ESPN.com's annual "Big Book" ranked the top 200 players in the NFL as well as the best players at each position. The NFC North is well-represented on the former list, of which I can provide excerpts below. You'll find links to each position embedded in the original post. Each file requires an Insider subscription to read fully.

For those of you who asked why I haven't ranked NFC North players myself, this is why. We might as well let a trained scout do it. Consider the names below a more knowledgeable ranking than I could have come up with. Many of you will jump on the ranking that ESPN.com's Matt Williamson gave Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford. On that debate, well, you know how I feel. (I think.)

1. Aaron Rodgers

4. Calvin Johnson

7. Adrian Peterson

24. Jared Allen

27. Clay Matthews

33. Ndamukong Suh

37. Julius Peppers

39. Matt Forte

40. Greg Jennings

53. Jay Cutler

62. Percy Harvin

66. Jermichael Finley

76. Brandon Marshall

77. Matthew Stafford

88. Charles Woodson

94. Josh Sitton

113. Cliff Avril

118. Brian Urlacher

122. Tramon Williams

128. Chad Greenway

136. Bryan Bulaga

148. Jordy Nelson

153. B.J. Raji

170. Kevin Williams

171. Devin Hester

172. Lance Briggs