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Super Bowl XLVIII player rankings By Mike Sando and Matt Williamson ESPN Insider There wasn't much debate at the very top when ESPN Insider's NFL scout Matt Williamson and Insider Mike Sando ranked all 106 players headed to the Super Bowl. Peyton Manning of the AFC champion Denver Broncos ran unopposed in the No. 1 slot. From there, however, the NFC champion Seattle Seahawks accounted for eight of the other nine spots in the top 10, a reflection of their strength throughout the roster. In constructing the ranking, Williamson and Sando took into account a range of factors, but mostly focused on which players were playing the best, with less consideration for positional value. That explains why Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson didn't rank among the top five -- though he wasn't far behind. Peyton Manning is looking to cap a record-breaking season with a Super Bowl title.

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Page 1: Super Bowl Player Rankings

Super Bowl XLVIII player rankingsBy Mike Sando and Matt WilliamsonESPN Insider

There wasn't much debate at the very top when ESPN Insider's NFL scout Matt Williamson and Insider Mike Sando ranked all 106 players headed to the Super Bowl.

Peyton Manning of the AFC champion Denver Broncos ran unopposed in the No. 1 slot. From there, however, the NFC champion Seattle Seahawks accounted for eight of the other nine spots in the top 10, a reflection of their strength throughout the roster.

In constructing the ranking, Williamson and Sando took into account a range of factors, but mostly focused on which players were playing the best, with less consideration for positional value. That explains why Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson didn't rank among the top five -- though he wasn't far behind.

1. QB Peyton Manning -- BroncosCompleting 32 of 43 passes for 400 yards and two touchdowns in the AFC Championship Game only affirmed what we've seen from Manning all season. He had arguably the best season of any quarterback ever. He has to be No. 1 on the list. Now, will he still be the best player on the field when the wind picks up at MetLife Stadium? We'll find out.

Super Bowl Draft

Peyton Manning is looking to cap a record-breaking season with a Super Bowl title.

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If you were drafting a team composed of the players on the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos, who would go No. 1? Interact with Mike Sando, Kevin Seifert and Matt Williamson here at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday as they draft competing rosters.

2. CB Richard Sherman -- SeahawksWith all due respect to Darrelle Revis and Patrick Peterson, Sherman has established himself as the most effective cornerback in the league. The 49ers rarely threw at him during the NFC Championship Game, and when they did, Sherman made them pay. Say what you wish about Sherman's bravado, but he is a building-block player -- smart, prepared and perfect for the scheme.

3. FS Earl Thomas -- SeahawksThere isn't another defensive player on either team who is more important to his coach's preferred scheme. Thomas' range allows Seattle to play all that press-man coverage on the outside. He is the new Ed Reed, but more physical. Manning has gotten away with throwing some ducks against replacement-level defenders for San Diego and New England. Some of those won't fly against Seattle, and Thomas is a big reason why.

4. RB Marshawn Lynch -- SeahawksThere isn't a more punishing runner in the game, but Lynch is also extremely elusive. Lynch looks better every time we see him. Lynch owns four of the six 100-yard rushing games against San Francisco over the past three seasons, counting playoffs. He delivers body blow after body blow and eventually takes over games. He did it against the Saints in the divisional round and changed the game with his 40-yard touchdown run against the 49ers. We could argue that Demaryius Thomas is a better player, but Lynch is so important to Seattle. He also affects the game more frequently through the number of touches he gets. Seattle might be lost without him.

5. WR Demaryius Thomas -- BroncosThomas was a project coming out of Georgia Tech, where they didn't really throw the ball. Tim Tebow was waiting for him when Thomas got to the Broncos. That made the transition more difficult, but Thomas has hit his stride. Manning has helped him tremendously, but we cannot say Thomas is just a product of his quarterback. He is a top-10 receiver and maybe top-five. He would be good for any team.

6. WR Percy Harvin -- SeahawksDespite a season where he's essentially been inactive, Harvin ranks this high because he's a unique weapon and a game-changer whenever he steps onto the field. The assumption here is that Harvin will play against the Broncos after missing the NFC Championship Game with a concussion. Harvin is physical, tough and explosive when he's healthy enough to play. He could factor in the return game if you figure the

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Broncos' kickoffs won't be traveling as far as they would in Denver. We saw Harvin's value against New Orleans in the divisional round when his presence helped create the opening Lynch ran through for a touchdown.

7. DL Michael Bennett -- SeahawksIt's a little tough to figure why Bennett lasted so long in free agency last offseason. He was one of the best free-agent signings of the year. Bennett is strong against the run and probably the Seahawks' best pass-rusher, too. We could argue that Wilson is better than him, but Bennett has been more consistent, particularly of late.

8. QB Russell Wilson -- SeahawksWilson makes plays when he needs to even though he hasn't looked great consistently over the past six games or so. Seattle has played some high-end defenses and that explains some of Wilson's issues, particularly as injuries have wiped out some of his top receiving targets at various times. Wilson remains way ahead of the curve for a young quarterback. San Francisco was able to neutralize Wilson's athleticism in ways the Broncos simply cannot replicate given their talent level on defense. Their defenders cannot close as quickly as an Aldon Smith.

9. DT Brandon Mebane -- SeahawksMebane is the unsung hero of the Seahawks defense, an interior presence who commands a double-team and handles them well. Mebane can bust through and make plays in the backfield. He is solid against the run while still providing interior pass rush. Mebane would be more of a household name if he were on a "name" defense.

10. SS Kam Chancellor -- SeahawksIt's tough to be an enforcer under the current rules, but Chancellor manages to fill that role, and he does it better than anyone in the league. We saw that Sunday when Chancellor delivered a few big hits. The 49ers' Michael Crabtree short-armed one pass when he saw Chancellor coming. He's not the only one to make "smart decisions" when Chancellor is in the area. Chancellor also moves well enough to hold up in coverage, a big plus for a box safety.

11. WR Wes Welker -- BroncosWe're 11 players into this list and Welker is only the third Denver player we've considered so far. That is telling as we compare these rosters. Welker hasn't skipped a beat moving from Tom Brady to Manning. Seattle is stacked at corner, but if you're

Russell Wilson has helped lead Seattle to the Super Bowl.

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going to attack one area, you might start with slot corners Jeremy Lane and Walter Thurmond. Welker could have quickness advantages there.

12. MLB Bobby Wagner -- SeahawksWagner does everything so well at such a young age. He should have a long, prosperous career. He came in from Utah State and almost instantly looked as if he'd been in the league forever, running the defense. Wagner sometimes goes out of his way to avoid blocks. That can compromise the run defense at times, but he is still a very good player overall.

13. TE Julius Thomas -- BroncosThomas was always a remarkable athlete. That's why he got a chance as a basketball player from Portland State. He is more than that now. Thomas is a problem for everybody the Broncos face. He is not much of a blocker, but Thomas has become an outstanding receiver, particularly around the end zone. He offers value after the catch as well.

14. DT Terrance Knighton -- BroncosKnighton has been a great story on the Broncos defensive line. He was a player coordinator Jack Del Rio targeted from their days together in Jacksonville. Knighton has prototypical size for a nose tackle, but he also has the quickness to give interior offensive linemen trouble. Knighton has been one of the only constants for the Denver defense this season.

15. LT Russell Okung -- SeahawksThere aren't many prototypical left tackles in the league. Okung is one of them in terms of overall ability, but he has been less consistent and is not really an elite tackle right now. Durability is always a concern with him, but he is an anchor player on a weak line. Okung and center Max Unger are the only starting offensive linemen for Seattle who would start for just about anyone else.

16. G Louis Vasquez -- BroncosA free-agent signing from San Diego, Vasquez has been the Broncos' best offensive lineman since the team lost Ryan Clady to a season-ending injury. Vasquez is effective as a run-blocker and in pass protection. His signing was a good one from the beginning and an even better one in retrospect after injuries hit the line.

17. DE Cliff Avril -- SeahawksSeattle was able to add Avril and Bennett relatively late in free agency. Such are the advantages for a team with so many lower-priced players still on their rookie contracts. Avril is better as a pass-rusher than against the run, but he is not a liability

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in any area. A depressed market for pass-rushers allowed the Seahawks to sign him at a reasonable price.

18. WR Eric Decker -- BroncosDecker has been a very good player for the Broncos. He is probably reliant on the players around him to a greater degree than some of the team's other weapons, and to that end he might warrant a "buyer beware" tag in free agency as a player not really cut out to be a true No. 1 threat. That said, Decker is still big, strong and capable, but Welker and the Thomases, Julius and Demaryius, are the better players. Seattle's corners appear well-positioned to match up with Decker.

19. CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie -- BroncosCorners come in different shapes and sizes. Rodgers-Cromartie is long and lean. He's strictly an outside-the-numbers corner, but he can lock down outside receivers. Seattle's receivers don't really fit that profile, so it'll be interesting to see how Rodgers-Cromartie fares in this matchup.

20. DE Red Bryant -- SeahawksLike Mebane, Bryant is about as underrated as a highly paid player can be. Bryant brings a two-gapping size and style to a one-gap defense. He is a power player and tough to run against when healthy and at his best. Bryant has tremendous value for what the Seahawks want to do. He could easily become a 3-4 defensive end and excel in the role.

21. SLB K.J. Wright -- SeahawksSeattle has quite a few players with specialty traits. Wright is one of them. He is 6-foot-4, rangy and very fluid for his height. He looks like a 3-4 outside linebacker, but he's a prototypical 4-3 strongside guy. Wright is very good in coverage and didn't give up much to Jimmy Graham during the regular season. The Seahawks defense is designed so well that almost every type of defensive player can fit in one way or another.

22. C Max Unger -- SeahawksThis has not been Unger's best season. Injuries could have played a role there. Also, Unger would benefit if Seattle would finally upgrade its guard spots. Still, Unger has established himself as one of the better centers in the league. Though a bit tall for a center (6-5), Unger moves well in the Seahawks' zone scheme and is the second-best lineman on the team.

Eric Decker is one of Peyton Manning's favorite targets.

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23. RT Orlando Franklin -- BroncosFranklin has had a very good year at right tackle on a line that has had injury issues at other positions. Manning is a lineman's best friend, of course. He gets the ball out on time, a big help for a right tackle as massive as Franklin (6-7, 320). Still, Franklin looks like a very solid right tackle on the rise.

24. WR Golden Tate -- SeahawksSeattle's do-it-all receiver is a factor in the return game as well. He is not a No. 1 receiver, but injuries have forced him into that role. This offseason someone might pay the impending free agent as a low-end No. 1 or a high-end No. 2, but a lot of teams will think they can find a similar player without paying big. Tate's improvisational ability is ideally suited to maximize Wilson's ability to buy time. Tate projects as a Hines Ward-type, in part because he can be a dangerous blocker as well.

25. WR Doug Baldwin -- SeahawksBaldwin has a knack for making plays. He had over 100 yards in the NFC Championship Game and added a critical return. There's a temptation to rank him lower based on what you think he should be, but Baldwin is better than that. You can't assume he's a nobody just because he was undrafted out of Stanford. He produces most weeks and does so when they need it the most. Baldwin is a typical chip-on-his-shoulder Seahawk who came from nowhere and beat outside expectations.

26. DE Chris Clemons -- SeahawksA year ago, the Seahawks weren't the same when they lost Clemons to injury. Now, they've got so much depth that Clemons' decline isn't really hurting them. Clemons remains ideally suited for the "Leo" role in Carroll's defense. It's fair to wonder if the Super Bowl will be his final game with Seattle. There are worse ways to go out.

27. C Manny Ramirez -- BroncosThe Broncos' third starting center of the season has been a charm -- better than anyone Denver has had in the recent past. Ramirez is a converted guard and has made the transition to center very ably.

28. DT Tony McDaniel -- SeahawksIt's easy to forget about a player such as McDaniel simply because Seattle has so much depth along its line. McDaniel seems to play well whenever he's out there. He's a big, long guy who plays with good leverage, uses his hands well and can spell Bryant or even serve as an interior rusher on passing downs. He has real value to Seattle.

29. LB Bruce Irvin -- SeahawksIrvin began his career as a nickel rusher and has become a forgotten man as an early-

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down linebacker. He could still emerge as Clemons' replacement in the "Leo" role, but for now he's sort of caught in the middle. He has made some flash plays. He has ability. He's not really suffering through a sophomore slump, but as the 15th player chosen in his draft class, we should expect more than what he is providing right now. Seattle just has so many other guys that it isn't a big deal at the moment.

30. RB Knowshon Moreno -- BroncosUnlikely as it once seemed, Moreno seems to be the heart and soul of the Broncos. Moreno came into the league as an early pick and, by all accounts, did not work hard enough. He wasn't good at the little things. But he reinvented himself. He realized his career could be slipping away. Moreno is by far the most trusted halfback on the roster. He picks up the blitz like a stud and runs every handoff as hard as he can. Manning likes him. He plays with heart, and could be a mentor for Montee Ball.

31. DL Robert Ayers -- BroncosThat first-round pedigree hangs over Ayers a little bit. You feel as though he never really lived up to expectations. Ayers is a complementary player now, but he does a lot of things pretty well. He is a base 4-3 end who can create some mismatches on throwing downs when you move him inside. Ayers complemented Elvis Dumervil previously and then moved inside for Von Miller. He makes plays here and there, but overall, he's an average NFL starter.

32. LB Wesley Woodyard -- BroncosA small and light linebacker with speed, Woodyard needs protection from bigger guys up front. He was highly productive in college and made a mark with Denver as an undrafted prospect. Yet, despite his speed, Woodyard is very average in coverage. This Denver team has sometimes struggled in coverage against tight ends and running backs. Guys like Woodyard help explain why.

33. CB Champ Bailey -- BroncosIt's tough to imagine a future Hall of Famer such as Bailey ranking so low on any list, but age and injuries have caught up to him. That said, Bailey played very well in the AFC Championship Game against New England. He might provide heightened value in a one-game situation with a bye week to rest. Bailey isn't going to match up effectively against someone as shifty and explosive as Harvin, but he can still be effective. This is an all-time great player on the decline at age 35.

How much does Champ Bailey have left in the tank?

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34. TE Zach Miller -- SeahawksThe Seahawks really need Miller because they don't have another tight end with his versatility, but it's possible Miller has become "just a guy" after being much more than that previously in his career. Miller could be a player to watch in the Super Bowl because the Broncos have holes in coverage. Miller did factor in a big way during the playoffs last season.

35. CB Byron Maxwell -- SeahawksMaxwell is more athletic than the man he replaced at right cornerback, the suspended Brandon Browner. He is another plug-and-play, you-have-to-be-this-big-to-ride-the-rides cornerback for Seattle. He doesn't look out of place at all. Give Maxwell credit. It also makes you think Carroll and the defensive coaches are doing an exceptional job developing so many corners.

36. RB Montee Ball -- BroncosThis might be too low for Ball given what he has contributed recently. Ball could be a better player than Moreno, but he will not get the touches, most likely. He is not as trusted, but he has fresh legs. Ball is getting some opportunities in protection and he could be the No. 1 back in Denver next season. He's a player on the rise.

37. LB Shaun Phillips -- BroncosPhillips is Denver's best pass-rusher right now even though he's up in age and disappears for stretches. Phillips was a late, under-the-radar pickup who has helped them. They would be in real trouble without him. He could be a few spots higher, depending on the play.

38. RT Breno Giacomini -- SeahawksThis is probably where things start to get a little tough. Giacomini is fine. He is a pure right tackle with some nastiness and can move a little in their zone scheme, but he is never going to a Pro Bowl. It wouldn't shock me if they drafted a big right tackle-slash-guard type guy to push him and/or the guards.

39. LT Chris Clark -- BroncosClark is a relative unknown but has been around. He has stepped in for Clady and played really well. Again, Manning helps that a lot, but he has exceeded expectations. People aren't talking about Clady's loss every other play. No one is talking about a gaping hole at left tackle.

40. LB Malcolm Smith -- SeahawksSmith filled in well for Wright even though he is not a real similar player. Smith is more of a run-and-hit speed guy. But he is a valuable fourth linebacker for them now and previously Carroll had him at USC. Smith is a special-teamer, young and a good

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fit for Seattle. The Seahawks can play with him and win, but they would rather have Wright. Still, Smith has proved a very good backup with a role in every game.

41. CB Walter Thurmond -- SeahawksThurmond moves well, has good size and is a great depth corner with special-teams value. Getting him back from suspension has restored depth to the secondary. Seattle now has two slot corners it is comfortable with, a big upgrade from at this point last season.

42. RB Christine Michael -- SeahawksMichael is in the No. 3 role behind Lynch and Robert Turbin, but he projects as a future starting back in the NFL (that might not be the case for Turbin). Michael hasn't played much, but he looked great in preseason and is an explosive, violent runner with size. He has a chance to be a star.

43. DE Jeremy Mincey -- BroncosMincey was pretty good in Jacksonville a couple of years ago, but he didn't really fit the Seattle-style scheme Gus Bradley brought to the Jaguars. Mincey is a pure 4-3 defensive end, a strongside guy who might be a poor man's Michael Bennett. He got paid in Jacksonville and didn't produce. He played well against San Diego this season and does have a pedigree.

44. G Zane Beadles -- BroncosBeadles is a below-average starting left guard who is good enough to start on a very good line with a quarterback who makes up for a lot of problems. Beadles was a second-round pick who never quite lived up to expectations. Perhaps the Broncos replace him or at least challenge him with competition at the spot next season.

45. DT Clinton McDonald -- Seahawks Just when you think you've covered all the Seahawks' defensive linemen, you realize there are more. McDonald finished the season with 5.5 sacks and an interception.

46. DE Malik Jackson -- BroncosJackson is an ascending player as an oversized defensive end (293 pounds) who is young and strong against the run. Rushing the passer from the inside is Jackson's most valuable contribution. He's been effective in that role and his best is yet to come.

47. G J.R. Sweezy -- SeahawksLine coach Tom Cable converted Sweezy from defensive tackle to guard. He appears determined to see the experiment through even though Sweezy hasn't been consistent. Seattle has been pretty steadfast in downplaying needs along the line, but this team

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could clearly stand to address the position in the draft after whiffing on James Carpenter and John Moffitt.

48. LB Danny Trevathan -- BroncosTrevathan is another run-and-hit linebacker in the Woodyard mold. He has good speed and some big-play ability, but he can be a liability in coverage despite those traits.

49. SS Duke Ihenacho -- BroncosIhenacho took the Broncos by storm for a while, but his coverage liabilities have shown up the longer he has been on the field. The team has nothing invested in Ihenacho, so he still qualifies as quite a find. He has an impressive highlight reel.

50. TE Jacob Tamme -- BroncosTamme is an undersized "move" tight end who doesn't move well enough and is just an average blocker. Manning trusts him, so there is value there, but it didn't take long for

Julius Thomas to pass him.

51. S Mike Adams -- BroncosAdams would be ideally suited as a third safety. He is average in all regards and past his prime, but he has endured. The Broncos need him because Rahim Moore is on injured reserve. Denver should be looking to upgrade here in the offseason. Adams is a quality special-teamer.

Matt Prater's big leg could be huge in the elements in New Jersey.

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52. K Matt Prater -- BroncosPrater made 25 of 26 field goal tries during the regular season, including all but one of his attempts from 50-plus yards. He made all three of his attempts outdoors on the road, but none of those were of the 50-plus variety. His touchback percentage was 83.1 percent at home and 56 percent everywhere else (he did not kick indoors this season). Kicking in Denver has its perks.

53. WR Jermaine Kearse -- SeahawksThe Seahawks tapped into their depth at receiver and generally got positive results. Kearse made the big touchdown catch in the NFC Championship Game even though the ball bounced off his chest before he controlled it. Kearse is a bigger-bodied receiver than most of the other wideouts on the roster. He has value, particularly with Sidney Rice sidelined.

54. CB Jeremy Lane -- SeahawksSeattle has great depth at corner and Lane has filled in admirably when called upon. He gives Seattle a second slot corner if needed. That could be a factor against the Broncos, who like to spread the field with Welker & Co. Lane has starting experience as well.

55. K Steven Hauschka -- SeahawksHauschka made 33 of his 35 attempts during the regular season, including all three from 50-plus yards. He has experience kicking in poor weather, which could come into play at the Super Bowl. He made all three of his tries during the Seahawks' 23-0 victory over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in Week 15.

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56. FB Michael Robinson -- SeahawksRobinson is not quite the factor he was in previous seasons, one reason the team released him coming out of training camp. He is an underrated receiver and still one of the better fullbacks, at his best. Robinson is more than just a hammer -- he contributes on special teams and serves as a confidante for Lynch.

57. RB Robert Turbin -- SeahawksTurbin is a solid No. 2 back with size and he's a good receiver. He projects as a backup and should not beat out Michael in the race to replace Lynch, however.

58. QB Tarvaris Jackson -- Seahawks Jackson might be one of the two or three best backup quarterbacks in the league; Seattle went 7-7 when he started back in 2011. The way the Seahawks' team is set up, it could probably win games with Jackson in the lineup, at least for the short term.

59. P Jon Ryan -- SeahawksRyan was one of the main reasons Seattle's opponents averaged 3.9 yards per punt return, second best in the league behind the St. Louis Rams (2.6).

60. G Paul McQuistan -- SeahawksMcQuistan came to Seattle as a player with experience in Cable's scheme from their days together in Oakland. The team has won games with him starting at tackle and guard, but McQuistan is best suited as a versatile backup, not as a starter. The Seahawks have recognized this recently.

61. WR Andre Caldwell -- BroncosDenver's fourth receiver caught 16 passes for 200 yards and three touchdowns in the regular season. He wasn't a bad player with Cincinnati previously. Caldwell returned kicks over a two-game stretch in the regular season, averaging 27.3 yards per return in one of those games.

62. P Britton Colquitt -- BroncosGrading punters can be difficult. One stat that jumps out: Denver allowed 9.8 yards per punt return.

63. TE Virgil Green -- BroncosDenver drafted Green and Julius Thomas the same year. Both were considered high-upside players, but Thomas has taken off while Green has been left with blocking duties. He does have some receiving ability, but he rarely flashes in that area.

64. LB Nate Irving -- BroncosThe Broncos wanted a two-down banger at middle linebacker and Irving seemed to fit

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the mold, but now Denver's philosophy appears to have changed. They want smaller, faster guys to run behind big, space-eating linemen. That isn't Irving. He's still on his first contract and projects as a depth player.

65. WR Trindon Holliday -- BroncosHolliday has one touchdown on a kickoff return and another on a punt return, but they have Decker returning punts in the playoffs because they do not trust Holliday's ball security. That makes Holliday even more of a specialty player. He is dynamic in space and a threat on returns, but nowhere else.

66. TE Luke Willson -- SeahawksWillson is tall, runs well and moves better than Zach Miller at this point. He could be a rising player. The Broncos' coverage could have trouble with Wilson if Seattle decides to feature him.

67. LB O'Brien Schofield -- SeahawksSeattle scooped him up off waivers when Clemons and Irvin were sidelined early in the season. Schofield has flashed ability and could have a future, health permitting. He's lost in the shuffle because Seattle has so much depth up front.

68. T Michael Bowie -- SeahawksBowie and teammate Alvin Bailey have flashed ability as rookie draft choices. Bowie started eight games when injuries struck the line during the regular season. Bowie has good size and moves well. You can tell he had too much talent to play at Northeastern State. There's a reason he was recruited to Oklahoma State, where he was with Okung briefly.

69. QB Brock Osweiler -- BroncosOsweiler has all kinds of tools, but we haven't seen him play enough. Being around Manning and seeing his preparation should only help.

70. DT Sylvester Williams -- BroncosThe Broncos' 2013 first-round pick became a starter in Week 14 and projects as more of a run-stuffer than a pass-rusher. He's known for his toughness and work ethic, a good combination for a player with first-round talent.

Trindon Holliday could be an X factor in the Super Bowl.

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71. LB Paris Lenon -- BroncosLenon has carved out a very good career, but he has no range at this stage. How long as Lenon been around? He played in the XFL.

72. WR Ricardo Lockette -- SeahawksLockette has been a sporadic big-play threat at receiver and delivered a memorable hit on special teams recently, but he hasn't earned playing time consistently. That appears unlikely to change after both the Seahawks and 49ers tried to develop him.

73. S David Bruton -- BroncosBruton is a big, in-the-box safety with value mostly on special teams.

74. CB Tony Carter -- BroncosCarter struggled early in the season and lost playing time as a result, but the Broncos need him now that Chris Harris is on injured reserve. Carter was feared to have suffered a concussion in the AFC Championship Game, but he apparently came out OK.

75. CB Quentin Jammer -- BroncosJammer is 34 years old and a liability whenever he gets on the field. San Diego took advantage of him. Might this be Jammer's final NFL game after 183 regular-season games?

76. S Michael Huff -- BroncosThere was some debate over whether Huff would be a safety or corner coming out of Texas, and in a way he has never really become either. He had a decent year or two playing safety for the Raiders, but now he is mostly a depth player in a shaky secondary.

77. LB Heath Farwell -- SeahawksFarwell had six tackles and a forced fumble on defense, making an impact when Seattle used him in a goal-line situation at St. Louis. He is mostly a special-teams player, however.

78. FB Derrick Coleman -- SeahawksColeman has been a terrific special-teams player for Seattle even though he's best known for a hearing deficiency.

79. G Alvin Bailey -- SeahawksBailey showed promise as a rookie and got playing time against the 49ers in heavier personnel groupings. He appears to have a future with the team, perhaps as a starter.

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80. G James Carpenter -- SeahawksCarpenter has been in and out of the lineup thanks to injuries and poor performance. He was not consistently good before or after suffering a serious knee injury during his rookie season and simply hasn't been what Seattle hoped for when it took him in Round 1.

81. DT Jordan Hill -- SeahawksHill finished his rookie season with 1.5 sacks in four games, but he hasn't played since collecting one sack on 17 snaps against the Giants. His future could be bright, but Seattle doesn't need him now.

82. CB Kayvon Webster -- BroncosWebster had one interception and a forced fumble as a rookie third-round draft choice. He doesn't change direction very well and can struggle against quickness, at least at this early stage in his career.

83. RB C.J. Anderson -- BroncosAnderson had only seven carries for 38 yards during the regular season, but the Broncos have high hopes for him. Perhaps Anderson will work his way into a role if Moreno moves on as a free agent.

84. T Winston Justice -- BroncosJustice has been around since 2006 in part because he's versatile enough to play either tackle spot in a pinch. He played limited snaps against Tennessee and Oakland late in the season.

85. RB Ronnie Hillman -- BroncosHillman was in contention for the starting job and possibly could have replaced Willis McGahee, but he hasn't been consistent in any area. Hillman has wasted his opportunities so far, with ball control an issue.

86. DT Mitch Unrein -- BroncosUnrein is a high-effort space-eater on the interior. He lacks pass-rush ability and mostly provides depth as a 4-3 tackle.

87. C Lemuel Jeanpierre -- SeahawksJeanpierre has subbed for Unger at times, but he doesn't project as a future starter.

Ronnie Hillman has slipped on Denver's depth chart.

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88. TE Joel Dreessen -- BroncosDreessen joined Tamme in helping Denver make the initial transition to Manning, as all three played together with Indianapolis. Dreessen has produced in the past, but he's no longer a factor.

89. S Chris Maragos -- SeahawksMaragos plays on all the Seahawks' special-teams units.

90. TE Kellen Davis -- SeahawksDavis played tight end and defensive end at Michigan State. That shows when he tries to catch the ball. Davis does have some ability, as he looks the part and is a pretty good blocker. He started for the Chicago Bears at one point, but he disappoints as a pass-catcher.

91. DE Benson Mayowa -- SeahawksSeattle has kept Mayowa on the roster at the expense of contributors, a strong indication the team loves what it saw from him in preseason. Mayowa could project as a future "Leo" in the Clemons mold.

92. C Steve Vallos -- BroncosVallos lacks power and isn't particularly versatile, but he's hung around the league ever since Seattle drafted him with a seventh-round pick in 2007.

93. G Chris Kuper -- BroncosKuper has survived in Denver through a transition away from the zone blocking scheme that suited him better during his prime years. He started the Week 7 game against Indianapolis.

94. QB Zac Dysert -- BroncosDysert has a decent arm, very good size and inconsistent accuracy. He could project as Osweiler's backup at some point down the line.

95. DT Sione Fua -- BroncosFua was a 2011 third-round pick in Carolina and was with the Panthers through Week 10 without making an impact. Fua has played very sparingly and not since Week 15.

96. LS Clint Gresham -- SeahawksGresham has been consistently good for years.

97. LS Aaron Brewer -- BroncosBrewer snapped for Prater's record 64-yard field goal.

Page 17: Super Bowl Player Rankings

98. SS DeShawn Shead -- SeahawksShead has bounced between corner and safety. The team has paid him above the practice-squad minimum when he was in that capacity and values him for the future.

99. LB Mike Morgan -- SeahawksMorgan makes a few plays on special teams, but not as many as others.

100. WR Bryan Walters -- SeahawksWalters ran 19 routes this season, including two in the NFC Championship Game. He has not caught a pass since 2011, when he was with San Diego.

101. SS Omar Bolden -- BroncosBolden played extensively on defense over the final month of the regular season. He picked up two penalties on special teams, as well.

102. LB Steven Johnson -- BroncosJohnson played nine snaps on defense.

103. LB Brandon Marshall -- BroncosMarshall, a fifth-round pick in 2012, played 15 snaps against Oakland in Week 17.

104. T Caylin Hauptmann -- SeahawksHauptmann has not played a snap for Seattle this season.

105. T Vinston Painter -- BroncosPainter has not played a snap for Denver this season.

106. CB Marquice Cole -- BroncosDon't brand Cole as the "worst" player on either team. Truth be told, different players have different values based on what their teams need at the time. Cole was a very recent addition in Denver and could factor more than some of the players listed above him.