It's time to rank Miami Hurricanes of the NFL

We present our annual (well, I think we did it last year) Sweet 16 list of the best current NFL players from the University of Miami.

No shortage of choices. This marks the fourth consecutive season the Hurricanes have led or tied for the league lead in most ex's. Twenty-one of 32 teams have at least one Cane, with the Ravens, Texans and Giants leading with four each.

UM's 39 total active players as of this week leads the state parade over Florida State (28), Florida (27), Central Florida (14), South Florida (5), Bethune-Cookman (3), FIU (1 -- Ravens backup OLB Antwan Barnes) and Central Florida CC (1).

Our ranking:

• 1. Ed Reed, Ravens FS: Has 43 career picks including NFL-leading nine in '08, when he made fifth Pro Bowl and fourth first-team All-Pro.

• 2. Andre Johnson, Texans WR: Had 115 catches for 1,557 yards last year to make third Pro Bowl and first All-Pro.

• 3. Ray Lewis, Ravens ILB: Past his prime? Really? He made his 10th Pro Bowl and sixth first-team All-Pro in 2008, and once again led the league in scowling.

• 4. Reggie Wayne, Colts WR: Facing Dolphins Monday night, Wayne made third Pro Bowl last year, had fifth consecutive 1,000-yard season and began 2009 season with 10 catches for 162 yards and one TD.

• 5. Clinton Portis, Redskins RB: Made second Pro Bowl last year and has six 1,000s in seven years entering this season.

• 6. Frank Gore, 49ers RB: Had third straight 1,000-yard season last year and scored twice in opener last week.

• 7. Devin Hester, Bears WR/returner: Had 11 kick- or punt-return TDs his first two years before tailing off with none last season.

• 8. Jon Beason, Panthers MLB: Rising star was first-team All-Pro in '08 and had an interception last week.

• 9. Vince Wilfork, Patriots NT: Run-stopping force made Pro Bowl in 2007.

• 10. Jeremy Shockey, Saints TE: Had two TD catches last week; aims for first Pro Bowl since 2006.

• 11. Willis McGahee, Ravens RB: Solid veteran no longer starts but proved worth with rushing and receiving touchdowns in last week's opener.

• 12. Santana Moss, Redskins WR: Had his third 1,000-yard season last year.

• 13. Kellen Winslow, Bucs TE: Made '07 Pro Bowl and scored a TD last week.

• 14. Jonathan Vilma, Saints MLB: Made Pro Bowl in '05 and had a sack last week.

• 15. Edgerrin James, Seahawks RB: Sentimental nod for career achievement. Edge is a backup near end of career now, but has seven 1K seasons, four Pro Bowls.

• 16. Jeff Feagles, Giants P: Sentimental nod II. The 22-year veteran is NFL's all-time leader in most punts and punting yardage.

• Other former Hurricanes who start: Lions CB Phillip Buchanon, Cardinals DE Calais Campbell, Dolphins RT Vernon Carey, Ravens ILB Tavares Gooden, Panthers DT Damione Lewis, Redskins OLB Rocky McIntosh, Vikings LT Bryant McKinnie, Patriots SS Brandon Meriweather, Texans C Chris Myers, Bears TE Greg Olsen, Giants SS Kenny Phillips, Cardinals FS Antrel Rolle, Broncos ILB D.J. Williams, Texans RT Eric Winston.

• Former Canes who are backups: Falcons OLB Spencer Adkins, Texans RT Rashad Butler, Eagles DT Antonio Dixon, Lions DT Orien Harris, Seahawks CB Kelly Jennings, Giants CB Bruce Johnson, Giants WR Sinorice Moss, Bills WR Roscoe Parrish, Falcons C Brett Romberg.



(miamiherald.com)