NFL 2015: Finding the best player from all 32 teams

Dec 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) waves to the crowd after the Texans defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 23-17 at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) waves to the crowd after the Texans defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 23-17 at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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January 10, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) reacts after free safety Earl Thomas (29) intercepts a pass against the Carolina Panthers during the first half in the 2014 NFC Divisional playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
January 10, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) reacts after free safety Earl Thomas (29) intercepts a pass against the Carolina Panthers during the first half in the 2014 NFC Divisional playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Seattle Seahawks

There are plenty of great candidates here, but the choice has to be Richard Sherman. Sherman is a truly rare breed of cornerback for a few reasons. First, he doesn’t follow the best receiver around the field all day long, he simply stays on his side of the field. Second, and more importantly, Sherman picks off a ton of passes despite quarterbacks trying to avoid him.

In his four years since being drafted in the third round from Stanford University, Sherman has a pair of eight-interception campaigns and 24 overall. Nobody can match that mark throughout that span. Sherman mighthave a big mouth, but he backs it up with tremendous play.

Honrorable mention: Kam Chancellor, Marshawn Lynch

St. Louis Rams

The Rams don’t have anybody worthy of consideration on offense, but the defense is absolutely loaded. While Robert Quinn is the easy answer, the correct choice is Aaron Donald. Donald was a highly-touted prospect last year and the Rams snagged him in the first-round. It proved a wise choice, with Donald racking up nine sacks and a pair of forced fumbles as a 4-3 defensive tackle.

On the same line as Nick Fairley, Chris Long and Quinn, Donald will be a destroyer of worlds for years to come. The 24-year-old has incredible strength and explosiveness, reminding many of Warren Sapp without the baggage. In his rookie season, Donald was ranked tops at his position by Pro Football Focus.

Honorable mention: Robert Quinn, James Laurinaitis

Next: 49ers & Cardinals