NFL 2011 Preview: Power Ranking the Top 5 Teams at Each Position

2011 NFL Preview: Power Ranking the Top 5 Teams at Each Position

While the NFL lockout has robbed us of any real news in the sport, there are always ways to spark up the debates we crave so much with football. 

Of course, one of the best ways to accomplish that is by ranking teams and players. And whether you're just putting together a list of teams from one to 32 or judging the top 100 players, fans are going to have their own opinion on the matter. 

In hopes of really sparking a debate, I put together a power ranking of teams at certain positions. 

Without further ado, here are the top five NFL teams at each position—from quarterback to return specialists. Let's get it started.

Quarterbacks

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots stands on the field during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa

1. New England Patriots

The best quarterback in the game and a promising rookie behind him makes the Patriots an easy choice.

2. Indianapolis Colts

Peyton Manning has never missed a game, eliminating the need for a good backup. There's never been a smarter quarterback in league history.

3. Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers and Matt Flynn are the NFL's premier young duo. They could be No. 1 in another year.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers

Even when Ben Roethlisberger hasn't been starting, the Steelers have won games. 

5. Philadelphia Eagles

This could be a temporary standing if they deal Kevin Kolb. He and Michael Vick give the Eagles two starting-quality quarterbacks.

Running Backs

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 26: Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with Thomas Jones #20 after scoring a touchdown during the game against the Tennessee Titans on December 26, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Phot

1. Kansas City Chiefs

Despite the age of Thomas Jones, the Chiefs have the best combination of running backs in the NFL. Jones and Jamaal Charles rushed for over 2,300 yards in 2010. 

2. New York Jets

Shonn Greene and Ladainian Tomlinson are more than enough, but rookie Bilal Powell could turn out to be a good back as well.

3. Atlanta Falcons

Michael Turner is a workhorse in every sense of the word, and rookie Jacquizz Rodgers could be the change of pace back the Falcons need.

4. Minnesota Vikings

Adrian Peterson is obviously the main reason the Vikings crack the top five, but Toby Gerhart should be expected to improve heading into his second year.

5. Tennessee Titans

So many teams could vie for the No. 5 spot, but Chris Johnson gives Tennessee the edge. Javon Ringer has plenty of potential as well. 

Receivers

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INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 15: Reggie Wayne #87 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates his touchdown with teammate Pierre Garcon #85 in the fourth quarter of the game against the New England Patriots at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 15, 2009 in Indianapolis,

1. Indianapolis Colts

Both the Packers and Colts have a good case for No. 1, but Indy has a better mix of talents in their receiving corps.

2. Green Bay Packers

Losing James Jones is a bigger deal than most will say, but rookie Randall Cobb should help. An aging Donald Driver doesn't help either.

3. New York Jets

Free agency might decimate this group, but I'd bet New York will bring in someone else to fill in. Randy Moss?

4. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers have a vastly underrated receiving core, and Mike Wallace could be on the verge of stardom.  

5. Atlanta Falcons

This ranking hinges on the fact that Julio Jones will have an immediate impact. Roddy White is a top-three receiver.

Tight Ends

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FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 06: (L-R) Aaron Hernandez #85 and Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots celebrate a play against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on December 6, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots won 45-3. (Photo by Jim Rog

1. New England Patriots

There's no better mix of blocking and receiving in the NFL, and their best two—Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski—are young and improving. 

2. Green Bay Packers

Draft steal D.J. Williams joins a group that already features Jermichael Finley and Andrew Quarless. This trio should only improve as well.

3. Dallas Cowboys

Jason Witten anchors this ranking, but backup Martellus Bennett can hold his own. 

4. San Diego Chargers

Despite being 30 years old in June, Antonio Gates can still change a game faster than any tight end in the NFL. 

5. Indianapolis Colts

Dallas Clark doesn't get enough credit for the receiving and blocking combination he brings to the field each Sunday.

Offensive Tackles

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MIAMI - NOVEMBER 09: Offensive linemen Vernon Carey #72 and Jake Long #77 of the Miami Dolphins talk between plays while taking on the Seattle Seahawks at Dolphin Stadium on November 9, 2008 in Miami, Florida. The Dolphins defeated the Seahawks 21-19. (

1. Miami Dolphins

With Jake Long and Vernon Carey at tackle, the Dolphins are set at both bookend positions.

2. Baltimore Ravens

MIchael Oher and Jared Gaither (if re-signed) continue to be a good protectors for Joe Flacco. 

3. Carolina Panthers

Jeff Otah and Jordan Gross give Carolina a solid duo at the ends of their offensive line.

4. Denver Broncos

Ryan Harris and Ryan Clady are one of the best young tackle combinations in the NFL.

5. Cleveland Browns

Despite not having a dominant player on the right side, Joe Thomas is likely the best tackle in football.

Interior Offensive Linemen (Guards/Center)

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NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 16: (L-R) Offensive lineman Jahri Evans #73, Jonathan Goodwin #76 Carl Nicks #77 and Jermon Bushrod #74 of the New Orleans Saints pass protect on the snap back to Drew Brees #9 against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFC Divisional

1. New Orleans Saints

No other team has a guard combination that even approaches Carl Nicks and Jahri Evans.

2. New England Patriots

Dan Koppen is a solid center, and guards Logan Mankins made the Pro Bowl in 2011.

3. San Diego Chargers

Guard Kris Dielman started for the AFC in the 2011 Pro Bowl, and center Nick Hardwick is Pro Bowl quality.

4. New York Jets

The Jets have the best center in the NFL in Nick Mangold, and Brandon Moore is a steady guard.

5. New York Giants

While the Giants could use upgrades for an aging interior, Chris Snee is among the best in the game. 

Defensive Ends

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INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 04: Robert Mathis #98 and Dwight Freeney #93 of the Indianapolis Colts react after Mathis sacked Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots in the third quarter of their game on November 4, 2007 at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Ind

1. Indianapolis Colts

While they are getting any younger, no defensive end combination can match Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney.

2. New York Giants

With Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora, the Giants are in good shape. 2010 first-rounder Jason Pierre Paul could get New York to No. 1 on this list by next year.

3. Minnesota Vikings

This ranking relies heavily on whether the Vikings get back Ray Edwards, but Brian Robson has been good in a part time duty.

4. Philadelphia Eagles

Trent Cole is one of the more underrated defensive ends, and 2010 firs- rounder Brandon Graham looks like a potential difference maker.

5. Oakland Raiders

Everyone knows about Richard Seymour, but Matt Shaughnessy is one of the up-and-coming defensive ends in the NFL.

Interior Defensive Linemen

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KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 09: Terrence Cody #62, Haloti Ngata #92, Jameel McClain #53, Cory Redding #93 and Ray Lewis #52 and the Baltimore Ravens defense prepare to face the Kansas City Chiefs during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Arrowhead St

1. Baltimore Ravens

Haloti Ngata's 2010 season didn't get a lot of publicity, but it was likely the best of any defensive lineman.

2. Detroit Lions

If Nick Fairley pans out, the Lions could easily go to No. 1. Ndamukong Suh is a game-changer and Corey Williams can rush the passer from the inside.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers

While Casey Hampton is getting older, the interior of the Steelers defensive line continues to hold up well.

4. Green Bay Packers

B.J. Raji is an up-and-coming player inside, and Ryan Pickett and Howard Green are serviceable players.

5. New England Patriots

Vince Wilfork is likely the most athletic 330-pound human being you'll watch on a football field.

Outside Linebackers

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PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 16: James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is congratulated by LaMarr Woodley #56 after a second quarter saftey while playing the San Diego Chargers on November 16, 2008 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley combined for 20.5 sacks in 2010.

2. Dallas Cowboys

Demarcus Ware is probably the best pass-rusher in football, and Anthony Spencer can make plays opposite him.

3. Miami Dolphins

Cameron Wake really came on in his second season in the NFL with 14 sacks. Second-year player Koa Misi had 4.5 sacks in 2010.

4. Houston Texans

This could be an interesting group with Mario Williams making the transition to standing up. Rookie Brooks Reed has the ability to make an immediate difference. 

5. Washington Redskins

Brian Orakpo has 19.5 sacks during his first two NFL seasons, and first-rounder Ryan Kerrigan was selected to add pressure from the opposite side.

Inside Linebackers

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 03: Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on October 3, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

1. San Francisco 49ers

Patrick Willis has taken the title of the best middle linebacker in the NFL.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers

James Farrior and Lawrence Timmons likely make up the best inside duo in a 3-4 defense.

3. Baltimore Ravens

Ray Lewis is still an impact player at 36 years old.

4. Chicago Bears

2010 was a revival year for Brian Urlacher, who registered 125 tackles after missing most of '09. 

5. Green Bay Packers

The Packers lost Nick Barnett in Week 4 of last season but gained Desmond Bishop in the process. He teamed with A.J. Hawk to solidify their linebacking corps. 

Cornerbacks

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Tramon Williams #38 and Charles Woodson #21 of the Green Bay Packers warm up before taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Get

1. Green Bay Packers

Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams and Sam Shields are the best trio of corners in the NFL.  

2. New York Jets

Bringing back Antonio Cromartie is a priority, but Darrelle Revis is arguably the best cover corner in the game. 

3. Oakland Raiders

Nmandi Asomugha has as good a case for being the best corner as Revis, but he is a coming free agent. 

4. Cincinnati Bengals

While free agency could hit Cincinnati hard here too, Leon Hall and Jonathan Joseph are an underrated duo.

5. Arizona Cardinals

Rookie Patrick Peterson makes this an exciting duo for Arizona, as Domnique Rodgers-Cromartie is already an established cornerback.

Safeties

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BALTIMORE - DECEMBER 14: Ryan Clark #25 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates his interception against the Baltimore Ravens with teammate Troy Polamalu #43 on December 14, 2008 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Imag

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

Troy Polamalu is still the best safety in the NFL, and Ryan Clark plays a good Robin to Polamalu's Batman.

2. Washington Redskins

For a defense that was so bad in 2010, this might be high. However, LaRon Landry and O.J. Atogwe give Washington an athletic combination at the back.

3. Baltimore Ravens

No defensive player since Deion Sanders could turn defense into offense like Ed Reed. He intercepted eight passes in just 10 games in 2010.

4. Buffalo Bills

Jarius Byrd and Donte Whitner aren't household names, but they do represent a good safety duo for the Bills. 

5. New England Patriots

The Patriots have three safeties—Brandon Meriweather, Patrick Chung and James Sanders—who are starting quality in the NFL.

Specialists

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GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 26: Kicker Sebastian Janikowski #11 of the Oakland Raiders attempts a field goal against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals def

1. Oakland Raiders

Shane Lechler is the class of NFL punters, and Sebastian Janikowski still has one of the most powerful legs.

2. San Diego Chargers

Nate Kaeding has been solid for years, and punter Mike Scifries was third in average (46.7 yards) in 2010.

3. St. Louis Rams

Josh Brown connected on 33 field goals last season, and punter Donnie Jones led the NFL in overall yards.

4. Chicago Bears

The 2010 stats won't jump off the page, but Robbie Gould 85.5 percent career kicker, and Brad Maynard is as consistent as they come. 

5. Kansas City Chiefs

While Ryan Succup isn't the best kicker in the game, Dustin Colquitt is one of the better second-tier punters behind Lechler.

Returners

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Devin Hester #23 of the Chicago Bears looks on late in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Ima

1. Chicago Bears

Devin Hester's revival in 2010 ensured that the Bears are back on top of the return game in the NFL.

2. Oakland Raiders

Is there a more exciting player that no one knows about than Jacoby Ford?

3. Tennessee Titans

Marc Marini led the NFL in combined punt and kick return yards with 1,859 in 2010, and he scored a touchdown doing both as well.

4. Dallas Cowboys

Dez Bryant might be the next big returner if the Cowboys continue to let him, and Bryan McCann is a touchdown waiting to happen.

5. Atlanta Falcons

Eric Weems joined Marini as the only players in the NFL last season to return a kick and punt for a touchdown.