By Tim Graham
A countdown of my top 25 AFC East players continues, one weekday at a time. But first a correction:
The hint for today's edition was incorrect for a few hours Tuesday. I inadvertently posted the hint for an upcoming player on the list. My apologies.
The choice
Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush is the first offensive skill player to appear on the chart. Bush, after years of being considered a bust as a hybrid back for the New Orleans Saints, switched teams last season and found some satisfaction as a leading man. Bush rushed for 100 yards once in five seasons with the Saints. He did it five times in his first season with the Dolphins.
Bush led the AFC East in rushing, cracked 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career and tied a career-high with six rushing touchdowns. While Bush's receptions remain way down from the 161 he amassed over his first two pro seasons, he recorded a personal-best 1,382 yards from scrimmage.
Of the 18 backs to surpass 950 yards last season, Bush had the best rushing average at 5.0 yards per carry. He had 35 carries of 10 yards or longer, three more than his previous two seasons combined.
Fast fact
Bush rushed 25 times for 203 yards and a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills in Week 15. His 8.1-yard average was the best of his career (minimum 10 carries), and his 122 yards in the second half set a Dolphins record.
How acquired
2011 trade with the Saints for safety Jonathan Amaya and an exchange of sixth-round picks.
Hint about No. 17
The first receiver on the list is coming off a record-setting season.
Picks to date
18. Reggie Bush, Dolphins running back
19. Jerod Mayo, Patriots inside linebacker
20. Randy Starks, Dolphins defensive lineman
21. Sebastian Vollmer, Patriots right tackle
22. Aaron Hernandez, Patriots tight end
23. Marcell Dareus, Bills defensive tackle
24. Antonio Cromartie, Jets cornerback
25. Eric Wood, Bills center
