This weekly series presents the 10 best players in each division. This week it’s the NFC North.
1. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers
A slight down year for Rodgers with Jordy Nelson out for the year but he was still very productive and he’s clearly an elite NFL player by any standard.
2. Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings
Coming back from a year off he rushed for almost 1,500 yards. He’s still as good as ever.
3. Ezekiel Ansah, DE, Detroit Lions
Most teams that pick pass rushers high in the draft are disappointed. Ansah has totally lived up to his billing, though. He’s had 30 sacks in his 3 year career so far, with a best 14.5 sacks last season.
4. Kyle Long, T/G, Chicago Bears
When it’s all said and done his career may be more impressive than his brother Chris. He’s already been to three Pro Bowls in three seasons.
5. Josh Sitton, G, Green Bay Packers
Just participated in his third Pro Bowler and is one of the league’s best interior linemen.
6. Harrison Smith, S, Minnesota Vikings
Quietly making a name for himself as a premiere ballhawk with 12 picks in 4 years and a Pro Bowl in 2015.
7. Alshon Jeffery, WR, Chicago Bears
It was a down year for Jeffery and some wonder how much longer he’ll stay in Chicago, but there is no questioning he is a fantastic playmaker.
8. Everson Griffen, DE, Minnesota Vikings
With 12.5 sacks in 2014 and another 10.5 in 2015, he may not be living up to that enormous contract but he’s been solid.
9. Clay Matthews, LB, Green Bay Packers
Signs of decline are starting to creep in with only 6.5 sacks last season. He’ll need to bounce back and show he can still be an elite pass rusher.
10. Jordy Nelson, WR, Green Bay Packers
If he bounces back and returns to form he likely deserves to be much higher on this list but he missed all of 2015 with an ACL tear.
Previous entries:
Top 10 Players in the NFC East
Top 10 Players in the AFC West
Top 10 Players in the AFC South
