SI player poll: Ray Lewis, Ed Reed among NFL's smartest

In a player poll conducted by Sports Illustrated at the beginning of the season, Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis and safety Ed Reed were recognized by their peers as two of the NFL's smartest players.

But in an all-too-familiar finish, they were dominated by Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, who finished first in the poll after collecting 62 percent of the vote. Crazy.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees finished second with eight percent. Steelers safety Troy Polamalu, Lewis and Reed each garnered four percent of the vote.

Sports Illustrated didn't say who finished last in the voting, but my money is on Channing Crowder.

The poll appears in this week's issue of the magazine, which hits newsstands Wednesday.

Click here to order Ray Lewis’ or Ed Reed’s proCane Rookie Card.



(baltimoresun.com)