We've reached the end of the yellow brick road on the NFL Network's The Top 100 Players of 2014* countdown.*
On Wednesday night, players 10 through 1 were revealed. The Around The League team offers up our own top 10 selections. Please note that NFL players had zero input in the creation of these lists. We bring glad tidings and overt sanity.
Where's that voiceover lady NFL Network uses? Try to read this post in her sly intonation if you have that ability.
- Injuries are a factor. Rob Gronkowski and Von Miller would be on this list if they weren't coming off knee reconstruction. NaVorro Bowman would be close. Even with the number of surgeries now approaching double digits, Gronk boasts the best age-25 career of any tight end in history.
- Our instructions were to rank players based on 2014 expectations, which explains Luck's placement on this list. I fully expect him to join the ranks of the NFL's elite quarterbacks with an improved receiving corps this season.
- I didn't put Richard Sherman in my top 10 because I think Earl Thomas is the most valuable player on Seattle's defense. And I think the Seahawks players and coaches agree. Both Thomas and Sherman would be ranked in the top 20.
- Luke Kuechly is a stud. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year would be in my top 15, but he's not appreciably better than Lavonte David or Patrick Willis.
- There are four quarterbacks at the top because the position is that valuable. I've already explained why Rodgers belongs atop the list in our preseason quarterback rankings, but you can't go wrong with any of the four. Look for Brady and Brees to play at a higher level in 2014 now that they are surrounded by better talent.
The latest "Around The League Podcast" ranked the top quarterbacks in the NFL today.