Top 50 NFL Franchise Cornerstones: 10-1

By: Roshan Bhagat

10. Lofa Tatupu [ILB, Seattle Seahawks, 25]
Stats: 109 tackles (83 solo), 7 STF, 3 FF, 4 INT, 9 PD
3 seasons, 3 Pro Bowls. I don't think Tatupu could have planned his young career any better. As the leader of the Seahawks defense, Lofa has developed into the complete middle linebacker on the tier just under Brian Urlacher. He's overcome obstacles of size and made a big impact in the league. Not only is he an instinctive, sure tackler, but he has also filled the stat sheet with big plays and closed games. He's a natural leader who takes control of the defense and improves the players surrounding him. While Tatupu may not look the part from a physical standpoint, he's a player who performs spectacularly with pads on. His recent DUI does raise some concern, but his character tells me that will be his last screw up.

9. Patrick Willis [ILB, San Francisco 49ers, 23]
Stats: 174 tackles (135 solo), 4 sacks, 7 STF, 2 FF, 5 PD
When you hear of impact rookies, they're modeled around Patrick Willis on defense. The impact he generated for the Niners was unbelievable. Willis hit anything that moved anywhere on the field. His ability to attack the line of scrimmage and track down ball carriers already exists on the level of the veteran greats of the league. He attacks, drives, and wraps. His second year appears to be even more promising. With the retirement of Bryant Young, Willis now becomes the heart and soul of the defense. Thankfully for Willis, Mike Singletary will push this young stud to the limits. This inhuman combination of intensity, size, athleticism, and instincts ensures Willis a place as the face of the franchise for years to come.

8. Marcus McNeill [OT, San Diego Chargers, 24]
Stats: 2006, 2007 Pro Bowl Selection
As a second round pick in his rookie year, Marcus McNeill turned heads very quickly as he developed into a premiere left tackle for one of the league's winningest teams. He immediately became known as the man who helped pave way for LaDainian Tomlinson's record breaking season. His ability to drive defenders at the line of scrimmage and get to the second level in the run game ranks amongst the elite. His primary concern is keeping motivated for an entire season. His subpar offseason led to an inauspicious beginning to the season. He came into his own midway through the season and reverted back to his dominant Pro Bowl status to salvage the season. There's nothing stopping McNeill from becoming one of the perennial Pro Bowl tackles aside from himself.

7. Shawne Merriman [DE/OLB, San Diego Chargers, 24]
Stats: 68 tackles (54 solo), 12.5 sacks, 5 STF, 2 FF, 5 PD
Merriman is bar none the most feared edge rusher in the league. His ability to time the snap and fire around the edge is lethal and quarterback after quarterback pay the price. The speed and explosiveness creates a serious mismatch with offensive tackles, but his raw strength makes him an impossible block for tight ends and backs. Contrary to popular belief, Shawne Merriman is more dynamic than a strict one-dimensional pass rusher. Despite primary responsibilities to rush the passer, he is also able to stop the run as well as play a little coverage. However, it is his inability to excel in the latter that puts him at almost a 1b position to you know who. Nonetheless, there are very few players in the game that can change opposing game plans like Shawne Merriman can.

6. DeMarcus Ware [DE/OLB, Dallas Cowboys, 25]
Stats: 84 tackles (60 solo), 14 sacks, 9 STF, 4 FF, 3 PD
Ever since they were draft prospects, DeMarcus Ware and Shawne Merriman constantly drew comparisons to one another. While the difference between two is that of a coin flip, I'll employ the almost 51-49 "Tails never fails" strategy and go with Ware. The reason behind it is simple. He excels in every facet of the game. Ware creates match-up nightmares for offensive coordinators with his ability to terrorize quarterbacks with an explosive first step. While Merriman has the physical advantage and the ability to get after a passer, Ware slightly trumps him in the other criteria required of the position. He is also able to play contain and stop runs around and behind the line of scrimmage. However, it's his ability to play the pass that causes a hair of separation from Merriman.

5. Tommie Harris [DT, Chicago Bears, 25]
Stats: 35 tackles (31 solo), 8 sacks, 3 STF, 2 FF
Tommie Harris comes in at number 5 as my top ranked defensive player. Harris has been nothing but special since entering the league. He's about as dominant as any tackle in the league over this period, especially as a pass rusher. The Bears defense is significantly better with Harris on the field. His ability to control the middle of the field is superb. It was the 2006 season that showed off his true value. With him sitting out of the starting lineup for four games due to a knee and hamstring injury, the pass rush and run defense of the Bears took a noticeable decline. Because Harris can command attention and rush the passer, there isn't one player on the entire defense, including Brian Urlacher, that doesn't benefit from his dominating presence in the trenches.

4. Joe Thomas [OT, Cleveland Browns, 23]
Stats: 2006 Outland Trophy Winner, 2007 Pro Bowl selection
The league's best young, left tackle comes in at number four. To even the common fan, the impact of Joe Thomas has been noticeable. His ability to protect Derek Anderson was remarkable as he combined incredible athleticism and refined technique. As a result, he even received the recognition of most members of the media. While appearing as a wall on the left side, there are two reasons why Thomas isn't even higher on this list. One, I disagree to some extent with those that believe you can build a team around a tremendous left tackle. My argument stems from the ability to have four inadequate linemen beside the young stud, to diminish the strength of the unit. Those that are ranked higher than Thomas can make an impact by themselves. Reason number two: strength and domination in the run game. Thomas hasn't matured to the level where he can be a mauler in the trenches of the run game. He certainly has the potential to do so and become one of the greats in NFL history, but potential and actually proving it are two separate entities.

3. Adrian Peterson [RB, Minnesota Vikings, 23]
Stats: 238 att, 1341 yards, 5.6 avg, 12 TD, 19 rec, 268 yards, 14.1 avg, TD, 4 fumbles
The league's hottest name makes his mark at number three. There are two things keeping him from number one: Injuries and sustained production. When you look at the production of Adrian Peterson in his rookie season, it's very great. When you look at the manner in which he's done so, it's breathtaking. For a back to have the blend of size, speed, quickness, and vision is unthinkable. By simply looking at his highlight reel, it's obvious what kind of impact AP has had for the Vikings and can have for any offense. At any point, he's a threat to break tackle, break an ankle, and take any carry for six. Therefore, I don't think I need to justify why he should be this high, as it's pretty self-explanatory. I'll need to justify why I have him this "low". Well, for one, we haven't seen what he can do without a dominant run-blocking offensive line. This isn't his fault, but it's the cards he's been dealt. What we can notice about AP's deficiencies, if he has any, is his running style and resultant injuries. His reckless and upright running styles open him up to many unnecessary hits. It opens up more hits to his legs. We already saw this take a toll in year one, where he was sidelined for two games. Until he can prove to sustain a full workload for 16 games on a yearly basis, I'd have minor hesitations in selecting him over my next two guys.

2. Steven Jackson [RB, St. Louis Rams, 24]
Stats: 237 att, 1002 att, 4.2 avg, 5 TD, 38 rec, 271 yards, 7.1 avg, TD, 5 fumbles
Steven Jackson hit's the list as my top rated running back. I'll catch some flack in doing so, but this is not a list of the best players, it's the list of franchise cornerstones. One of the most important factors I'd consider when selecting my cornerstone would be his longevity. Jackson appears to top Peterson this category I believe, if just by the slightest of margins. While there still remains the same concern as AP, I don't see as great the risk. Jackson has proven to be a consistent workhorse, while taking many big hits. His biggest concerns have been the groin and ankle injuries, but he plays through the pain. Jackson is a fearful tackle with his monster stature, but also has the long speed to put away a run. Jackson has also proven to be a good pass catcher and outlet from the backfield. All of Jackson's production over the past two seasons should be put on a pedestal because of his ability to be effective with minimal offensive line help. These minor details combined make Jackson a slightly better cornerstone, in my opinion, than AP. It's very close and a tough decision, but the safer route as well.

1. Ben Roethlisberger [QB, Pittsburgh Steelers, 26]
Stats: 3154 yards, 65.3%, 7.81 YPA, 32 TD, 11 INT, 104.1 Rating, 35 att, 204 yards, 5.8 avg, 2 TD, 2 fumbles
Rookie season: 13-0 regular season, 14-1 overall, 98.1 QB Rating. Sophomore season: 3-0 on the road in the playoffs, first 6 seed to reach and win Super Bowl, youngest QB to win the Super Bowl. From the early days of his career, Roethlisberger was bound to stardom. He played incredibly in his younger years in protecting the football and doing just enough to help his team win. After an off year following a motorcycle accident, Roethlisberger was back on top of his game as one of the best QB's in the league not named Brady or Manning. His ability to shed tackles in the backfield and make plays has become his signature. He has become a proven winner in the regular season, but is also one of the few quarterbacks who can maintain his high level of play into the playoffs. Big Ben has developed into a stable and consistent leader at the most important position in football, which has him as the hottest option to pilot a franchise.