Top 50 NFL Franchise Cornerstones

Top 50 NFL Franchise Cornerstones: 40-31

By: Roshan Bhagat

40. David Harris [ILB, New York Jets, 24]
Stats: 127 tackles (90 solo), 5 sacks, 2 FF, FR, 3 PDef
This may come as the first big surprise of the list. After watching Harris play for half a season, I’ve fallen in love with his play. While I have him ranked over the likes of DeMeco Ryans who has proven more than Harris, I can't help but to think how great Harris can be in the interior of the Jets defense. If he isn't already, he's going to become the heart and soul of that D along with Gholston. Adding a real nose tackle that can absorb multiple blockers can only help his case this season. The way Harris jumped into the Jets starting lineup and racked up the tackles, shed blocks, and made plays caught me off guard and has left me star struck.

39. Greg Jennings [WR, Green Bay Packers, 24]
Stats: 53 rec, 920 yards, 17.4 avg, 12 TD
It is unusual to have a receiver who still hasn't reached the 1000 yard plateau in a season at this point on the list. However, when you watch Jennings play, you just see special from him. Because Favre liked to spread the ball around, Jennings received fewer looks, but gained the majority of them late in the 4th quarter. He's quickly becoming the number one target in Green Bay over Donald Driver. Jennings' game is based on control. There are so few players who have the body control that he has. He's fluid in and out of cuts and does the little things you look for in receivers that excel in getting separation. His timed speed isn't great, but his game speed is. He has a knack for coming through in the clutch and has the skills to become a prolific wideout in the league. It's unfair to draw comparisons to the two, but Jennings reminds Packers fans of a young Marvin Harrison.

38. Maurice Jones-Drew [RB, Jacksonville Jaguars, 23]
Stats: 167 car, 768 yards, 4.8 avg, 9 TD, 40 rec, 407 yards, 2 fumbles, 26.2 KR avg, KR TD Jones-Drew is the human pinball, bouncing off defenders en route to the end zone. Backing up Fred Taylor for his first two seasons in Jacksonville, MJD has hardly lived in his shadow. Making highlight reel plays from runs to receptions to kick returns to even famous blocks (sorry Chargers fans). When you look at how he's played in "limited" duties and notice the impact he has on the game, you soon realize that the underrated Fred Taylor is the only thing preventing him from cracking the starting lineup. A back with his combination of short yardage capability, explosiveness, and all-around versatility at the age of 23 is something you don't come across too often.

37. Jason Witten [TE, Dallas Cowboys, 26]
Stats: 96 rec, 1145 yards, 11.9 avg, 7 TD
Jason Witten has developed into the best complete tight end not named Antonio Gates. While it's very difficult to build an offense around a tight end, Witten is one of the few tight ends that could have the same impact as a wideout. As his numbers indicate, he has soft hands, but also runs like a bull after contact. What makes Witten special is his ability to help seal the edge on a double team block, but also get out to the second level and take on a linebacker. When you look at Witten's short career and the long future ahead of him, thoughts of the Canton briefly come to mind. If he can continue this production for a long, storied career like Tony Gonzalez, he could very well be a strong contender for the Hall.

36. Marques Colston [WR, New Orleans Saints, 24]
Stats: 98 rec, 1202 yards, 12.3 avg, 11 TD
After being drafted as a 7th round selection with the New Orleans Saints, Colston has caught the league by surprise with his first two seasons, developing into one of the fine young receivers in the league. He has great size and one of the best set of hands in the league. He's dominant after the catch, using his strength to break through tackles after the catch. While it's difficult to build teams around wideouts, Marques Colston is only improving and is already a dominant receiver. If he can stay on the field for 16 games a year, his production is going to be through the charts every year for quite some time.

35. Glenn Dorsey [DT, Kansas City Chiefs, 22]*Rookie*
Stats: *69 tackles (43 solo), 12.5 TFL, 7 sacks, 4 BrUp, 4 QBH, FF*
Bring on the intensity. It seems like leading up to the draft, there was a late push where scouts and GM's appeared unanimous in naming Dorsey their top defensive player on the boards. He slipped slightly to Kansas City, where they added a disruptive force in the middle of the line. Glenn Dorsey brings it every play and every down. He has the ability to eat up the double teams and peel off to make plays himself. Other than his talent and monster potential, the reason Dorsey can climb this high on a list while being unproven in the NFL, stems from his work ethic, intensity, and leadership. He's a tremendous tone setter for the defense. He's primarily a two gap tackle who has the potential to be every bit as explosive as Tommie Harris.

34. Darren McFadden [RB, Oakland Raiders, 20]*Rookie*
Stats: *325 att, 1830 yards, 5.6 avg, 16 TD, 21 rec, 164 yards, TD*
While Dorsey will yield complaint, I can almost guarantee this one will draw even more. I've been on the McFadden bandwagon since his sophomore season and unlike many, I haven't jumped ship. I've heard of character concerns, but I see none. I've heard about his "chicken legs", but I disagree to some extent. Where I disagree from the "mainstream" is when I hear McFadden compared to Peterson. While McFadden may have the same explosive, home run ability, he lacks the frame and strength, as well as vision and short area footwork in which AP has taken the league by storm. McFadden will also drop the ball on the ground which will be looked at as an issue. Early word out of Oakland has slated McFadden as very impressive and leaves Oakland fans optimistic.

33. Chris Long [DE, St. Louis Rams, 23]*Rookie*
Stats: *79 tackles (36 solo), 19 TFL, 14 sacks, INT, 9 BrUp, 23 QBH*
This is the third rookie in a row and 5th and final on the list. Without even playing a down in the NFL, I have fallen in love with Long. His production, technique, charisma, and work ethic should have left Rams fans salivating. He will very quickly become the cornerstone of the Rams defense from the defensive end position. Despite playing largely in the 3-4 at Virginia, Long has still shown the ability to rush the passer and yet still maintain his lane. When he knows he has no shot of knocking around the quarterback, he'll get his hands up, disrupting passing lanes and batting balls at the line. He has a good blend of size and underrated athleticism that draws parallels to a combination of two of the league's finest in Patrick Kearney and Will Smith. His character and determination will allow him to reach his lofty expectations as one of the most feared defensive ends in the league.

32. Kellen Winslow [TE, Cleveland Browns, 24]
Stats: 82 rec, 1106 yards, 13.5 avg, 5 TD
Now this is a risky pick considering the wear on Winslow's body and his temperamental attitude. However, when on the field, Winslow is arguably the best pure receiving tight end in the league. While he may not fit the bill as an in line blocker, he's become a go-to receiver in crucial situations on a team with Braylon Edwards. Winslow can run routes all over the field and has an incredible set of hands. He was a vital part to the development of Derek Anderson and showed how he can improve all of the players on offense. Though it's very difficult to build an entire team around a tight end, especially one with Winslow's injury history, when on the field, K2 has a short history of improving his teammates, which is what a cornerstone is asked to do.

31. Willis McGahee [RB, Baltimore Ravens, 26]
Stats: 294 att, 1207 yards, 4.1 avg, 7 TD, 43 rec, 231 yards, 5.4 avg, TD, 4 fumbles
McGahee has developed into one of the most complete backs in the NFL with a nasty stiff arm. He's a downhill, punishing runner who isn't afraid to draw contact. Despite a non-existent passing game with defenses playing the run, McGahee capped off a superb first season in Baltimore. He's proven that he can be the workhorse and go-to weapon. He's a big, physical back that brings a little nastiness to the offensive identity. However, his history of injuries prevents him from moving up on the list.