2nd highest paying position in the NFL?

On average the highest paying position is, of course, QB.

Any guesses which position is the 2nd highest paying? The methodology is taking total pay for the position and dividing it by the number of players under contract in the NFL at that position.

Anyone who knows the answer is reading the same great book I am.

Your guesses?

[1st_Saturday_in_May]

Since theres a ****load of WR's, RB's and CB's (probably 3-5 per team at each position with atleast one or two making league min. at each position) it probably isnt any of those.

Fullbacks are underappreciated

Teams top TE's get paid well but 2nd and 3rd string make league min on about every team

Defense - lots of depth and low paid guys...

Kickers and punters...intersting. I'd guess with guys like Vanderjagt, Vinateiri, Akers, Josh Brown, etc. making pretty good money and only divided by 32 (one per team), they're up there.

My guess is Kickers and if not them, then offensive tackles.

What book are you reading by the way?

[dalakhani]

I would say left tackle. If not, then cornerback.

Originally Posted by dalakhani

I would say left tackle. If not, then cornerback.

You have to be reading the book...

It's called "The Blind Side" by Michael Lewis (same guy that wrote Moneyball).

It's about Left Tackle (and a lot more as you'll find if you read it). If you've read any of his books you know it's a great read despite what seems an obscure subject matter. The guy could be writing a book called "Dirt" and make it interesting.

Left Tackles protect "the blind side" of any right handed QB. Minimum requirements for an NFL quality one is 6-5 350lbs, unusually large hands, unusually long arms and the athletiscism of an NBA power forward. It's a rare combination.

O line was one of the lowest paying NFL positions until Lawrence Taylor showed up and proved what could happen to a QB if you didn't have huge athletic men protecting them. Think Joe Theisman.

Left Tackles, on average, have the 2nd highest pay in the NFL.

Who would have have thought?

"if not them then offensive tackles."

I missed that you had this also. Excellent guess. I would NEVER have thought O line paid so well. Never thought that deeply about it.

Originally Posted by chromer

"if not them then offensive tackles."

I missed that you had this also. Excellent guess. I would NEVER have thought O line paid so well. Never thought that deeply about it.

I would have picked CB.

[SniperSB23]

Most backup LTs aren't on the roster to play special teams like backup CBs, RBs, and WRs are. It is also tainted that they make the distinction for LT. Most teams carry three tackles so if the backup is considered a RT for half the teams then you are only looking at 48 guys of which 2/3rds are starters.

[pmayjr]

Judging on how much money the Vikings have spent on signing Steve Hutchinson and Bryant McKinnie, plus the big $$$ that Matt Birk is making. It's definately O-Linemen that get paid the most after QB's

And then probably D-Linemen

Originally Posted by SniperSB23

Most backup LTs aren't on the roster to play special teams like backup CBs, RBs, and WRs are. It is also tainted that they make the distinction for LT. Most teams carry three tackles so if the backup is considered a RT for half the teams then you are only looking at 48 guys of which 2/3rds are starters.

Huge distinction between Left tackle and Right tackle (note how I make this sound like I've known it all along when I just learned it reading the book).

LT is going to be both bigger and faster than RT since the defense is always going to be lining up the best LB on that side against a right handed QB. Teams that have to move a RT to LT are in a world of hurt. The point is the skills required to play LT are much rarer than other O line positions. There is no tainting. LT is paid more because the market has recognized the value of a 6-5 350 lb man that can move with speed and finesse.

[Cannon Shell]

Will someone please forward this thread to the Miami Dolphins......they dont seem to understand this concept!

Orlando Pace made more money last year than anyone else on the Rams.

Bulger, Faulk, Holt, Bruce, all pull down less.