NFL Power Rankings: Who Are the Best Players at Each Position?

When it's the NFL offseason, there's nothing better to do than talk about the NFL draft. But, if you're sick of talking about the draft, this is the right place to be. 

As NFL fans, what's better than holding bragging rights? There is no answer—being able to say that "I have the best quarterback in the NFL on my team" is the ultimate thing to say. 

As we're in the midst of a locked out offseason, and hoping that there will be a 2011 season, we can start to brag about what teams have the top players. 

Here, I have compiled a least of the top player at each position in the NFL. Like it or not, this is my opinion and I'm open to hear yours as I'm expecting many die-hard fans to reject my opinion. 

NOTE: This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net. Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @ TonySantorsa.

Quarterback: Tom Brady

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 02: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates a touchdown by teammate BenJarvis Green-Ellis in the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins on January 2, 2011 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is not only the NFL's top passer, but he is the league's best player. 

In 2010, Brady broke one of the most impressive records—335 passes, and counting, without throwing an interception. Now that's just unreal and very "God-like."

Along with Brady's record, he threw a total of 36 touchdowns and only four interceptions. Brady completed 66 percent of his passes and accumulated 3,900 yards while posting a 111.0 passer rating.  

Running Back: Jamaal Charles

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

ST. LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 19: Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs rushes against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on December 19, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Chiefs beat the Rams 27-13. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Kansas City Chiefs' running back Jamaal Charles had a breakout year in 2010. 

While splitting carries with Thomas Jones, Charles still managed to rack up a total of 1,467 yards and five touchdowns.

The amazing thing about Charles is, and what sets him apart from all the other running backs, his production over such small amount of touches. Charles was handed the ball only 230 times in '10 and amazingly finished the season with a 6.4 yards-per-carry average. 

Please explain how that is possible. 

Wide Receiver: Larry Fitzgerald

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 2: Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals catches a touchdown against the San Francisco 49er during an NFL game at Candlestick Park on January 2, 2011 in San Francisco, California.(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald played the 2010 season with pretty much no quarterback—meaning the three quarterbacks throwing him the ball were far below average players. 

Somehow, Fitzgerald managed to gain the mileage in '10, he finished the year with 1,137 yards. 

Along with Fitzgerald's accumulated yards, he scored a total of six touchdowns and snagged 90 balls. 

Pretty nice production from a player on a pretty crappy team, huh? 

Tight End: Antonio Gates

Harry How/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 24: Antonio Gates #85 of the San Diego Chargers drags Jonathan Wilhite #24 of the New England Patriots after his catch during the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium on October 24, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Patroits won 23-20

When healthy, San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates is unstoppable. 

In 2010, while only playing in 10 games, Gates managed to catch 50 passes and score an unreal amount of 10 touchdown passes—the entire San Diego offense was Gates. 

Gates is one of the most elusive and athletic tight ends—just imagine how many touchdowns he would have scored if he was healthy last year. 

Offensive Tackle: Joe Thomas

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 01: Tommie Harris #91 of the Chicago Bears is double-teamed blocked by Joe Thomas #73 and Eric Steinbach #65 of the Cleveland Browns at Soldier Field on November 1, 2009 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Browns 30-6. (Photo

It's very hard to get noticed as an offensive line—especially when you're on a losing team like the Cleveland Browns. 

Browns' left tackle Joe Thomas is the best in the game.

Thomas started all 16 games in 2010 and only allowed 4.5 sacks—that's the kind of guy you want to be protecting the blind side. 

Offensive Guard: Logan Mankins

Nick Laham/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 20: Logan Mankins #70 of the New England Patriots against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium on September 20, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

New England Patriots' offensive guard Logan Mankins is nothing but a beast. 

Mankins held out most of the 2010 season and only played nine games. However, in those nine games, he played so well that he earned himself a starting position on the AFC Pro Bowl squad. 

Center: Nick Mangold

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 25: Nick Mangold #74 of the New York Jets stands on the sideline during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at New Meadowlands Stadium on November 25, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets defeated the Bengal 26-

New York Jets' center Nick Mangold is one of a kind.

Not only is he a talented and tough center; he is a team leader. 

In 2010, Mangold only committed three penalties and only allowed one sack.  

Defensive End: Jared Allen

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 02: Jared Allen #69 of the Minnesota Vikings smiles on the bench after returning an interception for a touchdown while playing the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 2, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 20-13. (Ph

Minnesota Vikings' defensive end Jared Allen is the most well-rounded defensive ends in the NFL.

Allen is great against the pass, and even better against the run.

In 2010, Allen finished the season with 45 tackles and 11 sacks. Allen even managed to deflect six passes at the defensive end position. 

Defensive Tackle: Vince Wilfork

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 26: Vince Wilfork #75 of the New England Patriots looks on during drills before a against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

New England's nose guard in their 3-4 defense is Vince Wilfork, and he is the best at his position.

Wilfork recorded 46 tackles in 2010 along with two sacks.

His numbers may not be flashy or the best, but it's his presence that puts him over the top. Wilfork weighs 325 lbs. and always demands a double team—which allows New England's linebackers to roam free a lot of the time. 

Outside Linebacker: Clay Matthews

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers looks on from the field against the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Green Bay Packer and Super Bowl champion Clay Matthews is the league's best outside linebacker.

In 2010, Matthews tallied up an impressive 60 tackles and 13.5 sacks. Matthews was a huge part of Green Bay's Super Bowl run as he always seemed to put pressure on the quarterback when it counted.

What separates Matthews from other outside linebackers is his play-making ability—he's got a real nose for the ball. 

Midde Linebacker: Jerod Mayo

Harry How/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 24: Jerod Mayo #51 of the New England Patriots on defense against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on October 24, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

New England Patriots middle linebacker Jerod Mayo is probably the most underrated player in the NFL. 

In 2010, Mayo led the league in tackles when he brought down an amazing 174 ball carriers. 

Mayo is one of New England's team leaders on defense and is always right in the mix of things—that's exactly what you want your middle linebacker doing. 

Cornerback: Darrelle Revis

Al Bello/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 19: Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets in action against the New England Patriots during their game on September 19, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Imag

This is an obvious one.

Although, you might ask "how can a guy with no interceptions be the best corner back in the league?" Well, simply because no one throws his way. No quarterback wants anything to do with him.

New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis will shut down any teams wide receiver—no matter how good they are.

Revis will take Randy Moss, Brandon Marshall or whomever it may be on Revis Island, and that receiver will be completely irrelevant during the game. 

Free Safety: Ed Reed

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Baltimore Ravens free safety Ed Reed is arguably the NFL's best playmaker. 

In 2010, Reed only suited up for 10 games and somehow intercepted eight passes and forced one fumble.

Whenever Baltimore needs a big defensive turnover, Reed is always there with his improbable interceptions and breath-taking interception returns. 

Strong Safety: Troy Polamalu

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PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 21: Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball after catching an interception against the Oakland Raiders during the game on November 21, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerh

Troy Polamalu is the league's most clutch defender, no doubt about it.

Polamalu is always making the big interception or big defensive tackle on the goal line. It's like this guy never fails. 

Polamalu is the Pittsburgh Steelers' Super Man and he is the NFL's top strong safety. 

Kick Returner: Leon Washington

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SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 08: Leon Washington #33 of the Seattle Seahawks runs down field against the New Orleans Saints during the 2011 NFC wild-card playoff game at Qwest Field on January 8, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Imag

Seattle Seahawks return man Leon Washington ran back three kicks for touchdowns in 2010.

In 57 returns, Washington averaged 25.6 yards per return and returned the ball seven times for at least 40 yards.

Move over Devin Hester, Leon Washington is emerging as the league's top return man. 

Kicker: Ryan Longwell

Nick Laham/Getty Images

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 05: Ryan Longwell #8 of the Minnesota Vikings kicks against the Buffalo Bills at the Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on December 5, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Minnesota Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell was the NFL's second most accurate kicker in 2010.

Longwell made 94 percent of his kicks and was perfect when the kick was more than 40 yards.

Although kicking in a dome, Longwell was still the league's best kicker in 2010. 

Punter: Mat McBriar

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - NOVEMBER 15: Mat McBriar #1 of the Dallas Cowboys prepares to punt against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on November 15, 2009 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Cowboys 17-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Punter Mat McBriar was one of the long positives for the lowly Dallas Cowboys last season. 

McBriar punted the ball 65 times and averaged a booming 47.9 per punt. On his way to a Pro Bowl appearance, McBriar accumulated 3,115 yards—that is a lot of yardage.