
NFL 2011 Preview: Power Ranking the Top 100 Offensive Players in the League
With the current NFL lockout firmly in place, it's time to start looking at other things to make us excited about football again.
I have compiled a list of my version of the top 100 offensive players in the NFL today.
This list was difficult to make, considering how many great offensive players there are in this league, and I could only include 100 of them.
I made this list based on the following criteria: level of dominance at each player's position, play-making ability, and ability to play under pressure.
Also, I didn't include any '11 rookies in this list, as those players have still yet to prove how good they are in the NFL.
Without any further explanation, here my list of the NFL's best 100 offensive players as of today.
Enjoy.
100-91
1 of 55
100. Carson Palmer
99. Jacoby Ford
98. Zach Miller
97. Austin Collie
96. Jahvid Best
95. Brandon Pettigrew
94. Tony Gonzalez
93. Mike Williams
92. Kellen Winslow
91. Danny Woodhead
90-81
2 of 55
90. Malcolm Floyd
89. Joseph Addai
88. Steve Breaston
87. Marshawn Lynch
86. Derrick Mason
85. Ben Watson
84. Tim Hightower
83. Shonn Greene
82. Josh Freeman
81. Mark Sanchez
80. Mike Tolbert
80-71
3 of 55
80. Mike Tolbert
79. Mercedes Lewis
78. Michael Crabtree
77. Felix Jones
76. Santonio Holmes
75. Jonathan Stewart
74. Davone Bess
73. Kenny Britt
72. Hines Ward
71. Sam Bradford
70. Pierre Garcon
70-61
4 of 55
70. Pierre Garcon
69. Knowshon Moreno
68. David Garrard
67. Mike Thomas
66. Thomas Jones
65. Mario Manningham
64. Braylon Edwards
63. Chris Cooley
62. BenJarvus Green-Ellis
61. Vernon Davis
60-51
5 of 55
60. Terrell Owens
58. Chad Johnson
57. Jay Cutler
56. Johnny Knox
55. Fred Jackson
54. Kyle Orton
53. Anquan Boldin
52. Matt Cassel
51. Wes Welker
50. Percy Harvin
50. Percy Harvin
6 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 14
REC: 71
YDS: 868
TD: 5
FUM: 1
Harvin was drafted by the Vikings in 2009 for his play-making ability, and he hasn't disappointed.
In each of his first two seasons, Harvin has averaged over 800 yards receiving and has made numerous big plays while returns kicks on special teams as well.
49. Antonio Gates
7 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 10
REC: 50
YDS: 782
TD: 10
Gates is one of the most prolific TEs in the game today and has given defensive coordinators around the league nightmares throughout his career.
He is a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and already ranks very high in many all-time stats for tight ends.
48. Sidney Rice
8 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 6
REC: 17
YDS: 280
TD: 2
Rice had a tough '10 season, after sitting out the first half of the season with injuries.
He is still a dominant WR in this league and should be healthy enough to bounce back to his '09 form this season.
47. Mike Williams
9 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 16
REC: 65
YDS: 964
TD: 11
FUM: 3
Together, Williams and quarterback Josh Freeman were one of the best young QB/WR duos in 2010.
Williams led the team with 11 touchdowns and nearly 1,000 yards through the air, and he will be back for more this season.
46. Jeremy Maclin
10 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 16
REC: 70
YDS: 964
TD: 10
FUM: 1
Along with DeSean Jackson, Maclin gives the Eagles another playmaker at the WR position, and he can also score from anywhere on the field.
He had a great sophomore season last year and will continue to be a big part of the Eagles offense in the future.
45. Cedric Benson
11 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 16
ATT: 321
RUSH YDS: 1,111
YPC: 3.5
RUSH TD: 7
REC: 28
REC YDS: 178
REC TD: 1
FUM: 7
After getting off to a slow start to his NFL career, Benson has really turned it on in the last two seasons.
The former Texas Longhorn has averaged over 1,100 yards and six touchdowns in each of the last two years for the Bengals.
44. Frank Gore
12 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 11
ATT: 203
RUSH YDS: 853
YPC: 4.2
RUSH TD: 3
REC: 46
REC YDS: 452
REC TD: 2
FUM: 4
Gore had one of his least productive seasons as a pro in 2010, but he is still an elite RB in this league.
43. Hakeem Nicks
13 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 13
REC: 79
YDS: 1,052
TD: 11
FUM: 1
Nicks had a great second year in the NFL and has the potential to be one of the top five players at his position in the next few years.
42. Darren McFadden
14 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 13
ATT: 223
RUSH YDS: 1,157
YPC: 5.2
RUSH TD: 7
REC: 47
REC YDS: 507
REC TD: 3
FUM: 4
Run DMC broke out in 2010 and started to show why he was such a highly touted RB coming out of the University of Arkansas just a few years ago.
41. LeGarrette Blount
15 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 13
ATT: 201
RUSH YDS: 1,007
YPC: 5.0
RUSH TD: 6
REC: 5
REC YDS: 14
REC TD: 0
FUM: 4
Blunt proved to the rest of the league why it was a mistake to not draft him in 2010 but putting up a big season for the Bucs.
40. Marques Colston
16 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 15
REC: 84
YDS: 1,023
TD: 7
FUM: 1
Colston has gained over 1,000 yards in four of his five seasons in the NFL and is easily one of the top receivers in the NFC.
39. Ahmad Bradshaw
17 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 16
ATT: 276
RUSH YDS: 1,235
YPC: 4.5
RUSH TD: 8
REC: 47
REC YDS: 314
REC TD: 0
FUM: 7
Bradshaw had a breakout season in '10, rushing for over 1,200 yards, making many believe that he will be the RB of the future for the Giants.
38. Jason Witten
18 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 16
REC: 94
YDS: 1,002
TD: 9
FUM: 1
One of the best TEs in the NFL, Witten has made a living torching opposing defenses each season.
37. Miles Austin
19 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 16
REC: 69
YDS: 1,041
TD: 7
FUM: 1
Austin is a very explosive receiver and easily the best wideout on the Cowboys offense.
36. Matt Forte
20 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 16
ATT: 237
RUSH YDS: 1,069
YPC: 4.5
RUSH TD: 6
REC: 51
REC YDS: 547
REC TD: 3
FUM: 3
Forte was very instrumental in how the Bears were able to make a deep run in the playoffs last season, and will likely be Chicago's featured back once again this season.
35. Steve Johnson
21 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 16
REC: 82
YDS: 1,073
TD: 10
FUM: 1
Johnson had an amazing 2010 season, but what will he do for an encore in 2011?
34. Peyton Hillis
22 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 16
ATT: 270
RUSH YDS: 1,177
YPC: 4.4
RUSH TD: 11
REC: 61
REC YDS: 477
REC TD: 2
FUM: 8
Can Hillis repeat his amazing '10 season in 2011?
33. LeSean McCoy
23 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 15
ATT: 207
RUSH YDS: 1,080
YPC: 5.2
RUSH TD: 7
REC: 78
REC YDS: 592
REC TD: 2
FUM: 2
McCoy is one of the great young backs in this league and should get plenty of touches for the Eagles in '11.
32. Santana Moss
24 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 16
REC: 93
YDS: 1,115
TD: 6
FUM: 3
Moss showed that, at 32, he is still a dynamic playmaker last season, when he had over 1,100 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
31. Mike Wallace
25 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 16
REC: 60
YDS: 1,257
TD: 10
FUM: 1
Wallace took off in his sophomore season last year and was a big reason why the Steelers were able to reach the Super Bowl once again.
30. Michael Turner
26 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 16
ATT: 334
RUSH YDS: 1,371
YPC: 4.1
RUSH TD: 12
REC: 12
REC YDS: 85
REC TD: 0
FUM: 2
Turner has had an up-and-down NFL career to this point, but right now, it appears to be on the way up.
Last season, he had the second-best season of his career, and he showed off some of the rushing ability that he had in his marvelous 2008 campaign.
29. Matt Schaub
27 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 16
CMP: 365
ATT: 574
PCT: 63.6
YDS: 4,370
TD: 24
INT: 12
RATE: 92.0
Schaub is probably one of the smartest QBs in the league besides Peyton Manning.
He has underperformed thus far, considering the talent that he has, but I expect big things out of him this year.
28. Rashard Mendenhall
28 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 16
ATT: 324
RUSH YDS: 1,273
YPC: 3.9
RUSH TD: 13
REC: 23
REC YDS: 167
REC TD: 0
FUM: 2
Mendenhall is a very talented runner that has given QB Ben Roethlisberger a nice lift in the Steelers' ground game.
He had his best season as a pro in '10, rushing for nearly 1,300 yards and 13 touchdowns along the way.
27. Ray Rice
29 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 16
ATT: 307
RUSH YDS: 1,220
YPC: 4.0
RUSH TD: 5
REC: 63
REC YDS: 556
REC TD: 1
FUM: 0
Rice has already earned the reputation of being one of the toughest backs in the league.
He is also one of the most versatile, as he has two straight seasons of 1,000-plus rushing yards and 500-plus receiving yards.
26. Dwayne Bowe
30 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 16
REC: 72
YDS: 1,162
TD: 15
FUM: 1
Last season, Bowe made his first Pro Bowl after hauling in 15 touchdowns for the Chiefs.
He should fare even better going forward, since he will have the talented rookie Jonathan Baldwin paired up with him beginning next season.
25. DeSean Jackson
31 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 14
REC: 47
YDS: 1,056
TD: 6
FUM: 4
One of the most explosive players in the NFL, DeSean Jackson is fun to watch when he gets the ball in his hands.
He is provided immediate help for the Eagles offense, and at just 24 years old, he could be a great receiver in this league for many years to come.
24. Joe Flacco
32 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 16
CMP: 306
ATT: 489
PCT: 62.6
YDS: 3,622
TD: 25
INT: 10
RATE: 93.6
Flacco is one of the strongest-armed QBs in the league, and he has led the Ravens to three straight playoff appearances in the last three seasons.
He should get his first Pro Bowl selection this season.
23. Calvin Johnson
33 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 15
REC: 77
YDS: 1,120
TD: 12
FUM: 1
One of the best athletes to come out of the '07 NFL draft, Johnson has been solid for the Lions offense in his first four seasons in the league.
In 2010, he made his first Pro Bowl after picking up over 1,110 receiving yards and reeling in 11 touchdowns.
22. Steven Jackson
34 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 16
ATT: 330
RUSH YDS: 1,241
YPC: 3.8
RUSH TD: 6
REC: 46
REC YDS: 383
REC TD: 0
FUM: 1
Jackson has been the backfield workhorse for the Rams offense since he busted onto the NFL scene in 2004.
He does a little bit of everything for St. Louis, but he is mainly known for his punishing downfield running style.
21. Brandon Lloyd
35 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 16
REC: 77
YDS: 1,448
TD: 11
Lloyd had a career year in '10, with 11 touchdowns and nearly 1,500 yards receiving for Denver.
Can he do it again in 2011?
20. Arian Foster
36 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 16
ATT: 327
RUSH YDS: 1,616
YPC: 4.9
RUSH TD: 16
REC: 66
REC YDS: 604
REC TD: 2
FUM: 3
Foster came out of nowhere last season to have one of the best seasons ever for an undrafted player.
The former Tennessee star led the league, by rushing for over 1,600 yards on the season, making him easily one of the best backs heading into this year.
19. Eli Manning
37 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 16
CMP: 339
ATT: 539
PCT: 62.9
YDS: 4,002
TD: 31
INT: 25
RATE: 85.3
Peyton's younger brother threw for a career-high 31 touchdowns last season and had over 4,000 yards passing as well.
He will never be as good as his older brother, but at least he has as many Super Bowl titles as Peyton does.
18. Brandon Marshall
38 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 14
REC: 86
YDS: 1,014
TD: 3
FUM: 2
Marshall hasn't performed as well since being traded to the Dolphins, but he is a still a great receiver.
The former UCF star has made two Pro Bowls and averaged around 1,000 yards in each of his first five seasons in the league.
17. Greg Jennings
39 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 16
REC: 76
YDS: 1,265
TD: 12
FUM: 2
Jennings has turned in three great seasons in a row for the Pack and seems to get better with each passing year.
The Pro-Bowler played a pivotal role for Green Bay in their Super Bowl run last season.
16. Larry Fitzgerald
40 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 16
REC: 90
YDS: 1,137
TD: 6
Fitz had somewhat of a down year last season but still was able to make his fifth Pro Bowl appearance in six years.
I expect him to bounce back in '11 and show the rest of the NFC why he is still one of the best receivers in the league.
15. Matt Ryan
41 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 16
CMP: 357
ATT: 571
PCT: 62.5
YDS: 3,705
TD: 28
INT: 9
RATE: 91.0
"Matty Ice" had a great season in 2010, throwing for nearly 4,000 yards and 28 TDs, as he helped his Falcons to a playoff birth.
Ryan should only improve this season with the addition of rookie wideout Julio Jones.
14. Maurice Jones-Drew
42 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 14
ATT: 299
RUSH YDS: 1,324
YPC: 4.4
RUSH TD: 5
REC: 34
REC YDS: 317
REC TD: 2
FUM: 2
Jones-Drew has turned in to very impressive seasons in a row, as he has rushed for over 1,300 yards in each campaign.
At 5'7" and 208 lbs, he is a load to bring down and has the vision that any back would love to have.
13. Chris Johnson
43 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 16
ATT: 316
RUSH YDS: 1,364
YPC: 4.3
RUSH TD: 11
REC: 44
REC YDS: 245
REC TD: 1
FUM: 3
CJ didn't quite put up 2,000 yards last season, like he did in '09, but he is still one of the best backs in the league.
Johnson and Jamaal Charles are often compared to one another, based on their size and breakaway speed that they both possess when they get into the open field.
12. Ben Roethlisberger
44 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 12
CMP: 240
ATT: 389
PCT: 61.7
YDS: 3,200
TD: 17
INT: 5
RATE: 97.0
Big Ben has already led the Steelers to two Super Bowl wins and nearly got them a third victory last season.
He won't scare you with his TD totals, but he is one of the best out-of-the-pocket passers that the league has ever seen.
Roethlisberger is at his best when the play breaks down, just ask any Steeler fan and they will tell you this as well.
11. Adrian Peterson
45 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 15
ATT: 283
RUSH YDS: 1,298
RUSH TD: 12
REC: 36
REC YDS: 341
REC TD: 1
FUM: 1
AP has a rare combination of speed and strength at the running back position.
He's been to the Pro Bowl the last four years and is already considering by some as the best RB in the NFL right now.
10. Jamaal Charles
46 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 16
ATT: 230
YDS: 1,467
RUSH TD: 5
REC: 45
REC YDS: 468
REC TD: 3
FUM: 3
Charles is one of the most explosive RBs in the NFL and has shown that he is a threat to score from anywhere on the field.
Last season, he became talk of the league when he rushed for over 1,450 yards and had an insane YPC average of 6.4 for the year.
He is a rising star in this league and will only get better the more he touches the ball on offense.
9. Michael Vick
47 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 12
CMP: 233
ATT: 372
PCT: 62.6
YDS: 3,018
TD: 21
INT: 6
RATE: 100.2
Vick made a remarkable comeback last season, after spending some time in prison on dog-fighting charges.
He is easily the best dual-threat QB currently in the NFL, as he finished with over 3,000 yards passing and nearly 700 yards rushing in 2010.
8. Andre Johnson
48 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 13
REC: 86
YDS: 1,216
TD: 8
FUM: 1
Johnson is described by many as an "athletic freak" because of his jumping ability and some of the unbelievable catches that he has made throughout his pro career.
He has the ability to take over a game whenever he wants to and always finds a way to make his impact felt on offense.
7. Drew Brees
49 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 16
CMP: 448
ATT: 658
PCT: 68.1
YDS: 4,620
TD: 33
INT: 22
RATE: 90.9
Brees has been one of the most steady QBs in all of football over the past five seasons.
He and the Saints won a Super Bowl in 2009, thanks largely to the efforts of Brees, who tied a career high with 34 TD passes that season.
He is quietly become one of the best at his position, and at just 31 years of age, he still has more time to improve his craft.
6. Phillip Rivers
50 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 16
CMP: 357
ATT: 541
PCT: 66.0
YDS: 4,710
TD: 30
INT: 13
RATE: 101.8
The gun-slinging QB of the Chargers has already made quite a name for himself in the NFL.
He has been selected to three Pro Bowls and has a career QB rating of 97.2.
Rivers will likely go down as the best quarterback in Chargers' history when his career comes to an end.
5. Roddy White
51 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 16
REC: 115
YDS: 1,389
TD: 10
FUM: 1
White is one of the best receivers to ever come out of UAB and has brought his playmaking ability to the NFL in his six seasons with the Falcons.
Last season, he had nearly 1,400 yards, which was good enough for second in the entire league.
He should be QB Matt Ryan's No. 1 target again in 2011 and looks to be destined for his fourth straight Pro Bowl appearance.
4. Reggie Wayne
52 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 16
REC: 111
YDS: 1,355
TD: 6
FUM: 1
Wayne is one of the most consistent WRs in NFL history, and he seems to have never missed a beat while playing at his position.
The five-time Pro Bowler racked up over 1,300 yards last season and appears to be getting better with age.
If he keeps this up, he will be in the Hall of Fame some day.
3. Tom Brady
53 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 16
CMP: 324
ATT: 492
PCT: 65.9
YDS: 3,900
TD: 36
INT: 4
RATE: 111.0
The three-time Super Champion QB is easily the best signal-caller that the New England Patriots have ever possessed.
He has been selected to six Pro Bowls and has made nearly everyone better who has played with him during his 11 years in the league.
The future Hall of Famer appears poised to lead his team to a fourth Super Bowl title this season.
2. Peyton Manning
54 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 16
CMP: 450
ATT: 679
PCT: 66.3
YDS: 4,700
TD: 33
INT: 17
RATE: 91.9
The long-time Colts QB has had some incredible accomplishments over his 13-year NFL career, which include 11 Pro Bowl selections and throwing for nearly 400 touchdowns.
Although Manning had a tough season last year, he is still one of the best in the game.
He has already locked up his spot in the NFL Hall of Fame as one of the best quarterbacks to ever play in the league.
1. Aaron Rodgers
55 of 55
2010 Stats
G: 15
CMP: 312
ATT: 475
PCT: 65.7
YDS: 3,922
TD: 28
INT: 11
RATE: 101.2
The Packers QB has been on a roll over the last three years, as he has averaged about 28 passing TDs and over 4,000 yards in each of those seasons.
Last year, he made his place in NFL history as he led his team to a Super Bowl victory while picking up MVP honors in the game as well.
At just 27 years old, Rodgers is already considered as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL today.
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