Admittedly, team success is hard to come by in New York Sports as of this moment, but individuals, like Noah Syndergaard, remain golden.

In many ways, New York is the epicenter of Western Civilization. This is reflected in its diversity, culture, the landmarks, the people, and, obviously, the sports.

New York sports, despite possessing a huge market and big wallets, haven’t exactly lived up to the standards they should be achieving of late.

The New York Yankees have made the postseason once in the past four years. The Mets, after winning the pennant in 2015, were bounced in the NL Wild Card game this year.

The New York Knicks haven’t made the playoffs since 2013 and are currently in free-fall. To make matters worse, their star player, Carmelo Anthony, is heavily linked with a trade away from New York. The Brooklyn Nets are in full-on rebuilding mode and have six fewer wins than the next worst team in the NBA.

The New York Giants impressive 11-5 campaign came after a four-year playoff drought. The Jets returned to a laughing stock this season after trying (and failing) with three different quarterbacks.

The New York Rangers haven’t won the Stanley Cup in over two decades. The Islanders and the Devils are dwelling in the cellar of the Eastern Conference.

The New York Red Bulls and New York City Football Club were the two top seeds in the MLS Eastern Conference, but they were both defeated in the conference semifinals by lower seeded teams.

It is safe to say that New York sports are not performing at the level they should be.

This does not, however, suggest that there is any shortage of talent in New York sports. There are several superstars, game changers, and future hall of famers who currently ply their trade in the Big Apple.

This article is a subjective look at who the top 25 players are in the city, as well as an honorable mention for each team.

We ranked based off statistics, team impact, and how these players stack up against others at their position in their respective leagues.

Without further adieu, here are the top 25 players in New York sports:

*All stats are current as of January 25th, 2017*

Jul 17, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius (18) hits a double against the Boston Red Sox during the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mentions

Yankees: Didi Gregorius, SS

It isn’t easy to replace Derek Jeter, but Didi Gregorius did a more than decent job in 2016. His .276 average was a team high, his 20 home runs were the third most on the team and his 70 RBIs were joint highest on the team. It was difficult to pick between Didi and Starlin Castro, who posted almost identical numbers offensively, but the the differentiating factor was strikeouts: Castro struck out 118 times and Gregorius only 82.

Mets: Jeurys Familia, CP

While Familia might be victimized for letting up the game-winning runs against the Giants in the wild card round, he had his best season statistically in 2016. A career high 51 saves, a .255 ERA and the fact that he only surrendered one home run all season were enough to warrant his selection as an all-star, an honor received for the first time in his career.

Knicks: Derrick Rose, PG

The Knicks new point guars signing has generated a lot of criticism during his first (and potentially last) season as a Knick. He has been called out for leaving the team unannounced (for which he was only fined, miraculously, and not suspended). He has also been criticized for his defense (opposing point guards have a field day against Rose) and his propensity to make bad decisions in the clutch (turnovers, ball hogging, bad shots, etc.)

However, it hasn’t been all bad for Rose, who was very effective before the Knicks recent collapse. He had several key shots, including a game winner against Portland and a go-ahead jumper late in the fourth against Charlotte. He also is averaging 18.0 points per game, which is his highest total since the 2011-12 season.

Rose hasn’t been as consistent or reliable as the Knicks may have wanted, but he has the ability to take over games with his scoring at times, which warrants a place in the top 25, even if it’s at the very back end.

Nets: Trevor Booker, PF

The Nets have been awful all year, but Trevor Booker has been a nice surprise. The journeyman big is second on the team in minutes and has averaged 9.9 points and 8.7 rebounds thus far this season. He also has the second highest Player Efficiency Rating among players who have featured in at least 20 games.

Giants: Justin Pugh, G

Pugh’s absence was felt in the six games the former first-rounder missed — the Giants offensive line struggled mightily to protect Eli Manning and run the football. Upon Pugh’s return, Paul Perkins got more touches and yards, and Eli was able to breathe a bit more. The Giants offensive line is the team’s weakness, but Pugh stands out as a Pro Bowl caliber guard with a bright future ahead of him.

Jets: Brandon Marshall, WR

Last season, Brandon Marshall was irresistible, racking up 109 catches and 14 touchdowns. This season, he wasn’t as prolific, and has dropped out of the top 25. Regardless, 43 catches and two touchdowns are solid stats considering the dismal state of the Jets offense. His production, despite taking a hit, has him on the list over Sheldon Richardson, Darrelle Revis, and Muhammad Wilkerson, who have really disappointed statistically this season. The fact that all four of these players, who would have probably made the top 15 last season, shows the drop off in on-field quality from Gang Green this season.

Rangers: Mats Zuccarello, RW

The Rangers leader in points is Norwegian winger Mats Zuccarello, whose 38 points, along with his 29 assists, are team highs. It is clear that offense has become the Rangers strong suit, and while the Blueshirt offense is lifted by a large ensemble cast of role players, it is Zuccarello’s production which has shined brightest.

Islanders: Josh Bailey, LW

Normally, Brock Nelson is seen as the Robin to John Tavares‘ batman, but Bailey has been terrific this season, posting a team-high 24 assists. His 31 points are only seven less than Tavares, which shows his development as a player.

Devils: Taylor Hall, LW

Like Zuccarello, Hall leads his team in points (31) and assists (20). With 11 goals, he is also one behind the team lead. The Devils needed an offensive player to break out and carry them, and so far, Hall has been the guy.

NYCFC: Jack Harrison, RW

The young Englishman, and the top pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, Jack Harrison lived up to the hype in 2016. His inspired play down the right-hand side for NYCFC earned him a third place finish in the MLS Rookie of the Year vote. He scored four times in his rookie campaign, including the following beauty, which earned him runner-up in the MLS Goal of the Season vote.

Red Bulls: Luis Robles, GK

Robles was named best MLS Goalkeeper two years ago and has been a menace between the sticks for the Red Bulls two seasons running. Robles is a big reason why the Red Bulls have posted the best record in the East two seasons running and has also started every game for the Red Bulls for the past four seasons, showing his tremendous durability. This spot would have gone to Dax McCarty, but his trade to the Chicago Fire has rendered him ineligible.

Dec 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New Jersey Devils goalie Cory Schneider (35) looks on during a time-out against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

25. Cory Schneider, Goalie, New Jersey Devils

It’s difficult being the goaltender on a struggling team, but Cory Schneider has done his bit this season for the Devils. He only has two shutouts, but he has made 953 saves, the 10th highest figure in the NHL. Despite facing the ninth most shots in the entire NHL, he has still managed to save 90 percent of them and has been unlucky enough to lose seven games in overtime, tied for the second-most in the NHL.

24. Brook Lopez, Center, Brooklyn Nets

The Nets are a disaster of a team, but they do have one player that genuinely gives them a punchers chance (of maybe causing a stir for a few quarters) in Brook Lopez. Despite being the only average to above average player on the team, Lopez has been putting up career numbers — the 20.6 points per game he is averaging are .1 from a career high and is averaging a career-high in assists per game. He also has developed a three-point shot, which was on full display against Miami recently:

However, it isn’t all good for Lopez — he is averaging around five rebounds per game despite playing nearly 30 minutes and has only 2 double-doubles.

If Lopez was on a better team, his efficiency would undoubtedly improve, but for now, to be one of the only competent NBA players on the Nets and still average over 20, is a solid stat line. You have to feel for Lopez and hope that he finds his way to a winning culture sooner rather than later.

23. Jason Pierre-Paul, Defensive End, New York Giants

It’s very possible that Jason Pierre-Paul will move on from the Giants this offseason, and it would be quite the shame — the former first rounder has given seven seasons worth of work to this franchise, including a terrific 16.5 sack 2011 season, which was key in leading the Giants to their fourth Super Bowl.

Obviously, the fireworks incident has put a damper on his career, but JPP came back in fine form, racking up 53 tackles and seven sacks in the 12 games he played, before going down with injury. His performances this season showed that despite missing parts of three fingers, he still can play defensive end at an elite level in the NFL. His play was rewarded at the end of the season when ESPN named him the NFC East’s Comeback Player of the Year.

22. Leonard Williams, Defensive Tackle, New York Jets

The Jets were an unmitigated disaster in 2016, and a large chunk of the blame has to fall on their defense. Stars like Mo Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson, and Darrelle Revis (who would have been near shoe-ins on this list 12 months ago) saw dramatic dips in form.

Former USC Trojan and sixth overall pick in the 2015 draft Leonard Williams had a career year, however. In his sophomore season, had 68 combined tackles, seven sacks, eight stuffs and two forced fumbles. All of those were team highs, and his eight tackles for loss were only bettered by Sheldon Richardson. His stellar season was rewarded by a trip to the Pro Bowl.

The Jets may have to cut some dead weight on the defense this offseason, but Williams looks like a franchise cornerstone on defense moving forward.

21. Jacob deGrom, Starting Pitcher, New York Mets

Jake deGrom didn’t have a back 2016 by any stretch of the imagination. While his 7-8 win-loss record wasn’t terrific, his 3.04 ERA, 143 strikeouts and 1.290 WHIP were very impressive. However, deGrom is relatively low on this list for several reasons.

Firstly, he isn’t the ace of the Mets staff for the time being — he lost that distinction to Noah Syndergaard, who put up Cy Young-worthy numbers this season. Secondly, he failed to replicate his incredible 2015, where he posted a 2.54 ERA with 205 strikeouts and a .979 WHIP. His regression (albeit not a dramatic one) warrants his drop, but deGrom will have every opportunity to bounce back and reestablish himself as a Cy Young contender.

Sep 24, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN New York Yankees designated hitter Gary Sanchez (24) gestures as a ball hit by center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury (not pictured) lands foul during a 3-0 loss to Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

20. Gary Sanchez, Catcher, New York Yankees

Did anyone have as immediate an impact in Major League Baseball as Gary Sanchez? The tear Sanchez went on in September was legendary — in 53 games, he racked up a .299 average, with 20 home runs, 42 RBI’s, 34 runs scored and a .657 slugging percentage. Those are video game stats for a kid in his first real stint in the major leagues.

Not only did Sanchez thrust himself into the conversation for American League Rookie of the Year, but he also established himself as the number one catcher in the Bronx, forcing out veteran Brian McCann. If Sanchez can continue to put up monster offensive numbers, he has the talent to force himself into the top five of this list in a year. The sky is the limit for the face of the Baby Bomber generation.

19. Aroldis Chapman, Relief Pitcher, New York Yankees

After a half year rental (and a World Series ring) with the Chicago Cubs, fireball hurler Aroldis Chapman is back in the Bronx, after inking a five-year deal this winter.

Chapman, who is known for his ferocious fastballs and towering physique, had a 1.55 ERA between New York and Chicago last season, including 90 strikeouts and a .982 WHIP. Chapman’s return to the Bronx not only solidifies the Yankee bullpen, but it also allows the teams best receiver (and arguably best player) to move into the role he is most comfortable with. While Andrew Miller is not back, Betances and Chapman create a fearsome back end of the bullpen in the Bronx.

18. Eli Manning, Quarterback, New York Giants

It was, undoubtedly, a rough season for Eli Manning. A poor running game and a leaky offensive line didn’t help his cause, but the former first overall pick did not play to his normal standards in 2016, throwing 16 picks, and often times looking flat on offense. The Giants entire offensive unit was quite underwhelming this season, and Eli was no exception — his stats are a big inflated by all of the YAC that Odell Beckham Jr. racked up on his long touchdowns this season.

Eli is still an above average NFL quarterback and a two-time Super Bowl MVP. However, at 36 years old, it’s clear that his days in New York are numbered, but for now, his durability and pedigree make him a lock for a top 25 spot. If the Giants can actually protect him and provide balance on offense (and if his wide receivers won’t drop touchdowns in the postseason) Eli should catapult back up this list. People like to forget that in the first two seasons with Ben McAdoo as offensive coordinator, Eli threw for over 4,400 yards, 30 touchdowns and less than 15 picks in both years. He still has that elite flare in him.

Also, while it doesn’t show up statistically, the fact that he has been a finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award for two years in a row cannot be understated. Eli’s importance to the locker room and the community is, quite easily, tops on this list.

17. Olivier Vernon, Defensive End, New York Giants

Olivier Vernon was a monster for the Miami Dolphins in 2015, which warranted a big money move to New York. In his first season with the Giants, Vernon recorded three more tackles (64) and one more sack (8.5) than he did in his breakout year down south.

Vernon also had numerous quarterback pressures and did a tremendous job at setting the edge. As far as defensive ends go, there aren’t many that can defend the run as good as Vernon, who paid back a large chunk of the money invested in him.

The 26-year-old was rewarded for his play by being named to the 2nd Team All-Pro squad, and if he continues to play at a high level, more all-pro nods and pro bowl selections should be in his future.

16. Masahiro Tanaka, Starting Pitcher, New York Yankees

The unquestioned ace of the Yankees staff, Masahiro Tanaka was terrific in 2016. In 199.2 innings of work, Tanaka compiled a 3.07 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP, a .236 Batting Average Against and 165 strikeouts. He also won 14 of his 18 decisions.

Moving forward, the Yankees starting rotation is littered with question marks — is Michael Pineda good enough to be a number two? How much does CC Sabathia have in the tank? How about the youngsters at the back end of the rotation?

The one answer they have, assuming he stays healthy, is Tanaka, who figures to be the ace of the staff for the next several years down the line.

Dec 22, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) dunks as he warms up before a game against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

15. Kristaps Porzingis, Power Forward, New York Knicks

Kristaps Porzingis is more than just a budding superstar, with a lethal jump shot, a massive wingspan, and maturity beyond his years.

He represents real, tangible hope, something that Knicks fans have not had in bunches for quite some time. The byproduct of a terrible 17-65 season, Porzingis has done nothing but exceed expectations since his introduction to the league, going from runner-up in the Rookie of the Year race to a fringe all-star in just his second season.

He can rain in the threes, he has handles on the perimeter, he can swat away shots for fun and throw down highlight reel putback dunks like it’s a daily routine. His statistics — 18.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, and shooting splits of 44/38/80 — aren’t too shabby either.

KP is a legitimate franchise building block and the reason why so many Knicks fans are ready to move on from Carmelo Anthony and watch the Knicks build a team around this 7-foot-3 Latvian unicorn.

14. Dellin Betances, Relief Pitcher, New York Yankees

Arguably one of the best relief pitchers in baseball, Dellin Betances is as reliable a reliever as any in the MLB. While he may have been overused in 2016, Betances still recorded 126 strikeouts to only 28 walks and recorded 12 saves as a part-time closer. While his numbers weren’t as good as in previous years, he was named to his third consecutive all-star team.

With the return of Aroldis Chapman, Betances will settle into the setup role that he is clearly more comfortable in. Considering he had a 1.50 and 1.40 in the two seasons before, respectively, as a setup man, he could be in for a bounce-back 2017 campaign.

13. Ryan McDonagh, Defenseman, New York Rangers

It’s been a disappointing two seasons for McDonagh, who has struggled to stay effective due to several reasons, including a concussion that seriously hindered him against the Penguins in the postseason, as well as the struggles of his partner Dan Girardi.

However, on his day, McDonagh is an elite defenseman who does well to cover Henrik Lundqvist. Additionally, his work on the offensive side of the puck cannot be understated — his 26 assists are second on the entire team. Because of his effectiveness on both offense and defense, as well as his leadership, McDonagh ranks highly on this list.

12. Janoris Jenkins, Cornerback, New York Giants

Second Team All-Pro, Pro-Bowler, PFF All-NFL Second Team and the label of a shutdown cornerback — it wasn’t a bad year for Janoris Jenkins. In his first full season with the Giants, Jenkins was one of the team’s defensive superstars, shutting down top receivers every week and giving the Giants a legitimate shutdown corner.

Many pundits were critical of the Giants signing him in free agency, saying they overpaid on the former Ram, but Jenkins proved all doubters wrong with a terrific season, racking up 49 tackles, three interceptions and an 88.3 grade on Pro Football Focus, the eighth highest of any corner.

His signature game has to be the 10-7 victory against Dallas, where he made a mockery of Dez Bryant. Jenkins held Bryant to one catch the whole game, and made three instrumental plays to help the team win. First, he jumped Bryant’s route and picked off Dak Prescott. Second, as soon as he surrendered his first catch of the game, Jenkins forced Bryant to fumble late in the fourth quarter, giving the Giants possession back. Third, and finally, on the last Dallas play of the game (a fourth down), Prescott found Bryant, who made a diving catch for a first down. However, replay showed that Jenkins dislodged the ball from Bryant’s hands — the call was overturned, the Cowboys turned the ball over on downs, and the Giants kneeled down to win the game.

That performance solidfied his status as a top tier corner in the NFL, and a top tier player in New York Sports.

11. Yoenis Cespedes, Center Fielder, New York Mets

Yoenis Cespedes re-signing with the New York Mets was one of the storylines of the offseason.

Ever since his arrival two summers ago, Cespedes transformed the Mets from a fringe playoff team to a title contender. He posted tremendous numbers across the board: A .280 Average, 31 home runs, 86 RBI, a .530 Slugging Percentage, 134 hits and 72 runs. He is also one year removed from winning an American League Gold Glove Award and continued his defensive prowess with the Mets this season.

Cespedes at times was the only spark in a sometimes putrid Mets offense. For that reason, he ranks very highly on this list.

Dec 22, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Damon Harrison (98) takes the field for action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 24-19. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

10. Damon Harrison, Defensive Tackle, New York Giants

The fact that Damon Harrison didn’t make the pro bowl is a disgusting oversight. The fact that he made 1st Team All-Pro is more than well deserved. The Giants big defensive tackle led all defensive lineman with 86 tackles and was the highest rated DT for Pro Football Focus. He spearheaded a Giants run defense that allowed the second fewest yards per carry and the third fewest rushing yards per game in the NFL.

Harrison’s impact expands past the field of play — he has become the teams emotional leader, not just the defenses and it shouldn’t be long before he becomes a defensive captain. His impact on and off the field cannot be understated, and his importance to the Giants defense is of paramount importance.

9. Sacha Klejstan, Midfielder, New York Red Bulls

It might be surprising to see Red Bulls attacking midfielder Sacha Klejstan inside the top ten, but it shouldn’t be — he was simply sensational for the best team in the East in 2016.

Klejstan scored six goals in 2016, and more importantly, recorded a stunning 20 assists, making him the second ever player in MLS history to hit the 20 assist mark in a single season (Thierry Henry being the other).

Klejstan’s exploits landed him a nomination for MLS Most Valuable Player, an award that features three New York Finalists: Klejstan, his teammate Bradley Wright Philips, and NYCFC’s David Villa, two players who will (spoiler!) be featured in this list as well.

At 31 years old, Klejstan definitely has several more elite seasons left in him. We’ll see if he further surpasses his record 2016 season in the years to come.

8. Noah Syndergaard, Starting Pitcher, New York Mets

Who is the ace of the New York Mets pitching staff? The answer has varied over the past several seasons — three years ago, it was Matt Harvey. Last year, it was Jake deGrom. This year, it was undoubtably Noah Syndergaard.

“Thor,” as he is affectionately referred to, was tremendous in 2016. In 183.2 innings, Syndergaard posted a 14-9 record, with a 2.60 ERA. He also struck out 218 batters, boasted a 1.15 WHIP and held opposing batters to a .243 average.

The reason why the Mets are highly regarded as a team with dynastic potential is because of their incredibly talented, young pitching staff. Syndergaard is no exception — at 24-years-old, Thor looks primed to dominate hitters for at least a decade.

Here’s hoping he stays healthy, and continues his ascent into a potential future Cy Young Winner.

7. David Villa, Striker, New York City Football Club

As impressive as the Red Bulls quartet of stars are, they each have each other to lean on. At times, David Villa single-handedly dragged NYCFC over the line. His tremendous sophomore season in MLS — 23 goals, four assists, and a nomination for MLS Most Valuable Player — showed just how special he is.

The former World Cup and Champions League winner has been NYCFC captain from day one, and his performances this year show just why. His wide arrange of goals, from headers, to volleys, to inch perfect strikes, show how versatile and dangerous of an attacker he is.

At 35-years-old, Villa will eventually begin to slow down soon, but his craftiness as an attacker suggest that he will be able to contribute as long as he gets a chance in Patrick Viera’s side.

Villa’s individual ability and statistical output over the past few seasons warrant him a place in the Top Five.

As long as he continues to produce strikes like this:

6. Henrik Lundqvist, Goalie, New York Rangers

When I first assembled this list before the NFL, NBA and NHL seasons began, Henrik Lundqvist was jostling for position in the top three. After the rise of other players, and his startling recent regression, he has dropped out of the top five.

That isn’t to say that Lundqvist isn’t still a top tier goaltender. He has won the Venzina trophy, and he’s won an Olympic Gold Medal with Sweden, but the fact that he hasn’t led the Rangers to a Stanley Cup remains his biggest criticism.

He’s still among the best goaltenders in the NHL, he is the face of the Rangers franchise, and when he’s on his game, he can single-handedly win the Rangers contests. If he can snap out of his recent funk, he’ll surely resume his status as a shoe-in top 5 player in New York.

Apr 20, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) celebrates after scoring a power play goal against the Florida Panthers during the second period of game four of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Florida Panthers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

5. John Tavares, Center, New York Islanders

If that overtime goal against Florida didn’t cement John Tavares’ status as one of the premier players in the Big Apple, I’m not sure what will. This season, with 19 goals and 19 assists, he is being his usual brilliant self. However, he loses points because the Islanders, at the time of writing, have the lowest point total in the entire NHL.

However, Tavares has been among the NHL’s best centers for years, and remains a generational talent for this Islanders team. He is still, by a distance, the best non goaltender player in New York hockey, and he edges Henrik Lundqvist as the best overall hockey player in New York as well.

Oct 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Red Bulls forward Bradley Wright-Phillips (99) runs up field during the first half against the Philadelphia Union at Talen Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

4. Bradley Wright-Phillips, Striker, New York Red Bulls

Despite NYRB’s inability to capitalize on their regular season success (they’ve finished with the best record in the East two seasons in a row and haven’t made it to MLS Cup either year), the reason they’ve been so successful in the regular season is because of this man. Bradley Wright-Philips is as good a striker as we’ve seen in MLS, and his longevity in the league, along with his likelihood to win MLS MVP this season, puts him just ahead of David Villa.

BWP scored a league high 24 goals this year, and added four assists, but perhaps the most telling stat are his seven game winning goals. Wright Philips is a model of consistency up front, and should continue to bang in the goals for the Red Bulls for years to come — at 31-years-old, he surely has a few more elite seasons left in him.

Nov 20, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants safety Landon Collins (21) celebrates with teammates after making a game-ending interception against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

3. Landon Collins, Strong Safety, New York Giants

Last season, Landon Collins was remembered for dropping a surefire game winning interception against the New England Patriots, a mistake that cost the Giants the football game.

12 months later, and Collins is revered as arguably the best strong safety in the NFL. The second year Alabama product put together as a good a season we’ve ever seen from a defensive back, a performance that garnered him Pro Bowl and 1st Team All Pro nods, as well as Pro Football Focus’ Breakout Player of the Season. He will also receive consideration for NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Despite all three of Jerry Reese‘s big money free agent signings panning out tremendously well, it is Collins that was the best player on the defense that surrendered the second fewest points in the NFL.

He is the first player to ever have a stat line of 100 tackles, 12 passes defensed, five interceptions and two sacks. He finished second among safeties in tackles (125), first in sacks, second in interceptions, and tied for first in passes defensed. Oh, and he’s only 22.

Collins might turn into the NFL’s best defensive back in a year or two. His breakout season more than warrants his spot in the top three. And honestly, if it wasn’t for the second best players career body of work compared to Collins one breakout season, he may even have been number two on this list.

Jan 21, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) gestures after a three point basket during the first quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

2. Carmelo Anthony, Small Forward, New York Knicks

We’ll see how much longer Melo is a member of the Knicks, but for now, he’s a franchise caliber talent and one of the best pure scorers in the NFL. His scoring numbers are down, but so is his usage. However, on his day, when he gets hot, Anthony can take on any defense and rip them apart with his shooting, his post game, and his basketball IQ. His rebounding and defense are up and down, but his offensive game, his improved passing, and his dedication to the city remain unchanged.

Anthony has been crucified by the media, the fans, and his own organizational brass (looking at you, Phil), and despite this, he has carried himself with the utmost class. He truly cares about the Knicks franchise, and despite the poor treatment he has gotten back from the organization, he still is a terrific player.

It might be best for Carmelo to get the heck out of the Garden and away from this terrible franchise, but as long as he plies his trade in the Big Apple, he remains one of the cities premier talents. Additionally, you’d be hard pressed to find more than 5-7 teams that wouldn’t love to have Carmelo slot in at the three or the four over the guy they currently have.

Dec 22, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) on the sideline against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 24-19. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

1. Odell Beckham Jr., Wide Receiver, New York Giants

Say what you will about his antics, his diva mentality, his boat trip to Miami, and his poor showing in the playoffs this season. But Odell Beckham Jr. is the most exciting, explosive player in the NFL, a top three wide receiver, and easily the best player in New York Sports. He was, often times, the Giants only weapon — in the 10-7 victory against Dallas, all it took was one big play by Odell to down the Cowboys.

His stats are also ridiculous. He’s broken nearly every receiving record for a player in his first three seasons. He set a career high with 101 yards, and also reeled in over 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns. He may be a head case at times, but he’s also a generational talent that New York fans should cherish for every second he spends at MetLife Stadium.

The Giants defense rocked this year. The offense struggled mightily, except for one player, who despite a sluggish offense, was named to the pro bowl and was a 2nd Team All-Pro.

New York fans should be anxiously awaiting what Beckham does on the football field next.

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