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While football is a team game, elite players can make their teammates more effective due to the mismatches they create.
So, right now, who are the Top 15 players in the NFC West? My rating is based primarily on recent performance, though, in close comparisons, I am also considering long-term production.
Here's my ranking:
1. Aaron Donald, Rams
This one was easy. Donald is arguably the best player in the league, and there is certainly nobody in the division I'd rank over him.
2. Cooper Kupp, Rams
Kupp's historic season, followed by an equally dominant playoff run, puts him in the number 2 spot.
3. Nick Bosa, 49ers
Bosa is a beast. When he's healthy, he takes the 49ers' defense to another level.
4. Deebo Samuel, 49ers
His contributions to the passing and running games make him a unique player. It will be interesting to see, though, if his rushing attempts go down (assuming he stays with San Francisco), as it has been rumored that he's not happy with that role.
5. Jalen Ramsey, Rams
Ramsey is a special player who combines the shut-down abilities of an elite CB with the tackling skills of a safety. He had some rough moments in the playoffs, which I believe will cause him to come back with a vengeance.
6. Matthew Stafford, Rams
Stafford, as expected, thrived in the Rams' offense. I believe he'll play even better in Year 2 under McVay's system.
7. George Kittle, 49ers
Kittle has had some injury issues, but when he's healthy he's a matchup nightmare for opposing teams.
8. Trent Williams, 49ers
Not hard to see why the Rams and 49ers are at the top of this division. Williams is the top OL in the group.
9. Kyler Murray, Cardinals
I'm sure many national pundits would rank him higher, but I just don't see the consistency or the ability to handle defenses that take away his run option. Still, when he's good, he can be a highlight film.
10. D.K. Metcalf, Seahawks
It will be interesting to see how his numbers are impacted by Russell Wilson's departure. He is a physical beast, though.
11. Fred Warner, 49ers
When you watch the 49ers defense play, you can't help but notice Warner.
12. Bobby Wagner, Rams
Wagner would have been above Warner a couple of years ago and, with Aaron Donald in front of him, I expect him to have a bit of a resurgence.
13. Tyler Lockett, Seahawks
I definitely think his numbers will decrease with Wilson gone.
14. Leonard Floyd, Rams
His 20 sacks in two seasons with the Rams get him noticed, but its his run defense that sets him apart from many edge rushers.
15. Budda Baker, Cardinals
A perennial Pro Bowl performer in the prime of his career.
Honorable Mention (just missed the cut): James Conner, Cardinals; Elijah Mitchell, 49ers; Quandre Diggs, Seahawks; Marquise Brown, Cardinals; Allen Robinson, Rams
So, right now, who are the Top 15 players in the NFC West? My rating is based primarily on recent performance, though, in close comparisons, I am also considering long-term production.
Here's my ranking:
1. Aaron Donald, Rams
This one was easy. Donald is arguably the best player in the league, and there is certainly nobody in the division I'd rank over him.
2. Cooper Kupp, Rams
Kupp's historic season, followed by an equally dominant playoff run, puts him in the number 2 spot.
3. Nick Bosa, 49ers
Bosa is a beast. When he's healthy, he takes the 49ers' defense to another level.
4. Deebo Samuel, 49ers
His contributions to the passing and running games make him a unique player. It will be interesting to see, though, if his rushing attempts go down (assuming he stays with San Francisco), as it has been rumored that he's not happy with that role.
5. Jalen Ramsey, Rams
Ramsey is a special player who combines the shut-down abilities of an elite CB with the tackling skills of a safety. He had some rough moments in the playoffs, which I believe will cause him to come back with a vengeance.
6. Matthew Stafford, Rams
Stafford, as expected, thrived in the Rams' offense. I believe he'll play even better in Year 2 under McVay's system.
7. George Kittle, 49ers
Kittle has had some injury issues, but when he's healthy he's a matchup nightmare for opposing teams.
8. Trent Williams, 49ers
Not hard to see why the Rams and 49ers are at the top of this division. Williams is the top OL in the group.
9. Kyler Murray, Cardinals
I'm sure many national pundits would rank him higher, but I just don't see the consistency or the ability to handle defenses that take away his run option. Still, when he's good, he can be a highlight film.
10. D.K. Metcalf, Seahawks
It will be interesting to see how his numbers are impacted by Russell Wilson's departure. He is a physical beast, though.
11. Fred Warner, 49ers
When you watch the 49ers defense play, you can't help but notice Warner.
12. Bobby Wagner, Rams
Wagner would have been above Warner a couple of years ago and, with Aaron Donald in front of him, I expect him to have a bit of a resurgence.
13. Tyler Lockett, Seahawks
I definitely think his numbers will decrease with Wilson gone.
14. Leonard Floyd, Rams
His 20 sacks in two seasons with the Rams get him noticed, but its his run defense that sets him apart from many edge rushers.
15. Budda Baker, Cardinals
A perennial Pro Bowl performer in the prime of his career.
Honorable Mention (just missed the cut): James Conner, Cardinals; Elijah Mitchell, 49ers; Quandre Diggs, Seahawks; Marquise Brown, Cardinals; Allen Robinson, Rams
