Top 50 NFL Franchise Cornerstones

By: Roshan Bhagat

As the NFL continues to get younger, I can promise you that this year it was virtually impossible to create an ordered list of only 50 franchise cornerstones, or players you can build a franchise around if you were starting from scratch. To those new to this annual feature, this list will place an emphasis on positions of importance, particularly the ones you NEED to build a franchise around. The players on this list are far more than complimentary players; they’re the ones that will carry the team and city.

Looking back at last year’s inaugural list, far too many players proved to be just one-year wonders, or still haven’t really broken out. With that in mind and a number of complaints I received last year, this list will feature no rookies. This year I’ll place an even larger emphasis on NFL production and less on that nasty P-word, potential. Fullbacks and Centers will still receive little consideration, but a couple budding guards and outside linebackers forced me to take a longer and harder look at those positions. Age and carries will be heavily scrutinized for running backs because nearly every other position promises a longer lifespan. Only true threats will be mentioned at wide receivers. And quarterbacks will receive a large boost up the list, being that it’s the most crucial single position on the field.

I’ve made a minor adjustment in the qualification age from last year. Players must be under the age of 28 on September 1, 2009 to qualify.

50. D’Brickashaw Ferguson [OT, New York Jets, 25]
Stats: 4 sacks allowed, 4 penalties
After two below average seasons where he struggled to block anyone, Ferguson showed vast improvements last season. While he’s still not playing a level indicative of where he was drafted, D’Brick is making progress in the right direction, especially as a pass blocker. And he’s still only 25! With nimble feet, a nice frame, and long arms Ferguson is inching his way to becoming the left tackle the draft world thought he would be. For a position that can be so crucial, Ferguson makes the list on potential and movement in the right direction. It’s certainly a gamble to have him listed at this point in his young career, but it could be one that’s well worth it.

49. Jason Peters [OT, Philadelphia Eagles, 27]
Stats: 11.5 sacks allowed, 8 penalties 2008 Pro Bowl, 2008 2nd Team All-Pro
Though his Hawaii honors last season were quite undeserving, Jason Peters in the 2006 and 2007 season proved to be one of the best left tackles in the game. A holdout last offseason appeared to get Peters off on the wrong foot, but he should fully rebound in Philadelphia. Playing a position where his blend of elite size and athleticism is rare, Peters should return to form to protect Donovan’s blind side. Despite allowing 11.5 sacks, the Bills did a fine job running the ball to his side, averaging 5.68 yards off end. Typically a player with as disappointing a 2008 season as he had wouldn’t merit consideration for the spot, but his play in the previous two years alone earns it.

48. Jerod Mayo [ILB, New England Patriots, 23]

Stats: 128 tackles (100 solo), 5 STF, 1 FF, 4 PD
It’s difficult to evaluate Jerod Mayo behind that rock wall in front of him, but Mayo made a seamless transition into the pros with a number of traits that translate well to any scheme. Mayo has great instinct, superb straight-line speed, and the ability to fill the hole and take on the competition. His tremendous upside coupled with very good rookie production gives him a reason to crack this list, if even by the slightest margins. My evaluation on Mayo coming out of college bears weight on his placement on this list as I fully expect him to reach his potential within the next year or two regardless of who’s playing in front of him. He’ll become the rare breed in the middle that you can build a defense around.

47. Luis Castillo [DE, San Diego Chargers, 26]
Stats: 39 tackles (27 solo), 1.5 sacks, 4 STF, 1 FF, 1 INT, 1 PD
Castillo turned in yet another fine season for the Chargers last season despite struggling with a back injury for most of the year. He plays with great technique and leverage and brings it the entire game, which makes him a difficult assignment to draw. Castillo has the rare ability to rush the passer from his position in addition to holding the point and making players around him better. With a healthy offseason, we should expect to see something resembling a career year from Castillo who should continue to be dominant well into his 30’s.

46. DeMeco Ryans [MLB, Houston Texans, 25]
Stats: 112 tackles (86 solo), 1 sack, 4 STF, 2 FF, 4 PD
Even though Ryans’ production has steadily diminished over the past three years, he is still the on-field signal caller and leader of the Texans defense. His numbers have may have gone down, but his level of play remains the same, if that makes any sense. Ryans still has an impact on the middle of that defense because of his instincts and savvy. He’s still no more a playmaker than he was when he first entered the league, but he’s still a sure-tackler and solid across the board. With the Texans defense finally getting some complimentary pieces around him and Mario Williams, I’m expecting to see Ryans do a little more this season.

45. Chris Canty [DE, New York Giants, 26]
Stats: 37 tackles (25 solo), 3 sacks, 2 STF, 5 PD
Steadily improving every year, Canty cashed in on a lucrative free agent contract with the Giants this offseason. It’s his frame and ability to use his hands and long arms that have created a monster up front for offenses to deal with. Canty does a nice job crashing up and down the line of scrimmage to make plays, but it’s his stoutness at the line that gets him noticed. Because of his ability to occupy blockers, he’s partially responsible for the play of DeMarcus Ware who was kept cleaner than a player of his caliber should have been. He’s a high motor, productive player that should continue to improve and display his versatility in a defense that will utilize him in many different ways.

44. Matt Forte [RB, Chicago Bears, 23]

Stats: 316 att, 1238 yards, 3.9 avg, 8 TD, 63 rec, 477 yards, 7.6 avg, 4 TD, 1 FUM
After the failed Cedric Benson experiment, Matt Forte helped Bears host a respectable run game behind a subpar offensive line. Forte’s size and instincts make him a good runner between the tackles, but he’s so much more valuable to the Bears offense. He’s a great outlet for the passing game thanks to his soft hands. Playing within an otherwise stagnant passing game and consistently facing extra defenders in the box, Forte’s numbers are rather impressive and should only improve from here on out as his supporting cast gets stronger. While he isn’t a threat to consistently break off large chunks on the ground, Forte’s a proven workhorse able to carry an offense.

43. Jason Witten [TE, Dallas Cowboys, 27]
Stats: 81 rec, 952 yards, 11.8 avg, 4 TD
Witten has been one of the most complete and productive tight ends in the league over the last several seasons. Developing a great chemistry with Tony Romo, Witten became a go-to target on 3rd downs for a good reason. He caught nearly 70% of pass intended for him and was targeted the most of any tight end not named Tony Gonzalez. Still it’s his ability as a blocker (in pass pro. and run blocking) that separates him from many of the league’s elite pass catchers. Witten is a crafty veteran who understands angles and has the strength to blow defenders off the line of scrimmage. Tight end may not be the most important position on the field, but the difference between Witten and the projected next best over the decade is so vast that it would be a delight having him on your roster.

42. Jared Gaither [OT, Baltimore Ravens, 23]
Stats: 3 sacks allowed
Gaither is an ascending left tackle who should be the long-term replacement to Jonathan Ogden even with the addition of first round pick Michael Oher. Allowing only 3 sacks in his first full season starting, Gaither provided the Ravens with stability on the blind side as the big reason for the marked improvement of Baltimore’s offensive line. Though Gaither is still improving, the team also found most of its success running the ball behind the left side where he and left guard Ben Grubbs reside. As the young left tackle continues to learn the nuances of the position and settle in, expect Gaither to become one of the premier players at his position in blowing defenders off the line and in pass protection where he’s already very good.

41. Cortland Finnegan [CB, Tennessee Titans, 25]
Stats: 70 tackles (58 solo), 1 sack, 3 STF, 5 INT, 17 PD
From underrated to overrated is quite a trend in the NFL. Cortland Finnegan has done just that, but it doesn’t mean that he isn’t one of the better ones in the league. Like many shorter corners, Finnegan plays with a chip on his shoulder and plenty of swagger. He’s a tone-setter in the secondary and has produced at a high level for two solid years now. I love how he’s always ready to throw his body into the fire and crash towards the line in run support. He’s not an elite shutdown cornerback, but has the quick feet, hip turn, and closing speed to become one. Finnegan’s a tough contest for opposing quarterbacks as he reads plays well and breaks early on the balls. From observing around the league, when you have a tough and confident cornerback, the rest of your defense approaches the game with the same mentality.