Tavern talk: blue-chip players, part 5

I think Charles Woodson should still be in the blue chip category. He had 7 picks (2 for TDs) and 3 sacks last year while playing hurt on a bad defense, and should be even better this year if he can stay healthy and the Packers have an improved pash rush.

Also think that Lance Briggs is a blue chip player. I saw him almost single-handedly win the Bears-Packers game at Lambeau 2 years ago, I think he had something like 16 tackles that night.

I gotta call foul here.

Your definition of Blue Chip includes top 10 at their position. You had 5 Blue Chip QBs in the AFC, and you just added 5 in 2 divisions of the NFC, with Drew Brees, Kurt Warner and Hasselbeck still to go.

Brees and Warner are no doubt blue chips. Hasselback, Romo, Rodgers, Cutler, E. Manning are competing for three spots.

I'd say Eli and Rodgers miss the cut.

Charles Woodson definitely belongs as a blue chip player. He is EASILY still a top 10 cornerback in this league, and all he has done since coming to GB is make big play after big play. Injuries did affect his year last year, and he STILL played at a high level.

Charles Woodson definitely belongs as a blue chip player. He is EASILY still a top 10 cornerback in this league, and all he has done since coming to GB is make big play after big play. Injuries did affect his year last year, and he STILL played at a high level.

Re Redskins. I question Clinton Portis as a blue. He hasn't broken a big play for three years. He's hardnosed, a great blitz blocker, etc but he gets what's there, nothing more. He's not really a power back but he doesn't have breakaway burst either. I would have thought Chris Samuels would rate at least a mention as a multiple Pro Bowl LT. You have Cooley exactly right. He's overrated by fans because he is a good receiver and runs hard after the catch, but he is a terrible blocker. Thsi team is basically a worse version of the Vikes, ie a decent team held back by questionable coaching/QB play.

I agree that Charles Woodson shouldn't be a Blue Chip...he should have his own category above Blue Chip. Possibly Royal Blue Chip?

The guy has so much influence on the Packers' defense with his play-making ability that not including him on the list seems odd.

Can create mismatches? TO vs. C. Wood in '08? Reggie Wayne vs. C. Wood in '08?

Featured player? On the field at all times on D...despite injuries.

Impact on the outcome? Detroit interceptions in Week 2 of '08 and the pick 6 against Tampa come to mind off the top of my head. Skins in '07.

Besides Kampman he's probably the most consistent player on the D although I'll give you credit there since it's not saying much for the Packer D in '08.

Seems to step up his play when the game means more.

Seems that most rank him with the top ten corners in the league if not the top five.

Winfield - Yes and Woodson - No also is interesting. Nothing against Winfield. That guy can play.

Interesting argument.

Woodson and Kamp are blue chip players.

Remarkable you wouldn't put Charles Woodson as a blue chip player. Makes me question the validity of the rest of the list.

Jack-

I agree with you that is too many QBs. But I would pick Rodgers over Hasselback.

Michael-

Really? You recognize DeSean Jackson but not Eddie Royal?

I can't believe you don't have Lance Briggs as a blue chipper. This guy does it all from the weak side LB position - he never misses tackles, lays big hits, causes fumbles, does well in coverage. He's by far the best player on the Bears D right now, and he has been for at least two years, even if the unit isn't what it used to be. He's almost as good as Urlacher was in his prime, and he won Defensive POY. Shocking that you don't have him on that level. He's so much more important to the Bears success than Hester.

I'm glad to see Ernie Sims mentioned as not quite a blue, which is actually a compliment to a Lion. The guy is a playmaker on Defense. When he gets a few guys around him, I could see him a blue chipper.

A 12 year old going through one season of Madden could figure this out.

But he did more work than you did.

I seriously question Eli as a top 10 QB. Not arguing, he might be. I don't have him ranked as a top 10. I would be interested in seeing your QB rankings.

Woodson should have been the def POY last year. Top player in the league and should have been a Blue chipper.

Quinten Mikell was second team all-pro last year, but doesn't even get a mention? Also not even almost blue chip mentions for Stewart Bradley (even though he's hurt), Brodrick Bunkley, or Sheldon Brown?

What about Marion Barber? How is Brandon "12 game season" Jacobs on the blue chip list but Barber is no where to be found? Had to be an ENORMOUS OVER SITE! And not sure Bradie James and his 8 sacks from the strong middle position isn't better than Antonio Pierce coming into the 2009 season. Giants seems WAY OVERRATED!

You forgot Matt McBriar and Nick Folk, both top 3 kickers in the league, and probably missed on Sheldon Brown being an almost

What about Nick Collins? If he's not a blue chip player, he must be almost blue. He had 7 INTs last year and returned 3 for TDs in addition to being the team's second leading tackler.

First off, Charles Woodson was the Packers defensive MVP last year and is undoubtably BLUE. Kampman's numbers over the past three years also show that he's a BLUE. He's in theleague's top 3 or 4 in total sacks in that time, and unlike many pass rushers, he is very stout against the run. You never see any bootleg or reverse action work to his side because he is so fundamentally sound. You can't downgrade him to an almost blue when he hasn't played a game yet in the 3-4. And Nick Collins must be listed as an almost blue with 7 picks and 3 TDs last season.

I can't see Eli Manning as a blue. I'll give him almost blue. His numbers just don't cut it, but wins do count for something.

No way Devin Hester was a blue player last year. He had no impact on the return game and no impact as a receiver. Not even an almost blue last year. Pink, maybe.

Woodson got my Pro Bowl vote, despite my complete contempt for his agents.
Barnett is a favorite of mine, have always appreciated his play. For some reason a lot of fans wanted to blame him for coverage items? His job is to put a hat on people and he does it well.

Harris and Woodson are quite a combo, the chemistry between their styles is through the ceiling.

Nothing could be finer than for the pundits to think that all NFC East teams EXCEPT Dallas has a blue chip RB. Are we looking at the past or the future?? As a GM gong forward I'll take all 3 young Cowboy runners over all the rest in the Division.

Im a Packer fan and agree with most of the list and its pains me to say that I would think Barber would make it as a almost blue

Good time for this on NFC North. The Queens had no luck at QB in first game. Training camp to break pretty soon. Loser coach on the hot seat. Time for Brettina to resurrect herself. Got 4 tickets to Queens game at Lambeau in a trust I represent. Another trustee wanted to dump them at $280 per on last Brettina activity. I said no they will go higher and we bet a steak dinner on it. He has been laughing at me for a couple of weeks now. He called me tonight and apologized based on street rumors that Brettina is ready to rock with the Queens as soon as they break camp. I reckon the Queens can't wait to get him. The tortoise always wins. I figured all Favre wanted to do was avoid training camp. As seen above, the Queens don't have a QB anywhere near the Blue Chip list. Man that steak is going to taste good.

Andrew N.-
Eddie Royal had the advantage of benefiting from the attention paid to Brandon Marshall while DeSean Jackson was called on to be THE guy throughout the season. I believe that should be at least considered when comparing the two very similar players.

Also, if Chris Horton was recognized for his outstanding safety play (as he should be) then I believe Quinten Mikell outplayed him. Also, Sheldon Brown could be called the most complete CB in the entire league as he can press receivers, cover deep, tackle, and has great instincts for the ball in the air.

I know I am favorable to my Eagles, BUT Stewart Bradley??? We won't know this year obviously however he was a major reason for the defenses turn around last season.

Antonio Pierce? LOL...now thats funny. At his peak, this guy is a good player. Blue chip? If slightly above average or the best of one of the weakest lb corps in the league, now constitutes "Blue" then you have to expand your list. He's not even a top 5 mlb in the conference.

"Jay Ratliff: Effective inside player."
"Chris Snee: Talented player."
"Steve Hutchinson: Very good player."

Why these meaningless one-liners, Michael? Since they are listed as blue-chippers, anyone can realize that they are "very good", "talented", "effective" etc. This piece would have been much better if you had elaborate on some players, especially on the less familiar names.

NO WAY Romo or Newman are blue.

Huh????

Felix Jones makes the list but Marion Barber, one of the most feared backs in the league, doesn't? Antoine Winfield is Blue Chip but Charles Woodson isn't? Cullen Jenkins, who managed to stay healthy and productive all of one season in his career, is Blue Chip but Aaron Kampmann, a sackmaster with consistent production who virtually never misses a DOWN much less GAMES, is not?

How stoned were you when you wrote this?

Mr. Lombardi is on point with his assessment of the Giants. They have one of the top QB/head coach tandems in the league. Eli knows exactly what Tom expects of him. Outside of Philly, they may have the best QB/head coach tandem in the NFC.

re:QBs I'd say Romo is due for a dive without TO, his stats indicate that he isn't as good as Cutler and Rodgers were with arguably lesser talent. I'd say Eli HAS to be Blue Chip, he's a Super Bowl winning QB in his prime. McNabb probably shouldn't have made the cut. I love him, but for intangibles, and he's not getting any younger. Maybe he'll shine in a wildcat formation. Hasselbeck is certainly done. Warner is a no-brainer blue chip. Brees should be in.

Definitely, agree that there is no way at this time Devin Hester is even close to blue. He made zero impact in the return game last year. He is trying to transition to wr receiver but the only problem is terrible and can't run routes.

The difference in blue chips from the afc to the nfc is laughable. Look at the qb's

Mike, love that you put Cullen Jenkins as a Blue for the Pack - he is a very underrated player who was on his way to a monster season last year before his flukish injury. He will be a stud this year. I must disagree on Woodson though. GB's scheme put him on an island, man-on-man, and he did his job and also made big plays. The new scheme, which should put more pressure on the QB, will provide even more big play opportunities.

Mike

I am a giant season ticket holder. While i love Eli and defend him 2-3 times a week to friends and colleagues, he is not a blue chipper yet.

Great Job on Snee, Osi, Jacobs and Tuck. I would add O'Hara as a maybe and look out for Kenny Philips when you do this column next year.

As for Pierce, unfortunaltely he is on the down side.

Definitely, agree that there is no way at this time Devin Hester is even close to blue. He made zero impact in the return game last year. He is trying to transition to wr receiver but the only problem is terrible and can't run routes.

The difference in blue chips from the afc to the nfc is laughable. Look at the qb's

Sounds like you've got some explaining to do , Mike. Guys are making some good points.

For me, the Eli Manning controversy is fascinating. He doesn't impress me that much. What exactly does he do that opposing defense have to game plan for, other than sit behind one of the best O lines in the game, hand off to dominating backs and throw to Plax. Oops, scratch that last one. This is one of the problems with winning the Big Game. Ordinary guys who are good team or system players suddenly are treated like stars and expect to be paid as such.

I have the feeling Quentin Mikell will be on the 2010 Blue-Chip list. Bunkley & Patterson have the potential to do the same.

Love the concept of these articles - although trying to execute it effectively and consistently seems maddenly difficult. In the case of this article it would appear your criteria is inconsistent not only from team to team - but within each team. For one player you base status on past performance with no look to the upcoming year, while others you completely ignore past performance with the caveat that things will change with a healthy season for that player. It is to be expected that two of your most vocal followings (Cowboy and Packer fans) would respond to this article - but it almost seems as if your intention was to create responses based on your selections.

Taking the Packer selections alone - you include Jenkins despite his inability to stay healthy, yet exclude Woodson due to injury regardless of his high performance the past two seasons. Jenkins is a talent - but he has to stay healthy and perform. Woodson has been dominant in camp thus far and is expected to have another stellar season.

Harris is fading and is in the 'good' category - he is no longer even an 'almost blue chipper'. Putting him next to Woodson or Kampman is highly questionable.

Barnett is coming off of ACL surgery. He may not even start this year as his recovery is delayed until September. Bring him back in 2010 for your list.

Kampman's exclusion is also puzzling based on his high performance the past 4 seasons - he will still be rushing the quarterback regularly and is still going to be placed in the position of dominating his side of the line on runs. You may be over estimating the impact of the scheme on how he will be used - his skills are recognized by the staff and are going to be utilized.

Rodgers has performed for one season with great stats but uneven performance to close out games. He is an 'almost' until he wins more close games - which is to be expected this season.

In my eyes the Packers have three blue chippers - Kampman, Jennings, and Woodson.

The "almost blues" should be Driver, Jenkins, and Rodgers.

A quick take form me:

On this list, but should NOT be: Aaron Rodgers, Eli Manning

Not on this list but should be: Charles Woodson, he puts up the stats,

Fan base that really overrates their defense: Green Bay. I understand they had a lot of injuries last year but these guys are not as great as you think. That defense does not have 5 blue-chippers as some of you are trying to argue.

Player who is getting way too much credit on these boards: Marion Barber. Not on the list as is appropriate. Last year was his first year handling the majority of the carries and while he runs well he's not great. He averaged 16 carries for 70 yards. The main reason he gets overrated is because he gets the ball at the goal line and puts up fantasy points. But he is in no way a blue-chipper.

Far too many QBs are being considered blue chippers, plus I think we're close to our limit at all skill positions. I love these articles though keep it going. I would really like to see this redone at the end of the year to see who comes off and goes on.

Phillyben-

I absolutely see your point and I would argue that having Brandon Marshall took away from his production. During Brandon Marshall's one game suspension Royal had 9 receptions and made the veteran Hall look like he was the rookie. I am just saying Royal needs some props, he is not blue but definitely almost blue, especially if you are going to give props to a similar guy.

To everyone saying Kampman should be blue-

At 4-3 DE Kampman is undoubtedly blue and is a top 3 4-3 DE in this league in my mind. But he is not playing 4-3 DE anymore he is learning a new position where starting off he is not going to be a top 10 player at OLB where the likes of Ware, Merriman, Porter, and Harrison play especially when reports are coming out that he might be struggling to learn the new position.

Lots of vikings. I would add EJ Henderson and Greenways as almost blue. Could argue Mount Mckinnie is no longer blue

Woodson is 1000% a blue chipper. Top 5 in the league as his position. He's one of the few that changes the game virtually every game.

McKinnie is 1000% not a blue chipper. Would struggle to make a top 15 list at LT, is as lazy as they come, gets killed by speed rushers, never sniffed PB or All Pro, and is a well-known head case. He has gotten FAAAAAAAAAAAAAR too much credit for AD's production over the last few years.

Oh, and I would think Nick Collins would have to make the 'Almost' list for it to be legit.

Gotta disagree on Pierce. He's a important component of what may be the league's best defense, but his ability to effectively cover underneath patterns is slipping, as was shown last year. He should be on the cusp of 'blue' rather than blue.

You give Peters a blue based on what he will do this year (you said he was not blue last year) but yet you keep a blue away from woodson because he was a little banged up last year?

No DeAngelo Hall? He has alot to prove this year. I know he's going to do it. Yeah he has alot of Mouth. How Many DB'S Don't?

First lets start with the definition:

Player has abilities that can create mismatches vs. most opponents in the league. Is a featured player on the team and has impact on the outcome of the game. Not one player can take him out of the game. Each week, he has a consistent level of performance. Plays at a championship level performance. He rates in the top ten at his position in the league.

Mike Love your work, but your lacking a blue chip analysis because of consistency:

1. Antonio Pierce is a travesty to call a blue Chip Player. He creates ZERO mismatches and teams in his own division exploit his lack of ability to play in space in their gameplans. Yes, he is a team leader, but that is NOT in your definition of a Blue Chip Player.

2. Charles Woodson has to qualify based on your definition. He fits Every single one of your six criteria, but he was injured last year. IF you exclude him, then you have to exclude all injured and AWFUL performing players like Jason Peters, Cullen Jenkins, Tony Romo, Osi Umenyiora, etc. When Woodson is on the field he performs at a higher level than all of those guys did last year relative to his role.

3. I find it pretty funny that you include Cullen Jenkins, a talented player I really like when on the field, who is a perennial injury scratch and therefore can not really qualify in being consistent can he?

4. Jay Ratliff is an effective player playing an undersized NT in that 3-4 Scheme in DAL. However, consider me extremely confused that this is not an effective player list, because their are a bunch of effective NFL players out there. I thought this was a blue chip list that was about elite level players.....

5. Very Surprised you "crowned" Jay Cutler a blue Chip player, and said that no one on CHI's defense was Blue chip any longer. Jay Cutler has blue chip talent, but his performance in the NFL has been anything but consistent. In fact, he is so downright inconsistent from play to play, let alone game to game, that I really have a hard time calling him blue chip just yet. IF Antonio Pierce was even mildly considered to be blue chip, then Lance Briggs is in that discussion. Pierce has many more limitations at Mike with a superior DL than Briggs does at Will with an ineffective DL. I would be very surprised if Marinelli does not bring that DL back up to performing this year at their talent level and Briggs having a superior year with that help.

It's easy to see with these blue chip assessments while Mike is no longer an employee NFL GM.

I have to agree with the comments here; Charles Woodson deserves to be a blue player by any and all of your own criteria. No question. If anything, the fact that he was injured last year but still played at such a high level should raise him up there by itself.
Cullen Jenkins certainly has the level of talent to be blue, and he was having a great season before going down in Week 4, but he's just too injury prone to be a blue-chip player.

I also find it hard to understand why we would expect anything good out of Nick Barnett. The man had an ACL tear and his game is predicated on speed; everything I've heard suggests it'll take at least another year to get back up to speed. Plus he's playing a little heavier, having bulked up in the offseason, so he'll be putting even more weight on the reconstructed knee.

I do understand that evaluating players for every team in the league for blue chippers is a big job, but you kind of come off as very glib.

I'm not atleast an Almost? Fo ril? And my boy London Fletcher?? Seriously?

I love horton but sorry,not close to almost blue yet.

Poorly researched.

how do you have Antonio Pierce, and not James Farrior the leader of the #1 Defence?