offGrid NFL Top 50: 10-1
We’ve finally made it down to the top 10 in offGrid NFL’s TOP 50 countdown of the standout players in the NFL ahead of the 2022 season.
After going through those listed 20-11, it’s time to look at who our writers believe are the very best performers in the league.
Let’s see who has made it number one…
10. Derrick Henry – Running Back, Tennessee Titans
(Average Voting Position: 10.7)
Derrick Henry has been the most dominant running back in the NFL for some time now. But after a foot fracture limited the former Heisman winner to just eight games in 2021, it’s unsurprising to see him at No.10 on this list.
There are concerns on whether this is the start of Henry’s decline. He’ll be heavily used once again and that could take its toll.
But there is no doubting King Henry remains one of the scariest players in the game. In those eight games, Henry ran up a monster 937 yards and still ranked in the top 10 of rushing stats last year. My word, that’s good.
If he can stay healthy and rediscover his 2,000+ yards form from 2020, Henry will undoubtedly be much higher this time next year.
“A freight train in the backfield, linebackers will shiver in their cleats just seeing this monster getting ready to run at them…”
Bradley Jones, offGrid NFL Contributor
9. Myles Garrett – Defensive End, Cleveland Browns
(AVP: 9.4)
Every season as a pro, Myles Garrett has just kept improving. The No.1 overall pick from 2017 broke the Browns single-season record for sacks with 16 in 2021, and posted career-best figures in combined tackles and pass deflections. He also recorded his first ever touchdown from a fumble recovery against the Ravens in Week 14.
At 6-4, with a lean 272-pound frame, Garrett is one of the most powerful players in the league and a nightmare matchup for most offensive tackles.
A new addition to the Madden 99 Club, Garrett is ready and primed to make his claim for the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2022.
“An absolute freak of nature, Myles is one of the most feared players in today’s NFL for a reason.”
Lakota Cree Briggs, offGrid NFL Contributor
8. Davante Adams – Wide Receiver, Las Vegas Raiders
(AVP: 9.2)
The premier receiver in the NFL. Just two of our writers didn’t vote for Davante Adams as the best wideout in the league ahead of 2022. And there is plenty of evidence to back up his reputation.
Adams averages over 90 yards per game in three of his last four seasons, while recording 29 touchdowns since the start of the 2020 season. He’s been the ultimate big play receiver for some time now and will be hoping to take his game to a whole new level in Las Vegas.
How will he fare in his transition from MVP Aaron Rodgers to Derek Carr? If their public chemistry is anything to go by, Adams will be just fine.
“The cleanest route-runner in the league. Adams is a technician at the wide receiver room.”
Tayyib Abu, offGrid NFL Contributor
7. Josh Allen – Quarterback, Buffalo Bills
(AVP: 8.5)
Josh Allen is destined for the very top. He continues to rise up the QB rankings and by the end of this year, he might well be at the top. His all round game is sensational with a cannon of an arm, while being so effective as a runner. One of the most impressive quarterbacks athletically, Allen averaged 6.25 yards per carry on 122 rushes last year. That’s a decent tally for any running back, let alone a 6’5″, 237 pound gunslinger.
Question marks will focus on whether Buffalo’s offense can continue to progress without Brian Daboll. But all the tools are there. Allen is the key to making this the best offensive unit in the league.
He’s the favourite for the MVP award and we’ve got a feeling he’s got it in him to go get it this year.
“Allen isn’t done with progression. He’s just going to get better and better.”
Richard Hooch, The Crash Ball Diaries Podcast
6. Trent Williams – Offensive Tackle, San Francisco 49ers
(AVP: 7.8)
The undisputed top offensive tackle in the NFL. Every single one of our writers had Williams at the top in his position on their lists. And there can be no argument against it.
According to PFF, Williams was the best player in the NFL in 2021. He is central to the 49ers’ dangerous rushing attack, and will offer Trey Lance outstanding pass protection as the former #3 overall selection looks to progress in his first year as the starter in San Francisco.
Now 34, Williams just continues to get better with age. He deserves to be the highest-paid offensive lineman and is more than capable of playing at the top level right until the end of his current contract in 2027.
“Epic level Left Tackle. If Trey Lance can’t succeed with this guy on his blindside, he’s not for our league.”
Nick Jones, offGrid NFL Contributor
5. Tom Brady – Quarterback, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
(AVP: 7.3)
What is there left to say about Tom Brady? We’ve run out of superlatives for describing the greatest player in NFL history.
After reserving his decision to retire this offseason, Brady is back and ready to dominate once again. And it wasn’t like he regressed at all last year. Brady led the league in passing yards, competitions and touchdown passes. Not bad for an old-timer.
The Bucs are in win-now mode and at 45 years old, so is Brady. With him at the helm, anything is possible. Do not be surprised if he manages to claim an eighth ring this season.
“The G.O.A.T. Seemingly timeless.”
Nick Jones, offGrid NFL Contributor
4. Patrick Mahomes – Quarterback, Kansas City Chiefs
(AVP: 6.8)
Yes, overall, it was a disappointing season for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in 2021. They slumped at the start of the season, failed to win the #1 seed and slipped up in the AFC Championship to the Bengals.
But what this guy can do with a football is unbelievable. In his four years in the league, Mahomes has set the bar so high for himself that even a 4,839 yard passing, 37 touchdown year is deemed poor. Mahomes can make any kind of throw from any position or platform while making it seem the simplest thing in the world. He’s that good.
Undoubtedly, one of the best performers in the league, Mahomes needs to step up again in 2022 to help the Chiefs remain as feared as they should be. He’s already the face of the league and will dominate the NFL for years and years to come.
“Still one of the best in the game.”
Michael Edwards, NFL Expert
3. T.J. Watt – EDGE, Pittsburgh Steelers
(AVP: 6.7)
It must be hard to follow in your brothers footsteps. For T.J. Watt, who’s older brother J.J. is a three time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, a two time leader in sacks, with more than 100 in his career, that is exactly the case.
But over the past couple of years, T.J. has started to match and even begin to exceed the career achievements of J.J. Now a DPOY recipient himself, T.J. has been an All-Pro three teams, 72 sacks of his own is now tied for the most seasons leading the league in sacks. Who does he share that accolade with? That’s right, his brother J.J.
And in 2022, T.J. matched the most sacks ever in a single season. Not a bad resume for the younger Watt brother.
The five-year pro will be looking to eclipse that number in year six in 2022. And we have no doubts in his ability to do just that.
“He will make Madden pay for not giving him a 99 rating on the game this year. Back to back Defensive Player Of The Year inbound!”
Freddie Hall, The Franchise Tag Podcast
2. Aaron Rodgers – Quarterback, Green Bay Packers
(AVP: 2.7)
Aaron Rodgers is the best quarterback in the NFL. The current MVP possesses possibly the best football brain in the league. And that brain is seemingly getting better wish age.
He might be 38, but Rodgers is in a league of his own when it comes to preparation, precision and confidence in his ability to perform. Rodgers can still make passes that no other quarterback would dare to attempt. His passer rating of 111.9 for 2021 was in a league of its own.
After flirting with retirement this offseason, Rodgers signed the biggest contract in NFL history and remains in the league.
Can he lead the Packers to a Super Bowl again? It will be difficult with no Davante Adams around in Green Bay this season. But Rodgers needs to prove he’s still got it in 2022.
“You don’t win the MVP four times for no reason. Rodgers is by far the best quarterback in the NFL today. He needs another ring.”
Jonny Bisby, offGrid NFL Editor
1. Aaron Donald – Defensive Tackle, Los Angeles Rams
(AVP: 1.7)
Your offGrid NFL TOP 50 winner, Aaron Donald! The best player in the NFL ahead of the 2022 season. And it wasn’t even close.
Donald ranked top of the tree in all but four of 22 of offGrid writers voting lists. That’s an astounding majority verdict that recognises just how good a player this man is.
It was yet another impressive year in 2021 for Donald, raking up 12.5 sacks, 19 tackles for loss and a career-high 84 combined tackles. His sack on Joe Burrow to end the Super Bowl LVI was a career defining moment. With eight Pro Bowls selections, three NFL Defensive Player of the Year victories and making the 2010s All-Decade team, Donald has won everything in the sport.
Winning the Lombardi Trophy would have been the perfect send off. But at just 31, he’s got so much more left to give. The Rams’ offense finally clicked last year, so expect them to be competing for many championships for years to come.
Donald is not human. The accolades he has won (this award must also be right up there too!), his dominance and constant presence at the top of the game tells us that he’s much more than a future Hall of Famer. He is one of the best players the NFL has ever seen.
“The Greatest Defensive Player of All-Time? I think so. Failing that, he’s by far the most dominant defensive player of his generation.”
Jonny Bisby, offGrid NFL Editor
