10 Best NFC West Players
This is my list of the best veteran players in the NFC west.
1. Patrick Willis MLB 49ers
Willis might be the best player in the league. During his three seasons in the NFL he has lead the league in tackles twice; in 2008 he was off by 10 tackles. P-Will makes everyone around him better and embodies what Mike Singlertary wants out of his players. The only thing that could hold P-Will back is his bum ankle, but that’s a minor concern.
2. Steven Jackson RB Rams
Jackson managed 1,400 yards on a team that couldn’t even threaten to pass. He does it all, he can catch the ball out of the backfield, get a short yard first down, or take it to the house. If Jackson can get any help this season he will be a monster.
3. Larry Fitzgerald WR Cardinals
Agreeably the best receiver in the game right now, Fitzgerald is a beast. If this were a “Best NFL Players” list Fitzgerald would be ahead of Jackson but because Shawntee Spencer owns him, combine that with the loss of Anquan Bolden and you have the reason for his drop.
4. Vernon Davis TE 49ers
Davis is a match up problem for any team. Last year the tight end had over 900 yards receiving and 13 touchdowns, but his biggest impacts (literally) are his blocks. Davis didn’t have much luck catching the ball his first couple of years but what kept him in the starting lineup was his ability to block.
5. Darnell Dockett DE Cardinals
Dockett is one of the most underrated players in the league. Overshadowed by an amazing offense, Dockett has quietly become one of the better 3-4 defensive ends in the NFL. If you follow him on Twitter you know that’s the only thing Dockett has done quietly.
6. Adrian Wilson S Cardinals
Wilson is in the same boat as Dockett. They are both highly underrated and don’t get the respect they deserve because the Cardinals seem like an offensive team. Any receiver that has met Wilson in the middle of the field would probably beg to differ.
7. Frank Gore RB 49ers
Not unlike Steven Jackson, Frank Gore can do it all. It seems like Gore should be higher than seven on this list but due to the inconsistent offense of the 49ers, Gore hasn’t produced up to his potential since 2006. This year should be different. The 49ers went out and drafted two huge offensive linemen and have had the same offensive coordinator for two consecutive years since Gore has been in the league.
8. Andy Lee P 49ers
A few years ago Andy Lee was the best player on the 49ers. There isn’t too much to say about him except that he can punt the heck out of the ball.
9. O.J Atogwe S Rams
The ball hawking free safety always comes up with interceptions. His ranking on this list takes a hit because the Rams are really bad.
10. Michael Crabtree WR 49ers/ TJ Houshmandzadeh WR Seahawks
I couldn’t leave either of these guys off the list. Houshmandzadeh played well last year but only came out with three touchdowns. Crabtree should jump up this list after he plays a full season.
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