In recent days, and even weeks the news on the NFL and the Dolphins has been more dry then the prohibition.  Given the lack of breaking headlines and entertaining news I have decided to compile a list of the 25 best currently active NFL players.  There are a lot of lists going around of the top NFL players

Peter King (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/peter_king/08/28/1to100/index.html)

NFL.COM (http://top100.nfl.com/)

but I wanted to make mine a little different.  The way my top 25 list works is as follows; I wanted to choose the top 25 current players on a one year basis.  If you still don’t follow me, for those of you football fans outs there I’m going to be selecting the top 25 players I would draft in a fantasy draft in Madden 2011 if I could only play one year.  I am not looking at which players will have a brighter future, or which player will be better for the next 5 years, or which player has been the best throughout his career but I am taking the top 25 players I would take for the 2011-2012 season (if it were to happen). 

If you don’t like this list because it’s too specific for you, well, move on but chances are you’re sitting at your desk at work or your house on your laptop and have nothing better to do then either fantasize about Gisele Bündchen or go see Thor for a second time.  So sit back, maybe go grab a beer, enjoy and let me know what you think about my top 25 list.

Number 1: Peyton Manning QB, Colts

Ok, so let the debating start, but I warn you I’m a Master Debater. A lot of people will want me to put Brady > Manning but I am taking Manning here and not Brady.  My reasoning for putting Peyton number one is that I can’t draft Belichick with Brady. I think Manning without an elite coach is better than Brady without an elite coach. You need less to build around Peyton then you do for Tom Terrific. As Gruden calls him Manning is simply, " The Sheriff".

Number 2: Tom Brady, QB, Patriots

Not a tough one here, if you don’t have Brady #1 then you have no choice to put him at number 2. He has the hair, the wife, the money, he really has it all and I HATE HIM FOR IT.

Number 3: Big Ben Roethlisberger QB, Steelers

This might be the biggest shocker on my list. Most people will say this is way too high for Big Ben but, all he does is WIN WIN WIN no matter what.  A wise man once said “You Play to Win the Game” . Well that’s exactly what Big Ben is a winner.  2 Super Bowl Rings and 3 appearances. The guy makes the clutch plays when it matters the most.

Number 4: Drew Brees, QB, Saints

By now you probably realized I see value at the QB position. Brees is a little lightning bolt of energy and proved he has the skills to win a championship. Brees is an elite passer and one of the league’s toughest guys.  

Number 5: Troy Polamalu, S, Steelers

Most of you are probably thinking Troy?? The actor?? The guy in all the head and shoulder commercials?? Yes that Troy, believe it or not when he isn’t busy shooting commercials he actually takes complete control of the football field. He is the ultimate solider and an absolute game changer when healthy. He simply is the most dominate defense force in the league.

Number 6: Andre Johnson, WR, Texans

This guy is a mismatch with any DB on the field. He has the size and speed that helps him dominate games.  Johnson is a true football player and unlike most skilled WR’s doesn’t really possess that diva factor.  

  Number 7: Darrelle Revis, CB, JETS

He is a JET so I don’t want to say too many nice things about him but the fact is he is the best cornerback in the game and can shutdown any WR in the league and has proven it several times.

Number 8: Joe Thomas, OT, Browns

This pick might be another shocker but if you have watched Sandra Bullock’s tear jerker, The Blind Side you know the importance of being able to protect the QB. Most people around the league view Thomas as the ultimate BFF and top security guard to any QB in the league.

Number 9: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers

The young gun slinger has been a sheer delight to watch ever since he stepped on the field.  Displaying an unbelievable amount of class on and off the field, he absolutely went crazy on opposing defenses this past playoffs and proved he is one of the elite QB’s in the league.

Number 10: Patrick Willis, MLB, 49ers

This one I wrestled in my mind quite a bit. While I think there is no doubt Willis is one of the top players on D in the NFL, his 49ers defense struggled mightily last year. Granted I don’t watch every 49ers game, and its rough to blame a whole team’s defense performance on one player bottom line is that Willis led defense was not an elite group last year.

Number 11: Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings

A true bulldozer. A running back that is able to combine insane strength with lightning fast speed. Peterson is the best overall running back in the NFL and is a top offensive player in the league.

Number 12: Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals

Another WR in the top 15?? Absolutely!!  Watch the 2009 playoffs and you won’t question me putting Fitz’s this high.

Number 13: Chris Johnson, RB, Titans

Some people don’t see value in running backs anymore in the NFL but Chris Johnson might be an exception to that.  Johnson is the start and finish of the Titans offense. Over 2000 yards 2 years ago, this back is the fastest running back the NFL has seen in a long time.

Number 14: James Harrison, OLB, Steelers

I had no choice but to put Harrison in my top 15 because if this list ever goes viral I don’t want him coming after me. Harrison is without a doubt the scariest most intimidating player in the entire league.  Some might even find him scarier than even Marilyn Manson.

Number 15: Ray Lewis, MLB, Ravens

Some might think he is too old to be this high but for my money for one year Lewis is the best leader in the NFL. Lewis not only is a tremendous player but also makes players around him better. Remember this list is for JUST the upcoming season. In that case, I wouldn’t want anyone else leading my defense other then Ray Ray.  

Number 16: DeMarcus Ware, OLB, Cowboys

When Parcells drafted Ware, he clearly had Lawrence Taylor in mind. While Ware isn’t Taylor, he certainly hasn’t let down. The speed pass rusher had a low profile year while leading the league in sacks this year.

Number 17: Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers

Best active QB without a ring in the NFL but puts all his heart in soul in the game and wants to win as much as anyone in this league. Rivers is an elite passer and a true franchise QB.

Number 18: Nnamdi Asomugha, CB, Free Agent

This man is going to be very rich soon as he is a free agent going into this off season. Nnamdi is probably the only true lockdown shutdown corner in the league aside from Revis. Some might even have him ranked higher than Revis.

Number 19: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Lions

He has only player one year but WOW what a rookie year, it did not take this kid long to prove he is going to be an elite DT in this league. Any time in your first year you can prove to the league you’re going to be a force to be reckon with, you have impressed me.

Number 20: Julius Peppers, DE, Bears

Last year as much as I respected Peppers I don’t think he would have made the top 25 but after watching him take over the Bears D and help bring them to the conference finals there is no doubt that Peppers is the elite DE in the league and can single handedly take over games.

Number 21: Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions

There is a reason this guys nickname is MEGATRON. What a BEAST! He is huge, he is fast he is everything you want in a WR. Despite his QB being often injured Johnson still has no problem taking over games and being the most dominant red zone threat in the NFL.

Number 22: Antonio Gates, TE, Chargers

Gates or Clark?? I went back and forth between these two guys and only wanted to put one in the top 25. I sided with Gates because even though both have elite QB’s I think Clark benefits from Manning more than Gates does from Rivers. Gates also has better size Clark. There is no doubt though that both are elite players in this league.

Number 23: Steve Hutchinson G, Vikings

Another wily old vet, Hutch is one of the best offensive linemen in the league and has been dominating for the past decade.

Number 24: Jared Allen, DE, Vikings

The Rhinestone cowboy Allen is a force on the outside and put the hurt on QBs around the league. Allen is an elite DE that takes over games and prevents opposing QB’s from doing their jobs properly.

Number 25: Jake Long, OT, Dolphins

OK, maybe some Phins bias here BUT you can easily debate that Long is the best tackle or offensive linemen in the league. Long is a big boy who has no problem throwing his body around and doing what is necessary to protect the QB. I am just happy he is a Dolphin!

Notable Snubs:  Ed Reed (too injury prone, no guarantee he players a full season at any time in his career), Ryan Clady (Lot of people have Clady as THE elite OT in the league but he has only player one year and missed another due to an injury).  Mike Vick (not willing to risk my franchise for his shtick) Charles Woodson (if you have him in your top 25 I wouldn’t argue with you) Chad Henne (HAHAHA couldn’t resist)

Do you agree with my top 25??? Let me know what you think??

Football related news has nearly run dry these days outside of depressing lockout talk. In regards to the Dolphins, though, we’ve been able to keep ourselves busy by discussing which veteran quarterback the front office should sign/trade for whenever the lockout is over.

We’ve identified two groups of veteran quarterbacks the Dolphins could acquire this offseason. The more realistic free agents that won’t require draft pick compensation and the quarterbacks that are more proven but less likely because they will cost the Dolphins a high-round draft choice.

Let’s take a look at some videos of the quarterbacks that could be on the trading block first. Yes, this regime has an exceedingly conservative mindset, but with their job security up in the air, it may be time to go all in for one of these possible solutions.

Carson Palmer:These are Palmer’s 2009 highlights, the most recent season I could find. Many argue that Palmer has never been the same since tearing numerous ligaments in his knee in 2006. But Palmer had one of his best statistical seasons the year after he got hurt, tossing for 4,035 yards and 28 touchdown passes. And in his two most recent seasons (09-10), he averaged 23.5 touchdowns, 16.5 interceptions, and 3,532 yards. Clearly not the type of production Palmer had at the beginning of his career, but it’s still just what the Dolphins are missing at the quarterback position.

 

After a week and three day hiatus, it’s finally time to continue our Q&A series that puts one of the Dolphins’ draft picks under the microscope by a blogger/writer that followed their entire collegiate career.

I had a hard time tracking down someone that covered fourth-round pick Edmond Gates to that extent, as there aren’t exactly blogs that cover D-II football teams like Abilene Christian. But I finally found someone that fit the bill with Joey Richards from Reporter News in Abilene, Texas.

Gates is probably the only selection Dolphins fans can agree on. Not every fan was fond of the front office’s conservative approach with the Pouncey pick and Daniel Thomas fills a need at running back, but lacks the big-play ability many were hoping for. Everyone is excited about the speed Gates will bring to an offense that was boring, predictable, and slow in 2010.

But of the Dolphins’ first three picks, Gates is probably the only player most of us never had the chance to actually watch in college outside of YouTube clips. I think it’s time we all learned a little about the guy who is supposedly going to open up the offense in 2011. 

Phins Phocus: When you turn on the highlights, Gates made defenders look like they were standing still at times. Those draw-dropping plays were against D-II competition, however. Do you think that Gates has what it takes to be a playmaker in the NFL?

Answer: I think, in time, he can be a playmaker in the NFL. Maybe not as often as in DII, but he'll still make some big plays. He's still developing, and it'll take time to learn at the NFL level. But he's a fast learner, and I think he'll do fine. 

Phins Phocus:  Some scouts have suggested that Gates is a bit raw as a route-runner. How do you assess his rout-running ability? Do you predict he will have a steep learning curve trying to become accustomed to a full NFL route tree?

Answer: He will have a lot to learn in the NFL, and I expect the Dolphins will bring him along slowly and give him some simple routes early. Remember, this is a guy who basically never played high school football, since he quit playing the game after his freshman year. But he's a fast learner, and he's eager to succeed in the NFL. I'm sure the Dolphins will find a way to get the ball in his hands. 

Ladies and Gentle, Boys and Girls, Children of all Ages …..Phins Phocus would like to proudly announce to you that we have signed on a new blogger to the page. After several hours of negotiation and contract talk, a deal was struck up at midnight to acquire one of the funniest and most entertaining Phins bloggers on the market.

Despite the fact that due to the lockout we really weren’t suppose to talk to free agents we decided to push the limits and got a deal done behind Roger Godell and De Smith’s back. So without further a due I’d like to present to you Daniel Eliesen from Phins Take. Daniel has written this little blurb to introduce himself to the Phins Phocus family.

Hello, Shalom, Salaam, Bienvenue, Aloha, Bienvenido, Benvenuto, Willkommen my name is Daniel Eliesen, I am a Bachelor of Commerce student from Concordia University, hopefully about to start a graduate degree in law from Montreal, Canada. Before I let you know a little bit about who I am, I would like to assure Phins Nation that I live and bleed Aqua and Orange.

My history with the Dolphins dates back since I was in the whom. Being a Canadian some might wonder how I ended up a Phins fan. My father has been a Dolphins fan since 1965 and raised me wisely to be the same. I have only had one team my entire life and that’s the Phins.

My pledge as the new blogger here at Phins Phocus is to both educate and inform the public as well as giving a lighter more comedic take on all football and Dolphins news. I live on the Dolphins fan blogs, local Miami newspapers, and twitter (@ danieleliesen @phinstake ) and do all my necessary research to make sure I give you an educated and well thought out opinion on the Phins.

Q + A with New Dolphins Blogger Daniel Eliesen

Q: Who is your favorite all time Dolphins?

A: Well the obvious answer here is clearly Dan the Man or Zach Thomas. I have to side with Zach because he showed true heart every play day in and day out and is exactly what a model player should be in the NFL. I also had the great pleasure of meeting Zach at Drew Rosenhaus’s Super Bowl party and to no surprise the guy was a class act.

Q: Favorite Under the radar Dolphin?

A: Take into consideration I am only 21 and don’t know as much about the greats. I am going to go with Oronde Gadsden. The dude made some epic catches in his career.

Q: Thoughts on the Dolphins upcoming season?

A: 6-10 :(

Q: Have you ever been to a Dolphins game?

A: Of course, I like to make it to at least 2, 3 games a year. I usually travel down to Buffalo to see the Phins game there, and then catch two home games.

Q: Anything you would like to say to the fans at Phins Phocus

A: I just want to inform them, that I’ll be at their service 24/7, always giving insight and laying out the Dolphins news. I look forward to being part of the team at Phins Phocus.

On Monday we discussed the Dolphins’ remaining quarterback options if they take the free agency route, whenever it may be that free agency is actually permitted to take place.

While there are a few impending free agent quarterbacks that would make the Dolphins a better football team and could potentially unseat Chad Henne as the starter in an open competition, there’s no doubt that the best chance at ending this franchise’s long quarterback drought, would be trading for either Carson Palmer, Kevin Kolb, or Kyle Orton.

Throw in Matt Flynn from the Packers and Jeff Ireland has himself several intriguing options if he wants to stray away from his normal conservative approach and go all in for a reliable quarterback that would instantly put the Dolphins in the playoff discussion.

I’m not going to argue the case for which quarterback I would prefer Miami trading for. Although, I would say Carson Palmer and Kyle Orton are safer bets than Kolb even though the Eagles are reportedly asking for at least a first-round pick. Of the two, Palmer and Orton, I’m not exactly convicted one way or the other. Palmer was once an elite quarterback in this league but he’s never been the same after hurting his knee. Orton, on the other hand, will never be a top five passer, but he’s younger and is arguably the most underrated quarterback in the league with the stats to back it up.

The week before the draft, anticipating that the Dolphins would try to trade down in the first round, I decided to reach out to some blogs that represented teams that selected late in round one, and offer them hypothetical trade request. When thinking about what it would cost the Dolphins to trade for a quarterback, I thought I would reach out to blogs that represent the Bengals, Eagles, Broncos, and Packers, to try and get a feel for what they would accept for these quarterbacks.

Please welcome in Jason Garrison from Cincy Jungle, Thomas Jackson from Eagles Eye, Kirk Davis from Mile High Report, and Brandon Benson from Acme Packing Company. I asked the bloggers to answer my trade request with accept, decline, or counter offer.

Carson Palmer Trade Request

The offer: Miami Dolphins’ 2012 second-round pick for Cincinnati Bengals QB Carson Palmer

Response: Counter offer

Here's the deal, I'm going to have to decline your trade offer and make a counter offer. I would love to ask you for a 2012 first round pick but I know that a team wouldn't be willing to give up a first rounder for Palmer. At the same time though, I think Palmer's worth more than a second-round pick by itself.

So here's my official counter offers. The Bengals are in need of a running back. Cedric Benson is a free agent and it's unclear as to whether or not the Bengals will be able to re-sign him. With a new west coast system and a rookie quarterback, it will be important for the Bengals to be able to run the ball to keep some pressure off Andy Dalton. The Bengals did not address the running back position in the draft until they used their seventh round compensatory pick on Baylor running back Jay Finley.

The same goes for the cornerback position. Johnathan Joseph is a free agent and while Adam Jones and Leon Hall could start in 2011, they are both free agents in 2012. They Bengals also passed on cornerbacks like Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara so they could grab A.J. Green in the first round. The Bengals didn't address the cornerback position until they selected Southern Illinois defensive back Korey Lindsey in the seventh round. So, what I would propose is one of two trades:

One: The Bengals give the Dolphins Carson Palmer in exchange for a 2012 second-round pick and newly acquired Kansas St. running back Daniel Thomas. I believe that both Ricky Williams and Ronny Brown are free agents now, that, combined with the fact that I liked Thomas while he was at Kansas St. and I believe he could fit into their WCO well, are the reasons that I would want Thomas. So even though you'd be losing a good running back prospect, you'd be gaining a proven quarterback that knows how to win. or

Two: I would ask for a 2012 third round pick and cornerback Vontae Davis. I know that Davis is a first round pick, but so is Palmer and, really, you probably need a quarterback worse than we need a defensive back. In reality, this is the kind of trade Bengals owner Mike Brown would ask for. You would be getting a proven quarterback and losing Davis, but cornerbacks are easier to replace than quarterbacks are.

The choice is yours, but really, I'd be surprised if Brown is willing to deal Palmer at all in 2011. He's a stubborn man.

My counter offer response: Declined

I like Jason’s outside of the box thinking here by throwing in players to the deal. But honestly, I don’t find these trades very realistic. I highly doubt Jeff Ireland would be willing to give up a rookie running back he was high enough on to trade away a fifth-round pick to move up into the second round for. And I’m almost certain Jeff Ireland would hang up the phone after a chuckle if the Bengals asked for Vontae Davis.

Vontae is on the verge of blossoming into one of the league’s best corners. Not only do you need a quarterback more than ever in a league that is evolving more and more towards the passing game, you need lockdown corners to shut down the pass on defense. Vontae Davis is going to be a shutdown corner and paired with Sean Smith, the Dolphins may have the brightest cornerback duo in football. That isn’t something the Dolphins should be willing to part with, even if it is for Carson Palmer.