WASHINGTON — Last year, I thought it would be fun to look at the professional athletes from around the Big Five professional sports in the District (yes, you too, Landover) and try to rank them based on a number of factors both inside and outside the lines. The results were in some ways predictable, and in some ways surprising.
A few of those on last year’s list — RG3, Ian Desmond, Jordan Zimmermann — have moved on. Others have moved up at different rates. I noted at the time that Bryce Harper, who was sixth last year, clearly had the most upward mobility, but how far could he rise in a single year? And who would be the newcomers to the fold?
(AP Photos)
AP Photos
10. Jayson Werth — 15 points
Last year: unranked
It may seem hard to believe, but now playing his sixth year in the Curly W, Werth is the third-longest tenured current National. His Game 4 walk-off home run in the 2012 NLDS remains the young franchise’s defining (positive) playoff moment to date, earning him a spot on this list.
(AP Photo/Nick Wass)
AP Photo/Nick Wass
T-8. Trent Williams — 22 points
Last year: unranked
Who’s the best player rocking burgundy and gold? It might well be Williams, the four-time All-Pro consistently recognized among the elite offensive linemen in the game.
(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
AP Photo/Evan Vucci
T-8. Braden Holtby — 22 points
Last year: unranked
Holtby is another new name on this list, thanks to two straight spectacular seasons in goal. By the time the year is done he will add some additional hardware, which will no doubt prop him higher, hence him being listed above Williams, despite the tie.
(AP Photo/Jim Mone)
AP Photo/Jim Mone
7. Stephen Strasburg — 25 points
Last year: 8th
One can only imagine how much higher Strasburg might be on this list with a little better health over the past few years. This is his free agent walk year — and Scott Boras is his agent — so there’s a very decent chance it could be his last on this list.
(AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta
6. John Wall — 31 points
Last year: 5th
Wall returned to the All-Star Game for the third consecutive year, but the Wizards took a step backward and are all but eliminated from the postseason. The only Wizard on this list, he is the unquestioned face of that franchise and should be for years to come.
(AP Photo/Jon Barash)
AP Photo/Jon Barash
5. Nicklas Backstrom
Last year: 4th
The longtime sidekick to the NHL’s top scorer, Backstrom has been playing in the District since age 20. He’s made three All-Star Games in that stretch and led the league in assists. He might be the most unheralded player in relation to his rank.
(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
AP Photo/Charles Krupa
4. Ryan Zimmerman — 38 points
Last year: 3rd
Zim had an injury-plagued 2015 season, and the Nats missed the playoffs, but he’s been in Washington since the team’s inaugural season and is responsible for a host of walk-offs, including the in the very first game at Nationals Park. Unlike last year, though, he isn’t the highest National on this list anymore.
AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
(AP/Alex Brandon)
AP/Alex Brandon
3. Bryce Harper — 39 points
Last year: 6th
Harper enjoyed the biggest jump on this list and very nearly found his way into the second spot. He might be the most widely recognizable face in baseball today and is coming off a unanimous MVP Award with no signs of slowing down. The individual accolades will continue to help, but a deep playoff run would help his stock as well.
(AP Photo/J Pat Carter)
AP Photo/J Pat Carter
2. Ben Olsen — 42 points
Last year: 2nd
As we mentioned last year, Olsen holds a unique place on this list, thanks to his unique place in Washington sports. He spent his storied playing career with D.C. United and remains the face of the team as head coach. While I’m only using his playing numbers, they were good enough to keep him in the number two spot. It’s worth remembering that United has won the last four D.C. professional sports championships.
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
1. Alex Ovechkin — 82 points
Last year: 1st
It’s a good time to remember just how great the Great 8 has been. On the way to his seventh scoring title and possibly his seventh 50-goal campaign, Ovechkin is a surefire Hall of Famer. At age 30, he needs only one more thing to validate his illustrious career, but that’s a topic for another time. He’s easily the two-time champion of this list.
(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)