans hope their whole squad does. (AP Photo/Phil Coale)
97. Keith Bulluc... The Titans defensive field general has been one of the league's more overlooked linebackers for a few years now. Like London Fletcher in Washington or Shaun Phillips in San Diego, Bulluck doesn't get much of the critical acclaim or decorated honors of some of his peers. He just brings it every game. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
96. Jason Witten... Tony Romo's Cabo buddy broke out in 2007, emerging as his quarterback's favorite target and the NFC's top tight end. Witten followed that up with an 81-catch campaign in '08. With T.O. out of the picture, he'll likely see even more action in '09. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
95. Adrian Wilso... The sixth-ranked safety on our list, Wilson made a major leap in '08, going from a solid player on a bad team to a defensive leader on a conference champion. (AP Photo/Matt York)
94. Jake Long, O... "Hey rookie, go out there and protect a pocket quarterback, make sure we go from 1-15 to winning our division and go up against the NFL's toughest defensive ends week after week." That was essentially the orders Jake Long received last year. He did all that and more, helping bring the Dolphins back to respectability and making the Pro Bowl in his first season. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
93. Ryan Clady, ... In just his first season in the league, Clady showed he was worth the 12th pick overall last April. Heck, he was a major steal at No. 12. An AP NFL All-Pro selection in '08, Clady should enter that upper echelon of offensive tackles in '09. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
92. John Abraham... Abraham's one of the more under-appreciated players of his generation. A beast originally at defensive end for the Jets, now with the Falcons, he's the top defensive player for Mike Smith's gangbusters Atlanta D. At 31, he recorded a career-high 16.5 sacks in 2008. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
91. Kevin Mawae,... The gold standard for centers over the past 15 years, Mawae still mans the middle of a very functional Tennessee offensive line. He may be going gray, but he's still got plenty of football left in those legs. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
90. Cortland Fin... The gambling cornerback came a long way in '08, going from a middle-of-the-road starter to a Pro Bowl performer. Finnegan had a big year. More importantly, he didn't have any Tennessee fans thinking about Pacman Jones. (AP Photo/John Russell)
89. Haloti Ngata... In Casey Hampton, Tank Johnson and Shaun Rogers, there's some real talent at DT in the AFC North. Ngata has the potential to be the best of the bunch. This should be the year he emerges as that guy, if he hasn't already. (AP Photo/Matt Houston)
88. Santonio Hol... My apologies to all the Lynn Swann, David Tyree and John Taylor fans out there — you won't find a more dramatic Super Bowl reception than Holmes' fourth-quarter snag in Super Bowl XLIII. Holmes was making those grabs all year in '08. He'll only make more in '09. (AP Photo/Disney, Kent Phillips)
87. Matt Forte, ... All Forte did in his rookie season was rush for 1,238 yards and 8 touchdowns. Oh, and he also caught 63 balls for 447 yards. In short, he was the bulk of the Bears offense in '08. Give him Jay Cutler to work with, and we're talking a perennial Pro Bowl duo in that Chicago backfield. (AP Photo/David Banks)
86. Chad Ochocin... Get ready for a little Ochocinco overload this summer. This week he told reporters, "I'm going to be with Carson so much in July that I'm going to be the nanny (for his new twins)." In August, he'll be all over HBO's Hard Knocks. After a down 2008, the issue is whether he can still play. Ochocinco would laugh at being ranked No. 86. His critics would say it's probably too generous. (AP Photo/Al Behrman)
85. Devin Hester... It's tough ranking Hester — as unique a player in the league as you'll find. As a return man, there's no one better. As a guy who can change the game in a single play, he's top 10. As a receiver, he's just above average. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
84. Richard Seym... A healthy Seymour is the glue to the Patriots defense. In 15 games in '08, he was a force inside. Unfortunately, the Patriots DT hasn't played a 16-game season since 2006. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
83. Calvin Johns... The only Lion on our list, Johnson's been on the cusp of greatness for two years now. A statistical beast last season, he played on a winless team. Ho hum. Detroit should be improved in '09; Johnson should be the star of the offense. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
82. LaMarr Woodl... One of several Steelers defensive players to make the list, he could one day end up being the best of all. Woodley used 2008 as a coming-out party — emerging as one of the top rushing linebackers in the NFL with 11.5 quarterback sacks. He should be even better in '09. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
81. Lance Briggs... Tough putting any of the top Bears defenders — Urlacher, Briggs or Tommie Harris — at the top of this list with how poorly the unit under-performed last year. It could all change in '09. The addition of Jay Cutler can only help. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
80. Marion Barbe... Barber, like all of the Cowboys last year, was disappointed with how the '08 season ended. He's still one of the the toughest between-the-tackles runners in the league. With a healthy Felix Jones and an increased workload for Tashard Choice, Barber should only be fresher — and better — down the stretch in '09. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
79. Kyle Vanden ... Albert Haynesworth may have gotten all the pub, but many NFL folks point to Vanden Bosch as the real glue to last year's dominant Tennessee defensive line. Without Haynesworth, he'll need to do even more in '09. He will. (AP Photo/John Russell)
78. Jason Peters... Tra who? The Eagles went out and traded for the versatile Peters when Philly's long-time LT Thomas signed with Jacksonville this offseason. A perennial Pro Bowl performer while up in Buffalo, he'll be the man protecting Donovan McNabb from the likes of DeMarcus Ware and Justin Tuck. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
77. Chris Johnso... As a rookie last season, Johnson burst onto the scene with breakaway speed and an incredible knack for the open hole. If healthy in the second half of its AFC playoff loss, it's anybody's guess as to what could have happened in Tennessee's heartbreaking postseason loss vs. Baltimore. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
76. Kerry Rhodes... Rhodes, one of the best safeties in the NFL, will be the signal-caller for Rex Ryan's defensive backfield. In '08, he recorded 84 tackles and played in all 16 games, while admitting in the past that none other than Bill Belichick himself shared glowing compliments for him in private. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
75. Barrett Ruud... Who? Perhaps the least familiar name on this list, Rudd checks in at No. 75. Ruud put himself on the national radar with a breakout 2008 — ending the season with 137 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions. With Derrick Brooks out of the picture and a completely new defensive system in Tampa, a lot will be expected out of Ruud in '09. You may even become familiar with his name.
74. Alan Faneca,... Alongside D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Nick Mangold and Damien Woody, Faneca plays on one of the league's best offensive lines. The senior member of the unit, Faneca was an integral reason the Jets were in the hunt for an AFC East title up until the final week of last season. Along with Hutchinson, Faneca is still the model when it comes to offensive guard play in the NFL. (AP Photo/Jeffrey M. Boan)
73. Karlos Dansb... 2009 will be a very important year for Karlos Dansby. One of the defensive standouts of Arizona's surprise NFC Champion team, he'll be a hotly pursued free agent next offseason. In '08, Dansby took his game to the next level. There's no reason he won't elevate it even higher in '09, a contract year. (AP Photo/Paul Connors)
72. Joey Porter,... Porter was all but left for dead after his forgettable '07 season in Miami, but emerged as an on-the-field and lockerroom leader for the AFC East champion Dolphins in '08. He's not getting any younger, but the guy can still play the LB spot. Case in point? His career high 17.5 sacks last season. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
71. London Fletc... It's a crime against humanity that London Fletcher — one of the best linebackers of the past decade — has never, not once, been elected to a Pro Bowl. Fletcher is the NFL's Mr. Consistency. He hasn't missed a single game in his 10-year NFL career and has recorded over 120 tackles in every season since 2002. Get him to Hawaii ... or wherever the Pro Bowl is next year. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
70. Brandon Jaco... Hey, Earth, can you do it without Wind? We'll see in '09. The Giants gave Jacobs a four-year, $25 million deal this offseason, but let Derrick Ward walk in free agency. Jacobs' workload, already pretty heavy, should see an increase in '09. That is, of course, unless Danny Ware or Ahmad Bradshaw can pick up the slack. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
69. Brandon Mars... "Beast" was just that in '08, but that was with Jay Cutler at quarterback. Does he haul in 104 passes and 1,200 yards with Kyle Orton passing him the rock? We'll have to wait and see. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
68. T.J. Houshma... If there's an oddity on this list, it's the complete lack of representation from the Seattle Seahawks. Am I biased against Seattle? No. Do I have any doubt the Seahawks could take back the NFC West in '09? Not at all. Hoosh is the big free-agent signing. If Matt Hasselbeck stays healthy, they can be one of the nastier QB-WR combos in the league. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
67. Matt Cassel,... It's a sad state for the Chiefs when of 99 players, only one makes the list. Cassel, who has yet to take a snap for K.C., is that man. Scott Pioli went out and got the man he wanted, but things might not be as easy as they were in New England. The K.C. offensive line is spotty, at best. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
66. Brian Dawkin... B-Dawk was the heart and soul of the Eagles defense for years. Now he joins Champ Bailey and a bunch of question marks in Denver. The Broncos paid a pretty penny for the seven-time All-Pro. He'll be worth every cent in '09 (though at age 36, the jury is out how much longer he can remain on this list). (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
65. Casey Hampto... Hampton's the clog at the core of the league's best defense. Perhaps the most dominant unit since the 2000 Ravens, Hampton ensures that no teams run up the gut on Dick LeBeau's Pittsburgh D. Don't kid yourself, he's one of the few reasons Cleveland traded down out of the No. 5 pick to acquire a center in the first round of April's draft. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
64. Kurt Warner,... Where do you put Warner? He's close to 40, can still play and was just given a brand new contract in the offseason. Then again, he's close to 40. Fresh off his third Super Bowl appearance, Cardinals fans are happy to have him back. Matt Leinart patiently waits in the wings ... again (although he's been busy with Jay Glazer). (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
63. Bart Scott, ... The Jets broke the bank on Scott, a former undrafted free agent, this offseason. Rex Ryan speaks the world of him and Jets fans are expecting a lot. Between Calvin Pace, David Harris and Scott, the Jets have one of the league's best LB units. Hey, Vernon Gholston — it's time to join the party. (AP Photo/Chris Gardner)
62. DeMeco Ryans... The leader of the young Texans defense, Ryans enters his fourth year in the league as one of the top linebackers in the game. He'll be working under a new scheme in '09. The addition of DE Antonio Smith on the defensive line should only help Ryans emerge as an even greater field general in the eyes of the mainstream fans and media. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
61. Terrell Sugg... The Ravens perennial "franchise" player, Suggs had another Pro Bowl campaign in '08. With Bart Scott gone, Suggs will need to step it up even more in '09. He will. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
60. Maurice Jone... MJD got his money over the offseason and it's well-deserved. The one bright spot in what was a dismal '08, Jones-Drew was the bowling ball that kept the Jaguars competitive. It will be interesting to see how Jones-Drew performs without Fred Taylor complementing him in the backfield. (AP Photo/John Russell)
59. Adalius Thom... Thomas battled injuries in '08, but should be 100 percent healthy for '09. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
58. Charles Wood... After all these years, Woodson's still one of the top cornerbacks in the game. He and Al Harris may combine for seemingly 100 years of age, but they still get the job done. Green Bay's defense was a mess in '08. Blame the front seven. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
57. Steve Hutchi... Still the top interior offensive lineman in the NFL, Hutchinson's the centerpiece to an offensive line creating holes for Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor in Minnesota. How will the departure of longtime Vikings center Matt Birk impact Hutchinson's work at guard? (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
56. Roddy White,... With Matt Ryan at the helm and Michael Turner in the backfield, White had a monster season in '08. Considered a "bust" during his first few years in the league, the former first-round pick has successfully shed the label with two big seasons in a row. (AP Photo/Tom Olmscheid)
55. Kris Jenkins... It's no coincidence that the Jets rush defense went from a middle of the road unit to one of the best in the league with the addition of Jenkins. He could be even better in Rex Ryan's defense in '09. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)
54. Brian Westbr... Tough not finding a place for Westbrook in the Top 50. He's still one of the more lethal weapons in the league. He just needs to stay healthy in '09. The addition of Jeremy Maclin will open things up even more for the Eagles all-purpose back. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
53. Antonio Gate... Gates wasn't his best in '08, but he was still among the top tight ends in the NFL. When fully healthy, there's no one better at the position. He's still one of the best over-the-middle and red zone targets in the league. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
52. Brian Urlach... Another very difficult player to place on this list. Now at 31, Urlacher's not getting any younger. But he can still play the game. We've got the Beason/Willis/Mayo trio rated higher on our list, but Urlacher's still in the conversation. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)
51. Terrell Owen... A wild-card on this list, who knows what to expect out of T.O. in '09? Now up in Buffalo (which is weird), working with Trent Edwards (really?) and in the AFC for the first time of his career, tracking T.O.'s amazing journey north will be a curious experience this season. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
50. Asante Samue... A two-time Super Bowl champion in New England, Samuel brought his ball-hawking corner skills to Philly last year and delivered. Rated here as the top cornerback in the NFC, he'll need to do it in '09 without Brian Dawkins manning the middle. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
49. Steven Jacks... St. Louis fans deserve a healthy season from Steven Jackson. They've had too many forgettable years without one. When 100 percent, there's nobody better at running back. The drafting of Jason Smith and the acquisition of Jason Brown only helps Jackson's game. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
48. Wes Welker, ... No Tom Brady? No problem. Not for Welker, at least — the best underneath route receiver in the entire league. Welker holds the two highest single-season reception totals in franchise history, including a league-leading 96 catches in '08. He can do a nasty snow angel, too. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm)
47. Tony Gonzale... At age 33, Gonzalez had one of his best years as a pro in '08, despite playing on a dismal team with a handful of unknowns rotating at quarterback. Now he goes to Atlanta, a team with a top quarterback, top running back, top wideout and serviceable offensive line. Forget the miles on his pedometer — Gonzalez could be in for his best year yet. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
46. Joe Thomas, ... Thomas followed up an incredible rookie season with a strong sophomore campaign. The two-time Pro Bowler is the rock of the Cleveland offense. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
45. Clinton Port... Portis was on his way to what looked like a potential MVP season six weeks into the '08 campaign, only to finish the year with a few less than impressive performances. Portis should be refreshed and good to go for the start of '09. He's one of the top-10 running backs in the league and has been for close to a decade. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
44. Anquan Boldi... Boldin proved himself to be one of the tougher suckers in the league in '08, coming back from what could have been a career-shattering facial injury, and taking his game to the next level upon his return. He rid himself of agent Drew Rosenhaus last month, but still wants to be paid his worth. He's one of the best. He deserves it. (AP Photo/Matt York)
43. Matt Ryan, Q... Sophomore slump? Don't expect one with this guy. Ryan has the city of Atlanta in the palm of his hand, and now Tony Gonzalez as the ultimate safety valve. High expectations for Matty Ice in '09. He should exceed them. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
42. Shaun Philli... Shawne Merriman gets all the fanfare and publicity, but serious followers of the NFL point to Phillips as the more talented linebacker. Both are Top-50 talents. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
41. Reggie Wayne... It's been Reggie Wayne's show in Indy for a few years now, but with Marvin Harrison now off the roster, there's no doubt over who Peyton Manning's No. 1 target is. Wayne is still as fast as ever; the skills the same. Still a Top-50 player? No question. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
40. Kevin Willia... Still one of the best DTs in the entire league, Williams is the biggest reason the Vikings will have one of the top rushing defenses in the league year in and year out. (AP Photo/Tom Olmscheid)
39. Jerod Mayo, ... The second-year linebacker was far and away the top defensive rookie in the league last season. Lightning fast and capable of going sideline to sideline in no time, Mayo — in just his second season — will be the glue to the Patriots defense in '09. He's already right up there in the Beason/Willis conversation. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
38. Michael Turn... Turner "the Burner" burst on to the scene in '08, breaking out of former Chargers teammate LaDainian Tomlinson's shadow and producing the better season of the two players. Turner's the workhorse Atlanta hoped he'd be when they gave him his big contract in the offseason of 2008. (AP Photo/Paul Connors)
37. Michael Roos... Roos is one of the less recognizable names in our Top 50, but no doubt belongs in it. An All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection for the first time of his career in '08, Roos is the key cog at tackle in the Titans lethal run game. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
36. DeAngelo Wil... Yes, another Carolina Panther. Williams had two monster nationally-televised games in '08 — a 186-yard, two touchdown effort vs. Tampa Bay and an unforgettable four-TD performance vs. the Giants in Week 16. He's only getting better. He's consistent and reliable, too. Williams didn't fumble one of his 273 carries in '08. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)
35. Osi Umenyior... There's no better two-man defensive end tandem in the league than Tuck and Umenyiora. Rather go with Osi over Tuck? Fine. With the additions of Chris Canty, Michael Boley, rookie Clint Sintim and Rocky Bernard, a healthy Umenyiora could end up being the top defensive end in the league this season. Poor Eagles OT Winston Justice still hasn't recovered from his '07 Monday night date with Umenyiora. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
34. Justin Tuck,... Tuck filled in admirably for the injured Osi Umenyiora and retired Michael Strahan in '08, manning the defensive end position without drop-off. He, along with the rest of the Giants D, hit a bit of a wall in the final months of the season. Refreshed and lining up alongside a healthy Osi should only improve Tuck's game in '09. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
33. Bob Sanders,... When Sanders is healthy, the Colts win. Unfortunately, he's not always healthy. Sanders will be playing an integral role in keeping this team — specifically, defense — afloat in '09. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
32. Champ Bailey... For much of the past decade, Champ was the top cornerback in the game. Few would argue that Asomugha has since taken that torch, but Bailey's still one of the top defensive players in this league. It's tough not to be excited to see how he works with Brian Dawkins in Denver's defensive backfield this season. Two of the best defensive backs of all-time, working together on a defense littered with young kids. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
31. Jay Cutler, ... Cutler's sub .500 career record, lack of postseason experience and sometimes less-than-perfect attitude won't win him many fans from the old guard, but he's got a cannon for an arm and a brilliant football head on his shoulders. He's a franchise quarterback and an upgrade from Kyle Orton in Chicago. Don't let any Denver fans (or Josh McDaniels) tell you otherwise. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
30. Ray Lewis, L... After some brief talk of Lewis in a Cowboys jersey this offseason, the Baltimore brass paid up and gave the face of its franchise the money he needed to finish his career a Raven. He's still one of the best players in the game, even if he's a millisecond slower than he was a decade ago. (AP Photo/Tom Strattman)
29. Randy Moss, ... Even without Brady, Moss had a strong '08 season — hauling in 69 passes and scoring 11 touchdowns. He's now put in two back-to-back strong seasons. Is this the year he gets that elusive Super Bowl ring? There is still no player I'd rather have on the receiving end of a jump ball along the sidelines. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
28. Tony Romo, Q... Another lightning rod figure on this list. You either hate Romo or you love him. I'm a fan. I think Romo's production without T.O. will be one of the more interesting storylines this season. Like him or not, he's a tremendously gifted quarterback. He's got to win a big game one of these years. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
27. Mario Willia... Williams isn't a kid anymore, and now entering his 4th season in the league he's considered one of the game's premier defensive players. Last year, he didn't have quite the season he had in '07, but he should be on the prowl for the upstart Texans in '09. There's a lot of dark-horse talk for Houston this year. Williams is one of the major reasons why. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
26. Dwight Freen... One of the league's premier pass rushers, Freeney is still the player he was three to four years ago. If healthy 16 games every season, Freeney's even higher on this list. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
25. Carson Palme... Three years ago, Palmer would have been in the Top 5 on this list. The last two years, the Top 10. But after another injury-plagued season in which the Bengals didn't even sniff the playoffs, it's hard sneaking Palmer into the Top 20. He enters the 2009 season as gifted as ever — but without his top target in T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and behind a very questionable offensive line. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
24. Jordan Gross... Another Carolina Panther? Yes. I've got Gross listed as the top offensive lineman in the entire league here, and it's not without good reason. Capable of playing either the left or right tackle position, and one of the main reasons DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart had monstrous breakout years in '08, Gross is arguably the most valuable offensive lineman in the NFL. Hell, based on this — he is. (AP Photo/NFL)
23. Donovan McNa... The single hardest person to place on this list, McNabb could have been slotted anywhere from No. 5 to No. 50, and there would have been people who both supported and detested the placement. With Brian Dawkins now in Denver, he's the official heart-and-soul of the Eagles. There's a ton of expectations in Philly for '09. Lots of prognosticators have them taking a Lombardi back to the City of Brotherly Love next February. It's on you, Donovan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
22. LaDainian To... A little high for Tomlinson based on his down '08 campaign? A little low based on a career more decorated than any back since Marshall Faulk? That's the beauty of this list. I expect big things out of Tomlinson in '09. He's still got some juice in those legs. I may be in the minority on that one. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
21. Patrick Will... Niners fans may consider it blasphemous to place Willis behind Beason on this list. It's truly a toss-up. Both are pretty nasty. Also drafted in '07, the former Defensive Rookie of the Year has played in the Pro Bowl in both of his two NFL seasons. Working under Mike Singletary's watchful (and legendary) eyes will only make him better. Willis' potential is downright scary. He just needs to win some games. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
20. Jon Beason, ... Though perhaps not as well known on a national scale as several of the other linebackers on this list, Beason could darn well be the best one of them all. Beason racked up 138 tackles and made his first of what should be many Pro Bowls in '08. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
19. Shawne Merri... Merriman missed much of last season with an injury and the Chargers' D was noticeably worse without him. Aside from his tremendous ability and ferocious pursuit of the quarterback, Merriman provides serious bite to the reigning AFC West champions. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)
18. Steve Smith,... One of the best deep threats to ever play the game, Smith is as consistent an offensive performer in the NFL as there is. Despite missing two games in '08, he still hauled in a career high 1,421 receiving yards. Year in and year out, the guy puts up huge numbers and wins games. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
17. Eli Manning,... Now a year removed from the Super Bowl MVP performance, Eli's critics are all over the 212 again. Manning didn't throw a single touchdown pass to a receiver after the Plaxico Burress suspension last season, and failed to inspire in the wind at Giants Stadium in the postseason. Will rookie Hakeem Nicks become his go-to guy? Fellow rookie Ramses Barden? Lots of question marks for Eli this season. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
16. Philip River... Phil Rivers? In the Top 20?! You bet. Rivers had a breakout year in '09, tossing the San Diego offense on his back and winning the final four games of the season and a playoff contest vs. the Colts. The head-to-head postseason records of Rivers and No. 1 on our list? Philip Rivers 2, Peyton Manning 0. Not too shabby. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
15. Troy Polamal... One of three Steelers in the top 15, Polamalu scored his second Super Bowl ring in February. A terror all season in '08, Polamalu is the perfect centerfield safety in Dick LeBeau's 3-4 defense. Unfortunately, he may be doomed for the '09 year ... he's on the Madden cover. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
14. Albert Hayne... The $100 million man. After signing the biggest deal for a defensive tackle in NFL history, Haynesworth has a giant target on his back. Having never stayed healthy for a complete NFL season, there are critics out there. He had better perform. He should. (AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez)
13. Andre Johnso... Johnson emerged as one of the league's top receivers in '08, catching league-highs in both catches (115) and yards(1,575). He's unstoppable. Expect the same — if not bigger — numbers in '09. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
12. Nnamdi Asomu... There's a reason Asomugha is never among the league leaders in interceptions — quarterbacks avoid him like the plague. The league's top cover corner, Asomugha should be one of the NFL's marquee players. Alas, he plays in the abyss that is Oakland. This might be the first time you've even heard of him. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
11. James Harris... The second Steelers player to make the list, Harrison went from an unsung special teams player to arguably the best linebacker in all of football. I don't know the deal with the Obama/White House stuff, but I do know he can play football. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
10. Ed Reed, S, ... Perhaps no defensive player can impact a football game quite like Reed. On top of the frequent interceptions (he led the league in both 2004 and 2008), he can take them back to the house for scores. Reed's five interceptions in five career postseason games prove he gets it done in big games, too. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
9. Julius Pepper... One of the best defensive ends in the game, Peppers was the force behind the Panthers' magical '08 season. Still playing his very best, he's one of the rare defensive players that can singlehandedly will a team to victory. With a new defensive coordinator, Carolina needs him in camp sooner rather than later. That deal needs to get done. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)
8. Jared Allen, ... An absolute beast and arguably the NFL's best pass-rushing defensive end since Michael Strahan, Allen made an already strong Minnesota defense even stronger in '08. A nightmare for offensive tackles and an inspired leader in the locker room, he's emerged from a career riddled with off-the-field mishaps to become one of the league's very best players. (AP Photo/Tom Olmscheid)
7. Drew Brees, Q... Is No. 7 overall a little high for a player who hasn't played in a postseason game in two years? Perhaps. But there's no doubting Brees' skills, leadership and ability. Brees is a top-five quarterback in the league, and with some defense — just a little tiny bit — the Saints could be a top-five team in this league. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
6. DeMarcus Ware... A three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, Ware is only getting better with every passing year. The loss of free-agent DE Chris Canty could hurt, but the addition of former Falcons LB Keith Brooking may actually free up Ware even more. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
5. Adrian Peters... A.D. had an incredible sophomore season, tossing the Vikings on his back down the stretch and carrying them to an NFC North title. There's no player in the league who has greater big-play potential, and he brings that big-play potential 25 times a game. Hands down the best running back in the league, he will be in the MVP conversation over the next decade of his career. (AP Photo/Tom Olmscheid)
4. Larry Fitzger... Fitzgerald is the best receiver in the league. When it's all said and done, he might end up being the best wide receiver to ever step on a football field. Yeah, I wrote it. If '08 was his breakout campaign and the Super Bowl his "Hello, America" game, I can only imagine what he has in store for us in '09. Gifted with superhuman hands, an uncanny skill set and leadership qualities of a field general, Fitzgerald is the single-most valuable non-quarterback heading into the 2009 NFL season. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
3. Ben Roethlisb... Say what you want about the strength of the Super Bowl champions' defense, but Big Ben is unquestionably the true leader of the Pittsburgh Steelers. With two Super Bowl rings and three AFC championship game starts in just five NFL seasons, he's one of the top three quarterbacks in the league. Win another one and he could be No. 1 on this list next year. Kick and scream all you want about it — Roethlisberger's the real deal. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
2. Tom Brady, QB... Without Brady in '08, the Patriots had an impressive 11-5 season, just missing the playoffs by a nutty tiebreaker scenario. The '08 season was a testament to Bill Belichick, backup quarterback Matt Cassel and offensive guru Josh McDaniels. Two of the three won't be back in '09. But Brady will be. That fact, alone, makes the Patriots the no-brainer favorite in the loaded AFC East. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
1. Peyton Mannin... Though not the best in a statistical sense, Manning's '08 campaign was arguably the most impressive season of his decorated 11-year career. Working behind a makeshift offensive line with injuries scattered across the depth chart at just about every position for much of the year — Manning led the Colts to the playoffs and another 12-win season after an uninspiring start to the season.
With other quarterbacks, you'd be worried by the departure of a head coach, starting wide receiver and several key offensive assistants. Not Manning. He's the ultimate franchise player. Give me anyone in the league to build a team around — and I'm still taking Manning ... yes, even Tom Terrific. (AP Photo/Bill Waugh)