NFL's Top 50 Players: Why They're Overrated or Underrated

The rankings have been set, and now, it's time to break down which players on our NFL top 50 list are overrated or underrated.

Of course, we aren't deciding if they are overrated or underrated on the actual list, but in general.

Does Tom Brady receive too much credit for the New England Patriots system? Are Aaron Rodgers or Ben Roethlisberger overlooked due to the success of Brady and Peyton Manning?

What can make a player overrated? Too many Pro Bowls without production to match, too much money for an average job or even mention on the NFL Network Top 100 lists.

We'll take a case-by-case look at the top 50 players in the NFL and weigh in on their status as overrated or underrated.

50. Jahri Evans, New Orleans Saints

Status: Underrated

Jahri Evans has not missed a start in his five-year career and has made two Pro Bowls and an All-Pro team—yet NFL fans didn't think highly enough of him to rank him on the NFL Network's Top 100 players list.

We are talking about one of the best guards in football, and he couldn't crack the top 100?

Fans in general are too quick to dismiss or overlook offensive linemen, focusing instead on players who touch the ball. Hardcore fans know that, without Evans, the New Orleans Saints would not be the dominating offensive team they've become.

49. Greg Jennings, Green Bay Packers

Status: Overrated

Before Green Bay Packer fans start marching to Missouri with pitchforks, read what I'm about to type out.

Greg Jennings is a very good football player and a legitimate top-eight wide receiver. What he is not, though, is the No. 19 best player in the NFL, which is what the fans voted him on the NFL Network Top 100 list.

Jennings is very good, but his peers ranked him No. 74 overall. I have him much closer to the middle of those two spots.

48. Jared Allen, Minnesota Vikings

Status: Overrated

Ranked No. 36 by the fans, Jared Allen was hit hard by his fellow NFL players—who ranked him No. 80. In reality, and trusting our friends at Pro Football Focus for help on Allen's total quarterback pressures statistics, I rank him closer to the fans' version of events.

While Allen is a top 50 player, without question in my mind, there is a big jump from 48 to 36.

Allen had 42 total quarterback pressures, good for No. 10 overall last year among 4-3 defensive ends, which is about where he ends up on our list of the best defensive linemen.

The 2010 season may have been a "down" year for Allen, but he is still a major force to be reckoned with. He's just not as good as many like to think he is.

47. Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs

Status: Even

It may seem like a cop-out to list Dwayne Bowe as even, but it seems the general perception of the Kansas City Chiefs' leading receiver is pretty spot-on.

NFL players voted Bowe No. 45 overall; the fans did underrate him slightly at No. 63, but expect his status to rise if the Chiefs can follow up their 10-6 2010 season with another AFC West championship.

As more people begin to trust Matt Cassel at quarterback, more love will come Bowe's way.

46. Nick Mangold, New York Jets

Status: Underrated

Do NFL fans know what the hell they are talking about? It really makes you wonder when one of the best interior linemen in the game is ranked No. 93 overall by those watching games every Sunday. It is votes like this why no one respects the Pro Bowl or why the fan will never get a true Pro Football Hall of Fame vote.

What more can Nick Mangold do to earn the respect of the fan? He started all 16 games for the fifth straight season in 2010, surrendered just one sack and earned his third Pro Bowl selection.

Mangold is one of the best at what he does. That should be clear to anyone watching.

45. Wes Welker, New England Patriots

Status: Even

Wes Welker is among the most productive receivers in the NFL, but he's also a one-trick pony.

Welker cannot go deep or beat a cornerback in press coverage. He's a motion receiver who does a great job getting open on zone routes over the middle or in the flats. There's nothing wrong with that, but ranking him ahead of more talented and athletic players would be unfair.

Having said that, you cannot ignore Welker's production and importance in the New England Patriot offense.

44. Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens

Status: Underrated

A dynamic runner with receiving skills like Ray Rice should be a household name in the NFL, but Rice has managed to fly largely under the radar during his three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.

Rice has All-Pro talent and production. If he can get more touchdowns this season, and he should without Le'Ron McClain and Willis McGahee in town, Rice's name recognition will shoot through the roof.

The Ravens are one deep playoff run away from Rice taking over the AFC North.

43. Richard Seymour, Oakland Raiders

Status: Overrated

Richard Seymour has had a brilliant career at defensive end and defensive tackle for the New England Patriots and Oakland Raiders. He deserves to be ranked among the best players in the NFL today, without question.

Seymour's status of overrated comes from the fact that he makes $15 million per season, good for fourth-highest in the entire league.

Seymour is good, but he's not that good.

42. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars

Status: Underrated

Perhaps it is because Maurice Jones-Drew is coming off an injury-shortened season, or maybe it's because his Jacksonville Jaguars haven't been that good, but for whatever reason, Jones-Drew ranks as one of the more underrated players in the NFL.

When asked to name the best running backs in the NFL, fans outside of Florida would quickly mention Adrian Peterson and Chris Johnson—maybe even Frank Gore, Jamaal Charles or Arian Foster. How long would it take you to mention MJD?

Too long—and that's why he's underrated. Few backs in the NFL combine his skills as a runner, receiver and blocker.

41. Logan Mankins, New England Patriots

Status: Underrated

Fans outside of New England may quickly bash me in the comments, but hold on before you limber up those fingers.

Logan Mankins was voted an All-Pro in 2010 by the media, even though he missed seven games to a holdout. Mankins was also ranked as the No. 4 guard in the NFL by Pro Football Focus. Even better, actual NFL players ranked Mankins No. 39 overall.

The fans? Well, you guys forgot to mention him on your top 100 list.

Oops.

40. Alex Mack, Cleveland Browns

Status: Underrated

When I wrote this article highlighting my predictions for the best players in the NFL during the 2011 season, the fan outrage regarding Alex Mack's mention as the best center in the league was amazing.

It would seem that Pittsburgh Steeler fans are having trouble imagining anyone other than Maurkice Pouncey as the league's best center. And no, not the center with the most potential. The best. Period.

In that case, Steeler fans, you're crazy.

Pouncey surrendered 19 quarterback pressures last year—Mack just nine.

39. Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens

Status: Overrated

Let the stone throwing begin.

Ray Lewis, ranked No. 4 overall by both the players and the fans, is one of the greatest players to ever wear a football helmet. The issue is, his status as a great player in the NFL today is based on his past and his leadership ability.

Strap a helmet on Lewis and judge his production and ability in the 2011 season, and you could find linebackers better than him—maybe not many, but they are out there.

Lewis is a sure-fire Hall of Famer, and his contributions to the game were amazing. His time is over, though.

Lewis' production in 2010 slipped considerably. He ranked just No. 23 among inside linebacker production when measuring tackles, turnovers, coverage plays and yards allowed.

Let that sink in and tell me Lewis is underrated.

38. Lawrence Timmons, Pittsburgh Steelers

Status: Underrated

While Ray Lewis' game fades into the background of today's NFL, another AFC North linebacker is making a serious name for himself in scouting circles.

Lawrence Timmons of the Pittsburgh Steelers graded out as the best inside linebacker in the NFL last year, even ahead of Patrick Willis and Lewis.

Timmons plays on a winning team and is a dominant force on the field, but NFL fans forgot about him when writing out their ballots for the best players in the NFL last year.

37. Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys

Status: Even

Jason Witten is widely considered one of the best tight ends in the NFL today. I don't disagree.

Witten is as good of an all-around tight end as we have seen in the NFL in quite some time. His abilities as a blocker and receiver have earned him six straight Pro Bowls, and he has recorded 90-plus catches and 1,000-plus yards in three of the last four years.

Witten is the gold standard for what a dual-purpose tight end should look and play like.

36. Vince Wilfork, New England Patriots

Status: Underrated

NFL players had the right idea in ranking Vince Wilfork as the No. 35 overall player in the league right now. The fans, on other hand, are idiots for ranking the game's best nose tackle No. 65 overall.

A 30-spot difference is quite remarkable, and it goes to show the level of respect NFL players have for Wilfork's ability as the anchor of the New England Patriots' defensive line.

Ask NFL general managers which defensive tackle they would want to start their 3-4 defense. I would bet the majority say Wilfork.

35. Tramon Williams, Green Bay Packers

Status: Underrated

In my work to prepare for the 2011 NFL season, I went back and watched every playoff game to get a feel for the elite teams from last season. During the film study, I concluded that no defensive back played better in the postseason last year than Tramon Williams of the Green Bay Packers.

Looking back at the regular season, Williams played pretty damn well then too. Williams ranked No. 6 in the regular season among all cornerbacks during the 2010 season, when he emerged as a true No. 1 cornerback.

Williams' name will only get hotter. He won't be underrated for long.

34. Carl Nicks, New Orleans Saints

Status: Underrated

Carl Nicks grades out as the best interior offensive lineman on my list of the 50 best players in the NFL, and for good reason.

Nicks ranked as the best guard in football last year, allowing just 14 quarterback pressures while dominating as a run blocker in the New Orleans Saints offense.

Nicks is only getting better. He'll continue to rise up my rankings.

33b. Arian Foster, Houston Texans

Status: Underrated

Ranked No. 25 overall by the players, Arian Foster was No. 47 on the fans' list of the best players in the NFL. All this for a running back who led the NFL in rushing last year?

Foster has not received the credit he deserves for his 2010 season. The Houston Texans offensive line is far from elite, but Foster managed to lead the NFL in rushing yards, scrimmage yards and rushing touchdowns while also catching 66 passes.

33a. Ndamukong Suh, Detroit Lions

Status: Even

It is hard to get a good read on what Ndamukong Suh's status is at this point after just one season in the NFL. Suh had a brilliant rookie season, leading all first-year players in sacks and showing the type of game-changing ability not seen in a defensive tackle since Warren Sapp was policing the field.

Suh needs to back that up with a great second season before I'm willing to move him up much higher—which is the same argument for having Arian Foster here after just one great season in the NFL.

Foster and Suh are two of the most exciting players in the NFL today, but they need to do more before they are ranked higher.

32. Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons

Status: Even

Roddy White has emerged as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL with Matt Ryan at quarterback in Atlanta. White is largely considered to be a top-five wide receiver, which I agree with.

NFL fans ranked White No. 31, while the players put him at No. 24 overall. We're right in that general vicinity in ranking White as one of our top wide receivers for the 2011 season.

31. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons

Status: Underrated

I was prepared to call Matt Ryan's status even, thinking that most everyone would agree he is right around No. 30 overall in the NFL today.

The fans agreed, ranking Ryan No. 28 overall on their top 100 list. The players, however, are not impressed with Matty Ice—ranking him No. 52 overall.

Why the lack of respect for Ryan from the players? I have no idea. One could make the argument that the players are busy playing on Sunday and don't actually watch many games. You could also say they are holding out judgment until he wins a playoff game.

Who knows? All I do know is that Matt Ryan is much better than No. 52.

30. Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis Colts

Status: Even

Dwight Freeney will inevitably be ranked as one of the best defensive ends of all time. He has the production, the Super Bowl ring, the love of the fans and the respect of his peers.

Nothing is missing here.

Freeney is one of the best to ever play the game, but in 2011, I do expect a small drop-off in production from No. 93—which is why he's ranked low in some eyes at No. 30 overall.

29. Ed Reed, Baltimore Ravens

Status: Even

The difference between Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu on my list was initially very small. In fact, I had both rated higher than they sit now.

Why the move down, and why the difference between Reed and Polamalu?

1) Injuries: Reed missed six games with injury last year; Polamalu missed two.

2) Production: Reed had just 28 tackles and five stops last year; Polamalu had 59 tackles and 22 stops.

3) Age: Reed is three years older than Polamalu and will likely see his game deteriorate first.

For some, it may be a personal preference. For me, Polamalula's ability in the run game and his durability place him over Reed.

28. LaMarr Woodley, Pittsburgh Steelers

Status: Underrated

Clearly, someone here is wrong.

Peter King of CNNSI ranked LaMarr Woodley the No. 23 best player in the NFL, which is right in line with how I see Woodley. The NFL players have him at No. 61, and the fans really farked up by putting Woodley at No. 81 overall.

This is a player who had nine sacks, 53 quarterback pressures, two interceptions and three passes defensed on the way to a Super Bowl berth.

In the playoffs, Woodley was unstoppable, scoring three sacks and eight quarterback pressures.

If there is any argument here, it's that Woodley is too low.

27. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs

Status: Underrated

Jamaal Charles led NFL running backs in yards per touch last year, cementing his status as one of the best running backs in the NFL today.

With that in mind, Charles was still ranked No. 48 overall by NFL fans this offseason.

Charles is sorely underrated, as seems to be the case with many Kansas City Chief players right now. Once the team gains more credibility league-wide, Charles will too.

26. Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions

Status: Even

Calvin Johnson is too often called the best receiver in the NFL. To be very literal, Johnson might be the most talented receiver in the NFL, but he's not the best producer or player.

Johnson has suffered from poor quarterback play during his career, which can be a pretty compelling argument for ranking him higher than players who have done more over the last two seasons.

Johnson is a very good player, and here's hoping the Detroit Lions are able to keep Matthew Stafford healthy this season.

25b. Julius Peppers, Chicago Bears

Status: Overrated

Julius Peppers was ranked as the No. 10 best player in the NFL by his fellow players and No. 18 by the fans—I'm backing off those just a bit and putting Peppers at No. 25.

Peppers did rank No. 3 among all defensive ends last year in overall play, and he's on our list as the second-best defensive end.

My issue is that Peppers is not a player you would draft in the top 10 if every player in the NFL became a free agent.

25a. Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers

Status: Even

Tight ends rarely receive the notoriety they deserve. Antonio Gates is a rare exception.

Gates is largely considered by anyone with a pulse as the best receiving tight end in the NFL right now. Yes, Gates may not be the blocker that Jason Witten is, but he is so much better as a receiver and as an overall athlete that he makes up for the lack of blocking skills.

Gates is head and shoulders above the rest at his position.

24. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals

Status: Even

You could say that if anyone has underrated Larry Fitzgerald, it might be me.

Fitzgerald was the No. 14 player on the NFL Network player's list and No. 13 on the fan's list. Why the difference on my list?

Fitzgerald is one of the most dominant offensive players in the game today. The major difference is that I have more quarterbacks and defensive players ahead of Fitzgerald than the NFL player or fan lists do.

23. Tamba Hali, Kansas City Chiefs

Status: Underrated

Not many are willing to give linebacker Tamba Hali credit as one of the best in the business these days, but he is.

Hali ranked No. 64 on the top 100 list compiled by NFL players and didn't even register on the fan-created list. This is a linebacker who led the NFL in quarterback pressures last year and was first in sacks.

Hali—again, like most Kansas City players right now—is horribly underrated.

22. James Harrison, Pittsburgh Steelers

Status: Even

Ranked No. 21 overall by the players and No. 29 by the fans, James Harrison of the Pittsburgh Steelers is a solid pick anywhere from 20 to 25 on our list of the best players in the NFL right now.

Harrison is a pass-rushing nightmare, but he's also very good in coverage—something most fans don't see on the stat sheet or when watching casually on a Sunday afternoon.

Harrison is also a big help in the running game, as he's not afraid to take on blockers or cut through traffic to make a stop behind the line of scrimmage.

21. Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers

Status: Even

Troy Polamalu is our pick as the best safety in the NFL today—and that's a pretty safe bet.

Polamalu ranked No. 6 overall on both the fan and player lists put out by the NFL Network, which is just a little high for my liking.

Polamalu would not be the No. 6 pick if the NFL were to release every player from his contract and hold a draft for all 32 teams. He would likely be picked here, in the low 20s.

20. Joe Thomas, Cleveland Browns

Status: Underrated

Let's talk about a player who may be the most underrated in the NFL.

Joe Thomas ranked No. 95 on the fan-generated list of the best players in the game. As a left tackle, one of the most important positions in football, Thomas has been voted to four straight Pro Bowls and is also a two-time NFL All-Pro while never missing a start in his four year career.

Thomas allowed just five sacks last year, putting his three-year total at an incredible 14.

19. Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles

Status: Even

Some may argue that Michael Vick is overrated based on his one season back as a starter in 2010. Others would claim that Vick's ability as a runner and passer are unheard of in the NFL and that his status is quite underrated.

I'm right in the middle, believing that Vick gets the right amount of credit and recognition for what he does well and the right blame when he messes up.

Vick will definitely see a rise on the charts if he can repeat his 2010 success.

18. Terrell Suggs, Baltimore Ravens

Status: Even

Our highest rated defensive end comes in at No. 18—and he's also a linebacker.

Terrell Suggs does an amazing job moving back and forth on the Baltimore Ravens defense, switching from defensive end to outside linebacker on any given play.

His production has not suffered from it. Suggs recorded 12 sacks in 2010 and posted 38 quarterback pressures.

If there is a better all-around defensive end in the NFL, I'd challenge you to point him out.

17. Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans

Status: Underrated

How can a three-time Pro Bowl player who has averaged 1,200 rushing yards in each of his first three seasons be underrated?

When he will make just $800,000 in 2010, he's underrated by his organization.

Johnson has produced beyond expectations in his three seasons. It's time for the Tennessee Titans to recognize this and reward him with a new deal.

16. Clay Matthews, Green Bay Packers

Status: Overrated

Ranked No. 5 overall by the fans, Clay Matthews has enjoyed a rock-star-like ascent into NFL greatness after just two seasons of play.

Blame it on the long blond hair or the Thor-like appearance, but Matthews is not even the best outside linebacker in the NFL, much less a top-five player in the league right now.

Matthews' peers were more judicious, ranking him No. 19 overall based on the 2010 season. I'll give him a little more credit and project a continued improvement, settling with him at No. 16.

15. Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers

Status: Underrated

One of six quarterbacks to crack our Top 15, Philip Rivers might be the most underrated of them all.

A top-three quarterback as ranked by Pro Football Focus, Rivers was just No. 26 on the NFL Network's top 100 list and No. 24 on the fan-generated list.

Rivers does not have the Super Bowl rings of our other top quarterbacks, but his regular season production and ability earn his mention among the best in the game.

14. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Status: Overrated

Drew Brees, coming off a Super Bowl win to cap the 2009 season, was ranked No. 9 in the NFL today by both the fans and the players—a rare consensus on the two lists.

In my humble eyes, Brees is overrated by both.

Brees was phenomenal in 2009, but what about his 2010 season, where he threw 22 interceptions? You cannot blame dropped passes either, as both Peyton Manning and Tom Brady had more passes dropped than Brees, and they didn't toss 22 freebies.

Brees is a great guy and a very good quarterback. His mention in the top 10 may go to show a bias toward quarterbacks by both the fans and the players.

13. Jake Long, Miami Dolphins

Status: Underrated

The highest-rated offensive lineman on our list comes in at No. 13.

Jake Long of the Miami Dolphins has become one of the most dominant offensive linemen in recent memory in just two short years. Long has anchored the Miami offensive line, allowing just 12 sacks in three years.

Long remains horribly underrated by the fans, as most linemen are. They ranked him No. 77 overall. The players put him at No. 28.

12. Charles Woodson, Green Bay Packers

Status: Even

Charles Woodson continues to get better with age. In 2010, he posted career bests with 92 tackles and five forced fumbles. He's also quickly becoming known as one of the best of all time with 47 career interceptions.

Woodson remains one of the best cover men in the NFL. In 2010, he allowed just 60 percent of passes thrown his way to be caught and gave up three touchdowns all season.

Woodson continues to hold the respect of NFL offensive coordinators and quarterbacks.

11. Andre Johnson, Houston Texans

Status: Even

The pound-for-pound best wide receiver in the NFL today, Andre Johnson is our highest-ranked offensive player outside of quarterbacks and running backs.

A five-time Pro Bowler, no wideout has more receiving yards than Johnson since 2008—pretty impressive considering he missed three games in 2010 with injury.

Johnson has a chance to establish himself as the best receiver of this generation.

10. Haloti Ngata, Baltimore Ravens

Status: Underrated

The highest-rated defensive linemen on our board, Haloti Ngata moves back and forth between defensive tackle and defensive end in the Baltimore Ravens' hybrid defense.

Much like teammate Terrell Suggs, Ngata does an amazing job at keeping up his production no matter the position he's playing.

A bit of a laughing matter here, NFL fans ranked Ngata No. 45 on their list of the 100 best players in the NFL.

9. Darrelle Revis, New York Jets

Status: Even

It's pretty well acknowledged that Darrelle Revis is a freak of nature and one of the best players in the NFL today.

Revis backs up the hype with amazing play on the field as a true shutdown cornerback. A very telling stat is that Revis allowed the lowest completion percentage of any cornerback in the NFL last year, letting quarterbacks connect on just 38 percent of passes.

That was good for first place by four whole percentage points.

8. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers

Status: Underrated

You would not think that a two-time Super Bowl winner at quarterback would be underrated, but that's the case with Ben Roethlisberger.

Big Ben has won two championships before his 30th birthday and was even the 2004 NFL Rookie of the Year—but how often do you include him in talks of the best quarterback in the NFL?

Roethlisberger has benefited from an amazing system in Pittsburgh no more than Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers have all benefited from smart front offices.

Why do we penalize Roethlisberger?

7. DeMarcus Ware, Dallas Cowboys

Status: Underrated

Allow me to save Pittsburgh Steeler fans time and type their comment out for them. Feel free to copy and paste.

"But DeMarcus Ware is just a pass-rusher! James Harrison is great in coverage."

Yes, Harrison is very good in coverage, and Ware is known as a pure pass-rusher. Here's the kicker: Ware is that good as a pass-rusher that dropping him back in coverage is a waste of time.

There's also the fact that it's a complete misconception to call Ware a "pass-rusher only," as he allowed a lower passing completion percentage and passer rating than Harrison last season.

I think that's what they call being "lawyered," Steeler fan.

6. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings

Status: Underrated

Do we really appreciate what we have in Adrian Peterson?

Peterson ranked No. 3 on the players' list of the best players in the NFL, and he was No. 7 on the fans' list, but is that even good enough?

Peterson is a once-in-a-generation style runner whose power and speed are a rare blend found in so few players throughout history.

Peterson is recognized as an amazing talent, but even so, we may be underrating him as an all-time great.

5. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Status: Underrated

The only argument here should be that Aaron Rodgers is perhaps too low.

The Green Bay Packer has averaged 4,131 passing yards and 293 rushing yards over the last three seasons, scoring a total of 99 touchdowns during that time.

Michael Vick gets credit for being a mobile threat, but Rodgers does enough in his own right outside the pocket to be considered a dangerous player inside or outside of the pocket.

NFL fans gave Rodgers a huge hat tip when they ranked him the second-best player in the NFL today.

4. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts

Status: Even

Depending on your preference or where you live, Peyton Manning could be ranked anywhere from two to five without much of an argument from me.

On this particular list, Manning comes in as the second-best quarterback and overall offensive player.

What more can be said about Peyton Manning? He is one of the most prolific quarterbacks of all time and will be a no-brainer first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterback.

3. Nnamdi Asomugha, Philadelphia Eagles

Status: Underrated

Well, that was odd to type "Philadelphia Eagles" next to Nnamdi Asomugha's name.

Before you pee in my cereal, consider that Asomugha was ranked No. 18 by his fellow players and No. 17 in the genius fans' voting.

Asomugha has dominated the NFL over the last three seasons, but his 2010 season may have been an all-time great, as he allowed 10 catches and not one touchdown. And yes, he played in all 16 games.

NFL offenses simply avoid Asomugha. How can any player that commands that much respect not be top-five?

2. Patrick Willis, San Francisco 49ers

Status: Underrated

Considered No. 23 overall by NFL players and No. 22 by NFL fans, I take serious issue with the idea that any linebacker in the NFL is better than Patrick Willis.

Willis, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, has averaged 149 tackles per season. He's also added a combined 15 sacks and 28 passes defensed during his career.

Willis is the best all-around linebacker in the NFL. Put him on the New England Patriots or Pittsburgh Steelers and he would be recognized as such.

1. Tom Brady, New England Patriots

Status: Even

Was it really going to be anyone else? The reigning unanimous NFL Most Valuable Player, Tom Brady continues to raise the bar for the next great quarterback in the NFL.

Brady's 36 touchdowns in 2010 were impressive, as was the fact that he threw just four interceptions in 16 games.

Three Super Bowls, six Pro Bowls and two MVP awards later, Brady is the best of the best.