We’ve finished unveiling my list of the NFC South’s top 25 players for 2012. Was anyone at all surprised that New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees was No. 1?
That choice was obvious, but the rest were open for debate and I’m sure there are lots of varying opinions out there. That’s fine because debate is healthy and it’s the reason we have the comments section below. With that in mind, let’s quickly review my top 25 NFC South players (and keep in mind I left off notables, such as Jordan Gross, Tony Gonzalez and Ronde Barber, because they’re approaching the end of their careers and may not be what they once were.
Brees
Carl Nicks, guard, Tampa Bay
Jimmy Graham, tight end, New Orleans
Cam Newton, quarterback, Carolina
Darren Sproles, running back, New Orleans
Ryan Kalil, center, Carolina
Jahri Evans, guard, New Orleans
Steve Smith, receiver, Carolina
Matt Ryan, quarterback, Atlanta
Jabari Greer, cornerback, New Orleans
Julio Jones, receiver, Atlanta
Brent Grimes, cornerback, Atlanta
DeAngelo Williams, running back, Carolina
Curtis Lofton, linebacker, New Orleans
Sean Weatherspoon, linebacker, Atlanta
Vincent Jackson, receiver, Tampa Bay
Jonathan Stewart, running back, Carolina
Charles Johnson, defensive end, Carolina
Roddy White, receiver, Atlanta
Malcolm Jenkins, safety, New Orleans
Jon Beason, linebacker, Carolina
Josh Freeman, quarterback, Tampa Bay
Michael Turner, running back, Atlanta
Adrian Clayborn, defensive end, Tampa Bay
Marques Colston, receiver, New Orleans