NFC West: Top Five Key Players

The NFC West has been the butt of jokes the last few years and rightfully so. While the Seahawks managed to defeat the Saints in the first round of last year's playoff matchup, they entered the postseason with a 7-9 mark, a league record low. 

Despite the mediocrity over the last several years, the NFC West is on the rise. The division has major talent at key positions, with the exception of quarterback. This crucial position continues to plague three of the four teams within the division, and the problem will persist if nothing is done.

If several of these squads stabilize the quarterback position, we may witness an NFC West team representing the NFC in the Super Bowl in a couple of years. 

5. Adrian Wilson: SS, Arizona

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Adrian Wilson #24 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates a Green Bay Packers missed field goal during the second quarter of the 2010 NFC wild-card playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2010 in Glendale, Ariz

Adrian Wilson is one of the best strong safeties in the league today. A former linebacker converted to safety, Wilson has emerged as a big play threat in the secondary. Wilson regressed a bit from his fantastic 2009 season but is still considered a key player within that Cardinals defense. 

I expect Wilson—and the Cardinals secondary—to have a bounce back season next year. The Cardinals secondary can only go up after the fiasco last season where they gave up big play after play. 

4. Justin Smith: DE, San Francisco

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LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Justin Smith #94 of San Francisco 49ers celebrates sacking Kyle Orton the Denver Broncos Quarterback during the NFL International Series match between Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers at Wembley Stadium on October 31,

I wish Justin Smith was higher on this list, but there's no way the three players ahead of him can rank any lower. Smith is probably the most underrated defensive lineman in the National Football League and will continue to stay under the radar (that's his personality). 

He's a blue collar lineman that will wear offensive lineman down 'till the last whistle. Smith is a stout run defender and an excellent pass rusher. He doesn't have flashy stats because teams are always game-planning for Smith. Offensive lineman will usually never single cover Smith, which frees up space for other lineman to perform. 

Smith made the Pro Bowl last season, and should have been listed as an all-pro end, but was snubbed. At times, Smith can purely dominate the game with his relentless attack and hustle. 

3. Larry Fitzgerald: WR, Arizona

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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)

Some might disagree with me listing Larry Fitzgerald this low, but there's no mistake. Fitzgerald is a fantastic wide receiver, but he can't impact an organization like a quarterback can. Without a decent quarterback throwing to Fitz last season, it exposed a lot of the Cardinals flaws.

Kurt Warner covered up a lot of mistakes the franchise has made over the last couple of years, and it was bound to start losing again once the future Hall-of-Famer decided to retire. 

2. Sam Bradford: QB, St. Louis

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SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams looks to pass against the Seattle Seahawks during their game at Qwest Field on January 2, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Bradford showed promise last season when he was thrust into the starting role. He led a pitiful organization with meager talent to 7 wins and a chance for a postseason appearance. What more can you ask for a rookie quarterback?

With Bradford and the offense moving away from the principles of the West Coast (and more into new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' vertical schemes), there will be change. McDaniels is a solid offensive coordinator, but is it wise for St. Louis to change the offense as Bradford progresses. The Rams don't want an 'Alex Smith' fiasco to occur and should learn from the 49ers mistakes.

While I believe Bradford will be an excellent quarterback in this league someday, he will need support. I didn't think the Rams did enough in the draft to surround Bradford with some legit options in the passing game. I'm sure the Rams will fill any holes they have in free agency or trade. 

1. Patrick Willis: LB, San Francisco

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ST. LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 26: Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers tackles Danny Amendola #16 of the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on December 26, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams beat the 49ers 25-17. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Gett

Patrick Willis is simply a beast. That is the only word to describe a player destined for the Hall of  Fame. Willis is a Ray Lewis clone and has made a huge impact on that 49ers defense. He is simply the face of that franchise—until they get a QB of course—and a model citizen to boot. 

He has the stats, the winning attitude, and the highlight plays. Willis is a do it all linebacker with the ability to rack up the tackles, rush, and cover with bone-crushing force. 

Bradford may end up taking this spot in a few years because of the impact a QB can have on a franchise, but for now, 49ers fans should rejoice that they not only have the best player in the division but the best all-around linebacker in the league right now.