NFL: Luck, Wilson, 10 best players to start a franchise

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Dec 1, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) against the Chicago Bears at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Bears 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Odds are most of us are not starting an NFL franchise this coming up season, but if you were, this is very important information. Maybe the Texans should have read one of my posts years ba…. never mind. Keep in mind, this list is very skewed. I had a hard time bringing myself to rank running backs highly due to the shorter shelf life in the NFL.

On that same note, I didn’t place a defensive back or wide receiver on this list for similar reasons. I wouldn’t start my franchise with a receiver, I need someone to throw him the ball first – and I can’t worry about covering receivers until I have some guys to put pressure on the opposing quarterback, no matter how talented one Richard Sherman may be.

It is also important to note that these are in no way the 10 best players in the NFL. You won’t see a Manning, Brady or Brees on the list, even though they are certainly the three best quarterbacks in the league. Furthermore, the list sways a bit towards the offensive side of the ball; that’s just how it goes sometimes.

For that reason, guys like Navorro Bowman, Patrick Willis (who it pained me to leave off) and Robert Mathis barely miss the cut as well. Last thing to keep in mind, no one wants to start a franchise with someone who is an off-the-field issue.

From 10 down to 1, let’s get it started:

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