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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Jan 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) throws a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half in the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) throws a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half in the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

Indianapolis Colts

Of all the teams, this had to be the easiest choice. Do the Colts have some other players? Sure, but none even close to the caliber of quarterback Andrew Luck. Taken with the first-overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Stanford University, Luck has become perhaps the best quarterback in the game with his rifle arm and uncanny ability to stay alive in the pocket.

Last year, Luck finished third in passing yards to Ben Roethlisberger and Drew Brees, despite being saddled with a terrible offensive line. Luck has advanced the Colts to the playoffs all three of his seasons, going deeper by one round each time. If the trend holds in 2015, Indianapolis will be in the Super Bowl.

Honorable mention: Vontae Davis

Houston Texans

The Houston Texans are defined by a defensive player, perhaps the only team in the league which can make that claim. J.J. Watt is the best in the business on defense, making a strong argument each week that he is the best defensive specimen to play since Lawrence Taylor.

Last year, Watt finished second only to Justin Houston with 20.5 sacks, despite playing at 3-4 end which is not a pass-rushing position. Watt is all out, all the time. In 2014, Watt racked up 78 tackles and four forced fumbles to accompany his quartet of touchdowns, with three coming on offense. If Watt retired tomorrow, there would be many saying to put him Canton, Ohio now.

Honorable mention: Arian Foster

Next: Titans & Jaguars