In case you missed it, the Associated Press released its 2007 All-Pro Team earlier this afternoon. The team is chosen by a national panel of media members.
I've talked to two AFC scouts and one from the NFC to gauge their initial reaction to the list. And now I present the first annual Hashmarks All-Pro Snubs List:
Quarterback: Tom Brady, Patriots
Snub: I don't think we need to spend much time debating this one. Brady had the most prolific season in NFL history. And yes, the person who split their vote is ridiculous. Other than Peter King, I'm the biggest Brett Favre supporter you'll find, but this should've been a unanimous vote.
Running backs: LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers; Brian Westbrook, Eagles
Snubs: Tomlinson was unanimous and Westbrook had an MVP-type season. Without him, the Eagles may have won four games. That said, Vikings running back Adrian Peterson emerged as the most dynamic player in the league. I don't hold it against him that he gained a lot of his yards in a handful of games. He kept the Vikings afloat before they made an improbable run at the playoffs.
I think Jacksonville running back Fred Taylor deserves some type of lifetime achievement award. He was fourth in the voting, but you couldn't have put him ahead of Tomlinson, Westbrook or Peterson.
Fullback: Lorenzo Neal, Chargers
Snub: Neal is still a superb player, but everyone I talked to said Browns fullback Lawrence Vickers was off the charts this season. He just mauls defenders, and I would put him ahead of veterans Tony Richardson and Greg Jones.
Tight end: Jason Witten, Cowboys
Snub: Tony Gonzalez actually put up better numbers, but he played on a pathetic team. Witten has become an elite blocker, and he and quarterback Tony Romo have ridiculous chemistry. Week after week, teams game-planned for T.O., and then got burned in the middle of the field all day.
Wide Receivers: Randy Moss, Patriots; Terrell Owens, Cowboys
Snubs: No real argument here, although an AFC scout said what Reggie Wayne did without Marvin Harrison for most of the season was nothing short of remarkable. The Cowboys move T.O. all over the field to create mismatches. The Colts line up Wayne in the same place almost every snap, and it doesn't matter. In another year, Browns receiver Braylon Edwards would be in the running. He made the commitment to change his approach last offseason, and it paid off in a huge way.
Tackles: Matt Light, Patriots; Walter Jones, Seahawks
Snubs: Bills left tackle Jason Peters has quietly emerged as the most athletic left tackle in football. I've had four different scouts tell me he will replace Walter Jones and Jonathan Ogden as the next elite left tackle. And I'm sorry, but rookie Joe Thomas had a better season than Jones and Light, who was pushed around by Osi Umenyiora in the first half of the Giants game. Thomas allowed one sack the entire season, and he's a huge reason quarterback Derek Anderson had a breakthrough season.
Guards: Steve Hutchinson, Vikings; Alan Faneca, Steelers
Snubs: Pretty much everyone I talked to said that center Matt Birk had the best season of any Vikings offensive lineman. I would put New England's Logan Mankins in front of both Hutchinson and Faneca, who did have an outstanding season after being upset about his contract status. I also think you could make great arguments for Leonard Davis and Kris Dielman. According to folks who watch a lot of film, Davis was as dominant as any guard in the league this season. Of course, it doesn't hurt to be playing next to Andre Gurode.
Center: Jeff Saturday, Colts
Snubs: I didn't think this was close. Saturday held together a line that was plagued by injury. Scouts say he's one of the best technicians in the game. Watching him on an inside handoff is a pretty amazing thing. Highly intelligent player who doesn't get enough credit. I would list Patriots center Dan Koppen and Andre Gurode as the next best centers, but Jahri Evans was superb for the Saints.
Back with defense and special teams in a little bit.
