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. Players just missing the cut here were Matt Stafford, Randall Cobb, Eddie Lacy and 8 time Pro Bowler Julius Peppers who has regressed a little at 35.
Top 10 players of the AFC East
Top 10 players of the AFC North
Top 10 players in the AFC South
Top 10 players in the AFC West
Top 10 players in the NFC East
1. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers
Who didn’t see this coming?
2. Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions
It’s fair to wonder if he’s going to free fall from this list very soon but if he’s healthy he’s still the best receiver in football.
3. Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings
There’s no question he was missed last year. What 2015 has in store for him is anyone’s guess, but if he’s on the field he’ll be making big plays.
4. Jordy Nelson, WR, Green Bay Packers
Hard to know how much of his success is Rodgers but his production the last two years has been undeniably enormous.
5. Clay Matthews, LB, Green Bay Packers
The 5 time Pro Bowler is showing no signs of slowing down with 11 sacks last year.
6. Kyle Long, G, Chicago Bears
If the Bears have anything going for them right now it’s that they nailed their 2013 1st round pick. Long has already made two Pro Bowls.
7. Glover Quin, S, Detroit Lions
Quin is a ballhawk who just made his first Pro Bowl at 29 after recording 7 interceptions in 2014. He was a huge part of that scary Lions defense.
8. Alshon Jeffery, WR, Chicago Bears
He just made his first Pro Bowl after putting together his second massive season in a row. Can you imagine if he had a more consistent quarterback?
9. Josh Sitton, G, Green Bay Packers
The two time Pro Bowler anchors the interior for one of the most underrated lines in the NFL.
10. DeAndre Levy, LB, Detroit Lions
With 151 tackles in 2014 he’s shown the ability to consistently find the football. And with 6 interceptions in 2013 he’s shown that he’s a playmaker, too. One of the most complete linebackers in football.
