By Sam Beresford Edited by Mike Fallas
Another fantastic NFL season has just blown bye, and General Managers can't help themselves, but to start thinking about the next. There is no doubt all team, front offices will have their hands filled, attempting to improve their team for the 2015 season. If a general manager were to rebuild their to team, which players could a franchise build around to improve their team in the 2015 season? Lets review the top 50 players to build a team around in the upcoming season.
1. QB Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodger’s is a once in a decade talent. His spectacular 2014 regular season numbers are outstanding, with 38 Touchdowns to just 5 interceptions and 4,381 Yards. Rodgers has just achieved his second most valuable player award in his young career as an elite nfl quarterback. His toughness and determination (proven by him playing through a torn calf) makes him a true legend and someone that a franchise can rely on for many more years to come. However, in the scenario that Randall Cobb leaves for free agency, the Packers will have to rebuild around Rodgers with other free agent or draft receivers.
2. QB Andrew Luck
Andrew Luck has just finished his 3rd fantastic regular season in the NFL. During this time he has proven to be a young enigmatic quarterback, with one of the best skill-sets in the league. This year he has carried a lacklustre Colts team, with very few playmakers in the passing and running game combined. He still managed to play an 11 win season, with 4,761 Passing yards and 40 touchdowns. This in itself is truly incredible. At the age of 25, he possibly could have 15 years left in him as an elite player. With 12,957 yards in his first 3 seasons the sky's the limit for this young talented quarterback. However, the Colts are not finished building around Luck. With the Colts horrible running game and the depreciating body of Reggie Wayne, they must figure out a running back and wide receiver solution through free agency or the draft.
3. DE JJ Watt
JJ Watt has just come off one of the most dominant defensive season, fans have seen in a very long time. The extremely talented defensive end, amazingly scored 36 points both on Offense and Defense in the 2014 season. Obviously he wasn't just a point hoarder, as he dominated on the defensive side with an outstanding 20.5 sacks, 1 interception, 10 passes defended, 4 forced fumbles, and 5 fumble recoveries. There hasn't been an as dominant player on both sides of the ball in a very long time. However, he was not able carry his team to the Play-offs this season. There is a chance that may change, with the possibility of healthy Jadeveon Clowny built around him to rush the quarterback even faster.
4. WR Calvin Johnson
Calvin Johnson’s 2014 season was plagued with injury, as he started 13 games. Johnson, was barely fully fit for most of the games during the season. Johnson still revealed his dominance as teams still maintained to double cover him because of his talent and big play abilities even though he wasn't 100%. With 1,077 Yards Receiving and 8 Touchdowns this was not one of Johnson’s best years. With an injury-free 2015 season fans could see “Megatron” light up the NFL as he has done since he entered the league 8 seasons ago.
5. QB Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger has been and still is one of the most underrated Quarterbacks in the NFL. At the age of 32 “Big Ben” still has a lot left in the tank for his future. His movement in the pocket is outstanding and he still maintains the reputation as the hardest Quarterbacks to sack in the NFL. In 2014, Ben threw for the most yards in his career(4,952)including 32 Touchdowns, with an outstanding, twelve of them coming in Weeks 8 and 9 of the NFL season. It was a truly remarkable season for the NFL’s most underappreciated Quarterback.
6.QB Tom Brady
It seems like Tom Brady has been around in the league for an eternity. At the age of 37 the 199th pick in the 2000 draft continues to defy the odds again and again. At the start of the year many critics were claiming that this would be the year of Tom Brady’s decline however, he has thrown that back in their faces with another very impressive statistical season with 4,109 Passing Yards, 33 Touchdowns, and most importantly, a super bowl victory.
7. WR Dez Bryant
Dez Bryant is one of the most interesting players in the NFL. His loud and brash attitude make him one of the NFL’s most talked about players. One may characterize him as a diva. On the field he does not disappoint,however. In 2014 he recorded a fantastic 1,320 Yards receiving with 16 Touchdowns. This is his third year in a row with a 1000+ Yard season. Dez will surely be “Throwing up the X” plenty more in 2015.
8. RB Le’veon Bell
Le’veon Bell is one of the best running backs in football today. He is the most valuable players on the Steelers. In just his second season he has recorded very impressive stats with 1,361 Yards rushing and 8 touchdowns. Bell amazingly had 484 Yards below the rushing leader DeMarco Murray with an outstanding 102 less Attempts. If Bell had as many carries as Murray there may be no doubt he wouldn't have passed the 2,000 Yard mark. He also had an amazing receiving season with 83 catches for 854 Yards. Showing he is one of the best all-round backs in the NFL.
9. RB DeMarco Murray
DeMarco Murray was easily said, the most consistent player in the NFL for the 2014 season. A free-agent in 2015, Murray lead the league in rush attempts and yards with 392 ATT and 1,845 Yards. He was the backbone of this efficient Dallas offense that won them the NFC East. Nevertheless, we still do not know what toll this type of season has taken on Murray. Only time will tell.
10. CB Richard Sherman
Richard Sherman is known mainly for his loud mouth, trash talking attitude. The self-proclaimed “Best Cornerback in the league” frankly may be. The lockdown corner recorded only 4 interceptions this season. However, there is a good reason behind this. Quarterbacks simply stopped throwing the ball anywhere near Sherman. He only performed one below par game against the San Diego Chargers where he was targeted by Phillip Rivers multiple times throyghout the game. Apart from that, it was another top year for the loudest member of the “Legion of Boom”.
11. ILB Luke kuechly
Luke Kuechly is one of the best Linebackers in the NFL today. Since winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year back in 2012, Kuechly has established himself as a premier talent for the Panthers. He led the league with 153 combined tackles which is definitely not easy what so ever. Kuechly is a born leader, as shown by his teammates by, electing him a captain in 2013 at the age of only 22. Kuechly still has multiple year to show his extraordinary talent in the future.
12. WR Antonio Brown
Antonio Brown led the league in Yards and receptions in the 2014 season with an outstanding, 129 receptions for 1,698 Yards. He also possesses the big play ability with nineteen 20+ yard catches. Also, he once again led the league with 85 first downs. Many teams could definitely build their offense around #84.
13. WR Julio Jones
In his fourth season as a Pro, Julio Jones came in third for the league's top receivers. With 1,593 yards, Julio lead the league with thirty-one 20+ Yard catches, which highlights his big play ability, he is also extremely talented after the catch with 553 yards.
14. TE Rob Gronkowski
After starting 15 games this season, “Gronk” finished with extremely outstanding numbers, recording, 1,124 receiving yards and 12 Touchdowns. This is especially impressive for a tight end in the NFL. Gronkowski’s main problem however, is his injuries; since joining the league in 2010 he has missed 26 games through injury, which cannot be ignored. Only time will tell if that will continue to affect him again in the future.
15. WR Odell Beckham JR
In 2014, Odell Beckham JR had the best 12 game span of any receiver ever. This is outstanding because of his injury that held him out the first 4 weeks of the season. His amazing year has led him to comparisons of Randy Moss due to his dominance in his Rookie Season. Over these 12 games Beckham recorded 1,305 yards (108 YDS/G) and 12 Touchdowns. “OBJ” looks like a premier talent for the future of the NFL. However, can he do this on a consistent basis in 2015? Only time can tell.
16. OLB Justin Houston
Justin Houston lead the league in sacks this season with 22. Houston's performance placed him second In the All-Time single season Sack standings (Just behind Michael Strahan, who had 22.5 in 2001). Houston lives in the shadows of Watt, Sherman and Kuechly when talking about the best defensive player. This season, he has made a good claim to be in the conversation.
17. RB Jamaal Charles
Jamaal Charles is an all-round back, with 1,033 Yards rushing and 291 yards in an offense where no Wide receiver caught a Touchdown. Pretty shocking to most people. He was the main threat all season for the Chiefs, with the combination of his pace and power. He is sure to continue his dominance in 2015.
18. DE Robert Quinn
Robert Quinn is a rising premier pass rusher with 10.5 sacks, 5 Forced Fumbles and 6 Pass deflections this season. He still maintained an average season, however, it did not live up to his past production in the 2013 season, where he had 19 Sacks and 7 Seven Forced Fumbles. He could possibly regain his past form in 2015 if he finds it in himself to do it.
19. CB Darrelle Revis
Darrelle Revis has been at the top of his position since joining the league in 2007. In 2014, Revis recorded only 2 interceptions and 14 pass deflections. However, he is still the best man-to-man cornerback in the league. Quarterbacks in the NFL don’t typically throw the ball anywhere near him, explaining his 2 interception, 14 pass deflection season.
20. RB Eddie Lacy
Eddie Lacy has been the lead back in Green Bay since he was drafted in 2013 out of Alabama. In his rookie year he proved his outstanding talent earning a trip to the Pro bowl and receiving Second Team All-pro honours. 2014 was a decent season for Lacy, after a horrid first 4 weeks (he rushed for 157 yards), Lacy ended up with 1,139 Yards over the 16 games of the season. He has shown flashes of being a lead running back in the NFL. However, he just needs to show more consistency in his rushing game.
21. RB Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Lynch is the most aggressive runner in the NFL today. In 2014, Lynch rushed for an outstanding 1,306 Yards and 13 touchdowns this season. However, his future is uncertain in Seattle. As anyone knows, Lynch will likely make an impact wherever he lands in 2015.
22. CB Patrick Peterson
Patrick Peterson is now the highest paid Cornerback in the NFL. He has earned this by being one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. He is the main piece in the Arizona Cardinals defensive puzzle. In 2014, he had 3 interception and 1 sack. He once again maintained his name as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL.
23. RB Lesean Mccoy
LeSean McCoy is still a top rusher in the NFL. However, he did not live up to his 2013 season in the air or on the ground. He finished with 1,319 rushing yards and only 155 receiving yards, in comparison to 2013 where he managed 1.607 Rushing Yards and 539 receiving yards. He lacked his past elite play and he must rediscover his past success and use it towards the future.
24. RB Jeremy Hill
Jeremy Hill has been very impressive during his rookie season in Cincinnati. This led to him becoming the starting running back over Giovani Bernard. He finished with 1,124 rushing yards and 9 Touchdowns.
25. WR Mike Evans
Mike Evans has also been spectacular during his rookie season in the NFL. He was drafted 7th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has not disappointed. He finished the season with 1,051 yards receiving and 12 Touchdowns.
26. WR Alshon Jeffery
Alshon Jeffery is a piece of one of the best Receiver duos in the league with the Bears, this season he has taken over his fellow teammate, Brandon Marshall to become the Number One Receiver in Chicago. He had 1,133 receiving yards and 10 Touchdowns in 2014.
27. NT Ndamukong Suh
Ndamukong Suh is one of the most feared players in the NFL. His ruthless play style and aggressive attitude on the field strikes fear into opposing linemen. The soon to be free agent, finished 2014 with 53 tackles and 8.5 sacks. This may seem like a lack of stats, however, he was constantly faced by double teams, therefore freeing up space for his teammates to rush the quarterback easier.
28. OLB Khalil Mack
Khalil Mack is one of the few positives to come out of a horrible season in Oakland. The number 5 overall pick in the draft, had 75 tackles, 4 sacks and a Forced Fumble in 2014. There’s a bright future ahead for this young Linebacker.
29. WR Demaryius Thomas
Demaryius Thomas is the definite number one receiver in Denver. In his 5th season with the Broncos he finished 2nd overall in the receiving standings with 1,619 yards. He is a free agent next season, however, he will likely be spectacular wherever he lands.
30. ILB Bobby Wagner
Bobby Wagner is a key player in Seattle’s dominant defense. When Wagner came back, Seattle finished the season winning 6 games in a row. He finished 2014 with 104 tackles and 2 sacks.
31. RB Arian Foster
Arian Foster has been surprising in 2014. Having started just 13 games in 2014 he finished with 1,246 yards and 8 Touchdowns.
32. QB Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers has been promising In an up and down season with the San Diego Chargers. However, he still has many problems making decisions with the football, shown by his 18 interception season. Rivers finished the season with 4,286 yards and 31 Touchdowns.
33. QB Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan was the best quarterback in a less than impressive NFC South this season. His calm persona defiantly helped the young falcons team. In 2014, he managed throwing 4,694 Yards and 28 Touchdowns.
34. NT Aaron Donald
The rookie, Aaron Donald has been very promising this season in a fearsome Defensive line for the Rams. He finished with, 47 tackles, 9 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. He was rewarded by his stellar season with a trip to the Pro Bowl.
35. RB Alfred Morris
Alfred Morris has been the Redskins lead back since joining in 2012. This season he rushed for 1,074 yards and 8 Touchdowns.
36. S Earl Thomas
Earl Thomas is easily the best safety in the league. His clever play style has earned him this title throughout his 5 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. In 2014 he managed 97 Tackles, 3 Forced fumbles and 1 interception.
37. CB Joe Haden
Joe Haden has been very impressive in the 2014 season. He is the best player in a very talented Browns defense. He recorded 73 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble, and 3 Interceptions in 2014.
38. QB Cam Newton
Cam Newton is an extremely talented Quarterback and a born leader. However, injuries have plagued him and he hasn’t performed on a consistent basis yet in his pro career. He finished 2014 with 3,127 Yards with 18 Touchdowns.
39. OLB/DE DeMarcus Ware
DeMarcus Ware has been a top pass rusher for 10 years in the NFL. In 2014, #94 finished with 10 sacks, 2 Forced Fumbles, and 1 interception.
40. QB Teddy Bridgewater
Teddy Bridgewater has been a very promising young Quarterback in 2014. Bridwater quickly became a starter in week 4. His main problem is taking good care of the football, after a 12 interceptions and 3 fumbles season. He finished 2014 with 2,919 Yards and 14 Touchdowns.
Honourable Mentions: Peyton Manning, Tyron Smith, Alex Mack, Joe Thomas, Julius Thomas, Eric Weddle, T.Y Hilton, Sheldon Richardson, Emmanuel Sanders.
Another fantastic NFL season has just blown bye, and General Managers can't help themselves, but to start thinking about the next. There is no doubt all team, front offices will have their hands filled, attempting to improve their team for the 2015 season. If a general manager were to rebuild their to team, which players could a franchise build around to improve their team in the 2015 season? Lets review the top 50 players to build a team around in the upcoming season.
1. QB Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodger’s is a once in a decade talent. His spectacular 2014 regular season numbers are outstanding, with 38 Touchdowns to just 5 interceptions and 4,381 Yards. Rodgers has just achieved his second most valuable player award in his young career as an elite nfl quarterback. His toughness and determination (proven by him playing through a torn calf) makes him a true legend and someone that a franchise can rely on for many more years to come. However, in the scenario that Randall Cobb leaves for free agency, the Packers will have to rebuild around Rodgers with other free agent or draft receivers.
2. QB Andrew Luck
Andrew Luck has just finished his 3rd fantastic regular season in the NFL. During this time he has proven to be a young enigmatic quarterback, with one of the best skill-sets in the league. This year he has carried a lacklustre Colts team, with very few playmakers in the passing and running game combined. He still managed to play an 11 win season, with 4,761 Passing yards and 40 touchdowns. This in itself is truly incredible. At the age of 25, he possibly could have 15 years left in him as an elite player. With 12,957 yards in his first 3 seasons the sky's the limit for this young talented quarterback. However, the Colts are not finished building around Luck. With the Colts horrible running game and the depreciating body of Reggie Wayne, they must figure out a running back and wide receiver solution through free agency or the draft.
3. DE JJ Watt
JJ Watt has just come off one of the most dominant defensive season, fans have seen in a very long time. The extremely talented defensive end, amazingly scored 36 points both on Offense and Defense in the 2014 season. Obviously he wasn't just a point hoarder, as he dominated on the defensive side with an outstanding 20.5 sacks, 1 interception, 10 passes defended, 4 forced fumbles, and 5 fumble recoveries. There hasn't been an as dominant player on both sides of the ball in a very long time. However, he was not able carry his team to the Play-offs this season. There is a chance that may change, with the possibility of healthy Jadeveon Clowny built around him to rush the quarterback even faster.
4. WR Calvin Johnson
Calvin Johnson’s 2014 season was plagued with injury, as he started 13 games. Johnson, was barely fully fit for most of the games during the season. Johnson still revealed his dominance as teams still maintained to double cover him because of his talent and big play abilities even though he wasn't 100%. With 1,077 Yards Receiving and 8 Touchdowns this was not one of Johnson’s best years. With an injury-free 2015 season fans could see “Megatron” light up the NFL as he has done since he entered the league 8 seasons ago.
5. QB Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger has been and still is one of the most underrated Quarterbacks in the NFL. At the age of 32 “Big Ben” still has a lot left in the tank for his future. His movement in the pocket is outstanding and he still maintains the reputation as the hardest Quarterbacks to sack in the NFL. In 2014, Ben threw for the most yards in his career(4,952)including 32 Touchdowns, with an outstanding, twelve of them coming in Weeks 8 and 9 of the NFL season. It was a truly remarkable season for the NFL’s most underappreciated Quarterback.
6.QB Tom Brady
It seems like Tom Brady has been around in the league for an eternity. At the age of 37 the 199th pick in the 2000 draft continues to defy the odds again and again. At the start of the year many critics were claiming that this would be the year of Tom Brady’s decline however, he has thrown that back in their faces with another very impressive statistical season with 4,109 Passing Yards, 33 Touchdowns, and most importantly, a super bowl victory.
7. WR Dez Bryant
Dez Bryant is one of the most interesting players in the NFL. His loud and brash attitude make him one of the NFL’s most talked about players. One may characterize him as a diva. On the field he does not disappoint,however. In 2014 he recorded a fantastic 1,320 Yards receiving with 16 Touchdowns. This is his third year in a row with a 1000+ Yard season. Dez will surely be “Throwing up the X” plenty more in 2015.
8. RB Le’veon Bell
Le’veon Bell is one of the best running backs in football today. He is the most valuable players on the Steelers. In just his second season he has recorded very impressive stats with 1,361 Yards rushing and 8 touchdowns. Bell amazingly had 484 Yards below the rushing leader DeMarco Murray with an outstanding 102 less Attempts. If Bell had as many carries as Murray there may be no doubt he wouldn't have passed the 2,000 Yard mark. He also had an amazing receiving season with 83 catches for 854 Yards. Showing he is one of the best all-round backs in the NFL.
9. RB DeMarco Murray
DeMarco Murray was easily said, the most consistent player in the NFL for the 2014 season. A free-agent in 2015, Murray lead the league in rush attempts and yards with 392 ATT and 1,845 Yards. He was the backbone of this efficient Dallas offense that won them the NFC East. Nevertheless, we still do not know what toll this type of season has taken on Murray. Only time will tell.
10. CB Richard Sherman
Richard Sherman is known mainly for his loud mouth, trash talking attitude. The self-proclaimed “Best Cornerback in the league” frankly may be. The lockdown corner recorded only 4 interceptions this season. However, there is a good reason behind this. Quarterbacks simply stopped throwing the ball anywhere near Sherman. He only performed one below par game against the San Diego Chargers where he was targeted by Phillip Rivers multiple times throyghout the game. Apart from that, it was another top year for the loudest member of the “Legion of Boom”.
11. ILB Luke kuechly
Luke Kuechly is one of the best Linebackers in the NFL today. Since winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year back in 2012, Kuechly has established himself as a premier talent for the Panthers. He led the league with 153 combined tackles which is definitely not easy what so ever. Kuechly is a born leader, as shown by his teammates by, electing him a captain in 2013 at the age of only 22. Kuechly still has multiple year to show his extraordinary talent in the future.
12. WR Antonio Brown
Antonio Brown led the league in Yards and receptions in the 2014 season with an outstanding, 129 receptions for 1,698 Yards. He also possesses the big play ability with nineteen 20+ yard catches. Also, he once again led the league with 85 first downs. Many teams could definitely build their offense around #84.
13. WR Julio Jones
In his fourth season as a Pro, Julio Jones came in third for the league's top receivers. With 1,593 yards, Julio lead the league with thirty-one 20+ Yard catches, which highlights his big play ability, he is also extremely talented after the catch with 553 yards.
14. TE Rob Gronkowski
After starting 15 games this season, “Gronk” finished with extremely outstanding numbers, recording, 1,124 receiving yards and 12 Touchdowns. This is especially impressive for a tight end in the NFL. Gronkowski’s main problem however, is his injuries; since joining the league in 2010 he has missed 26 games through injury, which cannot be ignored. Only time will tell if that will continue to affect him again in the future.
15. WR Odell Beckham JR
In 2014, Odell Beckham JR had the best 12 game span of any receiver ever. This is outstanding because of his injury that held him out the first 4 weeks of the season. His amazing year has led him to comparisons of Randy Moss due to his dominance in his Rookie Season. Over these 12 games Beckham recorded 1,305 yards (108 YDS/G) and 12 Touchdowns. “OBJ” looks like a premier talent for the future of the NFL. However, can he do this on a consistent basis in 2015? Only time can tell.
16. OLB Justin Houston
Justin Houston lead the league in sacks this season with 22. Houston's performance placed him second In the All-Time single season Sack standings (Just behind Michael Strahan, who had 22.5 in 2001). Houston lives in the shadows of Watt, Sherman and Kuechly when talking about the best defensive player. This season, he has made a good claim to be in the conversation.
17. RB Jamaal Charles
Jamaal Charles is an all-round back, with 1,033 Yards rushing and 291 yards in an offense where no Wide receiver caught a Touchdown. Pretty shocking to most people. He was the main threat all season for the Chiefs, with the combination of his pace and power. He is sure to continue his dominance in 2015.
18. DE Robert Quinn
Robert Quinn is a rising premier pass rusher with 10.5 sacks, 5 Forced Fumbles and 6 Pass deflections this season. He still maintained an average season, however, it did not live up to his past production in the 2013 season, where he had 19 Sacks and 7 Seven Forced Fumbles. He could possibly regain his past form in 2015 if he finds it in himself to do it.
19. CB Darrelle Revis
Darrelle Revis has been at the top of his position since joining the league in 2007. In 2014, Revis recorded only 2 interceptions and 14 pass deflections. However, he is still the best man-to-man cornerback in the league. Quarterbacks in the NFL don’t typically throw the ball anywhere near him, explaining his 2 interception, 14 pass deflection season.
20. RB Eddie Lacy
Eddie Lacy has been the lead back in Green Bay since he was drafted in 2013 out of Alabama. In his rookie year he proved his outstanding talent earning a trip to the Pro bowl and receiving Second Team All-pro honours. 2014 was a decent season for Lacy, after a horrid first 4 weeks (he rushed for 157 yards), Lacy ended up with 1,139 Yards over the 16 games of the season. He has shown flashes of being a lead running back in the NFL. However, he just needs to show more consistency in his rushing game.
21. RB Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Lynch is the most aggressive runner in the NFL today. In 2014, Lynch rushed for an outstanding 1,306 Yards and 13 touchdowns this season. However, his future is uncertain in Seattle. As anyone knows, Lynch will likely make an impact wherever he lands in 2015.
22. CB Patrick Peterson
Patrick Peterson is now the highest paid Cornerback in the NFL. He has earned this by being one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. He is the main piece in the Arizona Cardinals defensive puzzle. In 2014, he had 3 interception and 1 sack. He once again maintained his name as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL.
23. RB Lesean Mccoy
LeSean McCoy is still a top rusher in the NFL. However, he did not live up to his 2013 season in the air or on the ground. He finished with 1,319 rushing yards and only 155 receiving yards, in comparison to 2013 where he managed 1.607 Rushing Yards and 539 receiving yards. He lacked his past elite play and he must rediscover his past success and use it towards the future.
24. RB Jeremy Hill
Jeremy Hill has been very impressive during his rookie season in Cincinnati. This led to him becoming the starting running back over Giovani Bernard. He finished with 1,124 rushing yards and 9 Touchdowns.
25. WR Mike Evans
Mike Evans has also been spectacular during his rookie season in the NFL. He was drafted 7th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has not disappointed. He finished the season with 1,051 yards receiving and 12 Touchdowns.
26. WR Alshon Jeffery
Alshon Jeffery is a piece of one of the best Receiver duos in the league with the Bears, this season he has taken over his fellow teammate, Brandon Marshall to become the Number One Receiver in Chicago. He had 1,133 receiving yards and 10 Touchdowns in 2014.
27. NT Ndamukong Suh
Ndamukong Suh is one of the most feared players in the NFL. His ruthless play style and aggressive attitude on the field strikes fear into opposing linemen. The soon to be free agent, finished 2014 with 53 tackles and 8.5 sacks. This may seem like a lack of stats, however, he was constantly faced by double teams, therefore freeing up space for his teammates to rush the quarterback easier.
28. OLB Khalil Mack
Khalil Mack is one of the few positives to come out of a horrible season in Oakland. The number 5 overall pick in the draft, had 75 tackles, 4 sacks and a Forced Fumble in 2014. There’s a bright future ahead for this young Linebacker.
29. WR Demaryius Thomas
Demaryius Thomas is the definite number one receiver in Denver. In his 5th season with the Broncos he finished 2nd overall in the receiving standings with 1,619 yards. He is a free agent next season, however, he will likely be spectacular wherever he lands.
30. ILB Bobby Wagner
Bobby Wagner is a key player in Seattle’s dominant defense. When Wagner came back, Seattle finished the season winning 6 games in a row. He finished 2014 with 104 tackles and 2 sacks.
31. RB Arian Foster
Arian Foster has been surprising in 2014. Having started just 13 games in 2014 he finished with 1,246 yards and 8 Touchdowns.
32. QB Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers has been promising In an up and down season with the San Diego Chargers. However, he still has many problems making decisions with the football, shown by his 18 interception season. Rivers finished the season with 4,286 yards and 31 Touchdowns.
33. QB Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan was the best quarterback in a less than impressive NFC South this season. His calm persona defiantly helped the young falcons team. In 2014, he managed throwing 4,694 Yards and 28 Touchdowns.
34. NT Aaron Donald
The rookie, Aaron Donald has been very promising this season in a fearsome Defensive line for the Rams. He finished with, 47 tackles, 9 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. He was rewarded by his stellar season with a trip to the Pro Bowl.
35. RB Alfred Morris
Alfred Morris has been the Redskins lead back since joining in 2012. This season he rushed for 1,074 yards and 8 Touchdowns.
36. S Earl Thomas
Earl Thomas is easily the best safety in the league. His clever play style has earned him this title throughout his 5 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. In 2014 he managed 97 Tackles, 3 Forced fumbles and 1 interception.
37. CB Joe Haden
Joe Haden has been very impressive in the 2014 season. He is the best player in a very talented Browns defense. He recorded 73 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble, and 3 Interceptions in 2014.
38. QB Cam Newton
Cam Newton is an extremely talented Quarterback and a born leader. However, injuries have plagued him and he hasn’t performed on a consistent basis yet in his pro career. He finished 2014 with 3,127 Yards with 18 Touchdowns.
39. OLB/DE DeMarcus Ware
DeMarcus Ware has been a top pass rusher for 10 years in the NFL. In 2014, #94 finished with 10 sacks, 2 Forced Fumbles, and 1 interception.
40. QB Teddy Bridgewater
Teddy Bridgewater has been a very promising young Quarterback in 2014. Bridwater quickly became a starter in week 4. His main problem is taking good care of the football, after a 12 interceptions and 3 fumbles season. He finished 2014 with 2,919 Yards and 14 Touchdowns.
- Colin Kaepernick
- Blake Bortles
- Matt Forte
- Tony Romo
- Joe Flacco
- Golden Tate
- Gerald McCoy
- Drew Brees
- Josh Gordon
- Jimmy Graham
Honourable Mentions: Peyton Manning, Tyron Smith, Alex Mack, Joe Thomas, Julius Thomas, Eric Weddle, T.Y Hilton, Sheldon Richardson, Emmanuel Sanders.