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Question of the week
If you were starting a franchise, which player would you build your team around?
By PFW staff
Oct. 30, 2004
Think of the best players in the NFL. Which would you want to build your team around?
Would it be a quarterback like Peyton Manning, Donovan McNabb or Daunte Culpepper?
Or a stud running back like Priest Holmes or LaDainian Tomlinson? Even a great receiver like Randy Moss?
Based on salary, odds are good that it might be an offensive left tackle like Jonathan Ogden or Walter Jones. Or how about a premier pass rusher like Jason Taylor or Jevon Kearse?
Maybe it would be a ferocious middle linebacker who is a fiery leader, like Ray Lewis.
In other words, what makes up a franchise-type player? Is it the player himself, the position he plays, or a combination of the two?
Whatever the case, we thought it would be interesting to ask people throughout the league for their opinion about which player they would want to build a team around. Here are some of the answers that we got:
Patriots OLT Matt Light:
“Well, I guess I’m a little biased, but I’d probably want No. 12 (Tom Brady) running my offense. When I think of team players and what it means to be a real leader and all that stuff, he definitely fits the mold. Just his work ethic and his style of play warrant him to be a part of any team that I’d play with. He’s somebody that can not only improve your team athletically with his ability, but also in the locker room and in the weight room and on the field and in practice.”
Jets NT Jason Ferguson:
“To be a smart one, I’d take Chad (Pennington) and choose quarterback. He’s a guy who’s a natural leader. Even as a backup, he was talking and hyped and just kept us in the game that way. He’s a natural leader. He’s a guy who wants to get better and help the organization get better.”
Broncos RB Reuben Droughns:
“That’s a tough question. There are so many great players out there. I would say a guy like Donovan McNabb. Definitely Donovan, because he’s such a wonderful talent and he has such a great attitude. If I had a chance to build up a franchise, it would be around him. I’ve had the pleasure of talking to him several times. He’s a good guy. He’s a wonderful person on the field and off the field.”
Colts DE Robert Mathis:
“A quarterback. … You want to go with a young up-and-comer, but if you were going to start a franchise, you want somebody that knows what he’s doing and knows how to win. And has a few championships under his belt. The safe bet would be Brett Favre.”
Packers CB Ahmad Carroll:
"Brett Favre. He’s the man. He controls the game like no other quarterback. He's just a tough guy and a great football player."
Ravens offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh:
“Ray Lewis. No question. … If I can go back in time a little, I’d say Ray Lewis or Joe Montana. Those are two guys to me that epitomize professionalism, loving the game you play, understanding it, working hard at it, having a passion about it, having a drive to be the best at your position that’s ever played. In my opinion, they both accomplished that. They are just quality people, great players who have a positive effect on everyone around them. They motivate people. Those are my two favorites.”
49ers defensive line coach Dan Quinn:
“As a defensive coach, it's hard to pick an offensive guy, but I sure wouldn't be against having Peyton Manning as my starting point. He'd be one that I'd consider. So would Ray Lewis, because of the way he's able to raise the level of play from the people around him.”
PFW Chiefs correspondent Rick Dean, of the Topeka Capital Journal:
“I’m not so damn sure I wouldn’t go with Peyton Manning. What is he, 28? That’s where I’d start. I think he’s the smartest quarterback out there, he’s a winner, and I think he can play effectively for at least another seven years because no one can ever get a real good shot on him. He may not have even hit his pace yet. If Manning’s not available when I pick, I’m taking Byron Leftwich.”
PFW Raiders correspondent Mike Wagaman, of Silver & Black Illustrated:
“If I’m taking a guy right now, I’m taking Donovan (McNabb). He’s simply got too much weaponry in his game. Too many skills and too much athletic ability, and he seems now to have finally matured and grasped everything with the mental part of the game. And now it’s simply a matter of surrounding him with some playmakers. You’ve seen what the addition of a true threat in the passing game (Terrell Owens) has done for him. Some people might say Michael Vick, but to me, McNabb is so much more refined.”
PFW Broncos correspondent Bill Williamson, of the Denver Post:
“Peyton Manning. You’ve got to start with a quarterback. He’s got another good 10 years left in him, and he’s the best there is right now. (Ben) Roethlisberger wouldn’t be a bad choice either, I don’t think.”
PFW 49ers correspondent Kevin Lynch, of the San Francisco Chronicle:
“I'd say Donovan McNabb. He's shown how effective he can be now with really good receivers to work with, and he's such a positive force. The fact he can run so well makes him doubly dangerous.”
PFW Seahawks correspondent Mike Sando, of the Tacoma News Tribune:
“LaDainian Tomlinson. He's a great all-around talent. Just look at the numbers he's put up without the benefit of a great line.”
PFW Buccaneers correspondent Roger Mills, of the St. Petersburg Times:
“I have to go with Michael Vick. Once he learns to play quarterback, he’s going to be the most dangerous player in the league. He hasn’t got the consistency just yet, but then again, no young quarterbacks do. But with his running and the kind of plays he can make with his feet, he opens up everything. He’s the one player you look at as a coach and say, ‘I can’t match up with him.’ ”
PFW Patriots correspondent Glen Farley, of the The Enterprise in Brockton, Mass.:
“Defense wins championships, and Ray Lewis is flat-out the best defender in the game today. His instincts are second to none, and he brings a total package with size, burst and power. As good as he is, Lewis brings additional value by making those around him better. His mere presence alters games, and he imposes his will on teammates while taking away the will of opponents.”
PFW Panthers correspondent Scott Fowler, of the Charlotte Observer:
“I’m going to say Peyton Manning. He’s the smartest quarterback in the NFL, and he seems to be a guy who can make other people better. He’s consistent. The fact that he scores at least 25 points a week for my fantasy team also means I have a soft spot for him. But he’s the guy. He’s a leader who can handle the pressure of being the center of it all.”
PFW Saints correspondent Brian Allee-Walsh, of the New Orleans Times-Picayune:
“Let’s see. I would say either Michael Vick or LaDainian Tomlinson. They are the best offensive players in the game. Vick might not be in the best offense for his skills, but he is the most exciting player in the game and has Hall of Fame talent. Whether or not he can blossom in that offense and how much that rattles his confidence remains to be seen, but he is solid. Tomlinson is the best all-around running back in the league. He’s quick and he is versatile. The knock against skill players in this is that they might not have the longevity that some other guys will. Jim Finks used to get all the big guys early in the draft because you can’t find that later on. I don’t necessarily believe that. Peyton Manning could be in there as well. So, I’m looking at one of those three guys.”
PFW Bills correspondent Chuck Pollock, of the Olean (N.Y.) Times-Herald:
“Peyton Manning, because he effectively becomes a coach on the field. I realize their offense is fairly complex, but clearly he could dumb down what he does. He’s a pretty talented guy, clearly, but I think he also could serve young players well on field as the game progresses and have a profound impact on an offense even if it was struggling.”
PFW executive editor Dan Arkush:
“I had to think about this one. Taking the youth factor into account first and foremost, I really love what Ben Roethlisberger looks like he’s ready to bring to the table long-term. He’s a terrific talent with a great future as long as he stays healthy. I think the Steelers are going to be in great shape for a long time to come.”
PFW associate editor Trent Modglin:
“I’d be hard pressed not to go with LaDainian Tomlinson. The guy does it all. He’s the best player in the league right now. I considered going with a quarterback like Manning or McNabb or Culpepper, or perhaps even one of the younger guys, but it has been proven lately that you can have postseason success without a star quarterback.”
PFW associate editor Mike Wilkening:
“My vote goes for Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger. Yeah, he still has a lot to learn. But we’re an expansion franchise, so we’ll be patient. Roethlisberger’s arm, field vision and feet are excellent, and his leadership skills are top-notch, too. After bringing Roethlisberger aboard, the attention would turn to building a solid offensive line.”
If you were starting a franchise, which player would you build your team around?
By PFW staff
Oct. 30, 2004
Think of the best players in the NFL. Which would you want to build your team around?
Would it be a quarterback like Peyton Manning, Donovan McNabb or Daunte Culpepper?
Or a stud running back like Priest Holmes or LaDainian Tomlinson? Even a great receiver like Randy Moss?
Based on salary, odds are good that it might be an offensive left tackle like Jonathan Ogden or Walter Jones. Or how about a premier pass rusher like Jason Taylor or Jevon Kearse?
Maybe it would be a ferocious middle linebacker who is a fiery leader, like Ray Lewis.
In other words, what makes up a franchise-type player? Is it the player himself, the position he plays, or a combination of the two?
Whatever the case, we thought it would be interesting to ask people throughout the league for their opinion about which player they would want to build a team around. Here are some of the answers that we got:
Patriots OLT Matt Light:
“Well, I guess I’m a little biased, but I’d probably want No. 12 (Tom Brady) running my offense. When I think of team players and what it means to be a real leader and all that stuff, he definitely fits the mold. Just his work ethic and his style of play warrant him to be a part of any team that I’d play with. He’s somebody that can not only improve your team athletically with his ability, but also in the locker room and in the weight room and on the field and in practice.”
Jets NT Jason Ferguson:
“To be a smart one, I’d take Chad (Pennington) and choose quarterback. He’s a guy who’s a natural leader. Even as a backup, he was talking and hyped and just kept us in the game that way. He’s a natural leader. He’s a guy who wants to get better and help the organization get better.”
Broncos RB Reuben Droughns:
“That’s a tough question. There are so many great players out there. I would say a guy like Donovan McNabb. Definitely Donovan, because he’s such a wonderful talent and he has such a great attitude. If I had a chance to build up a franchise, it would be around him. I’ve had the pleasure of talking to him several times. He’s a good guy. He’s a wonderful person on the field and off the field.”
Colts DE Robert Mathis:
“A quarterback. … You want to go with a young up-and-comer, but if you were going to start a franchise, you want somebody that knows what he’s doing and knows how to win. And has a few championships under his belt. The safe bet would be Brett Favre.”
Packers CB Ahmad Carroll:
"Brett Favre. He’s the man. He controls the game like no other quarterback. He's just a tough guy and a great football player."
Ravens offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh:
“Ray Lewis. No question. … If I can go back in time a little, I’d say Ray Lewis or Joe Montana. Those are two guys to me that epitomize professionalism, loving the game you play, understanding it, working hard at it, having a passion about it, having a drive to be the best at your position that’s ever played. In my opinion, they both accomplished that. They are just quality people, great players who have a positive effect on everyone around them. They motivate people. Those are my two favorites.”
49ers defensive line coach Dan Quinn:
“As a defensive coach, it's hard to pick an offensive guy, but I sure wouldn't be against having Peyton Manning as my starting point. He'd be one that I'd consider. So would Ray Lewis, because of the way he's able to raise the level of play from the people around him.”
PFW Chiefs correspondent Rick Dean, of the Topeka Capital Journal:
“I’m not so damn sure I wouldn’t go with Peyton Manning. What is he, 28? That’s where I’d start. I think he’s the smartest quarterback out there, he’s a winner, and I think he can play effectively for at least another seven years because no one can ever get a real good shot on him. He may not have even hit his pace yet. If Manning’s not available when I pick, I’m taking Byron Leftwich.”
PFW Raiders correspondent Mike Wagaman, of Silver & Black Illustrated:
“If I’m taking a guy right now, I’m taking Donovan (McNabb). He’s simply got too much weaponry in his game. Too many skills and too much athletic ability, and he seems now to have finally matured and grasped everything with the mental part of the game. And now it’s simply a matter of surrounding him with some playmakers. You’ve seen what the addition of a true threat in the passing game (Terrell Owens) has done for him. Some people might say Michael Vick, but to me, McNabb is so much more refined.”
PFW Broncos correspondent Bill Williamson, of the Denver Post:
“Peyton Manning. You’ve got to start with a quarterback. He’s got another good 10 years left in him, and he’s the best there is right now. (Ben) Roethlisberger wouldn’t be a bad choice either, I don’t think.”
PFW 49ers correspondent Kevin Lynch, of the San Francisco Chronicle:
“I'd say Donovan McNabb. He's shown how effective he can be now with really good receivers to work with, and he's such a positive force. The fact he can run so well makes him doubly dangerous.”
PFW Seahawks correspondent Mike Sando, of the Tacoma News Tribune:
“LaDainian Tomlinson. He's a great all-around talent. Just look at the numbers he's put up without the benefit of a great line.”
PFW Buccaneers correspondent Roger Mills, of the St. Petersburg Times:
“I have to go with Michael Vick. Once he learns to play quarterback, he’s going to be the most dangerous player in the league. He hasn’t got the consistency just yet, but then again, no young quarterbacks do. But with his running and the kind of plays he can make with his feet, he opens up everything. He’s the one player you look at as a coach and say, ‘I can’t match up with him.’ ”
PFW Patriots correspondent Glen Farley, of the The Enterprise in Brockton, Mass.:
“Defense wins championships, and Ray Lewis is flat-out the best defender in the game today. His instincts are second to none, and he brings a total package with size, burst and power. As good as he is, Lewis brings additional value by making those around him better. His mere presence alters games, and he imposes his will on teammates while taking away the will of opponents.”
PFW Panthers correspondent Scott Fowler, of the Charlotte Observer:
“I’m going to say Peyton Manning. He’s the smartest quarterback in the NFL, and he seems to be a guy who can make other people better. He’s consistent. The fact that he scores at least 25 points a week for my fantasy team also means I have a soft spot for him. But he’s the guy. He’s a leader who can handle the pressure of being the center of it all.”
PFW Saints correspondent Brian Allee-Walsh, of the New Orleans Times-Picayune:
“Let’s see. I would say either Michael Vick or LaDainian Tomlinson. They are the best offensive players in the game. Vick might not be in the best offense for his skills, but he is the most exciting player in the game and has Hall of Fame talent. Whether or not he can blossom in that offense and how much that rattles his confidence remains to be seen, but he is solid. Tomlinson is the best all-around running back in the league. He’s quick and he is versatile. The knock against skill players in this is that they might not have the longevity that some other guys will. Jim Finks used to get all the big guys early in the draft because you can’t find that later on. I don’t necessarily believe that. Peyton Manning could be in there as well. So, I’m looking at one of those three guys.”
PFW Bills correspondent Chuck Pollock, of the Olean (N.Y.) Times-Herald:
“Peyton Manning, because he effectively becomes a coach on the field. I realize their offense is fairly complex, but clearly he could dumb down what he does. He’s a pretty talented guy, clearly, but I think he also could serve young players well on field as the game progresses and have a profound impact on an offense even if it was struggling.”
PFW executive editor Dan Arkush:
“I had to think about this one. Taking the youth factor into account first and foremost, I really love what Ben Roethlisberger looks like he’s ready to bring to the table long-term. He’s a terrific talent with a great future as long as he stays healthy. I think the Steelers are going to be in great shape for a long time to come.”
PFW associate editor Trent Modglin:
“I’d be hard pressed not to go with LaDainian Tomlinson. The guy does it all. He’s the best player in the league right now. I considered going with a quarterback like Manning or McNabb or Culpepper, or perhaps even one of the younger guys, but it has been proven lately that you can have postseason success without a star quarterback.”
PFW associate editor Mike Wilkening:
“My vote goes for Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger. Yeah, he still has a lot to learn. But we’re an expansion franchise, so we’ll be patient. Roethlisberger’s arm, field vision and feet are excellent, and his leadership skills are top-notch, too. After bringing Roethlisberger aboard, the attention would turn to building a solid offensive line.”