You don’t have to agree — and that’s the beauty part of any All-Pro team.
We also went with two running backs and not a fullback as they did on the Pro Bowl rosters.
Peyton Manning, Colts
By his own standards, Manning is not having the statistical year he has had in the past. Philip Rivers, Chad Pennington and Drew Brees all have higher rankings, but Manning has overcome two surgeries on his left knee and willed the Colts to a nine-game winning streak to end the season and yet another playoff berth. Manning completed 371-of-555 passes (66.8 percent) for 4,002 yards with 27 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. “Who else would you want on the field when the game is on the line?” said one AFC scout. “No doubt here.”
";
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Adrian Peterson, Vikings
This was a tough selection even though Peterson leads the league in rushing. He is a stud in every sense of the word because he runs inside or outside with power, acceleration and toughness. He had 1,760 rushing yards and 10 TDs while averaging 4.8 yards per carry. But there’s a catch to Peterson’s near-legendary status. He fumbled nine times, and those drops were particularly costly in the Week 16 loss to the Falcons. “He looks like he’s going to be one of the best backs of the last 20 years,” said one NFC scout. “But he fumbles too often. You saw what happened against Atlanta. That’s really troubling.” ";
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DeAngelo Williams, Panthers
This stud has been the key to the Carolina offense. Williams ran for 1,515 yards and 18 touchdowns while averaging 5.5 yards per carry. He had five runs of 40 yards or more and didn't fumble. The biggest beneficiaries of Williams’ productivity might have been quarterback Jake Delhomme and wide receiver Steve Smith, because opposing defenses had to play the Panthers offense honestly. “What surprises me is how tough he is after contact,” said an NFC defensive coordinator. “He’s a lot more than a speed back.” ";
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Andre Johnson, Texans
The Texans are not yet contenders, but Johnson has proven himself time and time again. He can make every catch in the book and is not going to cost his team with selfish actions. Johnson caught 115 passes for 1,575 yards (both league highs) and eight touchdowns and is fearless going over the middle while also posing a major threat as a deep receiver. He cannot be stopped in any one-on-one situation. “Put him on a winning team when the game is on the line and he would be a monster,” said an AFC defensive coach. ";
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Wes Welker, Patriots
He’s no longer underrated, but he's definitely underpublicized. Welker rarely speaks before cameras and just goes about his business (except when he is making snow angels). Welker is a big man in a small man’s body, with exceptional quickness and athleticism. He finished with 111 catches for 1,165 yards and three TDs. “I am sure that if the ball is coming his way in any game situation that he will not drop it,” said one head coach. “I can’t say that about any player I’ve ever seen in this league.” ";
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Jason Witten, Cowboys
Although he trails Kansas City’s Tony Gonzalez in overall productivity, Witten did it under duress with a contending team. He caught 81 passes for 952 yards and four TDs and is fearless going up the seam or across the middle. “He has to deal with all that (expletive deleted) from TO and he’s just tough as nails,” said one NFC scout. ";
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Ryan Clady, Broncos
He made an impact on the Broncos offense from the first day of training camp and performed consistently even when his team did not. Clady was consistent in the running game and better than expected in pass blocking. “I can’t wait to see him in a couple of years,” said one NFC scout. “He’ll be as good as Jonathan Ogden was at his best — or at least close to it.”
";
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David Diehl, Giants
He never misses a game and it seems he never misses a block. Diehl may be the key reason behind the Giants’ Earth, Wind and Fire running attack. He is a dominant run blocker who plays through the whistle and always finishes his blocks. “He’s the most dependable run blocker in the league — period,” said one AFC scout. ";
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Steve Hutchinson, Minnesota
Smart, sharp and aggressive, Hutchinson has been an All-Pro for the Seahawks and Vikings. He is a technician with a nasty streak and he’s on the verge of Hall of Fame consideration when his career ends. “He’s got that sense of confidence about him that makes everyone believe he will get the job done,” said an NFC defensive coordinator. “I’m still trying to find some kind of flaw in his game, but I never see it on film.” ";
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Ben Grubbs, Ravens
One of the rising stars at his position, he barely beats out the Jets’ Alan Faneca because of his consistency. Grubbs has improved as a pass blocker and is a very aggressive run blocker. He was instrumental in the Ravens' fourth-quarter explosion in Week 16 against the Cowboys. ";
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Kevin Mawae, Titans
This position has been the personal domain of the Colts’ Jeff Saturday in recent years, but injuries have been an issue for him this season. Mawae does not have to apologize to anyone. He's tough and nasty and a great leader who can block linebackers, defensive tackles and help his fellow linemen with their responsibilities. ";
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Justin Tuck, Giants
An absolute stud who performed above and beyond expectations following Michael Strahan's retirement and Osi Umenyiora's season-ending injury. Tuck had 12 sacks, three forced fumbles and returned his only interception 41 yards for a touchdown. “He’s obviously got the quickness and is a monster pass rusher,” said one AFC scout. “But he’s in good position against the run.” ";
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John Abraham, Falcons
Much of the focus on Atlanta’s success has been on the play of rookie quarterback Matt Ryan and running back Michael Turner. However, Atlanta was solid on defense all season and Abraham had a superproductive season with a league-high 16.5 sacks among linemen. “There have been questions about his stamina and effort, but the guy makes plays every time he is on the field,” said one AFC offensive coordinator. ";
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Kevin Williams, Vikings
It’s tough to separate the two Williamses in Minnesota, but Kevin is more athletic and a bit quicker when it comes to disrupting the pocket. Williams is a stud against the run and does an outstanding job of stepping up into the quarterback’s face. ";
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Albert Haynesworth, Titans
He couldn't keep up the pace he had early in the season when the Titans were undefeated. Haynesworth is one of the meanest players at his position in the league, and that helps him dominate once he senses an opponent’s weakness. “He smells that blood once he makes a play or two in a game,” said an NFL head coach. “That’s what you want from everyone, and Haynesworth delivers.” ";
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Joey Porter, Dolphins
He had a huge season with 17.5 sacks but, more than the numbers, Porter has given life and confidence to a Miami defense that struggled badly a year ago. Much of the credit for the Dolphins' turnaround must go to Porter and the leadership he has provided. “I never saw this kind of season coming from Joey,” said one AFC scout. “I thought he was an average player at this point in his career.” ";
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Ray Lewis, Ravens
There have been suggestions from that Lewis is more show than production as the mouthpiece of the Ravens defense. That suggestion has not been heard this season. Lewis is the leading tackler on what might be the best defense in the league. He had 117 tackles, nine passes defensed, three interceptions and a forced fumble. “He’s not as fast as he was, but he still loves to play and finds a way to make the stop,” said one AFC offensive coach. ";
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DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys
A legitimate candidate for the league’s Most Valuable Player award. He had an eye-catching 20 sacks, but for someone who has tasted the glory he doesn't forget about his responsibilities in the running game. “He’s as athletic as any linebacker in the game, but he’s smart and clearly studies film in order to put himself in the right position,” said one AFC offensive coach.
";
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Nnamdi Asomugha, Raiders
He has become the elite cover man in the league, as opponents rarely throw to his side of the field. In the Raiders’ Week 16 win over the Texans, Asomugha confirmed his All-Pro status by holding Andre Johnson to two catches for 19 yards. Asomugha is a willing tackler (40 stops) who is an asset against the run. “I would take him over any other cornerback in the league,” said one NFC scout. ";
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Cortland Finnegan, Titans
He climbed the ladder this season with his consistency. He’s an excellent cover man who is physical and aggressive and does not shy away from tackling bigger, stronger running backs. Finnegan had 69 tackles and two sacks to go with five interceptions. He started off strong and only got better as the season progressed. ";
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Ed Reed, Ravens
The most instinctive defensive back in the game. He ranks with the all-time greats at the position, including Ronnie Lott, Kenny Easley and Larry Wilson. Reed had seven interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble to go along with 38 tackles and a mind-boggling 16 passes defensed. “He’s a legitimate MVP candidate,” said one NFC assistant coach. “He’s probably the most instinctive defensive player in the game.” ";
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Troy Polamalu, Steelers
A veritable missile on the field, Polamalu moves with so much speed when pursuing a ball carrier that cameras seem to have a hard time keeping him in focus. He made 73 tackles, intercepted seven passes and defensed another 17 while giving the hard-hitting Steelers defense a ton of leadership. “He’s so aggressive that you think you can fake him out of position, but that is rarely the case,” said one NFC scout. ";
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Jason Hanson, Lions
He didn't have to make many clutch kicks, and he certainly hasn’t made a game-winner. However, Hanson was 21-of-22 on field goals and connected on all eight of his attempts from 50 yards or more, including a 56-yarder. He’s been as hot as his team has been cold this season. ";
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Shane Lechler, Raiders
Another season and another All-Pro spot for Lechler, who averaged 48.8 yards with a net average of 41.2. Lechler gets outstanding height and gives his coverage team plenty of time to get downfield. ";
// END editorial data