One Player on Every NFL Team's Depth Chart Who Anchors Their Position

Every team has one. That one player who comes to camp early and stays late. The one who looks at film and studies like he is still in college. The one player who sets himself above the bar and helps raise it to another level.

The one player who could anchor his position this coming 2012 NFL season.

While there are only 22 starters on a team, every franchise has at least one starter who could be considered the best in the business at what they do. This list exemplifies that.

While many of the "main" players in the NFL today are not on this list, the future is in good hands with the talent that is assembled.

Here is a look at players who could be the best of the best in the NFL.

Buffalo Bills, Mario Williams, Defensive End

The Bills never let him leave Buffalo once free agency began this offseason.

Could the new scenery be the catalyst for Williams to prove he is the best defensive end in the game?

Buffalo was on fire the first half of the NFL season last year with a high-powered offense. The defense still had its "issues" to deal with.

Williams not only helps a beleaguered pass rush, but will make the linebackers and secondary better.

Miami Dolphins, Jake Long, Tackle

Long has been an anchor on the Dolphins offensive line since he was a rookie and the first overall pick in 2008.

Long, an All-American from Michigan, is one of those players who you can count on to anchor this line for years to come.

Tackles are still a premier position in the NFL. He and Vernon Carey are a good start. They helped spring Reggie Bush for his first 1,000-yard season last year.

New England Patriots, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, Tight End

If there was ever a team that took advantage of the "Year of the Tight End," it was New England.

Both Gronkowski and Hernandez are the best at what they do.

With Tom Brady finding little success other than Wes Welker last season as a receiver, both "Gronk" and Hernandez combined for 169 receptions last season.

The fact the Patriots have two major weapons like these two proves that the rich continually get richer in the NFL.

And the play of both these stars will only get better.

New York Jets, Nick Mangold, Center

He looks like he would be more comfortable in the woods chasing down wild bears.

But Nick Mangold has become one of the better young centers in this league. He should be the top of his class for years to come.

This will be Mangold's sixth season in the NFL after being drafted in the first round in 2006. He was a three-year starter at Ohio State before being taken 29th overall in the draft.

As the anchor of the Jets line, he was also the second offensive linemen chosen by the Jets that year when D'Brickashaw Ferguson became the fourth overall selection in 2006.

Dallas Cowboys, Morris Claiborne, Defensive Back

When you trade up to the sixth pick in the draft to take the best defensive back to come around in a number of years, then you expect him to immediately make an impact.

Claiborne has the ability.

With the team bringing on Brandon Carr and Brodney Pool in free agency, Claiborne was still the prize of the offseason. And he should impact this team from day one.

New York Giants, Jason Pierre-Paul, Defensive End

Pierre-Paul was everything the team hoped he would be last season and was a driving force in the Giants' defense.

He was instrumental in the team charging through the playoffs and their eventual Super Bowl win over the Patriots.

In only his second season in the NFL, he solidified himself as one of the best in the game. And at only 23 years old, he could be the best end in the business for the next decade.

Philadelphia Eagles, Evan Mathis, Guard

Mathis was one of the key offseason re-signings by the Eagles' management. He, along with his linemates, will open holes for LeSean MaCoy and protect Michael Vick when he is scrambling in the pocket.

Also, with the great defensive players in the NFC East alone, the offensive line of the Eagles must move the ball forward and not allow their opponents to push them back.

Washington Reskin, Brian Orakpo, Defensive End

The Redskins did themselves well by drafting Orapko and then adding Ryan Kerrigan.

Orapko could be as good as other Redskins' pass rushers of the past.

With his size and speed, he could be a threat for the next decade and cause havoc with NFC East quarterbacks.

Atlanta Falcons, Roddy White, Wide Receiver

White is the leader of the potent Falcons' receiving corps.

He may also be the most underrated receiver in the league.

The Matt Ryan/White combination is one that will escalate the Falcons toward a championship. And with his speed, size and skill, White could very well be the best receiver in the NFL right now.

Carolina Panthers, Cam Newton, Quarterback

He will be the quarterback we all talk about as the best in the NFL in five seasons.

Newton came into the NFL and set it on fire with his arms and his legs. He was certainly the catalyst for the team's improvement over 2010.

And when he was in a goal line situation, his size made him a pain for the opposition to bring down.

And that was only his first season in the NFL.

New Orleans Saints, Jahari Evans, Guard

The team lost Carl Nicks to Tampa Bay, but the Saints still have Evans on the team. And Evans is one of the best in the game.

With the Saints using such a high-powered offense, Evans is crucial to protecting Drew Brees, especially from defenders coming up the middle.

Evans is a rock of the Saints line.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Mark Barron, Defensive Back

Barron may wind up being the best draft pick of anyone in this year's draft. And the Buccaneers have found Ronde Barber's replacement.

Barron was the glue of the 'Bama defense last season and will be called upon to do the same in the Bucs secondary.

He will also be called upon to work in the return game, and will grow with a young team under new coach Greg Schiano.

Chicago Bears, Matt Forte, Running Back

He was having an outstanding season before he suffered a knee injury.

Forte now has a running mate in Michael Bush. Hopefully, it will make him stronger and hungrier.

If Forte can catch the ball out of the backfield and continue to run over defensive players, he will evolve into the best all-around back in the league.

Detroit Lions, Calvin Johnson, Wide Receiver

Right now, he is the best in the game. The chemistry with Matt Stafford in the Lions' offense is unreal and should get better.

The Lions may be the highest scoring offense in the NFL this season. Johnson will benefit under another season with the team, and this season could also be magical for the Motor City.

And he could be the best in the NFL five years from now.

Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback

He is the best in the game.

And his team will continue to be good offensively if he is behind center.

Rodgers waited his turn and is only going to get better.

Look for the Packers to put up huge numbers again and be in the Super Bowl hunt as long as he is the one throwing the ball in "Titletown."

Minnesota Vikings, Matt Kalil, Tackle

Now that there is someone the Vikings have found to solidify their offensive line, will he be the best tackle in the NFL?

Kalil has the ability, but it remains to be seen if he is the type to take over a game in the NFL and block defenders like previous Southern Cal tackles.

If Kalil steps in and can replace Bryant McKinnie, he will take a major step toward that goal.

Denver Broncos, Matt Prater, Kicker

If anyone remembers, Tim Tebow wasn't the only one who helped the Broncos become the comeback team of the NFL.

Prater's leg was as valuable as Tebow's legs were last year. And when it was clutch time, there wasn't anyone better in the NFL.

And he could get better with age. And with the Denver weather and, of course, Peyton Manning, there will be plenty of scoring chances for this kid.

Kansas City Chiefs, Eric Berry, Defensive Back

Berry was the Morris Claiborne of the 2010 NFL draft.

Kansas City get themselves a gem.

Berry will be one of the best defensive backs in this league for the next 10 years. He has great coverage skills and could also be a great find on special teams.

Oakland Raiders, Shane Lechler, Punter

Well, he isn't Bryan Anger.

OK, enough of the jokes. Oakland has the best special teams in the NFL. Lechler is one of the best at his craft and the best in the business since Reggie Roby and certainly, another former Raiders player, Ray Guy.

While offense and defense are important, field position is as well. Lechler has a huge say in that for the Raiders.

San Diego Chargers, Eric Weddle, Safety

Last free agency, Weddle was a prized player not only by the Chargers, but by other NFL teams.

He responded by leading the league in interceptions.

Weddle is great in pursuit of the receiver or in pass coverage, and is a major piece of the Chargers' defensive game plan.

Houston Texans, Connor Barwin, Linebacker

Barwin has a way of disrupting things. Just ask the Jaguars.

Barwin was part of the defense that was ultra-improved under defensive coordinator Wade Phillips.

His speed and agility make him a hassle for the opposition and his ability to get to the quarterback from the outside make him a threat to earn a sack on every play from scrimmage.

Indianapolis, Pat Angerer, Linebacker

For everything that was wrong for the Colts in 2011, Angerer was a shining light.

Angerer was a leader from the linebacking position, and was among the league leaders in that category during the season.

The Colts made major changes on offense through letting veterans go and adding major components through the draft. But Angerer gives the team hope the defense can be improved this coming season.

Jacksonville Jaguars, Terrance Knighton, Defensive Tackle

While the obvious choice would have been Maurice Jones-Drew, there is other talent on this team that may surprise you.

Terrance Knighton, a fourth-year defensive tackle from Temple, could be one of the best at his position within the next two seasons, if his injuries from an offseason incident heal and he resumes making progress on the Jaguars defensive line.

Knighton has made progress each of his first three seasons with the Jaguars, and while he and Tyson Alualu may not make fans forget John Henderson or Marcus Stroud, "Pot Roast" can still plug the middle and help with stuffing the run.

Tennessee Titans, Rob Bironas, Kicker

Tennessee must feel pretty good about its special teams, especially with its kicking game.

Rob Bironas is as clutch as they come.

Bironas has gotten the Titans out of jam more than once and is an accurate threat to score, which is something every team needs from its special teams.

Bironas may be called upon to get Tennessee past a few teams this season.

Arizona Cardinals, Larry Fitzgerald, Wide Receiver

Do we really need to explain this one?

Fitzgerald is in a class by himself. And with good health to Kevin Kolb, it could be great news for the All-Pro.

Fitzgerald has been one of the best at his position since he was drafted out of Pittsburgh and can still take a defender out of his shoes on every play.

St. Louis Rams, Janoris Jenkins, Defensive Back

Now that he lasted until the second round, it is time to see just what Jenkins is made of.

Maybe losing money from the first round will light a fire under him. He has great skills as a player. But his choices in life have been questioned.

Jeff Fisher is a no nonsense guy who can either mold this kid into the best, or will let him go if he messes up.

San Francisco 49ers, Joe Staley, Tackle

Could Staley be another success in the 49ers' fortunes?

In an age where tackle is still a sexy position, Staley and his linemen open holes for maybe the most underrated runner in the game, Frank Gore.

Staley is a keeper and someone who helps the 49ers run game to move forward, which opens the passing game for Alex Smith.

Seattle Seahawks, Matt Flynn, Quarterback

This one is truly a hunch.

Could we be seeing the next great passer in the NFL?

Seattle needed a strong passer last season, which was its downfall and possible reason why it did not make the playoffs.

Head coach Pete Carroll is putting together some nice offensive pieces. Flynn will be the benefit, and could prove he is the real deal.

Baltimore Ravens, Jimmy Smith, Defensive Back

Ed Reed is not getting any younger.

The Baltimore Ravens defense has been solid for more than a decade, but at some point, replacements will be needed. This is Smith's chance to shine.

The Ravens have a habit (like the Steelers) of bringing in great college players who only get better in the pros.

It looks like they hit gold again with Smith.

Cincinnati Bengals, A.J. Green, Wide Receiver

As a rookie, Green made the Pro Bowl. And his ability to beat defenders in the red zone and end zone should bring him back to the postseason game many times over.

The great thing about the Bengals and the team's future, is that it looks like Green and team quarterback Andy Dalton will grow together, which will also cause nightmares for opposing defenses.

If this team could reach the playoffs with Green and Dalton as rookies, the future looks bright.

Cleveland Browns, Joe Haden, Defensive Back

Haden is a keeper.

The Browns may have found their leader on what is becoming a better defensive team in the NFL.

Haden is not only a shut-down defender, he will be valuable in special teams and a player this team could and needs to grow around.

Pittsburgh Steelers, Maurkice Pouncey, Center

And just like other first rounders that the Steelers chose, Pouncey stepped right in and made all the right decisions on the line.

Pouncey played in the Super Bowl in his first season, and he should be anchoring this line for a very long time. He may already be the best at his position, with many veterans a lot older than he is.

With the Steelers needing some youthful infusion, Pouncey could be part of the new-look team of the next decade.