Who would make your team if the Patriots didn't exist?

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

O.K. its offseason time so for a little football innovative talk here is my question....

If the Patriots didn't exist and you could pick 1 player for each position right now and who is playing in the NFL right now (CANNOT be a present or former patriot) who would they be?

In other words,if you drafted players currently already playing and wanted to own an expansion team and start the next season who would be your players in each position-1 for each position only.

Do not be persuaded by a guy you don't like or hate,go by thier talent and what they do on the field.

Include Head Coach too


Here is what I would pick....

Head Coach - Mike Shanahan - the best game planner in the league,always finds a game plan to make it tough on opponents,has kept Denver cconstantly in the SB hunt year after year,no matter how talented his team his,Extremely smart man.

Quarterback - Peyton Manning - now has solidified his place as a top QB in the NFL both during the season and now the playoffs,plus he is a perfectly quiet and well mannered player off the field and makes no bad headlines.

Running Back - Ladanian Tomlinson - almost never has a terrible game,probably the best back in our era,I think Frank Gore is on his way to being great but I will pick LT right now.

Offensive Lineman - Steve Hutchinson - no one is even close as far as continuous great play by this all pro who at times looks as if he can block 2 guys a once,kind of reminds me of John Hannah back in the day.

Tight End - Alge Crumpler - This guy is a beast on a team that has most a running attack and he still makes big plays when given opportunity,If he were on a mainly passing team such as the Colts he would be the best TE in the league.

Wide Reciever - Steve Smith - Runs routes as good or better than any other WR out there IMO and knows how to get away from defenders and is just as fast as any other WR in the league,plus he is a team guy and plays hard,can't ask for much more than that.

Kicker - Robbie Gould - The feel good story about this kid who was tossed around by a few teams before getting the job in Chicago and what a job he has done early in his career,A bright future for this guy.

Special Teams - Devin Hester - Anyone who has seen his returns this year knows everytime he gets the ball a TD is possible no matter what coverage is there,an Amazing Athlete on ST.

Defensive Lineman - Jason Taylor - may be up in age a bit but plays fast as any youngster out there,may be the smartest DE in the league and has been for some time.

Linebacker - Brian Urlacher - plays harder and better at his position than any guy I have seen out there right now in the NFL, a fierce hitter and great attitude,a future hall of famer

Defensive Back (corner,safety) - Champ Bailey - no one comes close to his smarts and quickness at his position,this is a no brainer selection.

If I was able to get all thses guys on my team I don't think we would be beaten too much and probably 14wins or more for years to come!

Thats my fantasy team...Whats yours?

 

[Digger44]

So basically this is just a Madden All Star Team list thread?

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

So basically this is just a Madden All Star Team list thread?

If you agree with Madden's picks - yes! ,Otherwise your opinions on the NFL's best will do

 

[richpats]

Quarterback - Peyton Manning - now has solidified his place as a top QB in the NFL both during the season and now the playoffs,

How is Manning considered a top QB in the playoffs? He has as much right to be called a top QB in the playoffs as Rothleisberger at this point.

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

How is Manning considered a top QB in the playoffs? He has as much right to be called a top QB in the playoffs as Rothleisberger at this point.

If you don't think Manning is better than all the other QBs you are crazy,Even if you dislike him like I do,Give the man credit....Take him off the Colts and Indy wins 5 games a year..On the team he has gotten them in the playoffs like 5 or 6 years in a row,If there is any QB more important than to his team I want to know about it and he is the best in the league if Brady is eliminated from the pick...end of story.

 

[richpats]

If you don't think Manning is better than all the other QBs you are crazy,Even if you dislike him like I do,Give the man credit....Take him off the Colts and Indy wins 5 games a year..On the team he has gotten them in the playoffs like 5 or 6 years in a row,If there is any QB more important than to his team I want to know about it and he is the best in the league if Brady is eliminated from the pick...end of story.

If you are including Brady in the list of 'all other QBs' then I disagree. The Colts would do OK without Manning- see the TWO Pro Bowl-caliber wideouts they have had for FIVE years.

Brady is FAR more important to the Pats than Manning is to the Colts. Indy has never really had any tough spots in their offense in quite a while. NE has been hampered with no running game for most of '05 and no legitimate passing game for most of '06. Brady has carried the offense all the while. Manning would crap himself if Harrison and Wayne were unavailable next year.

 

[spacecrime]

If you don't think Manning is better than all the other QBs you are crazy....blah blah blah...end of story.

So only you have an opinion? Everyone who doesn't think like you do is crazy, end of story. In love with ourselves, are we?

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

If you are including Brady in the list of 'all other QBs' then I disagree. The Colts would do OK without Manning- see the TWO Pro Bowl-caliber wideouts they have had for FIVE years.

Brady is FAR more important to the Pats than Manning is to the Colts. Indy has never really had any tough spots in their offense in quite a while. NE has been hampered with no running game for most of '05 and no legitimate passing game for most of '06. Brady has carried the offense all the while. Manning would crap himself if Harrison and Wayne were unavailable next year.

Did you READ the initial post? - IT SAYS IF 'THE PATRIOTS DIDN'T EXIST AND NO PLAYERS ON THE PATRIOTS COUNT'...Now what more of a simple way can I help you with?

Last time I looked Brady was a Patriots player Duh- Are you also saying that Cassell would not do better than Indy's backup who most outside of Indy don't even know his name?,No team will suffer more if their QB went down than the Colts,Patriots included - At least we have a head coach who adjusts to injuries more than any other HC so no way are we worse than them if Brady went down....Although it would not be good for either team anyway.

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

So only you have an opinion? Everyone who doesn't think like you do is crazy, end of story. In love with ourselves, are we?

OK Einstein..If there was no Brady existing in today's NFL then who is better than Manning right now...I will call you an idiot upon answering with another QB that you come up with.

Just because you hate Mannings guts,I do too but at least I am truthful when it comes to talent at the QB position and he unfortunately is #2-prove otherwise..

Its Brady,then Manning then the rest of NFL QBs as tied for third or worse - and once again....... end of story.

So go ahead make a futile attempt at a QB that is better than either right now....not possible.

Carson Palmer is overrated and Vince Young is unproven yet,now who else is there right now?

 

[NoCal Patriot]

O.K. its offseason time so for a little football innovative talk here is my question....

If the Patriots didn't exist and you could pick 1 player for each position right now and who is playing in the NFL right now (CANNOT be a present or former patriot) who would they be?

In other words,if you drafted players currently already playing and wanted to own an expansion team and start the next season who would be your players in each position-1 for each position only.

Do not be persuaded by a guy you don't like or hate,go by thier talent and what they do on the field.

Include Head Coach too


Here is what I would pick....

Head Coach - Mike Shanahan - the best game planner in the league,always finds a game plan to make it tough on opponents,has kept Denver cconstantly in the SB hunt year after year,no matter how talented his team his,Extremely smart man.

Quarterback - Peyton Manning - now has solidified his place as a top QB in the NFL both during the season and now the playoffs,plus he is a perfectly quiet and well mannered player off the field and makes no bad headlines.

Running Back - Ladanian Tomlinson - almost never has a terrible game,probably the best back in our era,I think Frank Gore is on his way to being great but I will pick LT right now.

Offensive Lineman - Steve Hutchinson - no one is even close as far as continuous great play by this all pro who at times looks as if he can block 2 guys a once,kind of reminds me of John Hannah back in the day.

Tight End - Alge Crumpler - This guy is a beast on a team that has most a running attack and he still makes big plays when given opportunity,If he were on a mainly passing team such as the Colts he would be the best TE in the league.

Wide Reciever - Steve Smith - Runs routes as good or better than any other WR out there IMO and knows how to get away from defenders and is just as fast as any other WR in the league,plus he is a team guy and plays hard,can't ask for much more than that.

Kicker - Robbie Gould - The feel good story about this kid who was tossed around by a few teams before getting the job in Chicago and what a job he has done early in his career,A bright future for this guy.

Special Teams - Devin Hester - Anyone who has seen his returns this year knows everytime he gets the ball a TD is possible no matter what coverage is there,an Amazing Athlete on ST.

Defensive Lineman - Jason Taylor - may be up in age a bit but plays fast as any youngster out there,may be the smartest DE in the league and has been for some time.

Linebacker - Brian Urlacher - plays harder and better at his position than any guy I have seen out there right now in the NFL, a fierce hitter and great attitude,a future hall of famer

Defensive Back (corner,safety) - Champ Bailey - no one comes close to his smarts and quickness at his position,this is a no brainer selection.

If I was able to get all thses guys on my team I don't think we would be beaten too much and probably 14wins or more for years to come!

Thats my fantasy team...Whats yours?

You broke your own rule. Robbie Gould is a former Patriot!:bricks:

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

You broke your own rule. Robbie Gould is a former Patriot!:bricks:

Yeah you are right....But you gotta love the kid anyways

Maybe I should say PLAYED IN ACTUAL REGULAR SEASON GAMES.

 

[drpatriot]

This team's a little unorthodox in places. I tried to focus on young players that could be the future of a franchise without serious attitude problems or legal issues. Here it is:

QB - Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints: Good leadership, will continue to play well for years to come, and is younger than Manning. Honorable mention: Vince Young, Tennessee Titans.
RB - LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers: Easy pick, the best player in the league. Honorable mention: Michael Turner, San Diego Chargers; Rudi Johnson, Cincinatti Bengals.
WR - Chad Johnson, Cincinatti Bengals: A spirited attitude and a desire to perform on the field. Honorable mention: Santana Moss, Washington Redskins
WR - Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers: Lost a little steam this year but remains one of the best WRs in the NFL. Honorable mention: Darrell Jackson, Seattle Seahawks
TE - Kellen Winslow, Cleveland Browns: Not the smartest guy, but plays very well. Honorable mention: Heath Miller, Pittsburgh Steelers.
OT - Jamaal Brown, New Orleans Saints: Up-and-coming tackle whose best years are yet to come. Honorable mention: Khalif Barnes, Jacksonville Jaguars
OT - Marcus McNeil, San Diego Chargers: See Jamaal Brown. Honorable mention: D'Brickashaw Ferguson, New York Jets.
OG - Shawn Andrews, Philadelphia Eagles: Currently the best guard in the league. Honorable mention: Logan Mankins (I don't care if he's a Patriot, there's no other guard)
OG - Eric Steinbach, Cincinnati Bengals: I just realized that I can't spell Cincinnatti. Honorable mention: Steve Hutchinson, Minnesota Vikings
C - LeCharles Bentley, Cleveland Browns: Poised for a comeback. Honorable mention: Nick Mangold, New York Jets
DE - Derrick Burgess, Oakland Raiders: Speed rusher with great sack totals. Honorable mention: Jared Allen, Kansas City Chiefs
DE - Aaron Schobel, Buffalo Bills: A lot of talent in a big package. Honorable mention: Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis Colts
DT - Booger McFarland, Indianapolis Colts: Singlehandedly brought the Colts defense to respectability. Honorable mention: You know, I don't like many defensive tackles.
DT - Tommie Harris, Chicago Bears: A little overhyped, but still very, very talented.
OLB - Demarcus Ware, Dallas Cowboys: Underrated elephant in the shadow of Shawne Merriman. Honorable mention: Adalius Thomas, Baltimore Ravnes
OLB - Lance Briggs, Chicago Bears: Talented Cover 2 linebacker with great ball skills. Honorable mention: James Farrior, Pittsburgh Steelers
MLB - Jonathan Vilma, New York Jets: Fantastic talent in the wrong system. Honorable mention: DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans
MLB - Lofa Tatupu, Seattle Seahawks: Gave the birds a good defense again. Honorable mention: Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears
CB - Champ Bailey, Denver Broncos: The most talented defensive player in the league, and a class act all around. Honorable mention: Chris McCallister, Baltimore Ravens
CB - DeAngelo Hall, Atlanta Falcons: Speed demon with great coverage skills. Honorable mention: Nnamdi Asomugha, Oakland Raiders
FS - Ed Reed, Baltimore Ravens: Somehow, Reed is the only Raven to make the defensive list. Honorable mention: Brian Dawkins, Philadelphia Eagles
SS - Adrian Wilson, Arizona Cardinals: Hardest-hitting member of any secondary in the NFL, including Rodney. Honorable mention: Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers
K/P - Michael Kounen, Atlanta Falcon: Would play both for my team :rocker:
KR/PR: Devin Hester, Chicago Bears: There just isn't anyone better. Honorable mention: Dante Hall, Kansas City Chiefs

 

[patsfan55]

qb: carson palmer, a lot younger than manning
rb: tomlinson
wr: chad johnson, my deep threat
wr: steve smith, my run after the catch guy
wr: torry holt, mid routes
wr: houshmandzadeh, endzone guy
te: antonio gates
te: kellen winslow
ot: marcus mcneil, jon jansen
og: steve hutchinson, too lazy to think of another g
c: matt birk

de: julius peppers
de: corey redding
nt: jamal williams
olb: shawne merriman
olb: demarcus ware
ilb: brian urlacher
ilb: jonathan vilma
cb: champ bailey
cb: rashean mathis
cb: deangelo hall
fs: sean taylor
ss: adrian wilson

doing this excersise made me realize somthin
the only two positions on this team that are much better than the current pats team: wr and lb
i guess thats not all that of a shock, but the other positions arent that far off, the diff at these two are huge

 

[RyanTheColtsFan]

qb: carson palmer, a lot younger than manning
rb: tomlinson
wr: chad johnson, my deep threat
wr: steve smith, my run after the catch guy
wr: torry holt, mid routes
wr: houshmandzadeh, endzone guy
te: antonio gates
te: kellen winslow
ot: marcus mcneil, jon jansen
og: steve hutchinson, too lazy to think of another g
c: matt birk

de: julius peppers
de: corey redding
nt: jamal williams
olb: shawne merriman
olb: demarcus ware
ilb: brian urlacher
ilb: jonathan vilma
cb: champ bailey
cb: rashean mathis
cb: deangelo hall
fs: sean taylor
ss: adrian wilson

doing this excersise made me realize somthin
the only two positions on this team that are much better than the current pats team: wr and lb
i guess thats not all that of a shock, but the other positions arent that far off, the diff at these two are huge

Add TE, RB to the list.

And the person who is claiming the Colts with Jim Sorgi at QB would win more than 5 games is kidding themselves.

 

[Mike the Brit]

This team's a little unorthodox in places. I tried to focus on young players that could be the future of a franchise without serious attitude problems or legal issues. Here it is:

QB - Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints: Good leadership, will continue to play well for years to come, and is younger than Manning. Honorable mention: Vince Young, Tennessee Titans.
RB - LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers: Easy pick, the best player in the league. Honorable mention: Michael Turner, San Diego Chargers; Rudi Johnson, Cincinatti Bengals.
WR - Chad Johnson, Cincinatti Bengals: A spirited attitude and a desire to perform on the field. Honorable mention: Santana Moss, Washington Redskins
WR - Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers: Lost a little steam this year but remains one of the best WRs in the NFL. Honorable mention: Darrell Jackson, Seattle Seahawks
TE - Kellen Winslow, Cleveland Browns: Not the smartest guy, but plays very well. Honorable mention: Heath Miller, Pittsburgh Steelers. [Anthony Gonzalez Kansas City Chiefs]
OT - Jamaal Brown, New Orleans Saints: Up-and-coming tackle whose best years are yet to come. Honorable mention: Khalif Barnes, Jacksonville Jaguars
OT - Marcus McNeil, San Diego Chargers: See Jamaal Brown. Honorable mention: D'Brickashaw Ferguson, New York Jets.
OG - Shawn Andrews, Philadelphia Eagles: Currently the best guard in the league. Honorable mention: Logan Mankins (I don't care if he's a Patriot, there's no other guard)
OG - Eric Steinbach, Cincinnati Bengals: I just realized that I can't spell Cincinnatti. Honorable mention: Steve Hutchinson, Minnesota Vikings
C - LeCharles Bentley, Cleveland Browns: Poised for a comeback. Honorable mention: Nick Mangold, New York Jets
DE - Derrick Burgess, Oakland Raiders: Speed rusher with great sack totals. Honorable mention: Jared Allen, Kansas City Chiefs
DE - Aaron Schobel, Buffalo Bills: A lot of talent in a big package. Honorable mention: Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis Colts
DT - Booger McFarland, Indianapolis Colts: Singlehandedly brought the Colts defense to respectability. Honorable mention: You know, I don't like many defensive tackles.
DT - Tommie Harris, Chicago Bears: A little overhyped, but still very, very talented.
OLB - Demarcus Ware, Dallas Cowboys: Underrated elephant in the shadow of Shawne Merriman. Honorable mention: Adalius Thomas, Baltimore Ravnes
OLB - Lance Briggs, Chicago Bears: Talented Cover 2 linebacker with great ball skills. Honorable mention: James Farrior, Pittsburgh Steelers
MLB - Jonathan Vilma, New York Jets: Fantastic talent in the wrong system. Honorable mention: DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans
MLB - Lofa Tatupu, Seattle Seahawks: Gave the birds a good defense again. Honorable mention: Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears
CB - Champ Bailey, Denver Broncos: The most talented defensive player in the league, and a class act all around. Honorable mention: Chris McCallister, Baltimore Ravens
CB - DeAngelo Hall, Atlanta Falcons: Speed demon with great coverage skills. Honorable mention: Nnamdi Asomugha, Oakland Raiders
FS - Ed Reed, Baltimore Ravens: Somehow, Reed is the only Raven to make the defensive list. Honorable mention: Brian Dawkins, Philadelphia Eagles
SS - Adrian Wilson, Arizona Cardinals: Hardest-hitting member of any secondary in the NFL, including Rodney. Honorable mention: Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers
K/P - Michael Kounen, Atlanta Falcon: Would play both for my team [???? Do Tampa Bay or San Francisco have decent kickers/punters???]:rocker:
KR/PR: Devin Hester, Chicago Bears: There just isn't anyone better. Honorable mention: Dante Hall, Kansas City Chiefs [Wes Welker, Miami Dolphins]

Very interesting list. I like the way that you focus on young players and that you spread the selection around. In fact, it gave me a thought.

How about limiting selections to one player from each team (excluding Patriots, of course)? I've tweaked your selections a bit to try to achieve that, but haven't spent that long on it (or figured out a kicker/punter).