The more I look at the NFL, the more I see a youth movement on the rise. Older players are fading away, while younger players jump to the forefront. This is a game of speed and athleticism. Sure, there are older players that remain great, but it’s the younger players that are beginning to peak.

Some of the greatest players in the recent past, Priest Holmes, Steve McNair, Marshall Faulk, Ted Washington, and Brett Favre, won’t be found on this list of the game’s tip top.

I’m just flat out sick of “professional” writers putting out crappy lists that contradict what they are saying. This is a list of the top 51 players, in an order from bestest to best, right now, not in the future, not based on statistics, not after breakfast, or 5 years ago minus a pinky, or any other time that doesn’t matter for shit – multiplied by Tina the Llama. No one will be “tenured” in on this list. If I made a team of 51 guys, regardless of position, these are the 51 guys I’d take.

1. Tom Brady – Big game Tom is the best leader in the league. You can ask any of the “team” players that were a part of the Patriots’ recent dynasty, and they’d all say Tom is the guy they’d want at the helm. He’s the best player at the most important position on the field. Peyton’s got the stats, Tom’s got the rings.
2. Walter Jones – Some would argue that Jonathan Ogden or Orlando Pace deserve credit for being the best OT, but the bottom line is, Walter Jones is the best run blocking/pass blocking offensive lineman in the league. He’s a sure thing protector, and a lead blocker for the running back with the most touchdowns in a single season. Number two is a lineman, believe it.
3. Richard Seymour – The Patriots paid this cat… That should be all I have to say. New England doesn’t pay anyone. Richard Seymour can cause all sorts of problems on the defensive line. He’s unblockable. I started to realize Rich’s greatness when he was injured last season. The Pat defense was a shit show. When he came back, the Patriots were the Patriots again. Richard Seymour is a beast.
4. Larry Johnson – Say what you want about how Peyton Manning is the best player in the league, and how LaDainian Tomlinson is the best running back the game has to offer. I’d take LJ over either guy. Johnson doesn’t get hurt, he’s as tough as a pit bull, and he’s faster than anyone seems to think; check the tapes. Larry will become a 2,000 yard back in the very near future, carrying the Chiefs to the playoffs. He’s the best back in the league.
5. Peyton Manning – I can’t give Peyton a higher rank than this until he shows me he’s more than a regular season hero. Sure, Peyton makes a splash on my fantasy football team every single season, but stats are for baseball fans. Manning is one of the league’s best signal callers, but I think he’s overrated. He’s not the best player in the league, and definitely not the guy I’d want to have running my team in the final two minutes of the Super Bowl. Until that changes, Peyton gets a nickel for his play.
6. LaDainian Tomlinson – I can’t talk about this guys’ big play ability enough. He’s twice as powerful as people think, and his speed is blinding. There isn’t a more dangerous receiver out of the backfield. If he had the endurance to stay healthy from start to finish, he’d be higher. He’s a game changer, but too often gets held under 4 yards a carry. I’m not a stat guy, but LT is better than that. If the Chargers want to get to the next level, Tomlinson will have to explode through the line all season long.
7. Ed Reed – Ray Lewis is out, Baltimore’s defense isn’t the best unit in the league. Ed Reed is out, all of a sudden, Baltimore has to change everything they do, and not only do they struggle, but they turn into a unit that can’t stop anyone. Ed Reed is the biggest playmaker in Baltimore. Ray used to be, and he’s still the best linebacker in the league, but Ed is the man who makes the engine run.
8. Carson Palmer – Without the “questionable knee,” Carson might scoot up past Peyton, but then again, he’s young yet. Palmer’s future is brighter than any other player in this league, but this isn’t a rating about future, this is now. And right now, Palmer is the 8th best player in football.
9. Ray Lewis – When I rank Ed Reed above Ray, I’m not saying Ray isn’t a force. I’m not a liar. Ray Lewis is a game changer, a run stuffer, and someone opposing teams’ fear on Sunday. He’s full of energy and his teammates feed off that. Ray needs help to be great, he needs big ass DT’s that eat up blockers. But if Ray can get that, he’s virtually unstoppable.
10. Terrell Owens – Say what you will about TO’s home-wrecking style, but
    on the football field, there isn’t a pass catcher who can touch him. He
    is almost worth his evil juju. He’s physically stronger, faster, and a far superior athlete to anyone who attempts to guard him. He’s made to play this game. He’s an offensive juggernaut.
11. Champ Bailey – Champ Bailey is the best cornerback in football. His overall skills are second to none. He truly can do it all. He’d be a stud receiver, return man, or safety. He can shut down the run, put clamps on opposing receivers, and change the face of the game with one play. He would have been higher on my list, but honestly, I can’t put any corner who got his ass ran down by a tight end in my Top 10. Sorry Champ, I’m a huge fan, but that Ben Watson play wasn’t OK.
12. Brian Urlacher – This guy is a physical marvel. Truly, people like him amaze me. he’s another guy who could easily find himself succeeding at a different position. His reckless abandon causes problems for opposing offenses. He’s unnaturally strong, and perfectly designed to shut down anything that tries to run past him. Sometimes he allows blockers to push him around, but on his good days, there’s no one better.
13. Steve Smith – Last season, Steven Smith was the best receiver in the game. His explosiveness and knack for the big play helped the Panthers get all the way to the NFC Championships. The Panthers only score in that game was a punt return by Smith. I put TO ahead of Steve, only because TO is more consistent, and he’s impossible to shut down. But Steve has moved ahead of Randy and Chad Johnson because of his ability to change the game every play.
14. Julius Peppers – Julius’ ideal size and athleticism has translated into him becoming one of the most feared defensive players in the league. It’s not just his speed, size, or quickness, but his ability to do many things other defensive lineman just can’t do; intercepting passes, or take fumbles back for touchdowns, and drop into coverage; that is what makes him amazing.
15. Shaun Alexander – Shaun Alexander has more touchdowns in the last four years than any other player. He’s almost a sure thing for a touchdown per game. People like to knock Shaun by crediting his offensive line for last years’ touchdown record. But that’s ridiculous. You couldn’t put just anyone in the backfield and get Shaun’s production. Alexander has a special gear he gets in when the end zone nears. He’s always had it.
16. Chad Johnson – Chad Johnson is one of, if not the biggest talker in football. He’s clever, intelligent, and observant. He always seems to know where to be. You have to love the guys attitude. He wants the ball every play, and when he gets it, he makes big things happen. This year will be his best season by far. He’s faster than people think, and his hands are second to none. Now that teams respect T.J. Houshmenzadah, CJ will find wide open spaces.
17. Randy Moss – Randy has slipped a bit in my ratings. I know he was hurt all last season, and although I can’t blame him for that, I didn’t see the same Randy when he was healthy. He never had a good relationship with “Drunk” Kerry, and it showed on the field. This season, with Aaron Brooks on the field Randy could make a return to one of the Top 10 players in the league, but right now he doesn’t get higher than 17. He’s still one of the most feared receivers in the game, because at any time he can turn it on and beat anyone.
18. Orlando Pace – This guy is a beast. I personally don’t think he’s as good as Walter Jones, but that doesn’t mean he’s not great. He’s a Hall of Fame talent. Pace helped Marshal Faulk become one of the leagues best running backs, and he’s a big reason why Mike Martz’s crazy offense had enough time to become the greatest show on turf. And this year, he’ll be the reason why Steven Jackson breaks out and makes this list next year. Pace still has some push in his game.
19. Dwight Freeney – Dwight Freeney may be small. He might not be as good a run defender as other defensive ends in the game, but he is a game changer. That’s rare at the defensive end position. Freeney has a non-stop motor and the intensity to get the job done every play. Dwight has always been questioned because of his height. Now he’s asking people what a couple inches means.
20. Troy Polamalu -Troy didn’t have a huge Super Bowl, but his presence on the field is realized. He’s one of those guys that always seem to be there, which is one of the most underrated qualities great defensive players always have. What separates him from Ed Reed is Ed Reed intercepts all the balls Troy breaks up. When Troy figures out how to hold onto interceptions, his move up my list will be swift. Troy is the heart and soul of the Steel Show. His speed and tenacity are second to no player in this league. Troy will go down as one of the greatest safeties ever to play the game.
21. Tiki Barber – Tiki may be gaining years, but he’s still a stud. Barber has worked hard to extinguish his younger fumbling problems, while his vision and patience has also improved. He’s better now than he’s ever been, and that’s a testament to his hard work and dedication to himself. Barber is the reason the Giants made it to the playoffs. Eliminate him from that team, and they finish behind the Eagles in that division. Give Tiki his due, he’s one of the leagues’ elite players.
22. Ben Roethlisberger – Big Ben may have pulled sport bike dummy of the football realm award, and he might not have as good of stats as QB’s ranked below him, but the bottom line is he has the nuts to win football games, and that he does very well. Big Ben is a leader who does his job on the field.
23. Antonio Gates – Is there a guy at the TE position that can change a game like Antonio? For many years, Tony Gonzalez was the man to stop at TE, but now its Gates. The former hoopster is more of a game changing receiver than Gonzo ever was. His height, jumping ability, and judgment with the ball in the air is quite impressive. As one of the Chargers only receiving threats, he’s unstoppable.
24. John Henderson – I’ll put Henderson ahead of Stroud because it was Johnny Boy that had the better year in ’05. These two defensive Great Walls hold down the fort in Jacksonville. There’s nothing like two defensive tackles that plug running holes and block down passes on an every game basis. John and Marcus do exactly that. Defense wins games for the Jaguars, and Hendey is the main man on that front.
25. Marcus Stroud – Marcus Stroud is a man-beast. His season staked claim to an injury or two, yet he still found himself in the Pro-Bowl. Marcus Stroud has been one of the leagues’ best defensive tackles for the last few years, making the Jaguars defense something to admire. At one point in time, the Jag defense hadn’t allowed 100 rushing yards to any back in something like 5 billion games. Check the record books. Stroud is enormous and athletically sound. What a combo.
26. Torry Holt – There isn’t a wide receiver in the NFL that gets more wide open than Torry Holt. I’m not sure if its his speed, his quickness, his knowledge, or just downright luck, but he’s as open as 7-11. It will be interesting to see if his numbers and relative openness dissolves with the departure of Mike Martz. I’m guessing Mr. Holt will continue to show up on a daily basis and put up great numbers. Torry has become the total package.
27. Brian Dawkins – Brian Dawkins is one of the more underrated guys in the league. Defensively, there’s not a safety who goes more balls to the wall than B-Dawk. His strength and energy for his size is phenomenal. He’s getting up there in age, and he showed that a little bit last year, but with a full season of playing up to his level he could make a run at Ed Reed for the top safety in the land.
28. Steve Hutchinson – You can’t argue any other way, this road grater is the best OG in the game. And Old School Gangsters are hard to glorify. Some will say the Vikings overpaid for a guard, but if Hutch makes Chester Taylor look more like Shaun Alexander, and Shaun struggles behind another guard, Steve will finally get the street cred he deserves.
29. Bob Sanders – Bob Sanders is a heat seeking missile on the football field. Often times I think an opposing RB is going to get outside, and up comes little Bob Sanders ripping the legs out from under the ball carrier for no gain. He’s a play maker. Big time. He causes fumbles and people look over their shoulder hoping Bob’s not there. He changes the game.
30. Adrian Wilson – Adrian Wilson is a thug. Sure, you’ve never heard of him, and guys like Roy Williams and Sean Taylor get way more pub than Wilson does, but he’s better than the both. He can cover like your blanky when you were five, and he hits as sure as shit. Wilson plays for the freakin’ Cardinals for Pete’s sake. If Edge and the Cards turn it around this year, there’s no question people will start putting Adrian Wilson in their top 30 list. I’m just ahead of the game.
31. Larry Fitzgerald – Some said Larry was too slow to become an elite wide receiver in this league. Some like to lie and say they never said any ridiculous shit like that ever. I’m not one of those donkeys. I’ve dug this kid ever since he started making ridiculous catches for the Pitt Panthers. He’s got all the goods; height, hands, speed, athleticism, and an eye for the ball that would make Chris Carter jealous. If Larry stays healthy, he’ll be a top 10 receiver of all time when he’s done. His running mate is close.
32. Sean Taylor – If Sean Taylor wasn’t such a dunderhead off the field he’d be a perennial All-Pro. As of now he’s just a young, extremely athletic hammer, who can change a game on any play. He fills on the rushing game and makes unbelievable plays in space. Taylor, if his head could get put on straight somehow some way, would be in the top 10. But who knows if he’ll stay out of jail this up coming season?
33. Shaun Rogers – Shaun Rogers is the Lions best player. And he’s a defensive tackle. I’m not sure we’ll ever get a taste of Shaun’s true ability unless the Lions find a way to break out of their cellar-dweller mold and put quality play makers behind Shaun. As of now, Rogers is the object of opposing offenses’ blocking schemes, and he still causes trouble week in and week out. Ask any O-Lineman in the league, Rogers is one of the best.
34. Kevin Williams – Kevin Williams is an up and comer on this list. He’s only getting better. Numbers aren’t always the best way to judge defensive linemen, and even though his sacks weren’t as high (4) as they had been the previous years (10.5, 11.5) he still had a hell of a season. The Vikings defense will be more of a force this year than they’ve been in the last decade, and a lot of that will be thanks to this monster of a man.
35. Edgerrin James – Edgerrin doesn’t seem to get the credit he deserves. He’s not a homerun hitter, but last season he had almost twice as many runs in the 9-20 yard range as any rusher in football. He’s a sure thing. The Cardinals have a terrible rushing attack, and if James can turn that gong-show around, he’ll find himself climbing the latter in the Top 20. He does everything you can ask a star rusher to do. He’s a great blocker, receiver, runner, and teammate. That counts for something.
36. Clinton Portis – This kid has loads of talent. It took him a while to become a great back in Washington, but you can’t blame him for wanting the Redskin rushing attack to look more like his Bronco offense. Portis has figured out Joe Gibbs’ attack, and now, with Al Saunders running the offensive show in Washington, Clinton will have all the chances in the world to become a truly great runner.
37. Michael Strahan – My man Mike, the Split, the Big Easy, whatever you want to call Mr. Strahan, he’s as competitive as you get, as strong as an ox, and equally good against the run and pass. He’s fast, with an assortment of moves just shy of the great Reggie White. Michael knows how to play this game. If he can stay injury free for the entire season, he’s a sure thing to finish atop the sack charts. The Split has to be given credit for the Giants’ defensive improvement.
38. Marvin Harrison – My favorite Marvin. Similar to Torry Holt, Marvin’s ability to find wide open spaces is rather baffling considering the fact that everyone in the world knows he’s getting the ball. Many want to belittle Harrison’s accomplishments because he’s had Peyton Manning for his entire career, but that’s a joke. Harrison works as hard as any receiver in the league to understand the creases of opposing defenses. His hands are guaranteed for life. He belongs no lower than 38, even at his ripening age.
39. Jonathan Vilma – This kid is for real. He’s been all that was advertised since he came out of Miami two seasons ago. Vilma’s speed, vision, and game breaker ability are as far along as I’ve seen out of a second year player. Look for Vilma to head the rebuilding phase in New York as the Jets will be lead by their defense early and often.
40. Derrick Brooks – Brooks might not be the physical marvel that he was earlier in his career, but his strength has and always will be knowledge and anticipation. Brooks has been a brick in the NFL for years and years, and although he’s aging, he remains one of the best players, on either side of the ball, that this league has to offer. He and Rhonde Barber have been the two steady rocks on a defense that perennially finds themselves atop the NFL.
41. Ty Law – Ty Law gets it done. He may be old. The new rules allowing receivers to get by with less contact have made him change the way he plays corner. And last season he couldn’t rely on his fellow defenders as much as he used to. What did he do? Oh, he just led the league in interceptions and kept the lowly Jets in games. Ty Law is still a top flight corner, though his days of speed are numbered. Will Ty join a contender this season or get paid?
42. Orlando Pace – Orlando used to be just a tip below Jonathan Ogden as far as talent at OT is concerned, but now he’s second to Walter Jones. Pace has had some health issues over the last couple seasons, which moves him down to 42, but when he’s healthy and playing his best football, a more dominant tackle is hard to come by. If the Rams are going to turn it around this year, Steven Jackson will have to get Pace to stay healthy.
43. Willie Roaf – It’s amazing that Roaf is still playing, let alone one of the Top 51 players in the NFL. But this isn’t a grandfather player, he doesn’t make this list because he used to and has been great, he makes this list because of what he does for the Chiefs running game. Larry Johnson might be one of the best all around backs in football, but without Roaf there is no way he gets 1500 yards last season. Willie can still put a block on the best defenders in the game.
44. Matt Hasselbeck – Matt has worked his way up from lifetime back up, to Seattle bust, to Super Bowl starter, to one of the best signal callers in the league. Matt has all the skills. His arm is stronger than people give him credit for, and his touch is second to none. Matt is the perfect west coast style player. As accurate as he is bald, Matt has made a name for himself because of his hard work and extreme competitiveness. I want this guy leading drives to win football games.
45. Al Wilson – All Al Wilson does is make every play you could ask him to make and more. Al has been the consummate professional over his career and finally outsiders are starting to appreciate him as his teammates always have. Wilson does everything well. He’s got the speed to get outside and cover receivers with the knowledge and toughness to shut down the run. Wilson has as much to do with Denver’s defense as Champ Bailey does.
46. Anquan Boldin – It’s hard for me to drop Anquan this far behind his running mate, Larry Fitz. The only thing I like about Larry more, is his ability to go up and get it. But Boldin can too. And, Boldin has an incredible ability to take the hit and stay on his feet. Boldin and Fitzgerald could become one of, if not the best receiving tandem of all time. And I hate to say that type of shit, but look at their talent level, the fact that they have a young stud at QB coming up, and a star at RB. Boldin is awesome.
47. Ken Lucas – The Seahawks let Ken Lucas go to the Panthers last season, and although the Hawks got the best of Ken’s Carolina squad, you could bet your balls he would have made a couple big plays in the Super Bowl, and quite possibly we’d have a different champion. Lots of ifs there, I know, but Ken has proven to be one of the best all around corners in football. Not only can he cover like a shall, but his ability to play the run makes him special. Ken makes Carolina’s defense one of the scariest units in the NFC.
48. Shawne Merriman – Lights out! This guy definitely walks the walk. Shawne broke onto my list in his first year. Merriman is one of the best playmakers at outside linebacker I’ve seen in a long time. He hits like a semi truck, and plays every down like its his last. With some good old fashioned learning, this kid could make the biggest jump from this year to next, on my list. He’s going to have to make twice as many plays this year if his Chargers are to make the playoffs. The thing is, I think he’s ready for that.
49. Roy Williams – This kid makes plays. I’ve seen him get beet deep more than a handful of times, and the truth is, he makes plenty of mistakes in coverage. He doesn’t have top flight speed, and he’s not a great cover safety. But…. And this is a big but, he’s a smash you in the mouth, sure as shit tackler, with a competitive spirit and football IQ right up there with the best. Used right, Roy is unstoppable. He knows what he does well, and he might attack the run better than anyone from his position. His ability to plug like the best linebackers in the league get him on this list.
50. LeCharles Bentley – Bentley is the best Center in the league, and almost everyone in the league knows it. He makes all the right calls and does everything right every play. Now that he has a couple guys to help him out, look out for Droughns in Cleveland. You won’t here much about LeCharles, but when Reuben makes a run at the rushing title, Bentley’s name should be right there next to his running back’s.
51. Takeo Spikes – Spikes was hurt last season, so you’d think that would all but eliminate him from this list. And, in a way, it did. It all but eliminated him from the list. He’s 51st. The thing is, the way his defense played without him made me realize how abosulutely great Takeo is. Spikes’ speed and athleticism along with his ability to read and react were 4 things the Bills couldn’t live without last season. The crumbled without their leader. This season, if Spikes is healthy, we could see the Bills back in the playoffs. One guy. One freaking guy comes back and changes a team. If he can do that, he belongs in the top 10. Right now, he’s last… On the list of the best players in the league of course.

JUST MISSED; Only 51 can make the big list… Here are the guys who almost slipped the cut: Kris Jenkins, Will Shields, Hines Ward, Joey Porter, Donovan McNabb, Daunte Culpepper, Jonathan Ogden, Rudi Johnson, Jason Taylor, Simeon Rice, Steven Jackson, Osi Umenyiora, Marcus Trufant, Mike Peterson, Todd Heap, Darrell Jackson, DeAngelo Hall, Mike Vick, Drew Brees, Tony Gonzalez, Rodney Harrison, LaRoi Glover, Lance Briggs, Ronde Barber, Dwight Smith, Lofa Tatupu, Reggie Wayne, Brian Westbrook, Julian Peterson, Marcus Trufant