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2009-2010 All-Pro Team and Season Awards
April 18, 2009
The 2009-2010 season is sure to be one of devastating injuries, comeback teams, emerging stars, and Super Bowl contenders. Although it will be hard to answer the surprises that last season brought us, we are all hoping for the best.
Besides, how many seasons have we seen two rookie quarterbacks lead their respective teams to the playoffs, or the teams that held the first and third overall picks make the playoffs, or a team with one of the worst offensive lines win the Super Bowl?
If there is one thing next season can bring us, it's star athletes performing to the very best of their abilities, rookies dominating their position from day one, and a player comeback from the dead and lead its team to victory.
So without further ado, I present you with the 2009-2010 All-Pro team:
All-Pro Team
Quarterback
Phillip Rivers: San Diego Chargers
Led the league in passing touchdowns last year. If his weapons can stay healthy this year, he will be primed for a huge season.
Other candidates: Drew Brees, Peyton Manning
Running Back
Deangelo Williams: Carolina Panthers
I'm a little sceptical about this one. He was an absolute monster the last six games of the season last year. I wanted to put Adrian Peterson here, but just couldn't.
Other candidates: Adrian Peterson, Michael Turner, Brian Westbrook
Fullback
Le'Ron McClain: Baltimore Ravens
Had 902 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in '08. Not bad for a fullback.
Other candidates: Greg Jones, Peyton Hillis
Wide Receiver
Andre Johnson: Houston Texans
The best receiver in the the NFL. Led the league in receptions and receiving yards last season; look for him to do the same this year.
Larry Fitzgerald: Arizona Cardinals
Had the best postseason for a wide receiver in NFL history. Look for him to build off that success.
Other candidates: Roy Williams, Calvin Johnson, Roddy White, Steve Smith
Tight End
Jason Witten: Dallas Cowboys
Tony Romo and Witten have a tight relationship, and with T.O. gone Witten won't have anyone begging for the ball every play.
Other candidates: Tony Gonzalez, Chris Cooley
Offensive Tackle
Ryan Clady: Denver Broncos
Clady was an absolute stud pass protector last year, allowing only half a sack in 2008. He will improve his run-blocking and establish himself as one of the best tackles in the league.
Joe Thomas: Cleveland Browns
He has dominated since day one of his rookie season even though last season was a bit of a drop-off.
Other candidates: Jason Peters, Jake Long
Offensive Guard
Harvey Dahl: Atlanta Falcons
Went from NFL Europe to becoming a key part of the No. 2 rushing attack in the league last year. Made Peter King's All-Pro team in 2008.
Steve Hutchinson: Minnesota Vikings
Has started 116 games in his eight years in the league out of a possible 128. The old veteran is a big part of Adrian Peterson's success.
Other candidates: Logan Mankins, Kris Dielman, Shawn Andrews
Center
Nick Mangold: New York Jets
Whether it's Kellen Clemens, Brett Ratliff, Mark Sanchez, or Josh Freeman, he will be loved by any quarterback that protects as good as he does.
Other candidates: Andre Gurode, Shaun O'Hara
Defensive Ends
Julius Peppers: Carolina Panthers
It doesn't matter which team he ends up with, Peppers will still produce at least 15 sacks.
Justin Tuck: New York Giants
Some pressure will be taken off Tuck with the return of Osi Umenyiora. They will create the most feared group of defensive ends.
Other candidates: Mario Williams, Jared Allen
Defensive Tackle
John Henderson: Jacksonville Jaguars
For the Jaguars to have any success on defense next season they will need Henderson to play huge. Look for him to answer the call.
Shaun Rogers: Cleveland Browns
Many experts think he doesn't play to his full potential but his production has increased the past two seasons.
Other candidates: Albert Haynseworth, Kris Jenkins, Marcus Stroud
Middle Linebacker
DeMeco Ryans: Houston Texans
Has started every game in his young three-year career, and even though his production has dropped each season he will get back to his rookie form.
Other Candidates: Patrick Willis, Lofa Tatupu
Outside Linebacker
Demarcus Ware: Dallas Cowboys
Has a contract year coming up soon and he will prove that he deserves to be the highest paid defensive player in NFL history.
Terrell Suggs: Baltimore Ravens
With Bart Scott in a Jets uniform and an aging Ray Lewis Suggs will have to step up this season.
Other candidates: Keith Bulluck, Chad Greenway, James Harrison
Cornerback
Nnamdi Asomugha: Oakland Raiders
Has consistently played well for a very bad team his whole career. He shows week in and week out that he is the No. 1 corner in the league.
Antoine Winfield: Minnesota Vikings
Made his first Pro Bowl last year after deserving many more before that. Now that people know who he is, he will get more recognition.
Other candidates: Terrence Newman, Darrelle Revis
Strong Safety
Adrian Wilson: Arizona Cardinals
Wilson is an aging veteran but still has plenty left in the tank. Playing alongside Antrel Rolle, he may make up one half of the best safety tandem in the NFL.
Other candidates: Kerry Rhodes, LaRon Landry, Donte Whitner
Free Safety
Ed Reed: Baltimore Ravens
By far the best safety in the league last year. With some pieces of that Baltimore defense starting to disperse, Ed Reed will rise to the occasion and make that defense one of the league's best.
Other candidates: Reggie Nelson, Erik Coleman, Michael Griffin
Kicker
Mason Crosby: Green Bay Packers
I don't see a whole lot of touchdowns being scored by this Green Bay offense. That might change if they draft Chris Wells, but for now field goals are what will keep them in games.
Other candidates: Rob Bironas, Stephen Gostowski
Punter
Dustin Colquitt: Kansas City Chiefs
Colquitt has always been a consistent punter and now that he's going into his prime people will start to recognize his name.
Other candidates: Michael Koenon, Pat McBriar
Most Valuable Player
Drew Brees: New Orleans Saints
He has single-handedly carried this team the past two years. If Marques Colston can stay healthy he'll have bigger numbers than last year.
Defensive Player of the Year
DeMarcus Ware: Dallas Cowboy
Had 20 sacks last year and wants to get paid like Albert Haynseworth. Don't be surprised if he breaks Michael Strahan's record of 22-and-a-half.
Rookie of the Year
Offense: Knowshawn Moreno
In my opinion the best running back in this class. I don't see any rookie quarterback sensations this season.
Defense: Aaron Curry
The most NFL ready player in the draft. No matter which team he goes to, he steps right in and starts from day one.
Comeback Player of the Year
Tom Brady: New England Patriots
There was a great list of players for this award, including Shawn Merriman and Osi Umenyiora, but there is no way you can't pick Tom Brady for this award.
Super Bowl Champions
Indianapolis Colts
Peyton Manning improves his Hall of Fame resume by adding another Super Bowl ring to his fingers. It will not be easy with Tony Dungy gone, though.