2010 NFL Season Preview: The Top 15 Players in the League

Similarly, in the NFL, there are select few who simply separate themselves from the rest. These players not only possess raw talent, but provide consistent production and have significant impacts on their franchise as well. 

Therefore, here is my list for the top 15 players in the NFL today. 

15. Green Bay Packers CB Charles Woodson

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DETROIT - SEPTEMBER 14: Charles Woodson #21 intercepts a pass from Jon Kitna and returns it for a touchdown against the Detroit Lions on September 14, 2008 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Domenic Centofanti/Getty Images)

Last year, Woodson recorded 74 tackles, two sacks, four forced fumbles, and nine interceptions. As a result, he was well-deservingly named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. 

He was also a primary reason why the Packers' defense ranked second in overall defense. 

14. Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald

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NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 16: Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on against the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Louisana Superdome on January 16, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints won 45-14. (Photo by R

Ever since he was selected with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, he has simply dominated his opposition.

His sure-fire hands and tenacious leaping ability have helped make last year his fourth season with at least 95 receptions for 1,000 yards and 10 TDs.

More importantly, he was a significant reason for the Cardinals' improbable run to the Super Bowl two seasons ago.

13. Cleveland Browns OT Joe Thomas

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DENVER - AUGUST 25: Offensive lineman Joe Thomas #73 of the Cleveland Browns warms up before the pre-season football game against the Denver Broncos on August 25, 2006 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Image

In my mind, Joe Thomas is the best left tackle in football. He's got a perfect blend of athleticism, natural ability, and football IQ. He excels in both paving the way for their eighth best ranked rushing attack and provides sufficient time in the pocket for their quarterback—or lack thereof. 

He's a cornerstone to the Browns' offense and is definitely a player I'd love to build around. 

Note: In my mind, him and Ryan Clady are interchangeable. The only reason I gave Thomas the nod is due to his consistency. 

12. Baltimore Ravens DL Haloti Ngata

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PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 18: Haloti Ngata #92 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after he recorded a sack against Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Championship game on January 18, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. St

Ngata is no different as he is the catalyst of the Ravens' third ranked defense. Due to the space he opens up, linebackers such as Ray Lewis are able to make plays. 

Moreover, even though he's 6'4" 345 lbs., he has the athleticism of a linebacker. If you watch him play, it's amazing how he sheds blockers with ease and penetrates the backfield. 

11. New England Patriots QB Tom Brady

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 10: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots gestures as he lines up in the shotgun formation against the Baltimore Ravens during the 2010 AFC wild-card playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 10, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts

Of course, let's not forget that Brady still remains one of the league's top quarterbacks. He's got a great arm and runs the Patriots' offense to perfection.

Last season, he was able to bounce back from his torn ACL and threw for 28 TD and 4,348 yards. Moreover, he also has something that no other active quarterback has—three Super Bowl rings. 

10. Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson

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NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 24: Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings runs the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Championship Game at the Louisiana Superdome on January 24, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty

So far in his three-year career, he's amassed an incredible 5,313 yards from scrimmage to go along with 41 TD. However, what's holding me back from placing him higher is his 20 fumbles.

Moreover, despite rushing for 122 yards and three TD in the NFC Championship Game, he surrendered another two fumbles which was a big reason for their loss. 

Until he fixes that problem, he will be considered No. 2 in my books. 

9. Houston Texans WR Andre Johnson

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ST. LOUIS - DECEMBER 20: Andre Johnson #80 of the Houston Texans hauls in a pass against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on December 20, 2009 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Texans beat the Rams 16-13. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

8. Pittsburgh Steelers SS Troy Polamalu

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TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 01: Safety Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on against the Arizona Cardinals during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Troy Polamalu is the heart and soul of the Pittsburgh Steelers defense. He can dominate in the box, from sideline-to-sideline, and in the back end of the secondary. He's great in coverage and is arguably the most fundamentally sound tackler in the league. 

Moreover, his absence was apparent last year as they allowed 68.1 more yards than the year before while he was sidelined with an injury. 

7. Dallas Cowboys OLB DeMarcus Ware

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NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 19: Linebacker DeMarcus Ware #94 of the Dallas Cowboys sacks quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on December 19, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

In my mind, Ware is the best overall 3-4 OLB in the league. Not only can he get after the quarterback, but he is great in run support and pass coverage. 

In his five years in the league, Ware has registered 64.5 sacks and 23 forced fumbles. 

6. Baltimore Ravens FS Ed Reed

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 10: Ed Reed #20 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on against the New England Patriots during the 2010 AFC wild-card playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 10, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

In only eight years in the league, he's recorded a whopping 46 interceptions—six of which have been returned for touchdowns. 

Not to be forgotten, he's great in run support as well. 

He's truly an offensive coordinator's worst nightmare. 

5. New York Jets CB Darrelle Revis

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SAN DIEGO - JANUARY 17: Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets runs with the ball against the San Diego Chargers during AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Qualcomm Stadium on January 17, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

He can literally eliminate an opposition's best receiver along with an entire half of the field. In fact, the Jets are so confident in his ability that they often slide both of their safeties over to the other side. Hence the term 'Revis Island'.

4. San Francisco 49ers ILB Patrick Willis

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SAN FRANCISCO - NOVEMBER 12: Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers in action against the Chicago Bears at Candlestick Park on November 12, 2009 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Willis can make plays from sideline to sideline, both stuffing the run and defending the pass. He plays with a lot of intensity and is arguably the hardest hitting defender in the league. 

He's definitely a player I'd love to build my defense around. 

3. Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson

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SEATTLE - JANUARY 03: Running back Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans rushes against the Seattle Seahawks on January 3, 2010 at Qwest Field in Seattle, Washington. The Titans defeated the Seahawks 17-13. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

2. New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints is interviewed in the locker room after defeating the Indianapolis Colts during Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Donald

Now, after becoming the second QB ever to throw for over 5,000 yards, setting the record for completion percentage at 706, and winning a Super Bowl, he's firmly solidified himself as one of the best players in the league.

1. Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning

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INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 24: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts looks to pass while playing against the New York Jets during the AFC Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 24, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts defea

In my mind, he's the most intelligent player in the league. Watching him make those pre-snap reads and adjusting with audibles is simply mind-boggling.

Moreover, I think he's the most passionate, hard-working player in the league and it clearly shows. His play is a primary reason why the Colts have had seven straight seasons with 12 or more wins. 

When he eventually retires, I wouldn't be surprised to see him hold most, if not all, of the major quarterback accolades. 

What Do You Think?

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OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 03: Nnamdi Asomugha #21 of the Oakland Raiders in action against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on January 3, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)