Fansided

NFL 2015: Finding the best player from all 32 teams

By Matt Verderame

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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Nov 30, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) catches the ball for a touchdown as Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Johnthan Banks (27) attempted to defend during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 14-13. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) catches the ball for a touchdown as Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Johnthan Banks (27) attempted to defend during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 14-13. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Cincinnati Bengals

A few years ago, this could have been defensive tackle Geno Atkins. Currently, it is not a contest. While the Bengals have some terrific running backs in Jeremy Hill and Giovanni Bernard, neither of them strike fear into opponents like A.J. Green. Green has proven to be worth the first-round pick Cincinnati spent on him in 2011 and then some, racking up 35 touchdowns in four years.

Last year, Green played in 13 games but was still able to catch 69 passes for 1,041 and a half-dozen scores. With Andy Dalton throwing the ball, the Bengals need to have quality weapons all over the place. Green is one of the most prolific receivers in the game and with a great quarterback, could be the best.

Honorable mention: Andrew Whitworth

Cleveland Browns

The Browns have not been good since coming back into the league in 1999, but that does not mean they are without talent. In fact, this was a challenging call that came down to Joe Haden and Joe Thomas, with the nod going to the stud left tackle. Thomas was selected with the third-overall pick of the 2007 NFL Draft, and he has starred from the first snap.

In his eight years, Thomas has been named an All-Pro seven times (five times first-team) and made the Pro Bowl all eight seasons. He is the picture of what a Hall of Fame offensive tackle should be, able to dominate both in run and pass blocking. Without question, Thomas is the best Browns’ lineman in history.

Honorable mention: Joe Haden

Next: Colts & Texans

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