Report Card Grades for the NFL's Top 50 Players, Midseason Edition

We are nearing the midway point of the 2011 NFL season, and it has been interesting thus far. You are looking at some of the best teams in the entire league struggling a great deal as we reach this mark. Consequently, you are looking at some up-and-coming teams looking to take that next step to elite status. 

We all know that the NFL is a team sport, so the success and/or failure of most teams rely heavily on continuity and talent.

During the lockout the NFL Network ran a list of the top 100 players in the entire league from the 2010 season. This list was based more on popularity than anything else. There is absolutely no way that Ray Lewis is currently a better player than Patrick Willis at the linebacker position.

So, what I plan on doing today is giving you the 50 best players from the midway point of the 2011 season. I will not be going on popularity, and you may not agree with the assessments. Additionally, I will grade each player's performance thus far.

Keep in mind that there are going to be a lot more Green Bay Packers than Miami Dolphins on this list. The reason? One team is undefeated, and the other hasn't won a game.

Author's Note: You will see some players rated higher than others with better grades. The reason behind this is because of preseason expectations of each player.

Let's get it going!

Honorable Mentions

You could probably put a myriad of different players between 31-70 on this list, so I thought it would be worthwhile to add an honorable mention slide to the article. Keep in mind this article is incredibly subjective and you may not agree with the rankings.

Honorable Mention

DE Tamba Hali, Kansas City Chiefs

LB NaVorro Bowman, San Francisco 49ers

QB Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys

TE Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons

WR Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs

DE Justin Tuck, New York Giants

LB Cameron Wake, Miami Dolphins

WR Miles Austin, Dallas Cowboys

50. LB Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears

Projected Stats: 89 tackles, seven interceptions and seven passes defended

Brian Urlacher is going as strong as ever after 12 seasons in the league. At 33, he seems to be putting together another All-Pro type of season. The seven-time Pro Bowl performer is leading a Chicago Bears defense that has taken a step back in 2011. However, the reason behind their lackluster performance thus far has to be secondary issues more than anything.

With Lance Briggs and Urlacher up the middle in the front seven, Chicago continues to have an intimidating duo that does very well in lateral movement and preventing opposing rushers from getting to the outside. Additionally, Urlacher has been extremely solid in dropping back into coverage this season.

Grade: A-

49. QB Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers

Projected Stats: 63.2 completion percentage, 2,896 yards, 21 touchdowns and five interceptions

It has to be an utter shock to see Alex Smith on this list, but there is no way I could have left him off it. All he has done this season is lead a much-improved scoring offense while limiting mistakes. Currently, Smith ranks first in the NFL with just two interceptions and boasts a quarterback rating of 95.7.

In fact, Alex Smith is on pace to break the San Francisco 49ers' single-season touchdown-to-interception ratio record, beating out the likes of Joe Montana, Steve Young, Y.A. Tittle and John Brodie. His emergence as at the quarterback position has to be one of the primary reasons the San Francisco 49ers boast the second-best record in the NFL.

Amazing, if you ask me.

Grade: A

48. WR Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles

Projected Stats: 91 receptions, 1,241 yards and nine touchdowns

Jeremy Maclin has taken over for DeSean Jackson as the Philadelphia Eagles' true No. 1 receiver. While opposing teams seem to fear Jackson on the outside, it has been nearly impossible to stop Maclin. He is on pace for over 90 receptions and 1,200 receiving yards up to this point.

Maclin has really good hands and tends to get separation from opposing corners downfield. His route running has also improved the previous couple of seasons.

Grade: A 

47. WR A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals

Projected Stats: 75 receptions, 1,179 yards and 11 touchdowns

I debated whether or not to put either Julio Jones or A.J. Green on this list, and eventually I chose the latter. The first-round pick has teamed up with Andy Dalton to create one of the best young quarterback-wide receiver tandems in the entire NFL.

After initially struggling to stay consistent, Green has continued to improve in every aspect of the game and is on pace for nearly 1,200 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. His route running is crisp, and he continues to get separation at the line of scrimmage. It also doesn't hurt that Green has tremendous hands.

I had previously stated that Green was going to be an All-Pro performer in the NFL. Now, it appears that this prediction might come true sooner rather than later.

Grade: A+ 

46. DE Richard Seymour, Oakland Raiders

Projected Stats: 46 tackles, 11 sacks and four forced fumbles

Some people think that Richard Seymour's game has dropped off since he was traded to the Oakland Raiders. They are 100 percent wrong. He continues to perform at the high level that we saw for so many years with the New England Patriots.

It has not only been amazing to see him take on that leadership role for a young Raiders defense, but to lead by example as well. He never gives up on a play, and opposing offenses continue to double him. With all the attention that offenses pay to Seymour, it is amazing he is still on pace for 11 sacks. This just shows how good he is.

Grade: A

45. LB Terrell Suggs, Baltimore Ravens

Projected Stats: 53 tackles, 14 sacks, four forced fumbles and seven passes defended

It used to be that Terrell Suggs was nothing more than a great pass rush specialist; those times surely have passed. Now, he is a full-time three-down 'backer in the NFL, which must disappoint opposing quarterbacks to no end.

Suggs is so exceptional in what he does that opposing coaches have nothing but the kindest words for him as a player. It has come to a point that you just expect him to show up every Sunday and do something big.

Many of us expected this when he came out of Arizona State. Still, it is a sight to behold if you love defensive football.

Grade: A+

44. DE Justin Smith, San Francisco 49ers

Projected Stats: 59 tackles, 10 sacks and four forced fumbles

You take a look at Justin Smith's statistics and it doesn't look like he belongs on this list. Well, stats aren't everything.

Smith is the best 3-4 defensive end in the game, and it really isn't that close. He led the NFL in quarterback pressures from that positional scheme last season and is right back up there halfway through the 2011 season.

Smith continues to dominate opposing tackles, and offenses are forced to double-team him, which creates open holes for 49ers pass-rushers. Additionally, Smith is one of the best run-stuffing defensive ends in the entire NFL.

There is no doubt that the former Missouri star will be a Pro Bowl selection this season, but he should get a long look for the All-Pro team. This is how good Justin Smith has been.

Grade: A+

43. TE Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots

Projected Stats: 82 receptions, 1,131 yards and 11 touchdowns

Many people snickered when New England selected both Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski early in the 2010 draft. Why spend two valuable draft picks on tight ends? Because Tom Brady loves to utilize them in his offense, and Gronkowski has reaped the benefits of that. He is currently on pace to break the 1,000-yard marker at the tight end position and score double-digit touchdowns.

Gronkowski has also improved his blocking a great deal, which means he is well on his way to becoming one of the better all-around tight ends in the entire league.

Grade: A

42. Safety Ed Reed, Baltimore Ravens

Projected Stats: 62 tackles, two sacks, four interceptions and 11 passes defended

Over a 10-year career Ed Reed has made the Pro Bowl seven times and earned first-team All-Pro honors another five times. For all intents and purposes Reed has already cemented himself as a Hall of Fame performer. Still, he is going strong at an age when many safeties begin to regress.

Reed is one of the best all-around defensive players in the entire NFL. He can drop back into coverage when a zone scheme asks him to, cover wide receivers in the slot, play the run and even get to the quarterback.

Grade: A

41. CB Carlos Rogers, San Francisco 49ers

Projected Stats: 43 tackles, seven interceptions and 21 passes defended

Carlos Rogers has always been an above-average cornerback in the NFL; he just never got the exposure to put himself among the best in the league. That said, Rogers has upped his game a great deal in 2011 and taken his game to elite status as a member of the San Francisco 49ers.

Multiple variables such as completion percentage against, passes defended and interceptions suggest that Carlos Rogers is among the three or four best corners in the entire NFL this season. Currently he is discussing a long-term extension with the San Francisco 49ers.

Good for him!

Grade: A+

40. LB LaMarr Woodley, Pittsburgh Steelers

Projected Stats: 72 tackles and 18 sacks

LaMarr Woodley's exceptional first-half performance is now overshadowed due to the possibility that he could miss extended time with a hamstring injury.

According to Rotoworld, Woodley will miss the Steelers' next game and may be out longer. It is hard to imagine how the Steelers' stout defense will perform without one of its best players, but fans need to hope for a quick recovery.

Woodley, who has recorded double-digit sacks in each of the last three seasons, was on pace for a career year in 2011 with nine sacks through eight games.

Grade: A+

39. TE Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49ers

Projected Stats: 62 receptions, 681 yards and seven touchdowns

Yes, Vernon Davis' receiving statistics are down in 2011, but that doesn't tell the entire story. He has quickly become the best all-around tight end in the NFL, at least right up there with the best. Davis continues to improve as a blocker and has helped lead the way for Frank Gore over the last five games or so.

His statistics are down because the 49ers are asking him to remain in and block a lot more than in previous seasons. In fact, Davis is utilized as an extra blocker multiple times during a game. We already know that Vernon Davis is a physical marvel, but his performance in 2011 has opened eyes in regards to being a better all-around player.

Sometimes, you just need to look past the stats and watch how a player is performing in order to come to a better understanding of his value.

Grade: B+

38. QB Matt Schaub, Houston Texans

Projected Stats: 60.2 completion percentage, 4,236 passing yards, 26 touchdowns and 10 interceptions

Talk about a quiet season from Matt Schaub. He is flying under the radar while having the best season of his career. I am not talking about passing yards; that really isn't a major indicator of success at the quarterback position. Instead, it's the way Schaub is leading the Texans' strong offense and limiting mistakes.

It sure does help to have one of the best running games in the NFL, but Schaub's performance so far in 2011 has been remarkable.

Grade: A

37. WR Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals

Projected Stats: 78 receptions, 1,378 yards and four touchdowns

You cannot blame the Cardinals' lack of success so far in 2011 on Larry Fitzgerald. No. 11 continues to do what he does best: catch passes. Despite being on pace for his lowest reception output since 2006, Fitzgerald has been the only constant on an otherwise horrible football team.

He just needs Kevin Kolb to get much more consistent, a tough task at this point.

Grade: B+

36. RB Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams

Projected stats: 1,123 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns

Much like the majority of his career, Steven Jackson hasn't gotten a lot of help from the rest of the Rams offense. Still, the former All-Pro running back continues to put up numbers and bulldoze past opposing defenders.

With nearly 2,000 rushing attempts on those tires, Jackson may not have many above-average seasons remaining, but he is still one of the best all-around backs in the entire league at this point.

Grade: B+

35. TE Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints

Projected Stats: 98 receptions, 1,426 yards and 10 touchdowns

I am not sure that many of us saw this coming, but Jimmy Graham is quickly becoming the best tight end in the entire league. Not only is the former Miami (FL) star on pace to shatter single-season records among Saint tight ends, he is currently looking to be a first-team All-Pro at one of the most talented positions in the entire league.

Don't look for this success to change anytime soon either. Drew Brees relies a great deal on Graham and will continue to do so as long as the second-year tight end performs the way he has so far in 2011.

Grade: A+

34. RB Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars

Projected Stats: 1,480 rush yards and six touchdowns

Considering that opposing defenses continue to hone in on Maurice Jones-Drew, he is doing one bang-up job at the running back position thus far in 2011. There have been issues in terms of fumbles, mainly in the Baltimore Ravens game, but Jones-Drew continues to perform at an extremely strong level for the Jaguars.

Once Blaine Gabbert gets it going in the passing game and comes to the conclusion that Jones-Drew can be effective in the passing game, expect the UCLA product to break out even more.

Grade: A

33. DT Ndamukong Suh, Detroit Lions

Projected Stats: 48 tackles and six sacks

If this is what a sophomore struggle looks like, I have a completely clouded vision as to what it is. Suh hasn't dominated quite like he did in 2010, but that has a lot to do with a myriad of different double-teams coming his way. A lot of people have also indicated that Suh's downfield pass-rushing push enables rushers to gut the middle, but that doesn't appear to be 100 percent true.

He is still a dominating player and will continue to progress as an all-around player for the up-and-coming Detroit Lions.

Grade: B-

32. WR Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers

Projected stats: 86 receptions, 1,600 yards and 10 touchdowns

You have no idea how excited I was to pick up Mike Wallace in the fourth round of my fantasy draft, but he has exceeded all possible expectations up to this point. The third-year player is averaging over 19 yards per reception and is on pace for 1,600 receiving yards. He has taken over for Hines Ward as Ben Roethlisberger's No.1 target in the passing game.

Wallace is one of the best deep threats in the entire league, but that really isn't the entire story. Instead, he has become much more consistent on a weekly basis and appears ready to take the step to elite status.

Grade: A+

31. LB Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens

Projected Stats: 126 tackles, four sacks, 11 passes defended and four forced fumbles

Will Ray Lewis ever come back down to earth? Seriously, he continually performs up to an All-Pro level even in the twilight of his career.

Baltimore is right up there with the San Francisco 49ers as the best defense in the entire NFL, and Lewis continues to be a major reason for that. He has even improved in coverage over the last couple seasons to make up for a slower first step up the middle.

At this point, it is hard to deny the fact that Ray Lewis may go down as THE BEST linebacker to ever play the game because of how long he has done it.

Simply amazing!

Grade: A

30. RB Arian Foster, Houston Texans

Projected Stats: 1,140 rush yards, 679 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns

Despite sharing touches with Ben Tate and missing some time due to injury, Arian Foster is still on pace for nearly 2,000 total yards and double digit touchdowns.

It appears that his breakout 2010 season was not a fluke and that Foster will remain one of the best all-around running backs in the entire NFL.

Grade: A

29. DT Haloti Ngata, Baltimore Ravens

Projected Stats: 64 tackles, seven sacks and four forced fumbles

Haloti Ngata is an absolute beast—there is no other way to look at it. He anchors one of the best 3-4 front sevens in the entire NFL with solid play against both the run and the pass. He continually gets upfield against interior linemen and even has the ability to beat offensive tackles on the outside.

Ngata is extremely hard to plan against and creates large pass-rushing lanes for the likes of Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs.

Simply put, an argument could be made that he is one of the best overall players in the entire NFL.

Grade: A+

28. LB Clay Matthews, Green Bay Packers

Projected Stats: 50 tackles, seven sacks and 11 passes defended

Many people would conclude that Clay Matthews is having a subpar season because his sack total is down. This couldn't be further from the truth. Instead, Matthews has become a much better all-around linebacker in the NFL.

He is much better at dropping back into coverage and has been solid against the running game. This enables Dom Capers and the Packers defense to utilize the former first-round pick in three down situations, which only helps Green Bay's defense that much more.

Grade: B+

27. RB Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons

Projected Stats: 1,419 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns

I am still in awe at how Michael Turner has performed in the NFL. He doesn't have the physical stature of the league's elite but still gets it done on a regular basis. The former San Diego Chargers running back helped Atlanta out a lot early this season when it was struggling in the passing game and has to be considered the team MVP at this point.

I fully expect Turner to continue this outstanding pace, as it appears he gains strength as the season progresses.

Grade: A

26. Safety Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers

Projected Stats: 96 tackles, 12 passes defended and two sacks

Still one of the top three safeties in the entire NFL, Troy Polamalu continues to anchor a Pittsburgh Steelers secondary that ranks atop the league in pass defense and just stifled the New England Patriots. Injuries have obviously held back the former USC star, but when on the field he is one of the best.

2011 is no different for Polamalu, and he seems to be relatively healthy for the first time in three seasons. You can expect his presence to be one of the primary reasons Pittsburgh once again finds itself among the league's elite when the playoffs come.

Grade: A

25. RB Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens

Projected Stats: 1,117 rush yards, 853 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns

Ray Rice is on pace for 2,000 total yards once again. It would be the second time he has done that since taking over as the Ravens' primary running back in 2009. This back is not only electric in the running game; he has also become one of the best receivers out of the backfield.

The former Rutgers star is ascending towards elite status this season as he continues to hold up a Ravens offense that has struggled in the passing game with Joe Flacco.

Grade: A

24. RB Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders

Projected stats: 1,533 rush yards and 13 touchdowns

Darren McFadden is still on pace for over 1,500 rushing yards despite tailing off considerably the last three games prior to his early exit against the Chiefs in Oakland's last game two weeks ago. Injuries have always been a concern for the former first-round pick, who is averaging less than 15 rushes per game during his career.

If these injuries continue, McFadden will never be considered an elite running back, but if he can get those issues turned around, he will be one of the best all-around players in the entire league.

2011 started out well, and it appears that the Raiders back will return fully healthy this week, so expect a solid continuance of early-season success.

Grade: A

23. WR Andre Johnson, Houston Texans

Projected Stats: 75 receptions, 1,156 yards and six touchdowns

I would have Andre Johnson higher on this list, but he has missed the last four games due to injury. You can expect to see the star receiver back on the field in short order and dominating opposing defensive backs in every single possible way.

He is a physical beast who gets separation at the line of scrimmage and uses that body to ward off would-be defenders. Once Johnson gets healthy, the Texans offense may become nearly unstoppable due to their tremendous running game.

Grade: A

22. QB Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles

Projected Stats: 63.2 completion percentage, 4,233 passing yards, 965 rushing yards, 25 total touchdowns and 18 interceptions

Michael Vick's performance against the Dallas Cowboys bordered on perfect. He tore apart an improved defense with both his legs and his arms.

Still, Vick has struggled with inconsistency and turnovers for the majority of the first half of the season. He appears to have righted the ship, but you cannot grade a player based on possible success moving forward; you have to grade him on what he has done.

Grade: B-

21. CB Charles Woodson, Green Bay Packers

Projected Stats: 59 tackles, 11 interceptions and 16 passes defended

Charles Woodson, who has already had a Hall of Fame career, may be having his finest stretch over the last couple of seasons. At an age when most corners tend to drop off a lot, Woodson continues to be one of the best defensive players in the entire league.

He is on pace for double-digit interceptions and continues to shut down opposing receivers at a record clip. Once again, Woodson ranks among the league's best in completion percentage against, passes defended, interceptions and knockdowns.

Just a continuation of what has been a remarkable career.

Grade: A+

20. RB Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers

Projected Stats: 1,543 rush yards and 11 touchdowns

Many skeptics concluded that Frank Gore's career was on the downswing after he totaled just 148 rushing yards in the 49ers' first three games. Well, that couldn't be further from the truth.

Gore has racked up over 125 yards in each of his last four games, which is a San Francisco 49ers record. He is currently on pace for his best season since 2006 and leads an offense that continues to improve on a weekly basis.

At this point, Frank Gore has to be considered one of the best all-around backs in the entire league.

Grade: A

19. QB Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

Projected Stats: 60.6 completion percentage, 4,786 passing yards, 638 rushing yards, 36 total touchdowns and 18 interceptions

Cam Newton is on pace for over 5,400 total yards of offense, which would obviously be a rookie record. He continues to defy logic as a rookie quarterback performing at an extremely high level. The No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft has to be considered one of the best players in the entire league at this point.

While the Panthers aren't winning a whole bunch of games in 2011, they are in every single game that they play. This is a testament to the success and talent of one Cam Newton.

Simply put, he is stunning a previously skeptical football audience.

Grade: A+

18. DE Jared Allen, Minnesota Vikings

Projected Stats: 66 tackles, 25 sacks, two interceptions, eight passes defended and six forced fumbles

Man among boys is a term I best associate Jared Allen with. He simply cannot be stopped in one-on-one situations, continually beats offensive tackles on the outside and has an amazing inside pass-rushing move.

Allen is the best defensive end in the entire league at this point, and he has been for some time. He continues to cause major matchup concerns and enables Vikings linebackers to maintain coverage up the middle because they don't have to blitz a whole lot.

At this point, Allen is on pace to shatter Michael Strahan's single-season sack record of 22.5.

Grade: A+

17. WR Greg Jennings, Green Bay Packers

Projected Stats: 96 receptions, 1,547 yards and 11 touchdowns

Before it is all said and done, Greg Jennings will probably beak every single Green Bay Packers receiving record. As of right now, Jennings is on pace to break Robert Brooks' single-season receiving yards mark and has an outside shot at breaking his reception record.

Add the fact that Aaron Rodgers and Greg Jennings are both on the right side of 30, and you have the makings of an elite quarterback-wide receiver duo.

Grade: A

16. WR Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers

Projected Stats: 92 receptions, 1,836 yards and eight touchdowns

It wasn't too long ago that Steve Smith was on the trade block and could've been had for a mid-round pick. He was linked to the Oakland Raiders specifically.

What a difference a couple of months makes. The 32-year-old Smith is having the best season of an already illustrious career. He has teamed up with Cam Newton for nearly 1,000 receiving yards in the first half of the season and has helped the rookie signal-caller get comfortable in the league.

I don't think anyone saw this coming, but I am extremely happy that Steve Smith is having a resurgence in 2011.

Grade: A+

15. QB Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions

Projected Stats: 61.2 completion percentage, 4,358 yards, 38 touchdowns and eight interceptions

After a tough two-game home losing streak, the Detroit Lions stepped up this last week against a poor Denver Broncos team. Matthew Stafford continues to put up numbers at a record clip for a franchise that has been without a franchise quarterback for nearly a half century.

It doesn't hurt that he has Calvin Johnson on the outside, but you have to consider Stafford one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and an up-and-coming superstar.

Grade: A

14. RB Fred Jackson, Buffalo Bills

Projected Stats: 1,648 rushing yards, 807 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns

You are not misreading that—Fred Jackson is on pace for nearly 2,500 total yards on offense. Not only does he complement Ryan Fitzpatrick well, he also continues to make the quarterback that much better.

What I like about Jackson is the fact that he is an all-around running back. He stays in to block, can receive out of the backfield and has great vision in the running game.

For a player that didn't enter the NFL with much fanfare, Jackson has sure endured himself to a myriad of different fans around the league, mainly Buffalo diehards.

Grade: A+

13. QB Eli Manning, New York Giants

Projected Stats: 64.7 completion percentage, 4,862 yards, 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions

Eli Manning was already in the midst of a Hall of Fame career before he broke out for the best season of his life. The younger Manning brother is on pace for nearly 5,000 yards passing and is limiting his interceptions a great deal compared to previous seasons.

It might have taken his older brother getting injured for Eli to perform up to this level, but you have to expect that he is just hitting his stride in the prime of his career.

Grade: A

12. RB LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles

LeSean McCoy: 1,723 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns

You are hearing a lot of people compare LeSean McCoy to Brian Westbrook. Not me—he is playing at a better clip than what we ever saw Westbrook play at.

McCoy is a stud running back for a team that needs it right now. Philadelphia cannot afford to be one-dimensional on offense, and he has afforded it the opportunity to mix it up a great deal. In fact, the Eagles have run the ball nearly as much as they have passed it over the last two games. No wonder they won both of those games.

Grade: A+

11. WR Wes Welker, New England Patriots

Projected Stats: 130 receptions, 1,883 yards and 14 touchdowns

Well, Wes Welker's projections sure have come down a great deal over the last two games. He is no longer on pace for more than 2,700 receiving yards and nearly 180 catches like he was three games ago.

What gives, Wes?

All joking aside, the former Miami Dolphins practice squad player is in the midst of one of the greatest runs in wide receiver history. He is dominating opposing defenders downfield and has created a tremendous relationship with all-everything quarterback Tom Brady.

Grade: A+

10. CB Darrelle Revis, New York Jets

Projected Stats: 46 tackles, 23 passes defended, nine interceptions and two touchdowns

I am still trying to figure out why opposing quarterbacks think it is a good idea to throw to "Revis Island." It really doesn't make much sense to me. Seriously, he is a shutdown corner if you have ever seen one.

Revis continues to progress as an all-around corner, can play anywhere in the secondary and just makes multiple plays every single day he is on the field.

You have to love watching a player dominate a position like Revis is doing right now with the New York Jets.

Grade: A+

9. LB Patrick Willis, San Francisco 49ers

Projected Stats: 123 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and 16 passes defended

"Bam-Bam," as many San Francisco 49ers fans have come to call Patrick Willis, is having another outstanding season in a young career already filled with them. His tackle numbers are down because of the emergence of NaVorro Bowman and the 49ers pass rush. Still, Willis is as elite as ever.

In fact, I can come to the conclusion that he is the best middle linebacker in the NFL and among the league's top three or four defensive players. He has tremendous lateral movement, doesn't allow ball-carriers to get to the outside, reads offensive schemes great, doesn't miss tackles, can rush the quarterback and is one of the best cover 'backers in the league.

Expect a fifth consecutive Pro Bowl appearance and fourth first-team All-Pro selection in just five seasons in the NFL.

Grade: A+

8. WR Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions

Projected Stats: 94 receptions, 1,608 yards and 22 touchdowns

I debated having Wes Welker as the No. 1 receiver on this list, but I just couldn't get past what Calvin Johnson is doing for the Detroit Lions right now. It is simply impossible to cover "Megatron" with one, two or even three players.

His athleticism defies logic, his hands are like glue and his maturity seems to be improving a great deal too. Consistency has been an issue of Johnson's in the past, but it seems like he has gotten over that as well.

Ten years from now you may be looking at one of the greatest wide receivers to ever suit up on Sundays.

Grade: A+

7. RB Matt Forte, Chicago Bears

Projected Stats: 1,536 rush yards, 958 receiving yards and seven touchdowns

Matt Forte is putting up numbers that we haven't seen since Marshall Faulk was the conductor of the St. Louis Rams' "Greatest Show on Turf" teams of the late 1990s and early 2000s. He is for all intents and purposes the heart and soul of a lackluster Chicago Bears offense.

Accordingly, Forte is contributing 46.2 percent of the Bears' entire yardage output halfway through the season, which would be the greatest single-season percentage since O.J. Simpson ran for over 2,000 yards in 1973.

Grade: A+

6. QB Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers

Projected Stats: 64.4 completion percentage, 5,262 yards, 32 touchdowns and 16 interceptions

There is absolutely no way that "Big Ben" would have been anywhere near the top of this list just four weeks ago. A lot of that had to do with horrible offensive line play and numerous turnovers. But his game has taken on an entirely new dimension over the course of the last month.

Now, Ben Roethlisberger is enjoying the best season of his already illustrious career and appears to be leading the Steelers right back to the top of the AFC.

Grade: A+

5. LB DeMarcus Ware, Dallas Cowboys

Projected Stats: 71 tackles, 27 sacks and four forced fumbles

A few slides back I indicated that Jared Allen was on pace to break Michael Strahan's single-season sack record. Well, DeMarcus Ware is on pace to pick that record up, stomp it on the ground and eat it. This is how dominating the former first-round pick has been over his career and more importantly in 2011.

You are looking at a linebacker that is redefining how that position is played. He has 59 sacks over the Cowboys' last 53 games and continually wreaks havoc on opposing quarterbacks. For all intents and purposes, DeMarcus Ware is currently the best defensive player in the entire NFL.

Grade: A+

4. QB Tom Brady, New England Patriots

Projected Stats: 67.6 completion percentage, 5,397 yards, 41 touchdowns and 18 interceptions

I was sick and tired of showing Tom Brady's smirk on slide after slide, so I decided to switch it up a little bit today. Still, you have to admit that he is one of the best quarterbacks to EVER play the game.

Brady continues to dominate the quarterback position unlike any at that position over the course of the last decade or so. At some point, he will be compared to the greatest signal-callers ever.

Oh, 2011. Brady is just on pace to throw for nearly 5,400 yards and 41 touchdowns. Par for the course, I guess.

Grade: A+

3. RB Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings

Projected Stats: 1,596 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns

If Adrian Peterson continues at this rate, he will destroy nearly every single NFL career rushing record. Currently, he is on pace to go for over 1,900 total yards on offense and 20 touchdowns. The amazing part about this is the fact that Peterson has done this with eight men stacking the box and no passing game.

Once Christian Ponder gets more comfortable in the pocket, defenses won't be able to hone in on Peterson as much, which will lead to more yardage on the ground.

Grade: A

2. QB Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Projected Stats: 70.6 completion percentage, 5,492 yards, 38 touchdowns and 20 interceptions

I wouldn't be going out on a limb by saying that we are all still trying to figure out what happened to Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints last Sunday against the St. Louis Rams.

No one saw that coming.

Despite the Saints' disappointing 5-3 first half, Brees is in the midst of the greatest five-year stretch in NFL history. He is currently one of many different quarterbacks on pace to break Dan Marino's single-season passing record, but that really isn't the point.

Brees has remained a model of consistency at the quarterback position, and as long as he is performing at this level, the Saints will always be in the running for the Super Bowl.

Grade: A+

1. QB Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Projected 2011 Stats: 71.5 completion percentage, 5,421 yards, 46 touchdowns and seven interceptions

Talk about stupid. That is the level Aaron Rodgers is currently at right now: stupid good. He is destroying every other elite NFL quarterback in completion percentage, yards, touchdowns and quarterback rating, while leading the defending Super Bowl champions to a perfect 7-0 record.

He isn't only in another universe right now; Rodgers represents the speck of dust we see when glaring out into the vast expanse of space.

Grade: A+