Josh Cribbs and The 32 Most Versatile Players For Each NFL Team
Cleveland Browns' "Mr. Do-Everything" Josh Cribbs is highly touted as perhaps the most versatile player in the NFL today.
Whether he is catching passes as a receiver, running out of the Wildcat (known in Cleveland as The Flash package), throwing passes, returning kicks, or even playing some possible safety in certain formations, the guy can so it all.
I have taken it upon myself to go around Bleacher Report's NFL community and ask several Feature Columnists and B/R staff members who they think the most versatile player is on roster across all 32 NFL teams, and here is what they had to say.
Arizona Cardinals: Adrian Wilson, S
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Arizona Cardinals FC, Jack London says this:
"Anyone whose career includes over 20 sacks and 20 interceptions is a very versatile player. Adrian has the ability to cover receivers, blitz, or nail a receiver across the middle. He truly does whatever the coaching staff asks of him. I even heard him on a recent podcast say that he could step up and fill the void at the Mike linebacker spot! And on top of all that he's a captain and team leader, which is surprising for a soft-spoken guy."
My take:
I was thinking running back Tim Hightower, but Jack makes a good point about a safety who can net those types of numbers in both interceptions and sacks in his career, so I will side with Jack on this one.
Atlanta Falcons: Tony Gonzalez, TE
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My take:
What is there not to say about one of the NFL's best tight ends ever that hasn't already been said?
Gonzalez is 34 and playing as good as he has ever played in his career.
He is the poster boy for tight end versatility in the NFL.
Baltimore Ravens: Ray Rice, RB
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Deputy NFL Editor Dylan MacNamara says this:
"Rice is a very versatile back who can run, catch passes out of the backfield, and he is great in pass protection as a blocker too."
My take:
Rice really just broke onto the scene out of nowhere and if he can put together another fine season in 2010, then he will probably be talked about as one of the best in the NFL right now.
Buffalo Bills: Fred Jackson in 2009, But C.J. Spiller Now
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Buffalo Bills FC Dan Van Wie says this:
"For 2009, it was Fred Jackson.
This year the Bills look to scale his touches back and from all indications the new most versatile player in 2010 would be C.J. Spiller. Of course, he hasn't done anything in the NFL yet, but we expect to see him play at RB, slot wide receiver, return punts and kicks. No word yet on what his involvement would be in a Wildcat formation.
...He became the first player in NFL history to compile 1,000 rushing and 1,000 kickoff return yards
His 2,516 combined yards are the fourth highest total in NFL history.
Based on independent studies by ProFootballFocus, he was ranked in the top 10 in both missed tackles forced receiving and missed tackles forced rushing.
ProFootballFocus ratings ranked him fourth in their elusive ratings.
He grabbed a career-high 46 catches and even threw a 27-yard touchdown pass. He also served as the Bills Wildcat quarterback.
With a minimum of 75 carries needed to qualify from 2009, Jackson ranked fifth in the league in lowest percentage of carries for no gain and was the only back in the top five list with at least 200 carries."
My take:
I agree and was leaning toward Spiller just due to his explosive potential in many different spots on the field.
Carolina Panthers: Jon Beason, ILB
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NFL FC Mihir Bhagat says this:
"Beason, in my opinion, is one of the most versatile linebackers in the league. His unique skill set allows him to play, both, inside and outside linebacker in a 4-3 defensive scheme.
In addition, he posses the ability to not only shut down the run, but drop back in pass coverage as well. He's a great all-around talent, and is the leader of that defense."
My take:
I was going more toward naming both Jonathan Stewart and D'Angelo Williams as running backs since they both compliment each other perfectly and because of this, they are very versatile as a duo.
Chicago Bears: Devin Hester, WR
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Chicago Bears FC Bob Warja says this:
"While Danieal Manning has the versatility to play either safety position (strong or weak), as well as cornerback and can return kicks, the Chicago Bears' most versatile player would have to be Devin Hester.
Hester was once the most prolific return man in the game and on his way to being the best of all time. But in an effort to increase his role in the offense, the Bears made Hester into a starting wideout, and he goes into this season as the Bears top receiver, though he may not end the season with that distinction."
My take:
I was think Hester first then Manning second too. Great minds really do think alike!
Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Johnson, OLB
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Cincinnati Bengals FC Ezri Silver says this:
"The player I would say is truly becoming the most versatile is Michael Johnson (93) who has gone from a defensive end (his rookie season) where he was a respectable backup to outside linebacker this year. Position moves alone do not qualify a player per se, but what Michael has shown this offseason is that he can transition successfully (early indications).
However, the future Mr. Most Versatile would be Jordan Shipley."
My take:
I was really leaning to Shipley, but Silver has now opened my eyes to Johnson on defense and I really appreciate when another writer and make me see a new player differently.
Cleveland Browns: Josh Cribbs, WR/RB/QB/PR/KR/ST/S
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Since I am also a Cleveland Browns FC, on top of my responsibilities as the AFC Team Leader, I say this:
His name is in the headline of this article.
If you don't know of him yet, then what rock have you been hiding under?
The Browns just "Paid the Man!" and now the NFL will see him used even more than ever this season so watch out because he may get the ball or he may just be a decoy to confuse defenses.
Dallas Cowboys: DeMarcus Ware, OLB
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NFL FC Brian DiTullio says this:
"You want a pass rusher? I give you DeMarcus Ware.
You want a guy who will completely disrupt your carefully crafted offensive scheme? I give you DeMarcus Ware.
In 80 NFL games, he has recorded 356 tackles, 64.5 sacks, 61 tackles for a loss, 23 forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. He also has recorded 18 passes defended and one interception.
Yeah, he's good."
My take:
I was thinking about the same lines as Brian with Ware and Felix Jones was a close second.
Denver Broncos: Eddie Royal, WR
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Denver Broncos FC Reid Brooks says this:
"The most versatile player on the Denver Broncos roster continues to be the speedy receiver, Eddie Royal. Not only is he a spectacular threat on special teams, being arguably the best return man in the AFC West, but he is also a phenomenal threat in the passing game.
Still, Royal wears the crown."
My take:
I was leaning toward Tebow a bit more, but Brooks makes some valid points here as to why Royal is more deserving for the selection as of right now.
Detroit Lions: Jahvid Best, RB
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NFC Team Leader Lou DiPietro says this:
"Even though he's a rookie, Jahvid Best will prove himself to be the team's most versatile player.
While Matthew Stafford is developing and Calvin Johnson is one of the bigger weapons in the league, the rest of their offensive skill players are mainly one-dimensional...except for Jahvid.
The "athlete" has always had a place in the league (from the days of Dave Meggett and even well before), but the recent success of guys like Reggie Bush, Percy Harvin, and Darren Sproles has given life to the role Best (and Dexter McCluster in KC) will likely play.
Best isn't "big" or "durable" enough to be an effective "every down back," he won't have to be if Kevin Smith is healthy. But Smith proved last year that the Lions will use their backs in the passing game quite often, and an elusive guy like Best could have a very lengthy (and solid) career simply imitating the 2009 version of Bush."
My take:
I am exciting to see Best play and I think is will be a valuable asset to the Lions for many years.
Green Bay Packers: Charles Woodson, CB
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Green Bay Packers FC Ryan Cook says this:
"In my opinion the most versatile player on the Packers roster is Charles Woodson.
The transition to the 3-4 defense under Dom Capers was a huge change, but Charles Woodson rose up as a team leader, and made sure that the glue was in place for the Packers to excel.
His 9 interceptions last season pretty much tell the whole story, and given that he won Defensive Player of the Year, he really is one of the most talented cornerbacks in the league along with Darrelle Revis and Nnamdi Asomugha.
I also look at Charles as a veteran type guy now, he helped coax Clay Matthews, and continues to guide the way for Green Bay as a team."
My take:
I will defer to Cook on this one because he knows much more about the Packers than I do.
Houston Texans: Bernard Pollard, S
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"You may not hear his name mentioned in the same class as Troy Polamalu, Ed Reed, or Bob Sanders, but Texans' safety Bernard Pollard is on the cusp of elite status.
After three solid seasons in Kansas City, Pollard was an anchor in Houston in 2009, putting up 102 tackles and four picks in just 13 games.
He can do it all: play in the box and stop the run, play man coverage on tight ends and receivers, and play center field as a roamer.
Pollard is also one of the hardest hitters in the NFL today. He may not be a pro-bowler next season, but he's certainly a game-changer for Houston."
My take:
This one threw me off, but I have to give it up for the pick because I had no idea until now.
Indianpolis Colts: Donald Brown, RB
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Indianapolis Colts FC Alek Frost says this:
"Running back Donald Brown is the most versatile player in Indy.
He not only has great vision and runs well between the tackles, he can make plenty of catches out of the backfield. He only had 11 receptions last year but he only played in 11 games as a backup. He averaged 15.4 yards a catch and recorded seven first downs.
Look for Brown to play an expanded role this season and showoff his versatility even more so in 2010. "
My take:
I was leaning toward perhaps Bob Sanders or even Joseph Addai, but Brown is a solid choice too.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Zach Miller, TE
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Jacksonville Jaguars FC Jack Harver says this:
"At 6'4" and 245 pounds, Miller is a little undersized to block like the Jaguars expect their bigger tight ends to, but he gives good effort to seal the edge for Maurice Jones-Drew. Where he's really shined, though, is as a hybrid wideout a la Dallas Clark. In Week 17 last season, he caught eight passes for 69 yards and two scores in that role.
The cherry on top cementing Miller's "most versatile" status is that he played quarterback in college. When David Garrard took a day off from practice earlier this month, Miller took reps under center, and the Jaguars have also used him as the centerpiece of their Wildcat experiments."
My take:
Hmmm...I probably would have gone with Maurice Jones-Drew myself.
Kansas City Chiefs: Jamaal Charles, RB
16 of 32
"Jamaal Charles burst onto the NFL scene out of nowhere last season, racking up over 1,100 yards in limited action. He also hauled in 40 receptions for nearly 300 yards.
With beastly veteran Thomas Jones coming to Kansas City, many see a drop off coming for Charles, but I don't. He is strong, quick, and hard to tackle.
Expect 1,200 plus yards on the ground to go along with 50 catches."
My take:
I too am thinking about agreeing with this pick, but watch out for Dexter McCluster this season too.
Miami Dolphins: Ronnie Brown, RB
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NFL FC Brian DiTullio says this:
"Ronnie Brown is the Dolphin to always keep your eye on when he's on the field.
He can run, catch, block, run the Wildcat, take out the trash, wash windows, and do siding. He usually does all that before the end of the first quarter.
Brown will level a guy with a great block on one play, and then streak down the field for a touchdown on the next. His evolving role with the Dolphins makes him an easy guy to put on this list."
My take:
No complaints with this choice.
Minnesota Vikings: Percy Harvin, WR
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NFL FC Erik Frenz says this:
"Ever since his time with the Florida Gators, everyone knew Percy Harvin was a threat whenever he got his hands on the ball, no matter how he got his hands on the ball. He’s one of the few players in recent memory who could have been drafted as either a running back or a wide receiver (although Dexter McCluster seems to fit this category as well).
He did most of his work in the passing game last year, reeling in 60 passes for 790 yards and six touchdowns, but also ran 15 times for 135 yards—an obscene nine yards per carry.
He was absolutely dynamic in the return game, taking two kicks from one end to the other on 42 attempts, and averaged a lofty 27.5 yards per return.
Harvin’s success as a receiver may have been aided by Brett Favre, but he certainly wouldn’t be a slouch without the old gunslinger."
My take:
I like what Harvin brings to the table and his versatility matches even those of Cribbs too. Both can play many positions and line up virtually anywhere on the field as either the targeted player on a particular play or as a decoy to foil defenses into thinking he is getting the ball.
New England Patriots: Kevin Faulk, RB
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New England Patriots FC Erik Frenz says this:
"Mr. Everything as he's been lovingly called by the Patriots of late, Faulk can do just about anything he's asked. In the early parts of his career, he did a lot of good work in the offense, but was a stellar kick and punt returner.
Over the past few years especially, he's become wondrously well-rounded as a running back. Hardly ever will you see him line up behind the quarterback, but he has been effective in that capacity before.
He's become notorious for his play on passing downs. He is a great blitz-reader, and has sound technique in pass-blocking. He can catch the quick screen and take it for a nice gain almost every time, and has averaged between eight and 10 yards per reception every year but one in his career. He's a reliable check-down when the other options are covered, or when the quarterback starts to feel the heat. Last but not least, he isn't afraid to take it up the gut on draw plays.
Not only all of that, but he's the consummate team player. He would play offensive line if Belichick asked him to."
My take:
Totally forgot about Faulk and he is indeed "Mr. Everything" as Frenz says.
New Orleans Saints: Reggie Bush, RB
20 of 32
"Some might call Reggie Bush a bust based on his draft position.
I call him a game-changer.
Bush will probably never be the every-down back that many expected him to be, but he is the ultimate change-of-pace weapon for New Orleans.
He's a great pass-catcher out of the backfield, and is a serious threat to take just about anything to the house.
Don't expect eye-popping numbers from Bush, but do expect a handful of game-changing plays when the Saints need it most."
My take:
I couldn't agree more.
New York Giants: Mathias Kiwanuka, DE
21 of 32
New York Giants FC Jeff Shull says this:
"Kiwanuka is probably the better answer because he gives them an option at linebacker in some packages, and he has been switch positions during training camp practices in certain packages.
His experience as a starter at the OLB position gives them great confidence they can put him there if they need to. One package had him line up at linebacker and they used him as a pass rusher from there instead of with his hand on the ground.
He can also slide inside from his defensive end position and rush over the guard, leaving speedy rushers Osi Umenyiora and Jason Pierre-Paul on the outside (with Tuck or Cofield in the other DT spot)."
My take:
I was leaning a bit more toward Ahmad Bradshaw and funny that he was also Jeff's second choice after Kiwanuka.
New York Jets: Brad Smith, WR
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New York Jets FC Larry Kornweiss says this:
"Smith can be used at quarterback, wide receiver, and on special teams.
Last season against the Bucs, Smith took part in a fake punt as he took the direct snap and completed a pass to give the Jets a first down. He can pass, he can catch, he can return kicks, he can make tackles.
Clearly, the most versatile New York Jet."
My take:
I agree and Smith should also be used more than he has been in the past to take better advantage of his versatility this season.
Oakland Raiders: Richard Seymour, DE
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Oakland Raiders FC Elias Trejo says this:
"Richard Seymour is by far the most versatile player on the Oakland Raiders.
He makes a positive impact on and off the field and can play both defensive end and defensive tackle very well.
More importantly it allows the Raiders to use different players along the defensive line for different situations."
My take:
I am sort of surprised that Darren McFadden wasn't picked, but he still has a lot to prove too.
Philadelphia Eagles: Desean Jackson, WR
24 of 32
"Philly's most versatile player? Easy: DeSean Jackson.
The guy is a weapon no matter where he plays, and he made the Pro Bowl as both a receiver and a punt returner last season. He's capable of taking a return to the house every time he touches the ball, and can do the same on offense—10 of his 62 catches went for 40 or more yards, and he was part of the reason the Birds led the league in TD passes of that distance."
My take:
I have to agree with my NFC counterpart on this one.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Troy Polamalu, S
25 of 32
"Polamalu gives the Steelers a defensive presence that only he can bring. LeBeau can use him as a pass-rusher, a man defender, or a free-roamer who reads the defense and makes his own decision.
San Diego Chargers: Antonio Gates, TE
26 of 32
San Diego Chargers FC Todd Kaufmann says this:
"After thinking about it, the one name that I would come up with is tight end Antonio Gates. He can give you three different looks and he's a definite threat no matter where he lines up.
My take:
Another Kent State alumnus (Cribbs)! Looks like the NFL should really pay a little more attention to the university just south of Cleveland.
San Francisco 49ers: Vernon Davis, TE
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San Francisco 49ers FC Patrick Goulding II says this:
"Vernon offers a rare combination of speed, power, size, hands, and blocking simply not seen in tight ends in the league. Others may have his size and hands (Antonio Gates and Jason Witten come to mind), but lack his speed to outrun most corners that makes him an incredibly dangerous deep threat.
Others may possess similar speed (like Delanie Walker), but don't have the size, hands, or instincts that make Vernon such a complete player. He's also a major success story in terms of attitude turn-around from a couple years ago, which you could play up if you wanted to."
And as a bonus, 49ers FC Mihir Bhagat also went with Davis too and said this:
"Vernon Davis is truly an offensive coordinator's dream as he is one of the most versatile players in the league. Whether it be in the slot, or flexed out wide, his freakish athletic ability allows you to line him up virtually anywhere on the field, making him a dynamic weapon in the passing game.
Not to mention, he's proved that he can be a reliable target in the red zone by catching 13 touchdowns last season. Moreover, he can also set the edge in the running game with his ability as an in-line blocker."
My take:
Davis it is then!
Seattle Seahawks: Leon Washington, RB
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My take:
Once fully healed Washington can be a very deadly weapon both on offense and on special teams in the return game.
New head coach Pete Carroll will most likely use Washington like he used Reggie Bush when coaching USC so look for many touches for Washington all over the football field in 2010.
St. Louis Rams: Steven Jackson, RB
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NFC Team Leader Lou Dipietro says this:
"They have a rookie QB and a receiving corps that has a lower combined career reception total than Torry Holt.
Jackson has been the best player on a bad team for a couple years now, and this year, he's going to be vital once again. If he succeeds, it takes a little pressure off Bradford and the kids out wide; if he doesn't, Bradford is in for a LONG season."
My take:
I have always liked Jackson and he is a true professional by not complaining and enduring three straight season where the Rams have only won a total of six games.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jeremy Zuttah, OL
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Tampa Bay Bucs FC Tom Edrington says this:
"I think that's an easy one. It is basically Jeremy Zuttah who can play BOTH guard positions and center on the offensive line.
Tennessee Titans: Jared Cook, TE
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Tennessee Titans FC Blaize Pennington says this:
"Cook is a very athletic tight end with pretty good speed. This allows him to play at both the tight end position and wide receiver position if needed. Many times the Titans will line him up as the 4th wide receiver and he has had success in that position (Arizona Cardinals Game Last Year).
Cook also plays special teams which makes him the overall most versatile player on the Titans."
Washington Redskins: Chris Cooley, TE
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My take:
Cooley is just a good old fashioned tight end who love to get mean and dirty.
Whether he is blocking in pass protection or in the running game, Cooley will and can do it.
Then he has the versatility to line up as a true receiver, a slot receiver, or just running routes from his three-point stance.
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