5 Positions and Players you would build your team around?

[d34ng3l021]

Its the offseason. Forgive me.

1. QB
This position is so important. A good QB can definetly make a contender of his team, just by himself. Add a nice supporting cast and you can be dangerous in the play offs every year.

My pick: Carson Palmer. He is young, throws the best deep ball in the game, and is a leader. The best pure passer behind Manning.

2. LT
An underated position to the casual fan...The offense basically revolves around this guy, seeing how he serves to protect the blind side of a QB (usually) and is needed for run blocking.

My pick: Marcus McNeil. To make it as a Pro Bowl alternate at the left tackle position with perrenial Pro Bowlers as a rookie is outstanding. To protect the blind side of a first time starter at the QB position and make way for the MVP RB is amazing as well. This guy is going to be good for years and years and years.

3. DE
I believe games are won and lost in the trenches and having a great defensive end helps out your pass defense and your run defense. Having a great DE really disrupts the offense and having to gameplan against a DE is alot harder than having to gameplan against a great FS or CB.

My pick: Julius Peppers. What can you say about this guy that hasnt already been said? He is one of the fiercest pass rushers in the league, while still having the size to defend the run well. Not only is he such a balanced DE, he can drop into coverage well. Sucks he is on the Panthers.

4. MLB
He is the general of the defense. It is as simple as that. He is the leader that can rile up defense to up their level of play. He is the one that calls the plays.

My pick: Jonathan Vilma. Young leader in the mold of Ray Lewis. What more can you ask for? Of course he would be playing in a 4-3, and I would build my defense around him, as oppose to the Jets.

5. DT/FS
My favorite position is Free Safety, so my choice of FS here might be biased. I think that the FS position brings so much ability to make a play; force a turnover, etc. Does anyone have a % of how many teams win while forcing more turnovers than having giveaways? Also, it allows your CBs to be a bit less than average and allows them to make some mistakes, while still not getting beat. And I put DT here cause games are won and lost in the trenches, and having a DT that can clog up running lanes and is able to get to the passer is a tremdous luxury.

My pick: Ed Reed/ Jamal Williams. Ed Reed takes away the deep pass and is a threat to score everytime he touches the ball. Jamal Williams disrupts OL and penetrates into the backfield and is very hard to stop.

Honorable Mentions: CB, RB, WR

Man. What a team.

Carson Palmer
Marcus McNeil
Julius Peppers
Jon Vilma
Ed Reed

[draftguru151]

QB, LT, DE, and CB are the premier positions, as a 5th I would take a RB. Too hard to choose specific players.

Also I love Marcus McNeill, but he is getting overrated. There are quite a few other tackles I would take over him.

[d34ng3l021]

QB, LT, DE, and CB are the premier positions, as a 5th I would take a RB. Too hard to choose specific players.

Also I love Marcus McNeill, but he is getting ove . There are quite a few other tackles I would take over him.

I would take some other tackles over him as well, but if I was building a team I would pick him cause of the good ole age factor.

[JK17]

Rivers, Tomlinson, Merriman, Gates, Williams.....(sarcastic homerism)

lol, in seriousness though,

Running Back: LaDainian Tomlinson

Quarterback: Carson Palmer

Cornerback: Champ Bailey

Left Tackle: Marcus McNeil

Linebacker: Shawne Merriman

I make the picks, assuming we're looking for a combination of youth and skill. Everything in football starts with the running game, hence the Tomlinson pick. Palmer is younger than Manning, with almost, arguably the same skills. Shutdown corners are almost impossible to come by, hence Bailey. The tackle pick is made based off youth and potential(not saying he's the best LT in the game, just saying he's the best young one IMO). Merriman is there for his presence as a pass rusher, but that could easily be substituted by a Peppers or dominant DE who can get pressure on the QB.

[RaVeNFaNaCtIc]

QB, LT, DE, RB, NT - but CB and MLB come very close

QB - Tom Brady or Carson Palmer
LT- Jammal Brown over Marcus McNeil anyday!!!
DE - Julius Peppers
RB - Steve Jackson - getting tired of hear lt's name
NT - Jammal Williams - can keep blockers off your lb's and still get presure on the QB and stuff thje run.

[Scotty D]

LT - Jammal Brown
DE - Mario Williams
CB - Champ
QB - Tom Brady
DE - Julius Peppers

I almost put

LT
LG
C
RG
RT

[Chucky]

THis is for a Cover 2 Team

QB: Carson Palmer

LT: IT all starts in the trenches: Jamaal Brown

DE: pass rush is essential for the cover two: Julius Pepper

DT: Tommie Harris

MLB: THe ultimate cover 2 MLB: Brian Urlacher

THat would be a pretty crazy foundation to a team/

[Chucky]

QB, LT, DE, RB, NT - but CB and MLB come very close

QB - Tom Brady or Carson Palmer
LT- Jammal Brown over Marcus McNeil anyday!!!
DE - Julius Peppers
RB - Steve Jackson - getting tired of hear lt's name
NT - Jammal Williams - can keep blockers off your lb's and still get presure on the QB and stuff thje run.

I dont see how u could take Jamaal Williams over Casey Hampton if u r building a team.

[etk]

Let's see: 5 most important positions?

SLB - Hunter Hillenmeyer
MLB - Al Wilson
WLB - Derrick Brooks
3-4 OLB - DeMarcus Ware
K - Matt "EagleSlayer" Bryant

[TheChampIsHere]

QB - Russell
LT - Joe Thomas
MLB - Pat Willis
FS - Brandon Merriweather
DE - Gaines Adams

[draftguru151]

Even considering age I wouldn't take him. NEWS FLASH, D'Brickashaw Ferguson is better.

[Moses]

QB: Carson Palmer
DE: Julius Peppers
DE: Richard Seymour
OLB: Shawne Merriman
OLB: DeMarcus Ware

[MichaelJordanEberle (sabf)]

Can I clone Jay Cutler 5 times?

And also, with McNeil, he's young, but a big reason he slipped is because he has major health concerns regarding his back. He might not have the longest of careers.

[excanuck]

Let's see: 5 most important positions?

SLB - Hunter Hillenmeyer
MLB - Al Wilson
WLB - Derrick Brooks
3-4 OLB - DeMarcus Ware
K - Matt "EagleSlayer" Bryant

A kicker??

[McGahee]

QB- Tom Brady -Do you want to compete and have a proven player who can win the big game for you? Or a popular, talented passer?
DE- Juleus Peppers -A consistend pass rush will cut the opposing QBs decision time in half
DT- Tommie Harris - See DE
CB - Champ Bailey -Shuts down half of the field, leaving 10 guys to cover the other half
LT - Jason Peters -Young, athletic, strong, give him a few years and he will be one of the premier OTs in the league


Since RBs are a dime a dozen I chose to leave them off, but it was very hard to pass on LT.

Anyways, with my defense you are almost guaranteed to be in the QBs face every passing down with Tommie Harris and Juleus Peppers. Champ shuts out half of the field leaving the QB with one less target, a stacked defense blanketing the other side of the field, and a pass rush consisting of Tommie Harris and Juleus Peppers coming right at him.

My offense revolved around Tom Brady who has proven he can win without WRs, as well as Peters opening holes and stuffing the end on the left side.

[myinnerself]

Even considering age I wouldn't take him. NEWS FLASH, D'Brickashaw Ferguson is better.

NEWS FLASH: Last year, Marcus Mcneill was better.

[Denver Bronco56]

LT-Jammal Brown
CB-Champ Bailey
LB-DJ Williams
DT-Tommie Harris
QB-Jay Cutler

[Pacaveli]

QB: Tom Brady
CB: Champ Bailey
CB: Chris McAlister
DE: Julius Peppers
MLB: Brian Urlacher

[tishdog]

QB- Carson Palmer
LT- D'Brick (I feel he will eventually pass McNeil who is better than him right now.)
WR- Calvin Johnson
Running a 3-4 Defense
NT- Casey Hampton
OLB- Sean Merriman

[JK17]

Even considering age I wouldn't take him. NEWS FLASH, D'Brickashaw Ferguson is better.

That must be why Ferguson made the pro-bowl as a rookie...or why he had serious OROY consideration.

No, that was McNeill.

[frogstomp]

QB - Carson

LT - D'Brick

CB - Champ

DE - Peppers

MLB - Vilma

[McGahee]

QB: Tom Brady
CB: Champ Bailey
CB: Chris McAlister
DE: Julius Peppers
MLB: Brian Urlacher

Interesting idea with the two corners, basically forcing the O to run. Nice thinking.

What it you go

DE- Taylor
DE- Peppers
CB- McCalister
CB- Bailey
QB- Brady

Have the rest of the team focus on stopping the run, and you're all set.

[Michigan]

QB- Tom Brady
LT- Jammal Brown
CB- Champ Bailey
CB- Nnamdi Asomugha
DE- Julius Peppers

[Star Wideout]

Even considering age I wouldn't take him. NEWS FLASH, D'Brickashaw Ferguson is better.

Maybe in the future he will be, but from what I saw D'Brick struggled at the point of attack last season at times DEs would over power him. I believe in one of the Bills games Aaron Schobel just bull rushed right through him.

I love D'Brick's quickness and agility out of his stance, but last year McNeill was almost dominant, making key blocks on a line that contributed towards paving the way for the NFL single season touchdown record.

[Gridiron]

3-4 Defense

QB - Jay Cutler
LT - D'Brickashaw Ferguson
DE - Richard Seymour
NT - Jamaal Williams
DE - Haloti Ngata

[yourfavestoner]

QB- Tom Brady -Do you want to compete and have a proven player who can win the big game for you? Or a popular, talented passer?
DE- Juleus Peppers -A consistend pass rush will cut the opposing QBs decision time in half
DT- Tommie Harris - See DE
CB - Champ Bailey -Shuts down half of the field, leaving 10 guys to cover the other half
LT - Jason Peters -Young, athletic, strong, give him a few years and he will be one of the premier OTs in the league


Since RBs are a dime a dozen I chose to leave them off, but it was very hard to pass on LT.

Anyways, with my defense you are almost guaranteed to be in the QBs face every passing down with Tommie Harris and Juleus Peppers. Champ shuts out half of the field leaving the QB with one less target, a stacked defense blanketing the other side of the field, and a pass rush consisting of Tommie Harris and Juleus Peppers coming right at him.

My offense revolved around Tom Brady who has proven he can win without WRs, as well as Peters opening holes and stuffing the end on the left side.

I agree with all five positions, as I believe those five are the most important. I'd be more inclined to select John Henderson for defensive tackle, though.

[mikehop05]

runnin a 3 - 4 defense

1. nose tackle- casey hampton / jammall williams
2. left tackle - d'brick
3. qb - ben roethlisberger (this is my team i get to do what i want)
4. 3 - 4 olb - merriman
5. other side olb - demarcus ware

with merriman and ware commin in every time, you dont even need great corners since the qb will have about half a second to throw the ball

[Space Ghost]

QB: Peyton Manning
LT: Jamaal Brown
DE: Michael Strahan
CB: Champ Bailey
DT: John Henderson

[frogstomp]

I agree with all five positions, as I believe those five are the most important. I'd be more inclined to select John Henderson for defensive tackle, though.

Pfft, homer.

[Bobo]

QB - Manning
DT - Henderson
MLB - Urlacher
DE - Peppers
CB - Bailey

[stl9erfan]

I'll give it a shot:

1) LT-- Someone to protect the blindside of a QB is a must. I'd go with Walter Jones, Seattle, but I would strongly consider Ferguson from the JETS, just because of his youth and ridiculous upside.

2) QB-- Tom Brady, no explanation needed I would think. I give Brady the edge over Manning because Brady seems better at protecting the ball in big games.

3) DT-- An underrated position, but a big, mauling DT can really do a lot for a defense. I'd take John Henderson from Jacksonville.

4) DE-- Pass rush is a huge part of the game. I'll take Julius Peppers, Carolina.

5) CB-- There may not be such a thing as a "shut down CB" left in the NFL, but if there is, his name is Champ Bailey. Bailey gets the nod here.

[Boltbaby]

Even considering age I wouldn't take him. NEWS FLASH, D'Brickashaw Ferguson is better.


Ooh, must say NO WAY to this! D'Brick, while very solid, did not have the rookie season McNeill did. I actually really wanted the Chargers to get him, but now I just LOVE me some BIG MAC! All 6'8", 336 of him.

[etk]

A kicker??

http://youtube.com/watch?v=3iBrQoT7nTM&mode=related&search=

[bored of education]

QB-Bulger
CB- Champ
CB- Ty Law (3 years ago)
DT-Tommie Harris
DE-Peppers

[B-Dawk]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=3iBrQoT7nTM&mode=related&search=

such videos should be banned

[etk]

such videos should be banned

lol, some of them actually were. Search Matt Bryant and at the top it'll be a video of his kick in Madden, because the guy claims that the NFL revoked his real game video......

They didn't ban 'em all though :D

[Jagonsucker]

LT- D'brick Ferguson
QB- Tom Brady
DE- Julius Peppers
MLB- Vilma
FS- Ed Reed

[Non_Sequitur]

LT- D'Brickashaw Ferguson
QB- Carson Palmer
DT- Tommie Harris
OC- Nick Mangold
RB- Ladanian Tomlinson

[d34ng3l021]

lol, some of them actually were. Search Matt Bryant and at the top it'll be a video of his kick in Madden, because the guy claims that the NFL revoked his real game video......

They didn't ban 'em all though :D

The guy claims it? It is probably true. I had an account on Youtube, and I uploaded a Michael Vick highlight, and a highlight of the Atlanta-Carolina game that I made on Youtube...They found the ATL-CAR highlight and took it off and warned me about copyright infringement. I didnt bother taking out the other one, and they found it and banned my account. lol.

I really want to play Madden and start a fantasy draft.

[Caddy]

Lt
Qb
Cb
De
Rb

[Dam8610]

For me, I'd probably go with a Tampa 2 defense, and I feel every good offense must have a great OL and QB, hence, my 5 positions are:

QB - The leader of the offense, the QB should be able to make those around him better and get what needs to be done on the offensive side of the ball done.

LT - One of the two anchors of any great OL, the LT should be the best athlete on your OL, capable of both run and pass blocking with great proficiency.

C - The other of the two anchors of any great OL, the C should be a good athlete, but also a great technician and capable of reading a defensive front well enough to make the right blocking calls/adjustments.

DT - Since my team is going to be running the Tampa 2 scheme, the dominating 3-tech UT disrupting the middle of the opposing offensive front is crucial to the success of my defense.

S - Again, since my team is running the Tampa 2, a ballhawk and playmaker with speed and range is needed at the safety position.

That being said, my players of choice for these positions are:

QB - Peyton Manning - He's got a few great years left, enough for my team to be competitive for nearly a decade with him starting at QB. Combine that with the fact that he's the best QB in the NFL, and this becomes a no brainer.

LT - D'Brickashaw Ferguson - Young cornerstone for my OL who will keep Manning's blindside protected and is athletic enough to do whatever is required of him.

C - Jeff Saturday - Tough call between the two Cs of the Super Bowl teams, but Saturday gets the nod due to working with Manning already and being the better technician of the two.

DT - Tommie Harris - Young dominant 3-tech UT that will anchor my defense for a very long time.

S - Ed Reed - There is no better safety in the NFL, and he has quite a few good years left in him. Definitely a playmaker and would greatly help my defense at a key position.

[Oaktown1981]

CB - C.Bailey
CB - N.Asomugha
FS - E.Reed
SS - M.Huff
DE - J.Peppers

[Jensen]

QB - Carson Palmer
LT - Jammal Brown
DE - Julius Peppers
CB - Champ Bailey
DT - John Henderson

[TPFKA#1SaintsFan]

QB Tom Brady (Patriots)
- A proven winner. He plays well regardless of what talent he has around him, just look at last season. I would want my team to win some championships, and this is a guy who has three rings at age 29.

LT Jammal Brown (Saints)
- The next elite Left Tackle in the NFL. He was a First team All-Pro and was named a Pro Bowl starter (missed game w/ injury) in only his second year in the league, and his first playing LT. At just 25 years old, I would take Brown over any other offensive lineman in the league for the next 5+ years.

RB Steven Jackson (Rams)
- A top-5 RB in the NFL, and in my opinion the best running back not named LT or Larry Johnson. He is a workhorse who does everything well, and he is only 23 years old. This guy is going to be really good for a really long time.

CB Rashean Mathis (Jaguars)
- No, I haven't lost my mind. I know Champ Bailey is far and away the best cornerback in the league. But if you notice a trend, everybody I've picked is pretty young. Bailey probably has 3-4 great years left in him, but he's been in the league for 8 years, whereas Mathis has only been in the league for 4. In my opinion, Mathis is already the best corner in the league after Champ, and he still hasn't reached his prime.

MLB DeMeco Ryans (Texans)
- Only 22 years old, he's a leader on defense with excellent intangibles. A very smart player and very hard worker. I was pretty high on him this time last year, but I never expected him to be this good. He's not the flashiest guy in the league but he gets the job done. He is exactly the type of player I would want leading my defense for the next 10 years.

[Splat]

1.QB
2.LT
3.DT
4.WR
5.CB

You have a star at all five you are going to be winning alot of ball games IMO.

[EdReedUnstoppable]

1.QB- Carson Palmer= I think he is the best QB in the NFL when healthy.

2.CB- Chris McAlister= IMO the best CB in the game at being able to cover and support the run.

3.WR- Chad Johnson= The best WR in the NFL, just plain awesome.

4.OT- Jonathan Ogden= The best OT arguably in the history of the NFL

5.MLB- Ray Lewis= Makes every player around him better, greatest motivator Ive ever seen, and the best Defensive player Ive ever seen.

[eaglesalltheway]

QB- Jay Cutler
LT- D-Brick
DE- Peppers
CB- Champ
MLB- DeMeco Ryans

[eaglesalltheway]

1.QB- Carson Palmer= I think he is the best QB in the NFL when healthy.

2.CB- Chris McAlister= IMO the best CB in the game at being able to cover and support the run.

3.WR- Chad Johnson= The best WR in the NFL, just plain awesome.

4.OT- Jonathan Ogden= The best OT arguably in the history of the NFL

5.MLB- Ray Lewis= Makes every player around him better, greatest motivator Ive ever seen, and the best Defensive player Ive ever seen.

Looks more like the All-AFC East Team if you ask me. You are supposed to be building a team, and a lot of those guys are in the downside of their careers.

[Bengals1690]

my first 5 players for a teasm would be

Carson Palmer
Chad Johnson
Ladainain Tomlinson
Champ Bailey
Ed reed

[Bengals1690]

Looks more like the All-AFC East Team if you ask me. You are supposed to be building a team, and a lot of those guys are in the downside of their careers.

being that all those players are in the AFC North, your comment makes absolutely no sense.

[etk]

2.CB- Chris McAlister= IMO the best CB in the game at being able to cover and support the run.

4.OT- Jonathan Ogden= The best OT arguably in the history of the NFL

5.MLB- Ray Lewis= Makes every player around him better, greatest motivator Ive ever seen, and the best Defensive player Ive ever seen.

*cough* homer *cough*

[EdReedUnstoppable]

*cough* homer *cough*

Sorry Im a homer for picking arguably the best OT of all-time, arguably the best defensive player of all-time, and a CB who is the best in the NFL and covering and stopping the run. If I was choosing the best CB Id say Champ Bailey, but Mac supports the run better and is the 2nd best CB in coverage IMO.

[etk]

Sorry Im a homer for picking arguably the best OT of all-time, arguably the best defensive player of all-time, and a CB who is the best in the NFL and covering and stopping the run. If I was choosing the best CB Id say Champ Bailey, but Mac supports the run better and is the 2nd best CB in coverage IMO.

Those are some bold statements, and all those players are past their prime anyway......

None of those players are the best at their positions anymore.....

[EdReedUnstoppable]

Those are some bold statements, and all those players are past their prime anyway......

None of those players are the best at their positions anymore.....

Past their prime yet they were all Pro Bowlers, and are considered by other NFLers to be among the best at their respective positions....

[Splat]

Chris McAlister IMO the best CB in the game at being able to cover and support the run.

Jonathan Ogden The best OT arguably in the history of the NFL


Champ Bailey and Anthony Muñoz

[TheGunShow]

#1- RB LaDainian Tomlinson

Best player in the league!

#2- QB Peyton Manning

A coach on the field

#3- DE Jason Taylor

Best defensive player and a game changer on defense.

#4- WR Andre Johnson

Does everything. And is still a pro bowler on a horrible team.

#5- LT Marcus McNeil

Have to have someone to protect Manning and open holes for LT!

[TPFKA#1SaintsFan]

Past their prime yet they were all Pro Bowlers, and are considered by other NFLers to be among the best at their respective positions....

I hate to jump in on this argument, but it is very common for players to be selected to the Pro Bowl based on their name. Ray Lewis and Jonathan Ogden are two of the best to ever play their respective positions, both have had great careers and both are future Hall of Famers, but they also have seen their skills and/or level of play decline as of late. They are still good players, but I'm not sure how you could want to build a team around them TODAY, homerism aside.

[frogstomp]

I hate to jump in on this argument, but it is very common for players to be selected to the Pro Bowl based on their name. Ray Lewis and Jonathan Ogden are two of the best to ever play their respective positions, both have had great careers and both are future Hall of Famers, but they also have seen their skills and/or level of play decline as of late. They are still good players, but I'm not sure how you could want to build a team around them TODAY, homerism aside.

Lynch making the Pro Bowl over Kerry Rhodes...

[etk]

Lynch making the Pro Bowl over Kerry Rhodes...

Ahh you just gave me a good chuckle frogstomp, that was quite the Pro Bowl blunder. I don't think Sean Jones made it either, what a joke!

[Jay]

1. QB - This is, by far, the most important position in the game for most situations. There are those rare years where a teams defense is SO much better than any other offense it is ridiculous, and a guy like Trent Dilfer sneaks in there, but most of the time, it takes solid play from the QB to win a championship.

The pick: Tom Brady. Not just because I am a Patriots fan. Realistically, he is still a decent age for a QB, still in his prime, and has proven that not only can he win the big games (and multiple championships), but he can do it with less than amazing talent around him.

2. ILB - Tedy Bruschi made me fall in love with this position. Watching him control the defense and act as an on field coach during the Super Bowl runs was awesome. Having a strong presence in the middle will help stuff the run and will also help out in the passing game.

The pick: Brian Urlacher. I did everything I could to find someone younger that I thought would project to be close, and part of me wanted to go with Bart Scott, but Urlacher is still on the right side of 30 and is the quintessential ILB as far as the position is concerned. He is the best of our generation, and I don't know if he will be topped. If I had at least one season of an NFL body of work from Patrick Willis, I might go that route just to have a young guy, but really, it's almost impossible to go wrong with Brian Urlacher.

3. CB - Shut down corners are so rare and so valuable. The best companion to a solid ILB is a killer corner. By shutting down the pass game, it forces teams to run, and by having a solid presence in the middle already established, it increases the odds of being able to shut down both.

The pick: Rashaen Mathis. He's just 26, and already a difference maker for the Jaguars. I could just as easily go with Champ Bailey, who is still on the right side of 30, but I'll take the extra two years from Rashaen.

DE - Now that we can stop the pass, we need someone to get the passer. More importantly, I want someone that can also who can stop the run when needed.

The pick: Julius Peppers. This is hard. My heart says Richard Seymour, but he is a slightly bigger injury risk than Peppers, and he doesn't get to the QB quite as much, though he's better against the run and can slip into coverage if need be. But Peppers has it all.

5. RB - Tom Brady has proven he can get the job done with just about any combination at the WR position, but giving him an elite RB would truly open the passing game for him.

The pick: LaDanian Tomlinson. Clearly, one of the best RB's ever to play the game. An offense that starts with Tom Brady and LT would instantly be lethal. The best part is that he's only 27.

[MP123]

QB, LT, MLB, FS or SS, and DE.