NFL's Best Players at Their Positions

I have recently established in a recent article that Peyton Manning is the NFL's superlative quarterback. His statistics over the previous four seasons attest to that. Manning has led the Indianapolis Colts to 23 wins in the team's last 25 regular season games. Definitely an astonishing feat for anybody, but Manning is doing it this season without his former star running back Edgerrin James. If Manning can somehow lead the Indianapolis Colts to post-season triumph, his value would rise even more.

Honorable Mention: Tom Brady, Donovan McNabb, Brett Favre

Running Back (LaDanian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers)

For anyone that has played fantasy football in 2006, they have felt the presence of San Diego Chargers running back LaDanian Tomlinson. He has either skyrocketed your team, or pummeled your team, depending on if you are one of the privileged ones to have him. Tomlinson is arguably the best all around running in the NFL, and has been all season. Even before 2006, Tomlinson is repeatedly among the NFL leaders in rushing yards and touchdowns. This season has been no exception as he has rushed for 932 yards and scored 16 touchdowns after only nine games. Only Tiki Barber has rushed for more yards, and no other running back has even come close to his 16 touchdown scores. Tomlinson has only coughed up 2 fumbles thus far in 2006. Most of the San Diego Chargers success depends on the production from Tomlinson.

Honorable Mention: Larry Johnson, Tiki Barber, Shaun Alexander (when healthy)

Wide Receiver (Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers)

Terrell Owens, Chad Johnson, and Randy Moss may magnetize more media coverage, and may be considered household names, but Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith can do more with the ball after a catch than any of the before mentioned players. After missing the first two games due to an injury, Smith has rallied back among the leaders in most of the receiving categories. Smith is fourth on receiving yardage with 780, and he has scored three touchdowns for the Panthers in 2006. Marques Colston, Andre Johnson, and Roy Williams may have better stats thus far in 2006, but Steve Smith is the guy who can do more after a reception. While most star receivers usually tower above 6 feet tall, Smith is 5 foot 9, which makes his production even that much more striking.

Honorable Mention: Torry Holt, Chad Johnson, Marvin Harrison, Andre Johnson

Defense (Julius Peppers, Carolina Panthers)

It's almost a tossup between Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers and Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher as to which player is the best defensive player in the NFL. Peppers currently leads the NFL in sacks with 11, and has recorded 44 tackles. Urlacher has 53 tackles, but has yet to record a sack in 2006. Peppers, a former basketball star, may be the most athletic player at the defensive end position in the history of the game at 6 feet 7 and pounds. Peppers is one of the few defensive players with the ability to carry an entire football team.

Honorable Mention: Brian Urlacher, Ronde Barber, Jason Taylor, Champ Bailey, Zach Thomas