After watching games and breaking down film, Scouts Inc., in conjunction with ESPN.com's Matt Williamson, has evaluated and graded more than 2,500 NFL players heading into the 2012 season. Here's how the top 200 players stacked up.
Note: No rookies were included in this exercise. Age refers to player's age at start of 2012 season on Sept. 5.
In today's ever-changing NFL, it is imperative for every front office to constantly update the scouting reports and grades for every single player in the league. These reports, along with the player's college scouting reports, are saved to review over the years when deciding who to pursue in free agency and any other potential roster moves.
Much like in an NFL front office, with the 2012 Big Book you will find a comprehensive ranking of the top 200 NFL players, plus the top 50 players in each position group. Each player profile features a short synopsis of the player, as well as his 2011 stats and vital bio information.
Unlike a front office, we do not evaluate these players based on the specific team and scheme we work for. For example, a true 3-4 defensive end type is worth much more to a 3-4 defense than he is to a team that employs the 4-3. Instead, ours is a broader evaluation of the player as a whole.
With a list of this magnitude -- or, for that matter, any ranking -- there is much room for debate and controversy. Judging a guard against a safety is not an easy thing to do. And of course, quarterbacks carry more weight than say, kickers or fullbacks.
Our ranking continues with Nos. 101-125.
Complete Top 200:
1-25 | 26-50 | 51-75 | 76-100
101-125 | 126-150 | 151-175 | 176-200
101
Cortland Finnegan
83
AGE: 28
DOB: 2/2/84
HT: 5-10
WT: 188
POS: CB
Tkl 75
Solo 58
Sack 1.0
FF 0
Int 1
Player Analysis
Finnegan is a slightly undersized corner who plays a lot bigger than he measures. He thrives on the role of being a pesky defender who not only covers effectively but also gets in receivers' faces. He also gets in their heads with a lot of talk as well as a physical style.
MORE ANALYSIS
He is quick, can extend the cushion and open his hips to turn and run with receivers on go routes. He is quick in transition and closes on balls thrown in front of him with a good burst. While he lacks great top-end speed he knows how to maintain good position in order to avoid being beat deep.
CLOSE ANALYSIS