BOSTON (CBS) — For all the hubbub surrounding NFL Network’s list of the top 100 players from the 2012 season, the fact that the list is determined by players’ votes sort of makes the whole thing useless.

To try to create something a little more worthwhile, CBSSports’ Pete Prisco set out to make a more reasonable list of his own.

On Prisco’s list, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was ranked second in the league, trailing only Aaron Rodgers, who was last year’s MVP. Brady’s ranking on the NFL Network list has yet to be unveiled.

Despite Brady’s 35th birthday approaching in August, Prisco wrote that “there are no signs of slowing down anytime soon,” though he did include one caveat: “Just keep him away from the New York Giants.”

Ouch.

Pats tight end Rob Gronkowski was ranked No. 10, significantly higher on Prisco’s list than the NFL Network’s list, which had him at No. 21.

“He emerged as the league’s best tight end in 2011 and there’s no reason why he can’t be even better,” Prisco wrote. “He’s too fast for linebackers and too strong for safeties.”

For what it’s worth, Prisco ranked Jimmy Graham No. 21. He’s ranked higher than Gronkowski on the NFL Network’s list.

Vince Wilfork, ranked No. 81 on NFL Network’s list, also appeared much higher, earning Prisco’s rank of No. 30.

One Pats player who may prefer the network’s ranking is Wes Welker, who was voted No. 23 by his peers but ranked No. 42 for Prisco.

Logan Mankins also appeared on Prisco’s list at No. 87 (players voted him No. 64), while Aaron Hernandez was one of 10 players listed as those who “just missed.”