One Player Every NFL Team Can’t Live Without In 2015

By Jerry Landry
One Player Every NFL Team Can’t Live Without In 2015
← Tip: Use keyboard arrows to navigate →

One Player Every NFL Team Can’t Live Without In 2015

One Player Every NFL Team Can’t Live Without In 2015 Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Imagine you were deserted on an island -- and without wi-fi. What is the one thing that would bring you the closest to becoming whole? Think about that and then mind-warp back to your current reality and setting, but retain this sentiment and apply it to your favorite NFL team. Now pose yourself the question, who is the one player out of the 53 my team really couldn't live without?

One Player Every NFL Team Can’t Live Without In 2015

Imagine you were deserted on an island -- and without wi-fi. What is the one thing that would bring you the closest to becoming whole? Think about that and then mind-warp back to your current reality and setting, but retain this sentiment and apply it to your favorite NFL team. Now pose yourself the question, who is the one player out of the 53 my team really couldn't live without?

32. Arizona Cardinals — Carson Palmer

32. Arizona Cardinals — Carson Palmer Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
We witnessed the embarrassment the Arizona Cardinals had to endure after the fall of Carson Palmer in 2014. It was almost as if the Cards should’ve respectfully declined their playoff spot, because without Palmer, Arizona seemed like the most futile team in football.

32. Arizona Cardinals — Carson Palmer

We witnessed the embarrassment the Arizona Cardinals had to endure after the fall of Carson Palmer in 2014. It was almost as if the Cards should’ve respectfully declined their playoff spot, because without Palmer, Arizona seemed like the most futile team in football.

31. Atlanta Falcons — Matt Ryan

31. Atlanta Falcons — Matt Ryan Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
The NFL is quarterback-driven, pass happy and Matt Ryan is the kind of quarterback that just silently passes for 4000+ yards as if it's his job. For four straight years Ryan has been an unchanging bright spot. If you think the last few years were dark in Atlanta -- imagine the Falcons without him.

31. Atlanta Falcons — Matt Ryan

The NFL is quarterback-driven, pass happy and Matt Ryan is the kind of quarterback that just silently passes for 4000+ yards as if it's his job. For four straight years Ryan has been an unchanging bright spot. If you think the last few years were dark in Atlanta -- imagine the Falcons without him.

30. Baltimore Ravens — Joe Flacco

30. Baltimore Ravens — Joe Flacco Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
I’m naming a lot of quarterbacks because quarterbacks move the line in Vegas. What does that necessarily mean? It’s indicative of the impact a good QB has on a franchise. You lose a WR, TE, or RB and the line might move a point — lose a quarterback and it could move nearly a touchdown (see Tom Brady and the line shift against the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2015 NFL opener).

30. Baltimore Ravens — Joe Flacco

I’m naming a lot of quarterbacks because quarterbacks move the line in Vegas. What does that necessarily mean? It’s indicative of the impact a good QB has on a franchise. You lose a WR, TE, or RB and the line might move a point — lose a quarterback and it could move nearly a touchdown (see Tom Brady and the line shift against the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2015 NFL opener).

29. Buffalo Bills — LeSean McCoy

29. Buffalo Bills — LeSean McCoy Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
With a Tom Brady suspension likely holding up, the Bills will need to literally hit the ground running with LeSean McCoy. This could be one of the rare years in the 2000s where the Patriots won't take the division without a fight.

29. Buffalo Bills — LeSean McCoy

With a Tom Brady suspension likely holding up, the Bills will need to literally hit the ground running with LeSean McCoy. This could be one of the rare years in the 2000s where the Patriots won't take the division without a fight.

28. Carolina Panthers — Luke Kuechly

28. Carolina Panthers — Luke Kuechly Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Cam Newton showed us a lot in last year's playoffs, but I think losing Luke Kuechly would dissolve the Panthers' defensive identity. Kuechly has been involved in 150+ tackles every year he's been in the league and is Panthers' quarterback on the other side of the ball.

28. Carolina Panthers — Luke Kuechly

Cam Newton showed us a lot in last year's playoffs, but I think losing Luke Kuechly would dissolve the Panthers' defensive identity. Kuechly has been involved in 150+ tackles every year he's been in the league and is Panthers' quarterback on the other side of the ball.

27. Chicago Bears — Matt Forte

27. Chicago Bears — Matt Forte Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Forte is an amazing talent hidden in a massively mediocre franchise -- at least currently. If Forte went down week one, what would your prognosis be for the Chicago Bears' 2015 season?

27. Chicago Bears — Matt Forte

Matt Forte is an amazing talent hidden in a massively mediocre franchise -- at least currently. If Forte went down week one, what would your prognosis be for the Chicago Bears' 2015 season?

26. Cincinnati Bengals — Vincent Rey

26. Cincinnati Bengals — Vincent Rey Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Vincent Rey has been a consistent lunch-pail linebacker for the Bengals, having not missed a game since 2010. You can make an argument for Andy Dalton, but only engage if you enjoy defending game managers. If Rey can reproduce his 2013 output (36 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 picks and a forced fumble), then Cincinnati can remain competitive in the AFC North.

26. Cincinnati Bengals — Vincent Rey

Vincent Rey has been a consistent lunch-pail linebacker for the Bengals, having not missed a game since 2010. You can make an argument for Andy Dalton, but only engage if you enjoy defending game managers. If Rey can reproduce his 2013 output (36 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 picks and a forced fumble), then Cincinnati can remain competitive in the AFC North.

25. Cleveland Browns — Joe Haden

25. Cleveland Browns — Joe Haden Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland, Joe Haden is your football star. Josh Gordon is all but marooned on marijuana island and Haden is a premier shut-down corner. Do whatever you can to keep him happy on the field and restrained off of it.

25. Cleveland Browns — Joe Haden

Cleveland, Joe Haden is your football star. Josh Gordon is all but marooned on marijuana island and Haden is a premier shut-down corner. Do whatever you can to keep him happy on the field and restrained off of it.

24. Dallas Cowboys — Tony Romo

24. Dallas Cowboys — Tony Romo Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Tony Romo is the most hated and underrated quarterback in the NFL -- but he's also one of the most effective. You've probably already spit at your screen and looked up my Twitter identity to unleash some quality trolling, but have you looked at Romo's QBR? According to ESPN, Romo led ALL quarterbacks in 2014, you know, while playing with a surgically altered spinal column.

24. Dallas Cowboys — Tony Romo

Tony Romo is the most hated and underrated quarterback in the NFL -- but he's also one of the most effective. You've probably already spit at your screen and looked up my Twitter identity to unleash some quality trolling, but have you looked at Romo's QBR? According to ESPN, Romo led ALL quarterbacks in 2014, you know, while playing with a surgically altered spinal column.

23. Denver Broncos — Peyton Manning

23. Denver Broncos — Peyton Manning Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Do you want the fate of the Denver Broncos’ season resting on Brock Osweiler? Of course you don't. Hitting the playoffs in 2015 is squarely on the shoulders of the Sheriff.

23. Denver Broncos — Peyton Manning

Do you want the fate of the Denver Broncos’ season resting on Brock Osweiler? Of course you don't. Hitting the playoffs in 2015 is squarely on the shoulders of the Sheriff.

22. Detroit Lions — Calvin Johnson

22. Detroit Lions — Calvin Johnson Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Megatron is a mega-star, but has to stay healthy. The Lions found an X-factor in Golden Tate, but we all know it's Johnson that affords his second-fiddle all of those open opportunities.

22. Detroit Lions — Calvin Johnson

Megatron is a mega-star, but has to stay healthy. The Lions found an X-factor in Golden Tate, but we all know it's Johnson that affords his second-fiddle all of those open opportunities.

21. Green Bay Packers — Aaron Rodgers

21. Green Bay Packers — Aaron Rodgers Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Remember the end of the 2013 season? Let me remind you of how rough it was for Packers fans. A perennial contender dropped to 8-7-1 as Aaron Rodgers nursed a broken clavicle and the Packers sustained an early exit to the San Francisco 49ers in the first round of the 2013 NFL Playoffs. Sorry for reminding you how valuable the 2014 MVP is.

21. Green Bay Packers — Aaron Rodgers

Remember the end of the 2013 season? Let me remind you of how rough it was for Packers fans. A perennial contender dropped to 8-7-1 as Aaron Rodgers nursed a broken clavicle and the Packers sustained an early exit to the San Francisco 49ers in the first round of the 2013 NFL Playoffs. Sorry for reminding you how valuable the 2014 MVP is.

20. Houston Texans — J.J. Watt

20. Houston Texans — J.J. Watt Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
J.J. Watt is not only the defensive MVP of the Houston Texans, he’s also the charismatic leader of the franchise. Watt is who you plan for and who you fear when you prepare for the Texans. Watt amassed 51.5 sacks in the last three seasons and 2013 was an "off" year.

20. Houston Texans — J.J. Watt

J.J. Watt is not only the defensive MVP of the Houston Texans, he’s also the charismatic leader of the franchise. Watt is who you plan for and who you fear when you prepare for the Texans. Watt amassed 51.5 sacks in the last three seasons and 2013 was an "off" year.

19. Indianapolis Colts — Andrew Luck

19. Indianapolis Colts — Andrew Luck Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
What does Andrew Luck like to do in his spare time? Read. The Indianapolis Colts have a smart kid and a man built for the job under center. The Colts without Luck would be like Austin Powers without his mojo.

19. Indianapolis Colts — Andrew Luck

What does Andrew Luck like to do in his spare time? Read. The Indianapolis Colts have a smart kid and a man built for the job under center. The Colts without Luck would be like Austin Powers without his mojo.

18. Jacksonville Jaguars — Blake Bortles

18. Jacksonville Jaguars — Blake Bortles Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Blake Bortles had a rough go in 2014, but year two has thankfully arrived and the AFC South appears to have drawn a favorable schedule. Even if the Jaguars' roster is a bit under the NFL median, Bortles is still the one who stands out in terms of value.

18. Jacksonville Jaguars — Blake Bortles

Blake Bortles had a rough go in 2014, but year two has thankfully arrived and the AFC South appears to have drawn a favorable schedule. Even if the Jaguars' roster is a bit under the NFL median, Bortles is still the one who stands out in terms of value.

17. Kansas City Chiefs — Jamaal Charles

17. Kansas City Chiefs — Jamaal Charles Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The running back is sometimes like the drummer to a rock band. Keeping the beat, bringing the thunder and sometimes jamming out a solo (i.e. a 85-yard touchdown run). Jamaal Charles bangs the buckets for the Chiefs and Kansas City marches to his beat.

17. Kansas City Chiefs — Jamaal Charles

The running back is sometimes like the drummer to a rock band. Keeping the beat, bringing the thunder and sometimes jamming out a solo (i.e. a 85-yard touchdown run). Jamaal Charles bangs the buckets for the Chiefs and Kansas City marches to his beat.

16. Miami Dolphins — Ndamukong Suh

16. Miami Dolphins — Ndamukong Suh Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Miami, you can go ahead and break Ndamukong Suh, you bought him. But honestly, I wouldn't do that. Suh is owed $114 million over the next six years in a contract that ramps up and is laced with incentives. Although Suh is owed just $985,000 in 2015, that shoots up to over $23 million the next year and $59.95 million is already guaranteed.

16. Miami Dolphins — Ndamukong Suh

Miami, you can go ahead and break Ndamukong Suh, you bought him. But honestly, I wouldn't do that. Suh is owed $114 million over the next six years in a contract that ramps up and is laced with incentives. Although Suh is owed just $985,000 in 2015, that shoots up to over $23 million the next year and $59.95 million is already guaranteed.

15. Minnesota Vikings — Teddy Bridgewater

15. Minnesota Vikings — Teddy Bridgewater Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings won way too many games with Brad Johnson and a geriatric Brett Favre. Now, they finally have a QB that’s both mobile and still somehow the opposite of post-Madden-cover Daunte Culpepper. Quarterbacks like Teddy Bridgewater aren’t just plucked from Trent Dilfer’s back yard, even if you view Bridgewater as fledgling at best.

15. Minnesota Vikings — Teddy Bridgewater

The Vikings won way too many games with Brad Johnson and a geriatric Brett Favre. Now, they finally have a QB that’s both mobile and still somehow the opposite of post-Madden-cover Daunte Culpepper. Quarterbacks like Teddy Bridgewater aren’t just plucked from Trent Dilfer’s back yard, even if you view Bridgewater as fledgling at best.

14. New England Patriots — Tom Brady

14. New England Patriots — Tom Brady Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Who else but Tom Terrific? You know why I frequently call him Tom Terrific? Because most of you hate it. Yet, when pressed to explain your loathing, all you can do is mumble and scramble to say the word “cheater.” Although what you think of Tom Brady doesn’t really matter, try to understand that Brady really matters to the Patriots. Since 2001 Brady’s been the crucial component to New England’s success outside of Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft.

14. New England Patriots — Tom Brady

Who else but Tom Terrific? You know why I frequently call him Tom Terrific? Because most of you hate it. Yet, when pressed to explain your loathing, all you can do is mumble and scramble to say the word “cheater.” Although what you think of Tom Brady doesn’t really matter, try to understand that Brady really matters to the Patriots. Since 2001 Brady’s been the crucial component to New England’s success outside of Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft.

13. New Orleans Saints — Drew Brees

13. New Orleans Saints — Drew Brees Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Drew Brees is still paralyzingly accurate and without him, the Saints would return to being called "The Ain'ts." The salary cap issues wouldn't be long forgotten if No. 9 wouldn't be around to kindle comebacks.

13. New Orleans Saints — Drew Brees

Drew Brees is still paralyzingly accurate and without him, the Saints would return to being called "The Ain'ts." The salary cap issues wouldn't be long forgotten if No. 9 wouldn't be around to kindle comebacks.

12. New York Giants — Odell Beckham Jr.

12. New York Giants — Odell Beckham Jr. Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Despite the interceptions, Eli Manning is an elite quarterback. But even elite quarterbacks need weapons and when it comes to weapons Odell Beckham Jr. is something you'd find on a video game and only if you had the cheat code.

12. New York Giants — Odell Beckham Jr.

Despite the interceptions, Eli Manning is an elite quarterback. But even elite quarterbacks need weapons and when it comes to weapons Odell Beckham Jr. is something you'd find on a video game and only if you had the cheat code.

11. New York Jets — Darrelle Revis

11. New York Jets — Darrelle Revis Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Darrell Revis returns to the New York Jets with championship experience — something the Jets haven’t felt in 46 years. For a team in transition, anyone with pedigree can offer dividends.

11. New York Jets — Darrelle Revis

Darrell Revis returns to the New York Jets with championship experience — something the Jets haven’t felt in 46 years. For a team in transition, anyone with pedigree can offer dividends.

10. Oakland Raiders — Derek Carr

10. Oakland Raiders — Derek Carr Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
The Oakland Raiders got a good hire in Jack Del Rio and may have the most impressive QB from the 2014 draft. These are great signs of ascension, but the ride can only get better if Derek Carr can continue to suit up in Silver and Black.

10. Oakland Raiders — Derek Carr

The Oakland Raiders got a good hire in Jack Del Rio and may have the most impressive QB from the 2014 draft. These are great signs of ascension, but the ride can only get better if Derek Carr can continue to suit up in Silver and Black.

9. Philadelphia Eagles — DeMarco Murray

9. Philadelphia Eagles — DeMarco Murray Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
I wanna say the Eagles could do without Murray, but given the current composition of Philadelphia’s fluctuating roster, Murray appears to be the emerging X-factor.

9. Philadelphia Eagles — DeMarco Murray

I wanna say the Eagles could do without Murray, but given the current composition of Philadelphia’s fluctuating roster, Murray appears to be the emerging X-factor.

8. Pittsburgh Steelers — Le’Veon Bell

8. Pittsburgh Steelers — Le’Veon Bell Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
The Steelers need balance. Even though Ben Roethlisberger has the propensity to throw six-touchdown games, holding a lead is helped with the run. For now, I'm naming Le'Veon Bell the impromptu Steel City MVP and if the Steelers struggle in the first few games of 2015, then I might've picked the right guy.

8. Pittsburgh Steelers — Le’Veon Bell

The Steelers need balance. Even though Ben Roethlisberger has the propensity to throw six-touchdown games, holding a lead is helped with the run. For now, I'm naming Le'Veon Bell the impromptu Steel City MVP and if the Steelers struggle in the first few games of 2015, then I might've picked the right guy.

7. San Diego Chargers — Philip Rivers

7. San Diego Chargers — Philip Rivers Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
The Chargers may have the ol' gunslinger for one more season and with Manning in decline, this could be the season to strike. Keep Philip Rivers on his feet and the Chargers can keep playing into the postseason.

7. San Diego Chargers — Philip Rivers

The Chargers may have the ol' gunslinger for one more season and with Manning in decline, this could be the season to strike. Keep Philip Rivers on his feet and the Chargers can keep playing into the postseason.

6. San Francisco 49ers — Colin Kaepernick

6. San Francisco 49ers — Colin Kaepernick Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
If Colin Kaepernick can return to 2013 form, the 49ers might not be running an offense that’ll be as predictable as a tractor pull. Kaepernick has to get back to doing what other quarterbacks can't. Making throws on the run, hurting defenses with his legs and sliding out of contact when taking a hit is unnecessary.

6. San Francisco 49ers — Colin Kaepernick

If Colin Kaepernick can return to 2013 form, the 49ers might not be running an offense that’ll be as predictable as a tractor pull. Kaepernick has to get back to doing what other quarterbacks can't. Making throws on the run, hurting defenses with his legs and sliding out of contact when taking a hit is unnecessary.

5. Seattle Seahawks — Russell Wilson

5. Seattle Seahawks — Russell Wilson Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Russell Wilson extends plays for what seems like eternity and this takes a toll on opposing defenses. With Jimmy Graham exploiting the middle, Wilson will get to create even better works of art across this canvas.

5. Seattle Seahawks — Russell Wilson

Russell Wilson extends plays for what seems like eternity and this takes a toll on opposing defenses. With Jimmy Graham exploiting the middle, Wilson will get to create even better works of art across this canvas.

4. St. Louis Rams — Robert Quinn

4. St. Louis Rams — Robert Quinn Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Until the St. Louis Rams reach stability at quarterback, it’s best to keep terrorizing QB’s on other rosters. Enter Robert Quinn and hopefully enter contention in the brutal NFC West.

4. St. Louis Rams — Robert Quinn

Until the St. Louis Rams reach stability at quarterback, it’s best to keep terrorizing QB’s on other rosters. Enter Robert Quinn and hopefully enter contention in the brutal NFC West.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Gerald McCoy

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Gerald McCoy Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Until Jameis Winston booms or busts, let’s place the crown on Gerald McCoy. Amassing 8.5 sacks in 2014 and 26.5 over a career, McCoy is identified on every snap and schemed against weekly.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Gerald McCoy

Until Jameis Winston booms or busts, let’s place the crown on Gerald McCoy. Amassing 8.5 sacks in 2014 and 26.5 over a career, McCoy is identified on every snap and schemed against weekly.

2. Tennessee Titans — Marcus Mariota

2. Tennessee Titans — Marcus Mariota Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Marcus Mariota was the No. 2 pick overall and oh yeah, the Tennessee Titans have an awful roster. Tennessee is wise to protect their investment -- who at this point is a player the Titans can’t afford to lose. You might be able to live without Mariota in 2015, but with losing a No. 2 pick this early, would you want to?

2. Tennessee Titans — Marcus Mariota

Marcus Mariota was the No. 2 pick overall and oh yeah, the Tennessee Titans have an awful roster. Tennessee is wise to protect their investment -- who at this point is a player the Titans can’t afford to lose. You might be able to live without Mariota in 2015, but with losing a No. 2 pick this early, would you want to?

1. Washington Redskins — Alfred Morris

1. Washington Redskins — Alfred Morris Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Landover, Maryland has become a QB wasteland, even a rookie retired from football rather than attend Redskins rookie minicamp. Without a defined signal caller, the one player the ‘Skins can’t afford to lose to injury or transaction is their 1,000-yard punisher, Alfred Morris.

1. Washington Redskins — Alfred Morris

Landover, Maryland has become a QB wasteland, even a rookie retired from football rather than attend Redskins rookie minicamp. Without a defined signal caller, the one player the ‘Skins can’t afford to lose to injury or transaction is their 1,000-yard punisher, Alfred Morris.

Share On FacebookShare StumbleUpon

You May Also Like