subject: Nfl Tickets - Cornerstones [print this page] Here are the skill positions players that I would most like to start an NFL franchise around. The criteria for this list what that each player had to be 26 years of age or younger, as if the franchise was being built for the future as well as the present.
Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback, Green Bay Packers: Rodgers is not talked about enough. He's already one of the best signal callers in the league in just his second season as a starter. In my opinion, he's already elevated himself to the Manning/Brady/Brees level of quarterback play. That's how good I think he is. He would probably be my top choice for this exercise.
Adrian Peterson, Running Back, Minnesota Vikings: He's the no-brainer answer that I think most people would just blurt out, but I'm not so sure he's the best option. He's gotten a lot of carries in each of his pro seasons thus far and his fumbling issues are becoming better documented. He also has a bit of an injury history. His upright running style, as well as the violent collisions that he often faces, are also cause for concern. Still, he's the most physically talented running back in the league, perhaps that we've ever seen.
Chris Johnson, Running Back, Tennessee Titans: Johnson is a bolt of lightning. He could be the fastest player in the league. He makes multiple plays per game that leave fans' jaws on the floor. People are lining up to get NFL tickets to see him break a big run these days. The durability issue comes into play here as well, though, due to his slight frame. He hasn't shown any signs that his size will hurt him in the pros and he hasn't gotten a ton of carries in his first two seasons.
Calvin Johnson, Wide Receiver, Detroit Lions: I don't like the idea of starting a franchise with a wide receiver, but if I was going to start with one, it would likely be Johnson. He's the most physically gifted wide receiver to ever play the game and has only scratched the surface of his potential at this point. Alas, a good receiver doesn't result in victories, as the Lions have proven through his short career thus far.
Matt Ryan, Quarterback, Atlanta Falcons: I think I'm a little less high on Ryan than the average person, but I do think he's the best young quarterback aside from Aaron Rodgers. He's mature for his age and makes good decisions on the field. I don't know how much higher his ceiling of his development is compared to where he's already at, but he's definitely a good option.
Ray Rice, Running Back, Baltimore Ravens: The thing I love about Rice is his versatility. He's one of the best receivers out of the backfield in the league and is an explosive runner.
Rashard Mendenhall, Running Back, Pittsburgh Steelers: Mendenhall is a bruising back that looks like a star in the making. He's versatile, as well, showing good skills as both a receiver and a blocker.
Maurice Jones-Drew, Running Back, Jacksonville Jaguars: Jones-Drew is another versatile running back. Are you sensing a theme here? He's been in the league for a while, but the 2009 season was his first shouldering the load in the backfield, so his wear and tear has been limited.
DeAngelo Williams, Running Back, Carolina Panthers: He's another guy that has been around for a while but has fresh legs due to sharing carries for much of his career. He's becoming a bit of an injury risk, but he's electric.
Larry Fitzgerald, Wide Receiver, Arizona Cardinals: Fitzgerald is the best receiver in football, in my opinion, and is still only 26.
Vernon Davis, Tight End, San Francisco 49ers: I know he's a tight end, but he's such a unique one. He gives a team a different dimension.
