This series will feature the top 10 players in each division regardless of team or position. This is measured by a combination of their current impact on the field, their potential in the future and their accomplishments in the past.
Top 10 players of the AFC East
Top 10 players of the AFC North
1. J. J. Watt, DE, Houston Texans
He’s not only the best player in the division, he might be the best player in the league not named Aaron Rodgers.
2. Andrew Luck, QB, Indianapolis Colts
Luck has almost immediately developed into the best young quarterback in the NFL. Not one contemporary could have helped fans move on from Peyton Manning so quickly.
3. Arian Foster, RB, Houston Texans
Foster arguably came off the second most productive and efficient season of his career. He’s still very much an elite back when healthy.
4. Duane Brown, T, Houston Texans
The 3 time Pro Bowler has developed into one of the best tackles in the league.
5. T. Y. Hilton, WR, Indianapolis Colts
He’s explosive and he’s become the best playmaker in the division. There’s no question Luck owes a lot of his development to him.
6. Julius Thomas, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars
He’s a big free agent pick up that will hopefully help the Jags’ passing attack significantly but he’ll need to show he can continue to produce at a high level without Peyton Manning throwing him passes.
7. Vontae Davis, CB, Indianapolis Colts
He’s always been a solid pro but he’s coming off his best season and a Pro Bowl.
8. DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Houston Texans
His development has made the Texans able to stomach the departure of Andre Johnson. I struggled between having Johnson or Hopkins on this list but ultimately Hopkins is the better player now. After his big improvement in year two he seems poised to become a consistent #1 quality threat receiver.
9. Jurrell Casey, DT, Tennessee Titans
He’s a complete player that does everything well but his interior pressure is most impressive.
10. Pat McAfee, P, Indianapolis Colts
Not only is he one of the best punters in the entire league, he’s an automatic touchback on kickoffs.
