Merlin's Magic: Core Players Edition

This year is marked by the current regime trying to identify their core players. So, I thought I would give it my shot and toss it out to everyone for comments.

What is a core player? I am defining a core player as a player that will be a very good player that should be around for the next five years.

Offense:

Matt Cassel: He has proven to have leadership and enough ability to be a solid starter in the NFL. I do worry about the mental beating he is taking being this offensive line. We don’t need him to start getting happy feet or go into a shell.

Dwayne Bowe: If he had a QB with time to throw, he could be an elite WR.

Branden Albert: I am not sure what position he will end up playing, but he should be a fixture on the offensive line for years to come.

I like a player like Jamaal Charles, but I see him as a nice complementary part, not a core player.

Defense:

Glenn Dorsey: He looks like he is emerging as a good lineman in a scheme that is not ideal for him.

Tamba Hali: He is not an elite player at a position where I would love to have an elite player. He has played well and deserves this designation.

Brandon Flowers: While he is not a shutdown corner (an overused designation anyway) He is our best corner.

Brandon Carr: Should be a nice compliment to Flowers for years to come.

It’s way to early to judge Tyson Jackson and Jarrad Page has taken a step backwards.

Special Teams:

Dustin Colquitt and Ryan Succop: While punters and kickers are not usually core players, these two deserve a mention here. These two positions should be filled for the next ten years.

That all I see. Hopefully, a young player like Tyson Jackson can be part of the core group. Another receiving threat is needed. We also need another offensive lineman and a inside linebacker to emerge. I really like Jovan Belcher, but I don’t see another offensive lineman on this roster that would fit my core group definition.

OK, have at it. Who are your core players? How do you define a core player?