Olympic Odyssey: NFL Dream Team

The Olympics are two months away, which raises the question: what would happen if the NFL fielded a team for Olympic competition? This Dream Team would have to blend superstar talent and role players. AZRedReport.com’s Michael Lombardo takes his shot at drafting a Dream Team and winds up with a trio of Cardinals on the roster.

The easy part in assembling a Dream Team is filling in the superstars. Players like Peyton Manning, LaDainian Tomlinson, Jared Allen and Devin Hester are obvious selections. However, as members of USA's basketball team will attest, it's the complementary players who make or break or squad.

Players like FB Jameel Cook, TE Justin Peelle and LB Thomas Davis are on the team not only to provide depth at their respective positions, but to help out on special teams. Others, like OG/OT Leonard Davis and DE/OLB Bryan Thomas are there because of their ability to play multiple positions at a high level.

Now, without further delay, the 2008 NFL Dream Team.

OFFENSE

Quarterbacks

Starter: Peyton Manning (IND)
Backups: Tom Brady (NE), Drew Brees (NO)

Running Backs

Starters: LaDainian Tomlinson (SD), Greg Jones (JAX)
Backups: Steven Jackson (STL), Ahman Green (HOU), Jameel Cook (HOU)

Wide Receivers

WR Anquan Boldin
Chris McGrath/Getty

Starters: Andre Johnson (HOU), Anquan Boldin (ARI)
Backups: Hines Ward (PIT), Laveranues Coles (NYJ), Devin Hester (CHI)

Tight Ends

Starter: Antonio Gates (SD)
Backups: Chris Cooley (WAS), Justin Peelle (MIA)

Offensive Linemen

Starters: Jason Peters (BUF), Steve Hutchinson (MIN), Andre Gurode (DAL), Shawn Andrews (PHI), Ryan Diem (IND)
Backups: Flozell Adams (DAL), Joe Thomas (CLE), Leonard Davis (DAL), Jeff Saturday (IND)

DEFENSE

Defensive Ends

Starters: Osi Umenyiora (NYG), Jared Allen (MIN)
Backups: Dwight Freeney (IND), Aaron Kampman (GB), Elvis Dumervil (DEN)

Defensive Tackles

Starters: Kevin Williams (MIN), Albert Haynesworth (TEN)
Backups: Casey Hampton (PIT), Tommie Harris (CHI)

Linebackers

Starters: Shawne Merriman (SD), Ray Lewis (BAL), Lance Briggs (CHI)
Backups: Bryan Thomas (NYJ), Patrick Willis (SF), Karlos Dansby (ARI), Thomas Davis (CAR)

Cornerbacks

Starters: Antonio Cromartie (SD), Terrence Newman (DAL)
Backups: Asante Samuel (PHI), Nnamdi Asomugha (OAK), Dunta Robinson (HOU)

Safeties

Starters: Bob Sanders (IND), Ed Reed (BAL)
Backups: Adrian Wilson (ARI), Troy Polamalu (PIT)

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kickers: Jason Elam (ATL), Mike Scifres (SD)

Long Snapper: David Binn (SD)

Readers Chime In

What are your thoughts on this Dream Team? Are three Cardinals players too many or not enough? Can you create a stronger team of your own. Click here to let us know about it in the message boards.