I don't typically like former NFL players on my television. Typically, they're loud, obnoxious and underprepared. Also, I'm opposed to how the hierarchy works in the sports analyst business. Big names get the biggest jobs, regardless of how much they know, how hard they work and how well-spoken they are. 

Here, however, are five analysts I feel I gain knowledge and insight from. These five guys deserve promotions:

Eric Allen, ESPN: Nothing I like more than an analyst who does his homework. With Allen, it shows. He seems to know every team inside and out, and he generally avoids going cookie-cutter routes. He's been at ESPN over a decade now but hasn't really climbed the ladder. I wonder if that has to do with the fact he isn't a huge name. I'd take Allen over Keyshawn Johnson at ESPN, or anyone on the NFL Today set. 

Brian Billick, NFL Network: I really believe it's only a matter of time before Billick becomes an A-team play-by-play color man. He does a tremendous job dishing from an insider's perspective on Fox broadcasts and on NFL Network's Playbook program. I find coaches make much better analysts than former players, which I suppose shouldn't be surprising. 

Bill Polian, ESPN: Or former general managers. Polian is a football encyclopedia, and he tells it like it is. 

Damien Woody, ESPN: He isn't overly entertaining, but I'm tuning in for information and insight, not for bells and whistles. Sometimes it's frustrating when analysts relate every scenario to their playing careers, but Woody seems to do it in a refreshing context. He isn't bombastic and there's no ego. He's also good at putting things into context for your average viewer. 

Steve Tasker, CBS: I can't pinpoint what exactly it is I like about Tasker, but since most analysts phone it in and have become unwatchable, Tasker makes the list merely for the fact I don't feel the need to change the channel every time he's on the air. Wouldn't mind seeing him on a studio show, rather than louder analysts like Warren Sapp and Deion Sanders, who add nothing more than noise.

About Brad Gagnon

Brad Gagnon has been passionate about both sports and mass media since he was in diapers -- a passion that won't die until he's in them again. Based in Toronto, he's worked as a national NFL blog editor at theScore.com, a producer and writer at theScore Television Network and a host, reporter and play-by-play voice at Rogers TV. His work has also appeared at CBSSports.com, Deadspin, FoxSports.com, The Guardian, The Hockey News and elsewhere at Comeback Media, but his day gig has him covering the NFL nationally for Bleacher Report.

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