Some veteran players the victims of cuts with new NFL salary cap limits

Umaru Lamin, Sports Writer DGT Sports Writer

With the new salary cap limits set in stone for the NFL, veteran players with lofty salaries will be the victims with teams that are currently over the cap. With teams forced to work under the 120 million dollar cap, and rookie salaries under more control with the new CBA deal, veteran players with high price tags are sure to be the victims with teams needing to trim down on salaries.

The Dallas Cowboys, and Baltimore Ravens were two examples of teams that were over the salary cap who cut high salary veteran players to make room under the new salary figure. A couple of veterans that the Cowboys released included, wide receiver Roy Williams, running back Marion Barber, and offensive lineman Leonard Davis.

The Ravens cut key veteran members from their 2010 team, which include running back Willis McGahee, tight-end Todd Heap, and wide receiver Derrick Mason. The moves by both teams saved the teams 15 to 20 million in cap dollars for the upcoming season. With teams forced to make a number in such a short time, other high priced veterans around the league will soon become cap casualties.

Other veterans that will either be released or traded include Green Bay Packers linebacker Nick Barnett who finished last year on the injured reserve list. Barnett met with Packers General Manager Ted Thompson earlier in the week after arriving for training camp to begin workouts with the team. The New York Giants also released veteran lineman Shaun O'Hara in attempts to get under the salary cap. The Giants were about 6 million dollars over the salary cap coming into the 2011 season.

With dollars a premium for teams above, or near the salary cap threshold veteran players with large dollar figures who don't produce as they once did will ultimate be the victims with how the league operates. Other names that may be part of this list shortly include high priced running back Reggie Bush, and quarterback Donovan McNabb. The Washington Redskin quarterback signed a large deal during the end of the 2010 season, and his salary number is around 14 million for the 2011 season. The Redskins are surely not going to pay McNabb that number so they're currently in trade talks with the Vikings on trading McNabb for a 6th draft pick. The Vikings want to have McNabb restructure his salary before they make the trade with the Redskins. Saints running back Reggie Bush is another veteran who has a salary number of 11 million dollars for this coming season. The Saints drafted rookie running back Mark Ingram out of Alabama in this year's draft, and the Saints definitely don't want to commit to Bush's 11 million dollar salary. If the two sides aren't able to come up with a restructured salary for 2011 Reggie Bush will probably be the next veteran cut before the season starts.

Veterans will have to focus even more on their guaranteed signing bonus when signing contracts because in a league with a stringent salary cap for all teams across the board. Once production drops for a veteran, or a team is able to sign a younger player for a lot less money the veteran with the high salary cap number will be the first option for a team trim off its roster.

The NFL Lockout is finally over after 134 days of uncertainty

Umaru Lamin Sports Writer, DGT Sports Writer

It was a very drawn out process between the NFL Players, and Owners but the two sides finally came to an agreement on Monday to end the 134 day lock-out. A process that seemed to be up and down throughout finally ended with both sides giving up a little, and getting a little to reach an agreement. The new collective bargaining will last 10 years in duration with no opt out clause for either side. The final points that caused a frenzy by the NFLPA on Friday after the Owners agreed on their own proposal deteriorated after it came to light that the players didn't even have the chance to review the drafted document. The weekend was somewhat of a cooling off period for the NFLPA to evaluate their documents and also come up with their own revisions of key points that they felt needed to be addressed.

The two sides were finally able to iron out the minor points that enabled both sides to put pen to paper and officially finalize the agreement. Teams will be officially able to start speaking with players on Tuesday and they can begin to sign players as early as Friday. Training camps will start to open this Wednesday, and teams can begin waiver players as early as Thursday. The players still have to vote to recertify as a Union, and after that process they'll have to have a final vote on the new CBA.

The major framework of the new agreement were finalized about a week ago but with the salary cap, and minimum spending agreed that teams were required to spend. The minor hiccup that caused the last minute rift may never fully be revealed but it was major enough to cast doubt into the eyes of the players. But whatever those hiccups where they were quickly alleviated in time to make an announcement early Monday morning. Roger Goodell, and DeMaurice Smith were all smiles on Monday with the news that football is back.

One of the key milestones that must be stated with the new CBA is the 10 year duration of the new pact between both sides. Their will be a decade of labor peace in the most prosperous sport in the U.S. for the next ten years and now the activities will move from the negotiating table to the football field which is what the fans truly enjoy the most.

NFL Owners vote 31 to 0 to ratify new Labor Deal

Umaru Lamin Writer, DGT Sports

The NFL Owners voted unanimously to ratify the new labor agreement between the League and the Players today. The vote was 31 to 0 in favor with the Los Angeles Raiders abstaining from a vote. The agreements duration is 10 years in length without any cutoffs.

The next steps are now for the Players to vote on ratification. The labor deal calls for a salary cap of 120 million, with a 99 percent cash spend in 2011. Roger Goodell announces Hall of Fame Game to be cancelled.

No Player vote today on new CBA. Owners to meet in Atlanta on Thursday.

Umaru Lamin, Sports Writer DGT Sports

It was thought that today the NFL Players would vote on the new CBA agreement that the two sides have been ironing out the last couple months. But the players didn't take part in any vote to decide if they would ratify the collective bargaining agreement. The President of the NFLPA, and former player Kevin Mawae informed NFL.COM that the players aren't operating on any July 21st deadline. Mawae stated that the goal of the NFL Players is to see what's on the table, and to get the best deal possible for the players.

From the Owners perspective NFL Lead Negotiator Jeff Pash stated that he expects the Owners, and Players to vote on an agreement Thursday with a new pact in place shortly after. The Owners are scheduled to meet in Atlanta for meetings tomorrow where a vote could take place. Atlanta is the same place where the Owners voted in 2008 to end the CBA that was in existence between both sides. With 32 teams holding a vote in the CBA ratification process 3/4 or 24 teams are needed to vote in favor of the new CBA for the Owners to be in agreement. Roger Goodell was at the Atlanta airport on Wednesday meeting with 9 of 10 members of the NFL Labor Committee ironing out the final details of the proposed agreement.

From the looks of things it looks as if the Players may have a few issues they need to iron out before they feel a deal meets their liking. The lawsuit against the Owners has 10 named plaintiffs that must sign off the agreement to throw out the lawsuit. A couple players who lost the most with the uncapped year in 2010 where Patriots G Logan Mankins, and Chargers WR Vincent Jackson. Both players were 5th year veterans last year who were forced into restricted free-agency, and who were later tendered contracts by their respective teams that were below market value. Jackson, and Mankins may want special considerations attached to their status as free-agents who lost out the most from the prior CBA.

Free Agent frenzy set to take place in the NFL within the next week

Umaru Lamin, Sports Writer DGT Sports Writer

With an NFL labor deal close between the Players, and Owners the league will finally be set to open for business. With the new labor deal set to allow unrestricted free agency to players with expired contracts with at least 4 years of service in the league teams will have to have a master plan to sign players on the market starting with their own free agents. The number of available free agents could be as high as 450 players. Due to the extended lockout the time to sign players will be the shortest during the free agency era.

Owners, Players, and Agents will have to have a master plan to position themselves for the frenzy that will take place shortly. Teams will need to develop a board that itemizes the order in which they go after key free agents while staying at the 123 million dollar salary cap threshold for the up and coming 2011 season. A team like the Pittsburgh Steelers are already roughly 10 million dollars over the proposed salary cap figure. The Oakland Raiders are another team already with a high salary cap number around 100 million with the signing of Richard Seymour, and Stanford Routt before the lockout took place. Teams already over the cap, or close to hitting the cap number will have to be very judicious on who they re-sign or players they attract from other teams.

The week of July 25th will likely officially become the starting period where players can begin to sign contracts. The massive pool of players who will be available during that time will undoubtedly have Agents cell phones ringing from calls by General Managers, and other team personnel. Couple that with teams having to sign their own rookie draft picks, and add to that rookie free agents who weren't drafted creates a position with a lot of moving parts in terms of player signees. Teams that already have a plan in place before the process takes place will prove to be the most successful during the free agency period.

Owners and Players ironed out major issues in yesterday's meeting

Umaru Lamin, Sports Writer DGT Sports

The NFL Players and Owners overcame a major hurdle in the negotiation yesterday by agreeing on the salary cap number for the new labor deal, as well as the salary cap for rookie contracts. The new salary cap for the league looks like it will be around 120 million dollars a year. An additional 21 million dollars will be spent on benefits for players. The salary cap will allow for an additional 3 million dollars in the first year for teams that are already over that figure. That will allow teams like the Pittsburg Steelers, and Dallas Cowboys the opportunity to adjust to the new salary cap figure.

The salaries spent on rookies will be reduced by 50 percent under the proposal discussed by Owners and Players. Owners will have the option of guaranteeing the 5th year of rookie contracts. However rookies will have the benefit of their 5th year salaries averaged against the salaries of the top players at their positions. This will allow for teams to have a little more control over players that are top performers at their position for that 5th year, and also allowing teams to let go of players who haven't performed up to their first contracts.

The next action item between the two sides is Owners wanting right of first refusal for upcoming Free Agents. Players on the other hand want unrestricted Free Agent rights for players with 4 four years of service. This seems like the next major issue that Owners and Players will have to work out. Everything seems to be lining up for a signed agreement in the coming weeks for both sides. If the sides don't come to an agreement the leagues stands to lose hundreds of millions of dollars each week that preseason games are missed.

NFL's Top 100 as voted by the NFL Players rankings (10 to 1)

Umaru Lamin, Sports Writer DGT Sports

We conclude the analysis of the Top 100 players by listing the top 10 players in the NFL today. The list doesn't come as a surprise containing the greats like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Adrian Peterson on the offensive side of the ball. And on defense the top players include Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Troy Polamalu, and Darrelle Revis. The league's best are consistent Pro Bowl, and All Pro selections who seem to put up big numbers year after year. We keep our eyes open on how these top performers rank in the 2011 season.




10. J. Peppers Bears, DE

Julius Peppers a 9 year Pro had another Pro Bowl season in 2010 after signing with the Chicago Bears. Peppers made his 3rd straight Pro Bowl, and his 6th since he's been in the league. Peppers made a big impact in 2010 with 8 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions, and 54 tackles. Peppers played like a Top 10 player in 2010. Peppers will be in his second year of the big deal he signed with the Bears so he'll have to play with the same motivation, and ferocity to make the Top 10 list again in 2011.

9. D. Brees Saints, QB

Drew Brees is a 5 time Pro Bowler who finished his 10th year in 2010. Brees was the leader of the Saints high powered offense passing for 33 touchdowns in 2010. Surprisingly Brees had a high number of interceptions, 22 in 2010 as well. He'll have to cut down on that number to make the Top 10 in 2011. Brees did throw for 4,600 yards last year, and you can look for the high powered Saints offense to light up the score board again in 2011.

8. D. Revis Jets, CB

Darrelle Revis a 4 year Pro, who has made the last 3 Pro Bowls is the best cover Corner in the NFL today. Revis consistently shut down the league's best Wide Receivers week in, week out in 2010. Revis wasn't able to record any interceptions in 2010 simply because opposing teams didn't throw the football his way. The trend should continue of teams not throwing passing in his direction, and if they do look for an increase in his interception total. Revis should be another Top 10 performer in 2011.

7. A. Johnson Texans, WR

Andre Johnson is an 8 year Pro, who has 3 straight Pro Bowl selections, and 5 total selections during his career. Johnson suffered through a serious ankle injury much of the 2010 season missing 3 full games for the Texans. Johnson is considered the game's best Wide Receiver, and he was still able to receiver for over 1,200 yards, and catch 86 passes in 2010. Johnson was only able to catch 8 touchdowns last year, and he'll have to improve on that number to maintain the title as the game's best Wide-out. Andres Johnson at 100 percent should post big reception, and touchdown numbers for the 2011 season.

6. T. Polamalu Steelers, S

Troy Polamalu is an 8 year Pro who is a 6 time Pro Bowler for the Steelers. Polamalu is one of the game's best safeties. Polamalu was all over the field again in 2010 on run, and passing plays for the Steelers. Polamalu stats included 7 interceptions, 63 tackles, and 1 sack in 14 games played in 2010. Polamalu is one of the best playmakers in the NFL today, and his ranking in the Top 10 is a justified rating. Polamalu's talent, and abilities will keep him in the Top 10 for some years to come.

5. E. Reed Ravens, S

Ed Reed a 7 time Pro Bowler with 9 years in the NFL totaled 8 interceptions with the Ravens in 2010 in only 10 games. Reed was out the first 6 games with a serious hip injury but came back to be a really big playmaker for the Ravens secondary. Reed is one of the biggest playmakers in the history of the NFL at the safety position. Injuries have slowed Reed down over the past couple of years but he continues to be a ball hawk on passing situations.

4. R. Lewis Ravens, LB

Ray Lewis a 15 year Pro, and 12 time Pro Bowl selection continues to put up big numbers at the Linebacker position for the Ravens. Lewis totaled 139 tackles with the Ravens in 2010, leading the Ravens defense in tackling. Lewis is Mr. Consistency on the football field with his uncanny ability to stop running backs in their tracks. Everyone keeps anticipating the day when Lewis slows down but it hasn't happened quite as yet. I look for another strong year from a freakish athlete in his 16th season.

3. A. Peterson Vikings, RB

Adrian Peterson posted a 4th Pro Bowl appearance in his 4th year in the NFL in 2010. Peterson was able to run for close to 1,300 yards, and post 12 touchdowns as the Vikings leading Running Back. Peterson was able to cut back his fumbles to only one during the entire 2010 season. Peterson was a bright spot in what was a rather dismal season for the Minnesota Vikings. Look for Peterson to have another break-out year in 2011 justifying his ranking as one of the best players in the NFL.

2. P. Manning Colts, QB

Peyton Manning a 13th year Pro, and 11 time Pro Bowler makes the list at the number 2 spot. It could easily be argued that Manning is the top player in the NFL today. In 2010 season that saw the Colts lose many key players to injuries, Manning was still able to throw for 33 touchdowns during the year. I didn't like his 17 interceptions during the season but a lot of that was attributed to new Receivers running routes for Colts during the year. Manning will have Dallas Clark back healthy in 2011 and he should rank at either the No.1 or No. 2 spot in 2011.

1. T. Brady Patriots, QB

Tom Brady an 11th year Pro, and 6 time Pro Bowler put up excellent numbers in 2010 to lead the Patriots to the best record during the regular season. Brady threw for 36 touchdowns during the 2010 campaign with only 4 interceptions. Brady was able to put up strong numbers after trading away Randy Moss during the season, and having to play with 2 rookie tight-ends during the year. Brady is a Top 2 talent in the NFL and he will put up strong numbers again in 2011 for the Patriots.

NFL's Top 100 as voted by the NFL Players rankings (20 to 11)

Umaru Lamin, Sports Writer DGT Sports

We are now at the cream of the crop of the Top 100 rankings. We analyze players 20 down to 11 in the NFL. These are the difference makers who receive all the headlines justifiably so. Let's take a look at the game changers who are considered the league's best. Let me know your own analysis of the players ranked 20 to 11.



20. M. Vick Eagles, QB

Michael Vick an 8th year Pro earned his 4th Pro Bowl appearance during the 2010 season. Vick had a MVP type year in his second year back after serving time in prison. Vick passed for 21 touchdowns in 12 games of action for the Philadelphia Eagles. Vick was able to put up comeback player of the year type of stats after serving as the 3rd Quarterback for the Eagles in 2009. Vick is ascending up the list as a Top 20 player in the NFL. His dynamic nature as a passer and runner make him one of the league's best.

19. C. Matthews Packers, LB

Clay Matthews had a Defensive MVP type performance in his 2nd year as a Packer linebacker. Matthews was many outlets Defensive Player of the Year in 2010 totaling 13.5 sacks, and 60 tackles. Matthews made his 2nd Pro Bowl appearance in his second season in the league. Matthews distinguished himself as one of the best edge rushers in the 2010 season. Matthews has already branded himself after only 2 years is the league, and another standout year in 2011 will continue his accession in the Top 20 rankings.

18. N. Asomugha Raiders, CB

Nnamdi Asomugha a 8th year NFL Pro is labeled one of the best cover Corners in the NFL. Asomugha made his 3rd straight Pro Bowl appearance in 2010 after basically shutting down his side of the football field. Asomugha didn't record any interceptions in 2010 due in part to opposing teams not throwing the ball in his direction. Asomugha is will be one of the prized free-agents this summer and he'll be a Top 25 player again in 2011.

17. H. Ngata Ravens, DT

Haloti Ngata is a 5 year NFL Pro who is already considered the best interior Defensive lineman in the game. Ngata has made 3 straight Pro Bowl appearances after achieving the honors in 2010. Ngata posted 5.5 sacks, and 63 tackles at an interior position which routinely receives double and triple teams. Ngata comes off the ball like no other player in the NFL while providing protection for Ray Lewis of the Ravens. Ngata is only in his 5th year so he should be a mainstay in the Top 20 for years to come.

16. C. Woodson Packers, CB

Charles Woodson put together a Pro Bowl performance for the 7th time in 2010 of his 13 year career. Woodson is a Defensive back who plays all over the field. During the 2010 season Woodson recording 2 interceptions, 2 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, and 92 tackles. Woodson can be considered the league's best all-around Defensive back, who the offense must always account for. The only drawback in 2011 is that Woodson will be in his 14th season but a Top 30 performance is certainly attainable.

15. D. Freeney Colts, DE

Dwight Freeney posted another double digit sack year resulting in his 6th Pro Bowl selection in his 9 years of service in the NFL. Freeney totaled 10 sacks in 2010, causing havoc at the blind side of NFL QB's. Freeney is as quick as they come at the Defensive end position, and he hasn't seemed to slow down after 9 years in the league. The issue I have with Freeney is that his one dimension is rushing the Quarterback. However in the NFL pass rushers are always at a premium. Look for Freeney to post similar double digit sack numbers in 2011 leading to another Top 20 ranking after next season.

14. L. Fitzgerald Cardinals, WR

Larry Fitzgerald a 7 year Pro, with 5 Pro Bowl selections was the victim of lacking a strong Quarterback in 2010. Fitzgerald was only able to register 6 touchdowns in 2010, with 1,100 total yards receiving. Those are strong numbers for any other Receiver in the game, but not for Larry Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald will need to have a bounce back year even though teams continue to key on him as the main target on the Cardinals offense. Fitzgerald has Top 10 talent but the question is will he have a Quarterback that can feed him the ball in 2011?

13. C. Johnson Titans, RB

Chris Johnson put together another solid season in his 3rd year as a Pro, which also resulted in his 3rd Pro Bowl selection. Johnson wasn't able to match the 2,000 yards he posted in 2009, but he still rushed for over 1,300 yards, and 11 touchdowns. Johnson is one of the two best Running Backs in the league, and with a possible rookie at Quarterback, Johnson should be the focal point of the Titans offense. Defenses will be keying on Johnson but look for him to post 1,400 plus yards, and 12 plus touchdowns in 2011. An even bigger year will place him into the Top 10 of the NFL's ranking in 2011.

12. D. Ware Cowboys, LB

DeMarcus Ware a 6 year NFL Pro, and 5 time Pro Bowler is the leading sack man in the NFL totaling 15.5 sacks in 2010. Ware is the best pass rusher in the game today. Ware is as strong as an ox and he puts fear into opposing offensive lineman. Ware will need to show more leadership on the defense side after the Cowboys were eliminated from playoff contention early in 2010. If Ware shows the leadership in 2011, and he is able to put up similar numbers he'll definitely make the Top 10 for this upcoming season.

11. A. Rodgers Packers, QB

Aaron Rodgers a 6 year Pro, has only one Pro Bowl selection to his name. The Quarterback position is always a tough position to be nominated at for both Conferences. Rodgers led the Packers to the Super Bowl Championship in 2010, and he is finally starting to get the recognition that he deserves. Rodgers was able to lead the Packers to the title without many of his key weapons who were out due to injury. With a full complement of players in 2011 Rodgers might be able to throw for over 30 touchdown receptions while attaining a Top 10 ranking.

NFL's Top 100 as voted by the NFL Players rankings (30 to 21)

Umaru Lamin, Sports Writer, DGT Sports

30. M. Jones Jaguars, RB

Maurice Jones-Drew is a 5 year Pro, who has made the Pro-Bowl the last 2 years of his career. Jones-Drew scored 5 touchdowns in the 2010 season in which he missed two games due to injury. Jones-Drew also rushed for over 1,300 yards in 14 games in his 5th season. Jones-Drew is one of the toughest running backs in the NFL, and I look for him to score at least 10 rushing touchdowns in 2011. With a healthy year in 2011 Jones-Drew should ascend higher in the Top 100 list

29. D. Jackson Eagles, WR

Desean Jackson is a 3 year NFL player who has a Pro-Bowl appearance in 2009, and 2010. Jackson's most impressive stat was his 22.5 yards per catch which lead Wide Receivers in 2010. Jackson was only able to register 6 touchdown passes in a season where he suffered a serious head injury where he was forced to miss a couple of games. Jackson is one of the best young Wideouts in the NFL, who will have a great touchdown reception year in 2011. I look for Jackson to have a performance that has him listed in the Top 20 after the 2011 season.

28. J. Long Dolphins, T

Jake Long a former No. 1 pick in the NFL draft has made the Pro-Bowl in all three years of his football career. Long man handles his defensive responsibility week in and week out during the NFL season. Long is only three years into his career so it shouldn't suprise you if he's consistently on this list for many years to come.

27. C. Johnson Detroit, WR

Calvin Johnson is a 4 year NFL player who made his inaugural Pro-Bowl appearance in 2010. Johnson put up Pro-Bowl touchdown number scoring 12 touchdowns from the Receiver position. Johnson is definitely climbing the list as a Top 25 football player in the NFL, and a strong year in 2011 could possibly land him in the Top 10 after a big year. Johnson brings strong tangible skills with his length, speed, and extraordinary leaping ability. Johnson is definitely a top Wideout in the NFL.

26. P. Rivers Chargers, QB

Philip Rivers continues to put up excellent numbers after completing his 8th year in the NFL. Rivers is a 3 time Pro-Bowler who achieved the honor in 2010 after throwing for over 4,700 yards, and 30 touchdowns. Rivers was able to single handedly lead the Chargers to victories after having to deal with holdouts, and injuries to major weapons through the entire 2010 season. With a healthy roster in 2011 Rivers should put up similar strong passing numbers to lead the Chargers.

25. A. Foster Texans, RB

Arian Foster had a break-out Pro-Bowl year during his second season in the NFL. Foster totaled 1,600 rushing yards, and 16 rushing touchdowns in 2010. The rushing touchdown number was far and away the league leader last year. The main question is will Foster be able to put up similar numbers as defenses place more emphasis on stopping the Texans running game. If he's able to match 2010's stats Foster will be considered a Top 20 player, but that may be a tough task in a league filled with adjustments.

24. R. White Falcons, WR

Roddy White has 6 years in the NFL, and he led the league with 115 receptions in 2010 which was a 3rd straight Pro-Bowl appearance. White was also a leader with 10 touchdown receptions to lead the high power Falcons passing game. White is in the crop of leagues best receivers, and his numbers in 2011 may even improve on the touchdown side. Look for another Top 25 performance by White in 2010.

23. P. Willis 49ers, LB

Patrick Willis has made the Pro-Bowl in all 4 of his years in the NFL. Willis is one of the leagues best tacklers who is strong both against the run and pass. Willis registered 6 sacks in 2010, and 128 combined tackles. Willis is still elevating his status as a Linebacker in the NFL and he could easily join the Top 15 players in the NFL in 2011.

22. A. Gates Chargers, TE

Antonio Gates is simply the best Tight End in the NFL after completing his 8th year in 2010. Gates has made 7 straight Pro-Bowls as a Tight End. Gates was only able to play in 10 games in 2010 posting 9 touchdown receptions. Gates will have to comeback and play the entire year in 2011, and if he is healthy he shouldn't have a problem posting double digit touchdown receptions.

21. J. Harrison Steelers, LB

James Harrison an 8 year NFL Linebacker made his 4th straight Pro-Bowl after the 2010 season. Harrison totaled 10.5 sacks, and 100 tackles as one of the key players on the Steelers defense. Harrison had a tough year in 2010 relating to penalties, and league mandated fines for hits to the helmet, but it was still a very productive year for Harrison. If the new rules to protect head related injuries doesn't slow down Harrison aggressiveness he should post another strong statistical year. Harrison may have reached his ceiling at the 21 spot, but he is definitely one of the leagues best pass rushing linebackers.

NFL's Top 100 as voted by the NFL Players rankings (40 to 31)

Umaru Lamin, Sports Writer DGT Sports

We move forward with our list of the NFL's Top players, listing players 40 to 31 on the Top 100 list. We'll see who makes the list as we climb up the list of the top players in the NFL. Please post your comment on your analysis of the players listed.

40. T. Suggs Ravens, LB

Terrell Suggs a 8 year player is one of the best linebackers in the league today. Suggs is a 4-time Pro Bowler who received the honor during the 2010 season. Suggs recorded double digit sacks in 2011 registering 11 sacks. Suggs is a one-dimensional linebacker whose primary attribute is to rush the passer. Suggs should have another double digit sack season and should maintain his position in the rankings.

39. L. Mankins Patriots, G

Logan Mankins is a 6 year Pro is considered one of the best Guards in the NFL. Mankins is a 3 time Pro Bowler who achieved the honor in 2010. Mankins held out the first part of 2010, however he still was able to achieve Pro-Bowl status. Mankins assist the Patriots with his able to seal defensive tackles on run plays, and hold rushers on passing downs. Mankins is a very solid Guard who could even see his position improve in 2011.

38. S. Jackson Rams, RB

Steven Jackson a 7 year player who is a 3 time Pro Bowler who was selected to the 2010 team. Jackson didn't have a high touchdown output scoring only 6 rushing TD's in 2010. Jackson was able to rush for over 1,200 yards over 16 games last year. The key with Jackson is can he stay healthy throughout the year. If Jackson is healthy in 2011 look for him to rank in the top 30. He should have a bigger year in 2011 due in part to expectations to a double digit touchdown year.

37. J. Vilma Saints, LB

Johnathan Vilma has been in the league for 7 years, and he is a 3 time Pro-Bowler. Vilma is the leader of the Saints defense which has the uncanny ability to cause a lot of turnovers. Vilma made the Pro Bowl in 2010 registering 105 tackles, and 4 sacks on the Quarterback. Vilma is a consistent linebacker who should put up similar stats in 2011 as the Saints defensive leader.

36. J. Witten Cowboys, TE

Jason Witten is a 8 year NFL player who has made the Pro Bowler 7 straight years. Witten has some of the best pair of hands in the NFL. Witten totaled 1,000 receiving yards in 2010. Witten caught 9 touchdowns last year with Tony Romo out most of the year. With Romo back Witten should have another big year in 2011. Witten's consistency will keep him ranked in the Top 40 this coming year.

35. V. Wilfork Patriots, DT

Vince Wilfork a 7 year Pro is arguably the best nose tackle in the NFL today. Wilfork is a 2010 Pro Bowl selection, who has been named to the team 3 times. Wilfork is the key to the Patriots defense as he receives double teams on every position. Wilfork is a stable force for on the Pats defense. Wilfork should maintain a similar position in 2011.

34. J. Evans Saints, OT

Jahri Evans is a 5 year Pro who is already one of the best lineman in the NFL. Evans has made the Pro Bowl the last 2 years, and he is one of the anchors of the Saints offensive line. Evans is trending upwards on the list and if he continues his dominant play Evans can make the Top 25 in 2011. Looks for Evans to have another dominating season in playing a major role in leading the Saints to a high octane offense this year.

33. J. Charles Chiefs, RB

Jamaal Charles is 3 year Pro who made his 1st Pro Bowl in 2010. Charles rushed for nearly 1,500 yards, averaging over 6 yards per carry. Charles is as explosive as they come from the running back position. Charles is ascending into one of the great young backs, but the question remains whether he can take the physical hits with his small stature. Charles is putting up historic numbers with his yards per carry statistics. If he averages close to 6 yards per carry in 2011 he'll make me a believer and he'll rank in the Top 20.

32. D. Hester Bears, WR

Devin Hester is a 5 year player in the NFL who is explosive every time he has the ball in his hand. Hester is a 2010 Pro Bowler who already leads the NFL all-time in combined punt return, and kickoff return touchdowns. Hester is on the field more as a Wideout which has affected some of his productivity. Hester produced only 475 passing yards, on 40 receptions in 2010. Hester must show that he can be a contributor as a Wide Receiver to be as high on the list in 2011.

31. R. Wayne Colts, WR

Reggie Wayne is a 10 year Pro, who has made the Pro Bowl the last 5 years. Wayne is Mr. Consistent from the Wide Receiver position. Wayne totaled 6 touchdowns in 2010, with 1,300 yards receiving. Wayne must total double digits in touchdowns in 2011 to maintain his spot for this coming season. Wayne is coming into his 11th year, and with the competition at the Wideout position it's imperative that he puts up big numbers in 2011.

Deadline soon arriving for decision on preseason Hall of Fame Game

Umaru Lamin, DGT Sports Writer

The deadline is nearing for the NFL Players, and Owners to agree on terms for a new labor contract before preseason games will be missed. The first game to affected is the annual Hall of Fame Game, scheduled for August 7th between the Chicago Bears, and the St. Louis Cardinals. Right now the NFL Players, and Owners are working on the framework of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, but time is arriving quickly before the training camp reporting date nears. We're already into the first week of July and an official labor deal hasn't been agreed on between the two sides. Players and Owners are meeting in New York City this week to iron out the final parameters of the labor contract. Lawyers from both sides are attempting to draw up documentation for the half a dozen issues that both sides have been negotiating. The theory is that it will take two weeks to finalize paperwork once both sides come to an agreement.

My opinion is that both sides seem to be very close to meeting one another eye to eye on a final agreement. A nine billion dollar a year business that is in the homes of millions of Americans every week needs time to iron out differences that will be in agreement for the next 6 to 10 years. The back and forth leveraging that takes place is normal in these type of negotiations where 1 percentage point in a deal can add up to millions of dollars in the labor contract. The dotting of the I's, and crossing of the T's will seem like one is attempting to pull out teeth but it should be the final stage of the starting point to a 2011 NFL season. The NFL has become America's pastime and if we just wait out this last couple of weeks we should see the great game back out on the field.