For most fans, the doldrums of late spring and early summer seem to drone on far too long. But it’s during this stretch that we are afforded a few extra breaths to reflect. This week, the Last Word on Sports NFL Department are compiling a list of the best players from each division heading into the 2016 season. The focus of this edition is the NFC North.
Top Players of the NFC North Heading into 2016
1. Aaron Rodgers
Last season may have not been Aaron Rodgers’ best, but most will agree that the two-time MVP is the best player in the NFC North, and arguably the NFL. Rodgers had two memorable Hail Mary touchdown passes last season, culminating with his last throw at the end of regulation against the Arizona Cardinals in the playoffs. Rodgers will have his main target, Jordy Nelson, back from injury after missing the 2015-16 season due to a torn ACL he suffered in pre-season. Expect him to be one of the favorites to win the NFL MVP Award in 2016-17.
2. Adrian Peterson
The NFL’s top running back of the last decade returned from his season-long suspension, looking as though he was never gone. Despite turning 31 years old, Peterson is still the best rusher in the game, and he proved naysayers wrong by rushing the ball 327 times for 1,485 yards and 11 touchdown. It was the first time in Peterson’s career that he led the NFL in all three rushing categories—attempts, yards, touchdowns.
3. Ezekiel Ansah
The Detroit Lions found a gem in the fifth overall selection of the 2013 draft with defensive end Ezekiel Ansah. Ansah has provided the Lions with an explosive pass rusher with a knack for sacking the quarterback from the outside. Ansah is crucial to a Lions team that just lost all-pro defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh last year. In just three seasons, Ansah has already recorded 30 sacks—with 14.5 of those coming in 2015-16—which puts him eighth all-time in franchise sack count. Ansah is already a stud pass rusher, but is on course to become one of the game’s best.
4. Clay Matthews
Clay Matthews was solid again for Green Bay in 2015-16, recording 66 tackles and 6.5 sacks. With the departure of A.J. Hawk, and minimal help at inside linebacker spot, Dom Capers utilized Matthews at inside linebacker despite being one of the most dominant pass rushers in the NFL. Matthews’ best asset is the ferocity and intensity at which he plays. It will be intriguing to see him return to outside linebacker and rushing the quarterback again in 2016.
5. Jordy Nelson
Jordy Nelson missed all of 2015 with a torn ACL, but one would still have to rank him amongst the best players in this division, if not the league. It was painfully obvious how much Aaron Rodgers missed his reliable target, and the Green Bay Packers offense struggled as a result. 2014 was Nelson’s best season (98 catches, 1,519 yards, 15 touchdowns), and it is expected he will post comparable numbers next season as Green Bay’s number one target.
6. Harrison Smith
Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith earned his second straight All-Pro selection and has became the leader of a very young, talented secondary under head coach Mike Zimmer. Smith is arguably the most productive free safety in the NFL, and Pro Football Focus rates him amongst the best safeties in the league. He was recently ranked in NFL Network‘s Top 100, and will continue to be one of the main leaders of a very solid defense in Minnesota.
7. Alshon Jeffery
Jeffery is a very young, promising receiver that has all the tools to become one of the top receivers in the league. The 6’3″ former South Carolina Gamecock has incredible hands, and filled the number one receiver void after Brandon Marshall left last year. Jeffery recorded 100 yards receiving in three of his first four games, before his season was ended due to a hamstring injury. He had great success in the two previous seasons playing with Brandon Marshall, so it will be very intriguing to see how he will perform when paired with last year’s first round pick Kevin White. It will be interesting to see how he performs this season after having received a franchise tag this off-season, with the potential of earning a huge contract down the road.
8. Randall Cobb
Cobb has emerged as one of the most elusive slot receivers in the league, and provided most of the receiving offense with Nelson out. The 2014-15 season was kind to Cobb; he recorded 91 catches and 12 touchdowns compared to 79 catches and 6 touchdowns in 2015-16. Cobb is best used in the slot, paired with a number one target on the outside to alleviate some of the focus on him.
9. Matthew Stafford
Matthew Stafford, the former first overall pick, may not have had the playoff success that the Lions and its fans might have hoped for, but putting up big numbers has never been an issue. Stafford passed Dan Marino last season to become the fastest quarterback to reach 25,000 yards in a career (90 games). It will be interesting to see how Stafford and the Lions offense will respond in the wake of the surprise retirement of Calvin Johnson.
10. Josh Sitton
It’s difficult to leave out a player like Josh Sitton, who is regarded around the league as one of the most consistent interior linemen in the NFL over the last several years. The Green Bay Packers offensive guard provides consistency in protecting Rodgers and carving paths for Eddie Lacy. Sitton was selected to the Pro Bowl each of the past three seasons.
Honorable Mention: Linval Joseph, Darius Slay, Mike Daniels.
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