23. Julius Peppers, DE, Bears (2009 Rank: 6) | Peter Schrager's Top 100 NFL Players | Comcast.net

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Peter Schrager's Top 100 NFL Players

23. Julius Peppers, DE, Bears (2009 Rank: 6)

Fresh off a new $91.5 million deal, Peppers was reportedly a terror in Chicago’s recent minicamp. Rotating on both left and right sides of the D-line, the eight-year vet looked as fit and as motivated as he’s ever been, drawing false starts and blowing by O-linemen. The knock on Peppers? It’s been the same since he entered the NFL in 2002 — that he has a tendency to take plays off and not play up to his potential. The Bears need him to be at his very best. Chicago’s defense was last in the league in third-and-long in '09. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

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NFL's Top 100 Pl... Ah, the ol’ Schrager Top 100 list, an annual summer tradition on FOXSports.com. If you’re not familiar, here are the rules:
1. Which player would I rather have on my team? 2. Which player would make the most impact on my team? 3. Which player will be the best in 2010, specifically?
Some other things to keep in mind: Overall team performance matters (sorry, Rams and Lions fans), incoming rookies are not eligible (Mr. Suh, my apologies), and I didn’t include any kickers or punters (my bad, Shane Lechler).
I care more about Whitney Port's new fashion line than I do about your fantasy football team and your league's projected statistics. Hakeem Nicks' 2010 projected yards per reception and Arian Foster's projected red zone carries total were not taken into account in the compilation of this list.
Also, long-term future isn’t the goal here, the 2010 season is. Would I rather have Texans middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans over the next 10 years than Ray Lewis? Probably. For the 2010 campaign? Gimme the 11-time-Pro Bowler.
Here's a breakdown of the Top 100:
-No Seahawks, Buccaneers, Bills or Chiefs made the Top 100. Sorry.
-There are 19 WRs on the 2010 list; one more than the amount of LBs, the second-most represented position.
-The Vikings had the most players in the Top 100 (7); the Colts, Ravens, and Cowboys tied for second (6).
Players who were “right on the cusp”, but did not make the list: Cowboys center Andre Gurode, Patriots guard Logan Mankins, Redskins defenders Brian Orakpo and Andre Carter, Chiefs RBs Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones, Packers safety Nick Collins, Vikings tackle Bryan McKinnie, Giants David Diehl, Chris Snee, Antrel Rolle, and Steve Smith, and Dolphins right tackle Vernon Carey.
Super Bowl champs Marques Colston, Pierre Thomas, Jonathan Stinchcomb and Reggie Bush ain’t on it either. Andrew Whitworth, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Barrett Ruud and Kris Dielman were left on the cutting room floor, as well. Again, my apologies, gentlemen.
So, who did make the cut? Let’s dig in. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
100. Jay Cutler,... For years, I’ve been killed for being a Jay Cutler “apologist.” After last season, in which I predicted he would lead the Bears to the NFC Championship only to see him toss an NFL-high 26 INTs, I ate quite a bit of crow. But I’m still a sucker for that cannon arm, and with Mike Martz and Chester Taylor in town there’s a lot to like about Cutler in 2010. The Bears WRs may not be household names, but there’s big expectations in the Martz offense. Despite the picks, Cutler still threw for 3,500+ yards and 27 TDs in '09. I’ll roll the dice: Forget the haters, Jay Cutler’s one of the top 100 NFL players. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
99. Chad Ochocin... Chad’s been busy this offseason. He’s got a new dating show, he’s calling out the Ravens and he’s danced against Erin Andrews and Pam Anderson. One thing he wasn’t doing was hanging around Bengals camp. With Cincy undergoing what QB Carson Palmer describes as the biggest change in their offense since '03, Ochocinco was MIA during the team’s OTAs. Yeah, he’s a handful. But he’s in camp now, and from August through January — especially on Sundays — he’s one of the top receivers in the game. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
98. Leon Hall, C... Taken in the same draft as Darrelle Revis, Hall flew under the radar a bit in his first two years with the Bengals. In his third year, his work was recognized. A second-team All-Pro pick, Hall often matched up against the opposing team’s top wideout and shut him down. In ’09, his breakout year, the former Michigan star recorded 71 tackles, forced two fumbles, broke up 24 passes and picked six. Though the Jets and Broncos corner tandems get the bulk of the media love, you could make the argument that the Bengals’ Hall and Johnathan Joseph make up the NFL's best 1-2 CB duo. (AP Photo/Al Behrman)
97. Percy Harvin... The 2009 Offensive Rookie of the Year is the latest in a string of young game-breakers that contribute in running, receiving and kick returning games. In ’09, Harvin overcame a bout with migraines and countless pre-draft critics (he smoked marijuana in college) to catch 60 balls and score eight touchdowns, two of which came on kick returns. Harvin was selected to the NFC Pro Bowl roster as a kick returner. Many more of those to come. (AP Photo/Andy King)
96. Josh Cribbs,... The NFL’s career record holder for kickoffs returned for TDs (8), Cribbs makes Kordell Stewart look more like a hyphen than a “Slash” with his season last year. With what was nothing short of a putrid offense in 2009, the Browns relied on Cribbs more than ever. In a nationally-televised Week 13 win over the Steelers, he compiled over 200 yards of total offense, including 87 rushing yards out of the Wildcat formation. Named the Browns team MVP for '09, he was rewarded for his all-around efforts with a three-year $20 million contract extension in March. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
95. Trent Cole, ... Cole’s improved each year he’s been in the NFL and in 2009 was selected to his second Pro Bowl. Though he rarely is mentioned in the conversation of the league’s top pass rushers, he’s accumulated 47 sacks in six years, with 12.5 in 2009. The Eagles drafted Brandon Graham, a sack demon out of Michigan, to give Cole some help in the pass rush game in 2010. Another reason to like Cole? He’s one of the most entertaining guys in the league when the NFL Films mikes are on him. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
94. Hines Ward, ... I left Ward off this list last year and got ripped by Steelers fans for months. I wrote that Ward isn’t a Hall of Famer two weeks ago and got it even worse. But I can’t argue Ward’s place in the Top 100 this year. Last year, the eight-year veteran posted his best numbers since 2003, tying a career high with 95 catches. At 34, he’s still the game's best blocking WR. But 2010 will be a test. With no Big Ben for four games and no Santonio Holmes as the other wideout, there will be an even greater need for Ward to produce. If he can repeat ’09 despite those obstacles, I might be ready to start talking about a trip to Canton. Maybe. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
93. Jason Witten... Witten had another outstanding season in 2009, catching 94 balls for 1,003 yards in a year in which America’s Team won the NFC East. If there was any knock on Witten’s ’09 campaign, it was that he only scored two touchdowns. Look for those numbers to increase in 2010. (AP Photo/Erich Schlegel)
92. Darren Sharp... Thankfully, Darren Sharper’s silly Twitter war (a “Twar?”) with Vikings tight end Visanthe Shiancoe’s been put to rest. So has his contract status. Sharper was locked up with an extension this past offseason. As he rehabilitates his knee from offseason surgery, Sharper will also be asked to groom his eventual replacement at free safety, 2009 first-round draft pick Malcolm Jenkins. Rest assured, he’s not giving up the gig just yet. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
91. Jahri Evans,... Jahri Evans’ life story could be made into a movie. Drafted out of tiny Division II Bloomsburg, Evans has grown into an All-Pro and a Super Bowl champion. He’s also now a very rich man, having inked a seven-year, $56 million deal last month. One of the top two or three offensive guards in the league, he’s the glue to the Saints under-the-radar offensive line. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
90. Cedric Benso... It was quite a bounce-back season for Cedric Benson in 2009. The player released by the Bears in ’08 averaged 23 carries per start last season and gobbled up a career-high 1,251 yards. Focused, ready and eager to help the Bengals defend their AFC North crown in 2010, there’s no way you can keep the ultra-productive Benson out of the Top 100. (AP Photo/Al Behrman)
89. Darnell Dock... A Pro Bowl pick for the first time in 2009, Dockett saw action at both DT and DE. With longtime teammates Karlos Dansby and Antrel Rolle now playing elsewhere, Ken Whisenhunt and coordinator Bill Davis will look to Dockett as the leader of the Cardinals defense. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
88. Anthony Spen... When the Cowboys parted ways with OLB Greg Ellis, there were some mild concerns in Big D. In his third year out of Purdue, Spencer put all worries to rest with a breakout 2009 campaign. He saved his best for last, though. In Dallas’s final six games, Spencer had six sacks, six tackles for a loss and 14 quarterback pressures. He’s only going to get better; nastier. News flash: Dallas is going to be very, very good this year. (AP Photo/Erich Schlegel)
87. Roddy White,... White is Matt Ryan’s No. 1 target and a two-time Pro Bowl participant. He finished 2009 with 85 receptions, 1,153 yards and a career-high 11 touchdowns. One of just two Falcons receivers to record 1,000 receiving yards three seasons in a row, he’s right on the cusp of the NFL’s top tier of receivers. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
86. Michael Roos... An All-Pro selection in 2008, Roos had another solid season from the tackle spot in Tennessee in 2009. He’s started every game he’s played since joining the Titans in 2005 and played a huge role in Chris Johnson’s breakout campaign last year. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
85. Brandon Mars... Finally out of Denver, Marshall joins the Dolphins with a new contract and jersey number (Davone Bess isn’t selling his No. 15). A two-time Pro Bowl pick, Marshall is a freakish physical specimen at WR. All-Pro Nnamdi Asomugha once called him “the toughest guy to bring down, one-on-one." Marshall’s eclipsed the 100-catch mark in each of the past three seasons. He’ll look to do that — and potentially more — in 2010. Huge things are expected out of this 2010 Dolphins team. All eyes will be on Marshall to deliver. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)
84. Curtis Lofto... Who? Another under-the-radar budding superstar, Lofton emerged as one of the NFL’s best young linebackers in 2009. In just two years in the league, the former Oklahoma star has solidified himself as the point man and vocal leader of the Atlanta defense. He finished with 119 tackles in 2009, good for sixth in the league. If you haven’t heard of Lofton yet, you will in 2010. (AP Photo)
83. Donovan McNa... McNabb starts the next chapter of his 10-year NFL career in Redskins colors. It still seems ... strange. He brings to Washington five NFC Championship appearances, six Pro Bowls and what has to be a tremendous chip on his shoulder. In 2009, McNabb started 14 games, but still eclipsed 3,500 yards and tossed 22 touchdowns to just 10 INTs. Impressive numbers, all around. ‘Skins fans will be more than pleased to have those numbers in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
82. Karlos Dansb... Dansby, the Dolphins’ newly signed inside linebacker, is expected to be the leader of Mike Nolan’s new-look 3-4 defense. A seven-year veteran, Dansby comes to Miami with Super Bowl experience and fresh off two division titles in Arizona. He also comes with high expectations; in March, he signed a five-year $43 million deal. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
81. Vernon Davis... After years of being dismissed as a combine wonder and a draft bust, Davis emerged as one of the game’s top tight ends in 2009. Tying the NFL record for most TD catches by a tight end in a season with 13, Davis was selected to his first Pro Bowl. In 2010, Davis joins Alex Smith, Frank Gore, and Michael Crabtree on one of the league’s youngest — and most exciting — offensive units. Big things are expected. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
80. Michael Turn... Michael Turner’s 2008 debut year with the Falcons saw him rack up 1,699 yards and 17 TDs, a playoff berth and a spot in Pro Bowl. Nagging injuries and subpar O-line play limited Turner to just 871 yards in 2009. Turner is drifting towards the dreaded RB age of 30, but with much fewer career carries than the Larry Johnson, Edge, L.T. and Brian Westbrook types before him—there should be at least three more solid years left in his legs. Falcons fans sure hope so. He’s come to camp trimmer and healthier than he has in years prior. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
79. Tony Gonzale... Gonzalez, a sure-fire Hall of Famer, holds just about every tight end receiving record in the books. He also hasn’t won a single postseason game in his 12-year NFL career. With a much-improved Falcons defense, 2010 could be the year Tony G notches that long-awaited postseason victory. In ‘09, Gonzalez caught 83 balls and scored 6 TDs. Like fine wine or that Helen Mirren woman, he seems to get better and better with age. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
78. Vincent Jack... Hear that broken record? Jackson is yet another one of the league’s young stars currently not working out with his team due to a contract squabble. Chargers GM A.J. Smith isn’t budging anytime soon. When he’s on the field, Jackson’s Phil Rivers’ deep threat. In 2009, he caught 68 balls for 1,167 yards and scored 9 touchdowns. The sky’s the limit with this guy. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
77. Jon Vilma, L... Vilma, the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2004, returned to the Pro Bowl for the first time since 2005 with a wonderful ’09 campaign. The Super Bowl champ has led the Saints in tackles in back-to-back seasons, racking up 132 last year. When it mattered most, Vilma stepped up to the plate. In the Super Bowl, he made seven tackles and deflected a key 3rd-and-11 fourth quarter pass from Peyton Manning. Though there are other big-name ILBs in the NFL, Vilma’s one of the most productive. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
76. Vince Wilfor... A two-time Pro Bowl selection (2007 and 2009), Warren is the run stuffing clog on the Patriots 3-man defensive line. Fresh off a newly inked deal, he’s now the second-highest paid defensive tackle in the NFL. Still only 28, the Pats expect several more highly productive seasons out of the big fella. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
75. Miles Austin... Top 75, huh? Not bad for an undersized undrafted free agent out of Monmouth University. In just 12 starts last season, Austin hauled in 81 receptions for 1,320 yards and 11 TDs. With the addition of first round pick Dez Bryant and 16 starts, Austin’s numbers could skyrocket even more. Now officially signed and ready for the 2010 season, expect big, big things out of this not so big, big player. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
74. Anquan Boldi... Arguably the most physical WR in the NFL, Boldin starts the second chapter of his career as a Raven this fall. The 6’1, 220-lb man of steel was the fastest wideout in NFL history to reach 500 career catches and has ade three Pro Bowls. Though long considered one of the worst teams in terms of WR talent, the Ravens now have one of the NFL’s very best trios in Boldin, Donte Stallworth and Derrick Mason. Stallworth should be the deep threat; Boldin the every down target across the middle. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
73. Brian Cushin... Cushing’s name has been dragged through the mud this spring, but way back when—oh, February?—he was considered one of the NFL's best young LBs. Guess what? He still is. In 2009, he tied Ray Lewis for the AFC lead in tackles with 134, won NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and made the Pro Bowl. Then “it” hit the fan. He will be suspended for four games in 2010 for violating the league's performance-enhancing substance policy. When he comes back, he’ll pick up right where he left off. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
72. Jerod Mayo, ... The Junior Seau, Mike Vrabel, Tedy Bruschi days are now a thing of the past in New England. When it comes to Patriots LBs these days, it starts and ends with Jerod Mayo. After a breakout ’08 campaign, Mayo was sidelined with an MCL injury for a portion of the 2009 campaign. Named a defensive captain in just his second NFL season, Mayo still managed to make 103 tackles in just 13 games. When fully healthy, there are few better young defensive talents in the league than the former Tennessee Volunteer. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
71. Adrian Wilso... A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Wilson was a First-Team All-Pro in 2009. Arguably the top safety in the NFC, Wilson will be joined by Kerry Rhodes at the other safety spot this season instead of longtime battery mate Antrel Rolle. Wilson had his high school jersey retired at HP Andrew High School last week. With a few more seasons like the past few, his Cardinals jersey could be next. (AP Photo/Matt York)
70. Calvin Johns... Ladies and gentlemen, our first and only Detroit Lion in the Top 100. With shaky play at QB, next to no running game, constant double teams and a spotty O-line, Johnson still caught 68 balls in 14 games in 2009. With skills often mentioned in the same breath as Andre Johnson’s and Larry Fitzgerald’s, 2010 could be the year “Megatron” steps his game up and enters that elite echelon of NFL receivers. Matt Stafford needs to be upright for that to happen. All eyes are on you, left tackle Jeff Backus. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
69. Lance Briggs... With a new deal in the offseason, Briggs was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise forgettable season for the Bears. In 2009, the three-time All-Pro went to his fifth Pro Bowl, leading the Bears with 147 tackles. The former third-round pick is only the third Bears player since 1971 to record 1,000 career tackles, reaching the 100-tackle plateau in each of the previous six seasons. With Julius Peppers on the D-line and a healthy Brian Urlacher back roaming the middle, look for the Bears defense to return to greatness in 2010. AP Photo/Ronen Zilberman)
68. Antoine Beth... Shocked to see a Colts safety not named Bob Sanders in the Top 75? Don’t be. Bethea was a beast in ’09 and was handsomely rewarded for his outstanding effort earlier this month with a four-year, $27 contract extension. A two-time Pro Bowler, Bethea is one of the great young defensive backs in the game and only appears to be getting better. Often overshadowed by bigger names on the Colts D, he could end up being the best of the bunch. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
67. Frank Gore, ... Gore had another productive year in 2009, racking up 1,120 yards and 10 TDs, while catching 52 balls out of the backfield for San Francisco. A first-alternate for the Pro Bowl in ’09, big things are expected in 2010. For the first time in recent memory, the 49ers have an established starting QB (without a controversy) in Alex Smith and two legitimate receiving targets in TE Vernon Davis and WR Michael Crabtree. Gore’s the workhorse of what should be an exciting offense in NoCal. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
66. Brian Urlach... Urlacher’s back for 2010, eight months removed from a devastating wrist injury that kept him sidelined for 15 games in ’09. The six-time Pro Bowl LB fully participated in five minicamp workouts this month, showing no signs of lingering effects from the injury. With Urlacher back and the addition of Julius Peppers at DE, the Bears defense should be much improved from the unit they trotted on to the field last season. Say what you want about everyone else on the unit, Urlacher’s still the leader. And when he’s healthy? He’s a top 10 NFL linebacker. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
65. Jason Peters... One of the top left tackles in the sport, Peters will be asked to watch Kevin Kolb’s blindside in 2010. Undrafted out of Arkansas, Peters has made the Pro Bowl the past three seasons. He seamlessly made the move from AFC to NFC last year and anchored the Philly offensive line. When the Eagles acquired Peters last year, Philly coach Andy Reid told reporters, “Jason Peters is the best left tackle in football. He is a powerful and athletic tackle and I have admired his play over the last few years on film." If he’s not the best, he’s certainly in the conversation. (AP Photo)
64. Haloti Ngata... Ngata was the heart and soul of the Ravens D-line in ’09, making his first Pro Bowl and solidifying himself as one of the game’s top DTs. Ngata tore a pectoral muscle in the Pro Bowl and is still working his way back into game shape. "I felt good," Ngata said last week. "I'll definitely be ready for training camp. All I got to do now is get the strength back. All the range of motion is there. I'm just working on building muscle back and making sure i'm keeping up with the plays." Without him, the Ravens rush defense isn’t the same. (AP Photo/Chris Gardner)
63. Nick Mangold... The Jets were fortunate enough to have Kevin Mawae, the longtime top center in the game, anchoring their O-line for much of the 2000s. They now have Mangold, the NFL's best, doing the work in Jets green. Currently embroiled in (what’s new?) a contract dispute, Mangold has been in the papers voicing his disappointment: "It's deeply disappointing that we are where we are," he said last week. "I've tried to do all the right things on and off the field, and I feel it's the Jets' turn. Not having that security of an extension is bothersome." Yawn. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
62. Sidney Rice,... After two seasons of unnoticed mediocrity, Sidney Rice emerged as one of the NFL’s top WRs in 2009. A Pro Bowl selection for the first time in his career, Rice became Brett Favre’s go-to target in Minnesota, catching 83 balls for 1,312 yards and 8 TDs. In last season’s Vikings playoff win over the Cowboys, Rice caught 6 balls for 141 yards and scored 3 touchdowns. If he wasn’t considered a Top-10 NFL wideout before that game, he certainly was afterwards. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
61. Bob Sanders,... For as talented a player Sanders is when he’s on the field, the fact that he’s only played in eight games over the past two seasons keeps him out of the Top 50. It’s tough to make an impact from the training room. In 2009, Sanders appeared in just two games with six tackles, sidelined with an arm injury. The former Defensive Player of the Year is expected to be back in the starting lineup in 2010. The thought of both he and Antoine Bethea roaming the middle should cause nightmares for receivers in the AFC South. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
60. Brian Dawkin... What’s with all these ageless defensive backs? Dawkins is 36 years old and still one of the top playmaking defenders in the game. After eight Pro Bowl seasons in Philadelphia, he put together yet another one in his first year in Denver. The unquestioned leader of the young Broncos defense, Dawkins has become a Rocky Mountain fan favorite already. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
59. LaMarr Woodl... Though he sometimes takes a back seat in the media love department to teammates Troy Polamalu and James Harrison, Woodley’s emerged as one of the top OLBs in the game. In 2009, he racked up 13.5 sacks, 62 tackles and made his first Pro Bowl. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
58. London Fletc... After being named a Pro Bowl alternate nine times in his underappreciated NFL career, Fletcher finally suited up for a Pro Bowl in 2009 when he replaced Jonathan Vilma on the roster. The decade’s leading tackler, Fletcher led the Skins in tackles with 142 in 2009. He’s been vocal about Albert Haynesworth’s absence this offseason, and he’s allowed to be. Regardless of salaries, Fletcher’s the unquestioned leader of this defense. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
57. Dallas Clark... In 2009, Clark became only the second tight end in NFL history to catch 100 balls. He’s caught 20 more than the year before in each of his past three seasons and has truly evolved into Peyton Manning’s go-to man over the middle. Clark surprisingly earned just his first trip to the Pro Bowl in 2009, though he didn’t play due to the Super Bowl. With 18 catches in the postseason, he set the NFL record for career postseason receptions by a TE (64). (AP Photo/Darron Cummings
56. Albert Hayne... When Haynesworth is actually on the field and motivated to excel, he’s one of the top defensive players in the game. When he’s sitting out of practices and bellyaching, he’s one of the game’s great pariahs. How do you rank someone like that? You put him at No. 56 and move on to the next player, that's how. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
55. Carson Palme... The guy Adam Schein refers to as “The Human Jugs Machine” looked more like “The Human Pellet Gun” last season. In what was a very successful season for his team, Palmer had his worst year statistically since 2004. Big things are expected for the Bengals in 2010, and with the addition of Antonio Bryant, Jermaine Gresham and Jordan Shipley at receiver, there are expectations for Palmer to return back to his usual form as well. I have no doubt he will. (AP Photo/Tom Uhlman)
54. Wes Welker, ... A first-team All-Pro for the first time in his career last year (123 receptions), Welker’s currently working very hard to return from devastating season-ending shoulder and ACL injuries suffered last winter. A recent study suggested players coming off injuries like the one Welker had will usually return to about 66 percent of their previous production. If anyone can defy those odds, it’s Welker, an undersized, undrafted free agent who’s already led the league in catches twice. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
53. DeSean Jacks... Though he had a monster rookie campaign in 2008, last season was Jackson’s real breakout year as a pro. In 2009, he became the first player in NFL history selected as a starter in the Pro Bowl at both receiver and kick returner. Voted an All-Pro punt returner as well, he’s the ultimate weapon. Whether he can have the same production with Kevin Kolb at quarterback as he did with Donovan McNabb, however, is the great unknown. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
52. Greg Jenning... As Aaron Rodgers’ game continues to grow, so will Jennings’ stature among the league’s top wideouts. In 2009, Jennings caught 68 balls for 1,113 yards and four touchdowns. Though the fantasy football nerds looked at those numbers as disappointing, the Packers were more than pleased with their No. 1 receiver’s production. Look for even more out of Jennings in 2010. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
51. Jordan Gross... One of the best left tackles in the game, Gross had his 2009 season cut short with a broken leg in Week 10 vs. Atlanta. Because the fractures were clean, doctors say there should be no lingering effects of the injury down the road. "I don't think I've been 100 percent since about 2002 (my senior year of college)," Gross said last week. "I feel good. I don't have any fears or any lingering issues with my leg. I've been doing all the normal running and lifting. I'm extremely pleased." Whoever ends up playing QB for the Panthers this season is extremely pleased, too. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
50. Asante Samue... A two-time Super Bowl champion, three-time Pro Bowl participant and two-time All-Pro, Samuel's evolved into a senior leader in the Eagles locker room. Though he rarely plays press coverage and isn’t exactly Dick Butkus when it comes to tackling, he's one of the league’s premier interception artists. In the last two seasons, the 29-year-old's recorded 13 regular-season interceptions, including two in the playoffs. His nine picks last year were tied for most in the NFL. (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)
49. Matt Schaub,... Schaub had a breakout year in 2009, leading the NFL in yards passing and guiding the Texans to their first winning record in franchise history. For the first time in his career, he started all 16 games, despite battling a nagging ankle injury the bulk of the season. He threw for an eye-popping 4,770 yards and 29 touchdowns and will look to top those numbers in 2010. A playoff berth, however, is the real goal. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
48. DeAngelo Wil... One-half of the top running back combo in the NFL, Williams is expected to be the alpha dog in the Carolina backfield yet again. After a monstrous 2008, he ran for 1,117 yards in just 13 games in 2009, making the Pro Bowl for the second straight year. Whether it’s Matt Moore or Jimmy Clausen under center, even more will be expected out of Williams than in previous years. If he’s healthy — he had ankle surgery over the winter — look for the same type of production we’ve gotten used to. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
47. Joe Flacco, ... Joe Flacco? Ahead of Carson Palmer, Donovan McNabb and Matt Schaub? Yep. Flacco’s been to the playoffs twice in two years as a starter, has a 3-2 record in those postseason appearances (all wins came on the road) and has improved steadily. In 2010, he gets two new WRs in Anquan Boldin and Donte' Stallworth, two new tight ends in rookies Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson and QB guru Jim Zorn to work with. Zorn’s said his goal is to make Flacco a Pro Bowl passer. If the progress he’s made over his first two seasons is any indication, a Pro Bowl and Super Bowl could be real possibilities in 2010. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
46. Brett Favre,... Will he or won’t he? Honestly, I don’t have the energy to think about it at this point. I refuse to let my third straight July 4th weekend be dominated by Favre retirement coverage. If he plays, great, he’s a top 50 player, no question. If he doesn’t, he doesn’t. See ya in Canton in five years. Next … (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
45. David Harris... Nick Mangold and Darrelle Revis aren’t alone. Harris is another top 50 player in green who’s in the hunt for a new, long term deal. The middle man in Rex Ryan’s “organized chaos” defense, Harris finished the ’09 season as the leading tackler on the No. 1 defense in the league. A second-team All-Pro, the three-year vet had 127 tackles, 5.5 sacks and two interceptions last season. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
44. Justin Tuck,... The Giants defense didn’t have the season they hoped they would in 2009, falling to the bottom of the league in most statistical categories. Big Blue missed the playoffs for the first time in several years. In 2010, there’s optimism for the unit to rebound under new defensive coordinator Perry Fewell. Tuck heads up a D-line crew that includes another Pro Bowler in Osi Umenyiora and exciting first-round pick Jason Pierre-Paul. Chris Canty’s back and Antrel Rolle’s added as well. Look for Tuck to get his stats and production back to 2008 levels. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
43. DeMeco Ryans... In Patrick Willis, Jon Beason and the Texans’ Ryans, you have three of the best young middle linebackers in all of football. In ’09, Ryans recorded 123 tackles and joined teammate Brian Cushing on the AFC Pro Bowl roster. He was rewarded for his play to the tune of a six-year, $48 million extension in March. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)
42. Jon Beason, ... Beason’s the heart and soul of the Panthers defense. Without Julius Peppers in the lineup, he’ll be asked to do even more in 2010. In ’09, he played in his second Pro Bowl and was a second-team All-Pro selection with a career-high 141 tackles. In three seasons in the NFL, he’s never missed a game, having started every one. There are question marks all over the field (and on the sidelines) this season in Carolina. However, there’s nothing but a definite at middle linebacker. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
41. James Harris... The 2008 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and a Super Bowl XLIII star, Harrison had an under-the-radar outstanding season for the underachieving Steelers in 2009. Though Pittsburgh took a step back, Harrison recorded 79 tackles - 60 of them being solo - and had 10 sacks en route to another Pro Bowl invite. In 2010, he’ll have Troy Polamalu back behind him and two young rookies to groom in Thaddeus Gibson and Jason Worilds. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
40. Elvis Dumerv... Dumervil, who just signed his first- and third-round restricted free-agent tender, led the NFL with 17 sacks last year and has recorded 43 in the last four years, all the while making a combined $2.015 million. He’ll play for $3.168 million this year. A pass-rushing terror from the outside linebacker spot last year, Dumervil hopes to follow up on his All-Pro campaign under a new defensive coordinator. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
39. Jay Ratliff,... Ratliff had a career year in 2009, tying for the team lead in sacks with six. He made the Pro Bowl despite playing the entire season with pain from bone chips and spurs in both elbows. Ratliff missed the start of OTAs rehabilitating from the surgery but should be 100% free of pain for the regular season. Has all the success gone to his head? "That Pro Bowl thing is gone,'' Ratliff said last week. "We're just talking about right now.'' Watch out, NFC East. (AP Photo/Andy King)
38. Matt Ryan, Q... In two years in the NFL, Matt Ryan’s is 20-10 record as a starter. Last year his numbers all dipped from his rookie year, but he also faced a tougher schedule. While several other elite QBs duked it out in the playoffs, Ryan spent January and February in the film room, reportedly digesting the techniques of Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning, Phil Rivers and Tom Brady. This season Ryan gets a healthy Michael Turner, the return of Harry Douglas and another offseason with Tony Gonzalez. There’s talk of a no-huddle attack, too. The Falcons' offense could be downright nasty. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
37. Steve Hutchi... Widely considered the top offensive guard in the NFL, Hutchinson was a Brett Favre interception away from playing in his second Super Bowl last season. A seven-time Pro Bowler and a first-team All-Pro six years in a row, Hutchinson’s on a fast track to Canton. (AP Photo/Hannah Foslien)
36. Jake Long, O... Another of the top young offensive tackles in the game, Long will battle with Joe Thomas and Ryan Clady for All-Pro first-team honors for years to come. With the addition of Brandon Marshall, big things are expected out of the Dolphins' offense. It will be on Long to keep second-year starting QB Chad Henne on his feet and in the lineup for 16 games. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
35. Reggie Wayne... Wayne stepped into the top WR role vacated by Marvin Harrison quite nicely last season, catching 100 balls for 1,264 yards and 10 TDs en route to his second Super Bowl appearance in four years. This offseason his name’s been in the news for different reasons, including him missing this month’s minicamp while seeking a new contract. On the field he’s as good as he’s ever been (despite a below-average Super Bowl performance). Entering his 10th season, Wayne has been to four straight Pro Bowls. Ink him in for a fifth. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
34. Antonio Gate... Stat-wise, Gates had the best season of his seven-year career last year, catching 79 balls for 1,157 yards and 8 touchdowns. However, he’s not happy with the way the season turned out. Gates is yet another top player looking for a new deal. GM A.J. Smith came out last week and said Gates, not receiver Vincent Jackson nor left tackle Marcus McNeill, is the front office’s top priority. Hopefully something gets done before training camp. (AP Photo)
33. Champ Bailey... Still in the top 50? After all these years? You bet. At 32, Bailey still is one of the top cornerbacks in the game. In his last year of a six-year contract, he recently told reporters he plans on playing five more years, “at least.” Another player, we’d laugh. With Champ? We nod our heads and just wonder which team will be fortunate enough to have him. (AP Photo)
32. Ray Rice, RB... Ravens beat writers left June’s OTAs collectively raving about the midseason shape and performance of Rice, the third-year back out of Rutgers. He’s locked in and ready to go ... in June. Rice rushed for 1,339 yards and 7 TDs last season and added 78 receptions for 702 yards and a TD. Those numbers will be tough to top, but with the addition of Anquan Boldin and Donte Stallworth on the outside, Rice very well might do even more this year. (AP Photo)
31. Charles Wood... It’s not often you see a 33-year-old win Defensive Player of the Year. It’s even rarer to see that 33-year-old play cornerback. Woodson was spectacular last year, winning Defensive Player of the Month three times and saving his best performances for nationally-televised games: a 17-7 win over the Cowboys in November and a Thanksgiving Day blowout of the Lions. Woodson and the Packers are the early summer media darlings out of the NFC. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke, Fikle)
30. Ed Reed, S, ... There was quiet chatter of possible retirement after a debilitating hip injury sidelined Reed for multiple games last season. He’ll be back. When healthy, there’s arguably no better defensive back in the game. You know the numbers and the career accolades. What you might not know is that Reed wasn’t on the 2000 Ravens roster. He’s still searching for a Super Bowl ring. The Ravens have never been better — on paper, at least — than they are heading into this season. (AP Photo/Jeffrey M. Boan)
29. Kevin Willia... Williams has been a first-team All-Pro four seasons in a row and serves as half of Minnesota’s great interior defensive line clog known as the Williams Wall. Catlike quick for his size, Williams recorded 6 sacks and 22 tackles last year. He’s missed just two games over his seven-year career. (AP Photo/Andy King)
28. Randy Moss, ... It’s been a busy offseason for Moss. He recently said he has no intention of retiring anytime soon and indicated that 2010 will most likely be the last season he plays for the Patriots. At 33, Moss is still one of the most talented and feared receivers in the NFL. Last year he caught 83 passes for 1,264 yards and hauled in 13 TDs, making the seventh Pro Bowl of his career. Folks seem to be down on the Patriots this offseason, talking up the Dolphins and Jets as the new powers of the AFC East. If Brady and Moss are jelling, though, all of that talk can be put to rest. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
27. Steve Smith,... At 31 and entering the final year of his deal, Smith is suddenly the senior leader of a Panthers squad now without Julius Peppers, Jake Delhomme and Mushin Muhammad. No one questions Smith’s ability, when he's not playing in adult flag football leagues and breaking his arm. But his teammates? Whether it’s Dwayne Jarrett, Brandon LaFell or Armanti Edwards, someone needs to give Smith some help. If not, we could be looking at another unspectacular 65-catch season amidst constant double teams. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
26. Mario Willia... Williams went to the Pro Bowl for the second straight year in 2009. The former top overall pick has been everything the Texans expected he would be when they defied draftniks and selected him before Reggie Bush in 2006. The Texans' D finished 13th in the NFL last season, but lost top corner Dunta Robinson in free agency. Rookie Kareem Jackson will be expected to step up in his absence, but eyes will be focused on Williams to do even more up front. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
25. Tony Romo, Q... Last year at this time, talking heads were all down on Romo, still vexed about his vacations in Cabo, musing about playoff losses and December collapses and fixated on his love life and off-the-field “distractions.” Twelve months later, he’s the unquestioned leader of the defending NFC East champions. He’s also one of the league’s very best QBs. We already know what Romo can do with Miles Austin and Jason Witten. Give him a Dez Bryant and the results could be scary. (AP Photo/Mike Fuentes)
24. Eli Manning,... Critics be damned, Manning continues to put together solid seasons one after another in New York. Last year, with his defense falling apart and a crop of new wideouts under his wing, Manning threw 21 TDs to 10 INTs and started 16 games for the fifth straight season. List all the quarterbacks you want ahead of him on your fantasy football team — Manning’s the guy to lead your real NFL team. He’s got the goods. And the ring. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
23. Julius Peppe... Fresh off a new $91.5 million deal, Peppers was reportedly a terror in Chicago’s recent minicamp. Rotating on both left and right sides of the D-line, the eight-year vet looked as fit and as motivated as he’s ever been, drawing false starts and blowing by O-linemen. The knock on Peppers? It’s been the same since he entered the NFL in 2002 — that he has a tendency to take plays off and not play up to his potential. The Bears need him to be at his very best. Chicago’s defense was last in the league in third-and-long in '09. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
22. Maurice Jone... Built like a human bowling ball, MJD more than lived up to his hefty contract extension last season with a career year. With tackles Eben Britton and Eugene Monroe both entering their second years and WR Mike Sims-Walker on the cusp of making this list himself, the Jags' offense could be much improved. You know what you’re going to get from Jones-Drew: 1,250+ rushing yards, 10+ TDs, 50 catches and a whole lot of star power in a 5-foot-7 frame. (AP Photo/Phil Coale)
21. Steven Jacks... Watching Jackson on these woeful Rams teams is like watching Pete Maravich toil away on those terrible New Orleans Jazz teams of the 1970s. Jackson, still a top back, carried the ball 324 times in 2009 behind a heinous O-line with little to no solid QB play. Somehow, facing eight in the box on a regular basis, he racked up 1,416 yards and caught 51 balls. The Rams should (hopefully) be better this year. So should S-Jax. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
20. Ray Lewis, L... Sure, he’s 35. He’s also coming off one of his most productive seasons of a 14-year NFL career. In ’09, Lewis was as good as he’s been since the 2000 season, earning All-Pro honors and tying for the lead in AFC tackles with 134. In 2010, the Ravens should be favorites out of the AFC North. On top of producing his usual results, Lewis will be looked upon to get rookies Sergio Kindle and Terrence Cody adjusted to the NFL and involved in the weekly game plans. As he’s done with countless young defenders before, he’ll have no problem whipping them into form. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
19. Dwight Freen... A member of the NFL’s All-Decade team, the 6’1 Freeney was an absolute terror coming off the edge in 2009. A first-team All-Pro selection for the third time in his career, Freeney recorded 13.5 sacks and forced a fumble during the Colts’ 14-2 AFC Championship campaign. In the Super Bowl, playing with an absolutely wrecked ankle, he got to Drew Brees for a sack in the first half. With him, the Colts defense is fast and fearless. Without him, they’re ordinary. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
18. Joe Thomas, ... A Cleveland Brown in the top 20? I know it looks bizarre, but Thomas was recognized as an All-Pro for the first time in his career in 2009 and should only be more improved in 2010. With recent retirements of Jonathan Ogden, Walter Jones and Orlando Pace, Thomas joins Clady in heading up the league’s new breed of left tackles as one of the best—if not the best—in the game. For the first time in his four-year career, he’ll be blocking the blind side of a tested, veteran quarterback in Jake Delhomme. Long-term, that man will likely be Colt McCoy. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
17. Ryan Clady, ... A first-round pick out of Boise State, the 6’6 left tackle has made the Pro Bowl in each of his two pro seasons and was first-team All-Pro in 2009. Clady didn’t give up a sack his entire rookie season and was nearly impossible to beat in year number two. Entering his third season in 2010, he’s expected to get only better. Scary thought. The top offensive tackle on the list, Clady heads up a rich young crop of OTs across the NFL. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
16. Andre Johnso... In ’09, the uber-talented Johnson was selected to his second straight All-Pro squad, catching 101 balls for a career high 1,569 yards. With a league-best 1,569 receiving yards, Johnson joined Jerry Rice as the only two receivers in NFL history to lead the league in receiving yards in consecutive years. He’s a beast in a high-powered offense with a great young QB feeding him. Plenty more to come from No. 80 in 2010. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
15. Adrian Peter... Nicknamed “A.D.”—short for “All Day”—Peterson is still the most imposing, physical specimen of the rich crop of young RB's today. He’s undoubtedly a top-20 player in the NFL, as well. But there are some questions surrounding the three-time All-Pro heading into 2010. Has he resolved his fumbling issues, something that’s haunted him since the start of his career? Can he put together the same kind of season he’s used to without Chester Taylor spelling him on third downs? Will he work well with rookie Toby Gerhardt? Peterson’s still a beast—but he’s not the game’s number one back. (AP Photo/Andy King)
14. Troy Polamal... Polamalu’s value to the Steelers D was never more evident than in 2009, when the unit tripped and fell without him in the lineup. Without their defensive leader in 2009, the Steelers D — the league's top ranked unit in 2008 — finished 20th in points per game in 2009 and missed the playoffs. Polamalu’s currently working out without a knee brace and looking healthy. "I don't think you stop getting better," Polamalu told Pittsburgh reporters last week. "I'm learning so much more about technique and all of these little things that I wish I would have known my first few years of the NFL." Yikes. He’s back in 2010, better and tougher than ever. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
13. Nnamdi Asomu... Though he’s never played for a team that’s won more than six games in a season, Nnamdi Asomugha continues to be recognized as one of the NFL's top defensive players. A three-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro selection, Asomugha is rarely challenged, keeping his fellow corners very busy on a weekly basis. If we aren’t going to consider “off-the-field” issues for Ben Roethlisberger, we probably shouldn’t weigh in the off-the-field life of Asomugha. Ah, maybe we should. On top of being one of the best corners in the game, he’s also one of the league’s top ambassadors. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)
12. Patrick Will... Willis cashed in big time with a $50 million, five-year extension in May. It’s well-deserved. The top MLB in the game, Willis has been to the Pro Bowl and an All-Pro all three years he’s played in the NFL. In 2009, he was named the NFL Alumni Linebacker of the Year and recorded a league-high 152 tackles. With big changes in Arizona and Seattle, many pundits have San Fran as the NFC West favorites. The Niners play on national TV four times in 2010 and are going out to London for a Halloween meeting with the Chargers. If Willis isn’t a household name already, he will be by the end of the season. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
11. Philip River... Considered immature and petulant by some in the past, Rivers came into his own in 2009, proving he’s one of the NFL’s top signal callers. During an ’09 season that saw the Chargers win 11 straight games and their fourth straight AFC West title, Rivers played nearly flawless football, tossing for 4,254 yards and 28 TD passes. A two-time Pro Bowler, he’s won big playoff games in the past (vs. Indy in ’08), but lost a heartbreaker to New York at home in ’09. In 2010, San Diego will be the heavy favorites out of the AFC West. All eyes will be on No. 17. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)
10. Jared Allen,... Though Brett Favre got the bulk of the national media attention during Minnesota’s Super Bowl near miss, Jared Allen was arguably the team’s MVP. A first-team All-Pro in each of his last three seasons, Allen set the bar high on October 5 vs. the Packers when the noted wild man recorded a career-high 4.5 sacks and a safety. In the playoffs, Allen and teammate Ray Edwards made the Cowboys’ offensive line look silly, coming off the edge with reckless abandon on just about every passing down. Allen’s the top pass rusher in the NFL and the only D-lineman to make this list’s top 10 two years in a row. (AP Photo/Andy King)
9. DeMarcus Ware... The best 3-4 outside linebacker in the sport, Ware is the second defensive player on the list and a no-brainer top-10 choice. Ware’s heart, toughness, and leadership skills were on display in December when he came back six days after suffering a neck injury to force two fumbles in a crucial late season win over the eventual champion Saints in New Orleans. A member of the NFL’s All-Decade team and a first-team NFL All-Pro his last three seasons, Ware’s place on this list cannot be questioned. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
8. Aaron Rodgers... Some may not agree with a QB with zero playoff wins in the top 10. But I can’t keep Rodgers out. If 2008 was Rodgers’ transition year, 2009 was his coming out party in Green Bay. With the ghost of Brett Favre still looming (this time, in purple), Rodgers put up career highs in every major category and led the Packers to their first playoff berth in the A.F. (After Favre) era. Despite spotty play out of his O-line and even worse play from his defense down the stretch, Rodgers threw for more yards than Favre ever did in Green Bay and earned his first Pro Bowl trip. Young, confident, and now experienced, Aaron Rodgers is a top five passer heading into 2010. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
7. Darrelle Revi... Rex Ryan made his feelings for Darrelle Revis known following last January’s announcement that Packers CB Charles Woodson won the 2009 Defensive Player of the Year award: “A number I think is interesting would be eight. And no, that's not the amount of TD passes Green Bay gave up against Arizona. That is the number of TD passes we gave up all season. And the biggest reason for that is Darrelle Revis.” Forget numbers — how about the list of WR's Revis shut down during ’09? Randy Moss (twice), Steve Smith, Andre Johnson, Chad Ochocinco, Roddy White, Marques Colston and Reggie Wayne were all stranded on Revis Island. He’s the top CB in the game and the NFL’s premier defensive commodity. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
6. Larry Fitzger... No team’s had as much offseason roster turnover than the two-time defending NFC West champion Cardinals. Kurt Warner’s retired, Anquan Boldin’s in Baltimore, Antrel Rolle is in New York and Karlos Dansby is down in Miami. But Arizona still has No. 11. And with that guy in the lineup, we’d be pretty foolish writing them off just yet. In ’09, Fitzgerald was as spectacular as ever, catching 97 balls for 1,000-plus yards and 13 TDs. Another year, another fantastic campaign—Larry Fitz is on a direct path to Canton. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
5. Chris Johnson... In just his second year in the NFL, Johnson broke Marshall Faulk’s record of total yards from scrimmage in a season with 2,509 yards (2,006 of them coming on the ground). The ‘09 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, Johnson has an eye-popping career average of 5.3 yards per carry with 26 touchdowns to just four fumbles. Currently in the midst of contract negotiations with Tennessee for a new deal, Johnson enters his third season as arguably the most explosive player in the entire sport. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
4. Ben Roethlisb... Say what you want, Big Ben’s gotten it done and brought two Lombardi Trophies to the Steel City in six years as a pro. In ’09, with the Steelers’ run game all but nonexistent, the D in shambles and the O-line woeful, Big Ben threw for a career-high 4,328 yards and 26 TD passes. He was 9-6 as a starter. Off the field, he has his issues. But this list isn’t judging ethics, morals or the law. It’s judging players and who you’d want on the field. If you ask me who I want leading my team down the field down four with two minutes left? You better believe I’m taking No. 7. Hell, in that situation? I might even take him over the three guys listed above him. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
3. Tom Brady, QB... In his first season back from the devastating knee injury that kept him off the field in 2008, Brady led the Pats to their seventh AFC East title in eight seasons. The 2009 NFL Comeback Player of the Year had yet another Pro Bowl year despite three fractured ribs, a broken finger and numerous O-line injuries. A rough playoff loss at home to Baltimore left a bad taste in every Patriots fans’ mouth last January. Some seem to be down on the Pats and Brady this offseason, talking up the Jets and Dolphins as division favorites. I’ll take Brady and those three Super Bowl rings over Mark Sanchez, Chad Henne and 27 other NFL starting QBs. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
2. Drew Brees, Q... Though Manning took home league MVP honors in 2009, it was Brees who hoisted the Lombardi Trophy and Super Bowl MVP award. The man the Dolphins once passed on in free agency started the season by throwing a franchise record 6 TD passes vs. the Lions on opening day. He ended it with a Super Bowl record 32 completions. Brees finished the season with a completion percentage of 70.62%, an NFL single-season record. The Saints return the bulk of their offense in 2010 and should be the favorites to come out of the NFC. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
1. Peyton Mannin... 2009 meant another MVP for the world’s most talented football player. In '09, Manning led his team to a 14-0 start, plus division and AFC titles. No Marvin Harrison or Anthony Gonzalez? No problem. Manning made stars of Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie. Healthy, focused and blessed with a healthy skill players, Manning will be even better in 2010. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

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