offGrid NFL Top 50: 30-21
It’s now time for part three of our NFL Top 50 series, having revealed the players ranked 50-31 so far in our list, based on the average position our writers voted on the best stars in the league today.
There are some big names who have fallen from last year, but plenty of youth climbing up the board. Here is 30-21 here…
30. Patrick Surtain II – CB, Denver Broncos
(Average Voting Position: 30.4)
Surtain was easily the biggest positive of an otherwise dreadful season for Denver. One of the most controlled corners in the game, Surtain helped his defense keep the Broncos in many games in 2022, racking up 60 total tackles (46 solo), two interceptions, ten passes defended, and one forced fumble.
An All-Pro last year, Surtain is right at the top of the rankings in his positional class.
Arguably the best cornerback in the NFL he was a lockdown CB in the Broncos secondary and one of the only bright spots in a bad Broncos season. He won’t show up on a lot of interception metrics but it’s hard to get interceptions if QBs don’t throw your way.
Charlie Grace, offGrid NFL contributor
29. Stefon Diggs – WR, Buffalo Bills
(AVP: 30.2)
This feels low for one of the best receivers in the league. Stefon Diggs continues to transform the passing game in Buffalo, helping the Bills’ to continue to play an aggressive offensive style. He’s got the speed, the soft hands and is an excellent route-runner, Diggs continues to improve with age, hitting a career-best 11 touchdowns in 2022.
It’s hard to argue that another team relies on one player more for their receiving success. Without Diggs, the Bills are not Super Bowl contenders.
Dependable. Consistent. Dynamic. My number one receiver who just needs that elusive Super Bowl to cap off a phenomenal career.
Daniel Hanbridge, offGrid NFL contributor
28. Quinnen Williams – DT, New York Jets
(AVP: 29.6)
It was a real career year for former #3 overall pick Quinnen Williams in 2022, which has cemented his position as one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL. 12 sacks, 52 total pressures and 32 defensive stops was a brilliant return for the leader of this New York defense last year.
Don’t believe any of the rumours linking him away, the Jets are bound to grant him a bumper contract before the start of the new season.
Williams is a central piece to the Jets’ future success. Without him leading this stellar defensive unit, New York can only dream of making it to the postseason and beyond.
Jonny Bisby, offGrid NFL
27. Chris Lindstrom – G, Atlanta Falcons
(AVP: 29.6)
The Falcons have build a top-tier offensive line in recent years, and Chris Lindstrom is the integral part of why it is so strong. Fully deserved of his huge new contract this offseason, Lindstrom allowed just nine total pressures across 17 games in 2022, proving he’s the best around.
One of the best run blockers in the league, it’s going to be devastating to watch him create the space for Bijan Robinson to disrupt opposition teams next season.
Lindstrom was the best Guard in football last year, by quite a distance. It’s part of the reason the Atlanta Falcons decided to make him the highest paid guard in football. I wouldn’t be surprised if Lindstrom is a lot higher on this list a year from now.
Tom Kelly, offGrid NFL contributor
26. Dexter Lawrence – DT, New York Giants
(AVP: 28.0)
After another incredible year with the Giants, Dexter Lawrence has proved himself to be one of the NFL’s premier defensive linemen. Having racked up 7.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in 2022, the former Clemson was fully deserved of a new contract, which makes him one of the highest paid players in his position.
With the New Era of versatile Nose Tackles in the NFL, Dexter Lawrence is definitely leading the way. After last year’s incredible numbers, his ceiling as a pass rusher and run stopper is elite.
Andrew Manning, The Franchise Tag Podcast
25. TJ Watt – EDGE, Pittsburgh Steelers
(AVP: 26.7)
25 on this list may seem a little player who missed a considerable amount of time in 2022. But for the games he was available, T.J. Watt continued to show us why he’s still one of the best defensive stars in the league today.
Despite his injuries, Watt still earned a Pro Bowl selection with 12 quarterback hits and 5.5 sacks in 10 games.
Only injuries could stop Watt from being a dominant pass rusher for many years still to come. I’d love to know what the Watt brothers had in their lunchboxes growing up!
James Barker, offGrid NFL contributor
24. Fred Warner – LB, San Francisco 49ers
(AVP: 24.6)
Warner really is a special, special player. His playmaking, pace and coverage ability are second to none, particularly within his position.
The former third-round pick has taken his game to the next level, and will continue to improve as his career goes on.
An incredibly underrated player for many years, Fred Warner was a crucial mike linebacker in DeMeco Ryans’ defence. A ball hawk when dropping into pass coverage and a master in the run game, Warner is one of the best.
Charlie Grace, offGrid NFL contributor
23. Saquon Barkley – RB, New York Giants
(AVP: 24.3)
The explosive, electric version of Saquon Barkley that emerged from Penn State all those years ago was once again present in 2022. Barkley brushed aside injury strife from recent seasons to be a core player for the New York Giants, helping them encounter a phenomenal season.
After starting every game in his first season, Barkley ended up missing a combined 21 contests over the next three years. However, 2022 was his year again. The powerhouse running back finished with career highs in both carries (295) and rushing yards (1,312). He also was lead on the team with carries (58) and managed to deliver in the end zone again on the touchdown front (10).
His next goal will be to maintain that level and help the Giants ascend further, a franchise completely revamped by the astute General Manager Joe Schoen and unflappable coach Brian Daboll.
There’s also the issue of a contract to sort. Barkley has thus far declined to sign the $10.09million franchise tag put on the table by the Giants and rejected a series of offers during the season itself.
David Cartlidge, ESPN
22. Lane Johnson, OT, Philadelphia Eagles
(AVP: 24.1)
Johnson is one of the premier offensive tackles in football. With a Super Bowl ring and three All-Pro selections, he’s a Hall of Fame cert, having also set an NFL record of not allowing a sack in 26 consecutive games last season.
Having signed a new contract extension this offseason, he’ll continue to protect Jalen Hurts as the Eagles push for another Lombardi Trophy in 2023.
“Lane Johnson, who has a league record of 26 consecutive games without a sack allowed, continues to show just how truly one of a kind he is essential to the Eagles.”
Gareth Smith, The Franchise Tag Podcast
21. Aaron Donald – DT, Los Angeles Rams
(AVP: 22.6)
Last year’s offGrid NFL Top 50 winner has slumped a fair bit (a bit like his team) to 21 on the 2022 list, but remains one of the best in business.
Injuries hampered the season for Donald, arguably the greatest defensive player of all-time, but despite the time off, he was still one of the league’s most destructive players, posting 40 pressures and 33 defensive stops during the season. As elite as they come.
A 100% healthy Aaron Donald is not only critical to our defense on the field, but off the field too. He has some good talent coming in from the draft to now mentor.
Los Angeles Rams UK
