Mar 16 2009
2009 NFL All-Big 10 Team (Offense)
This is part VII in my series that recognizes NFL all-collegiate teams based on conference in 2009. College football programs that have switched conferences in the last 15-20 years will be listed under their current conference.
In other words, you will see players like Ray Lewis (Miami, Fl) included in the Atlantic Coastal Conference, even though his alma mater technically played in the Big East Conference during his tenure there. This study also deals exclusively with players who are currently active in the NFL. Thus, you will not find legends like Joe Montana or John Elway included.
In keeping with the theme of the present day, active players have been assessed according to their current abilities. Therefore, future Hall of Fame candidates like Marvin Harrison who are now on the downside of their careers may not merit first or second team recognition in this study. This is strictly an all-conference team for 2009.
I. 2009 NFL All-Big 10 TEAM (Offense)
A) Quarterback
1st Team: Tom Brady (MICH)
2nd Team: Drew Brees (PUR)
Honorable Mention: Kyle Orton (PUR), Chad Henne (MICH), Kerry Collins (PSU), Troy Smith (OSU)
2009 NFL Draft 1st Round Prospects: None
B) Running Back
1st Team: Marion Barber (MIN)
2nd Team: Larry Johnson (PSU)
Honorable Mention: Rashard Mendenhall (ILL)
2009 NFL Draft 1st Round Prospects: Chris Wells (OSU), Shonn Greene (UI)
C) Tight End
1st Team: Dallas Clark (IU)
2nd Team: Owen Daniels (WIS)
Honorable Mention: Dustin Keller (PUR)
2009 NFL Draft 1st Round Prospects: None
D) Wide Receiver
1st Team: Derrick Mason (MSU), Lee Evans (WIS), Braylon Edwards (MICH)
2nd Team: Steve Breaston (MICH), Santonio Holmes (OSU), Muhsin Muhammad (MSU)
Honorable Mention: Plaxico Burress (MSU), Chris Chambers (WIS)
2009 NFL Draft 1st Round Prospects: None
E) Offensive Tackle
1st Team: Orlando Pace (OSU), Jake Long (MICH)
2nd Team: Joe Thomas (WIS), Mark Tauscher (WIS)
Honorable Mention: Kareem McKenzie (PSU), Flozell Adams (MSU), Levi Brown (PSU), Matt Light (PUR), Jon Jansen (MICH)
2009 NFL Draft 1st Round Prospects: None
F) Offensive Guard
1st Team: David Baas (MICH), Robert Gallery (UI)
2nd Team: Ben Hamilton (MIN), Eric Steinbach (UI)
Honorable Mention: David Diehl (ILL), Steve Hutchinson (MICH), Mike Goff (UI)
2009 NFL Draft 1st Round Prospects: None
G) Center
1st Team: Duke Preston (ILL)
2nd Team: Nick Mangold (OSU)
Honorable Mention: Jonathan Goodwin (MICH), Nick Hardwick (PUR)
II. BIG 10 School Representation
(1st Team = 2 points, 2nd Team=1 point)
1. Michigan: 9
2. Wisconsin: 5
2. Iowa: 5
4. Ohio State: 4
5. Michigan State and Minnesota: 3
7. Illinois: 2
8. Penn State and Purdue: 1
10. Northwestern and Indiana: 0
Haha, thanks for the feedback, David. A lot of the guys you listed probably would have made first or second team a few years ago, but I am trying to keep this as current as possible. Lee Evans is already listed as the second receiver on the 1st team, and Steve Hutchinson is listed under honorable mention. I know Hutch made the Pro Bowl, but I think a lot of that was based on reputation. In 2008, he gave up seven sacks–which is the fourth most for any left guard in the league. Gallery, despite the awful bust reputation, only gave up 1.75 sacks in ‘08. Hard to believe, I know, but he’s just much better suited to be a guard than a tackle in the pros. Similarly, Jon Runyan also gave up seven sacks last season, which was the eighth most of all right tackles. As for Griese and Toomer, well…I think their days in the sun are done for the most part. Goodwin was a good suggestion, though, and the update will have him listed under honorable mention. Nick Mangold just beat him out for the second team because the Jets center played three more games and only gave up one more sack.
Iowa should be UI - not IU. Just want to make sure these great former Hawkeyes don’t get mistaken for being Hoosiers.
Thanks for the comment, Brandon. The update will reflect that correction. Poor Indy. =)
I appreciate the comments, Bob. Breaston merits inclusion based on his 1,000+ yard season in 2008. Long gets in because he only gave up 2.5 sacks in 16 games last year. Pace makes the team because he only allowed 2 sacks in 14 games. Thomas finished a close third because he gave up 4.5 sacks in 16 games. That’s the reasoning behind the rankings you see.
And, no, I’m not partial to Michigan or any other team in the Big 10. I realize my study can’t please everyone so I just try to make it as accurate as I can according to the statistics I have at my disposal.