Good Candidate for top Programs?

You are a good candidate. The top programs you list have names behind them, but all are not necessarily the "top" programs to train at. There is more to training than a name and research dollars. Keep an open mind and always apply broadly.

Most of my info comes from the US.News & World Report article citing the best Ortho departments the country. I am certainly looking for more clearity. Breifly, which programs would you consider among the best in the nation and why?

You will eventually realize that what other people call the "best" programs in the country are not necessarily the best for you. I got some interviews at places that have excellent reputations nationally, are ranked highly by US News, and people on this site praised very highly. I went to the interviews thinking that there was no way I would let an opportunity like that slip away and needed to rank it highly. Then, when I went some other, less well-known places, I realized that some of them were better suited for me. I don't know where I'll end up next year, but I will say that my first choice will not be one of the highest US News ranked places where I interviewed.

Take Mayo for example. Everyone I spoke to that interviewed there loved it. It's the highest ranked in US News, has a very well-known faculty, amazing facilities, and more money than it could ever spend. But, I've yet to meet anyone that would rank it first. Now, I'm sure there are some out there. But, one trip to Rochester, MN in the middle of winter and you'll realize why not.

There's a reason why no one ranks residency programs.

With you numbers and publications, you are likely to match at the program of you choice. The best way to find a program that you like is to schedule some away rotations. I rotated at 2 places, one which is nationally ranked and the other no highly ranked. I ended up hating the place that is highly ranked and loving the other one. I don't think these rankings mean anything in terms of residency. You have to find a place you can tolerate for five years. Good luck