offGrid NFL Top 50: 20-11
We’re now into the top 20 after the third article in our NFL TOP 50 series with players 30-21.
Here is offGrid’s 20-11 player in the NFL heading into the 2022 season:
20. Tyreek Hill – Wide Receiver, Miami Dolphins
(Average Voting Position: 18.7)
There might not be a wide receiver as elusive or as explosive as Tyreek Hill. He was such valuable and consistent performer for the Chiefs and absolutely deserves to be the highest-paid receiver in the league.
Signing Hill is obviously a huge coup for the Dolphins. There may be concerns whether he can translate his All-Pro form without Patrick Mahomes. But at 28, Cheetah is in the prime of his career and can completely transform Miami’s offense single-handedly. He remains one of the best receivers in the NFL going into 2022.
“The quickest player in the NFL.”
Lucy Penn, Miami Dolphins Expert for offGrid NFL
19. Micah Parsons – Linebacker, Dallas Cowboys
(AVP 17.4)
Micah Parsons put in one of the most dominant rookie seasons in NFL history in 2021. He’s already taken the league by storm and is it too early to say that the Cowboys star the best linebacker around after just one year? This list says he is.
An elite edge rusher, Parsons racked up 13 sacks last year, the third best tally for a rookie in history. He’ll have another high workload for the Cowboys in 2022. But don’t fear about him getting fatigued. Parsons is a beast, and will almost certainly better his tally this year.
“It’s a very rare treat to see a player dominate the NFL so early like Parsons did… If he continues to stay healthy and produce, there’s a chance he can follow in the footsteps of Aaron Donald and Lawrence Taylor with the athleticism, versatility and talent that he has…”
Jonathan H. Bailey, offGrid NFL Contributor
18. Quenton Nelson – Guard, Indianapolis Colts
(AVP: 16.9)
Seen as a generational talent coming out of college, Quenton Nelson has not failed to disappoint. Not be a long shot. Infact, he’s by far the most valuable player in his position in the league, having allowed just three sacks in his four seasons with the Colts.
Nelson deserves to be protecting an elite QB in 2022. He’s on track to become a Hall of Fame player, but needs more accolades.
With Matt Ryan now at the helm in Indianapolis, can the Colts offense push on this year? Nelson will be the most reliable element of that becoming a reality.
“The most feared Guard in football, Nelson is a mountainous man with power and agility. Elite at run-blocking, Nelson is an outstanding player”
Tayyib Abu, offGrid NFL Contributor
17. Nick Bosa – EDGE, San Francisco 49ers
(AVP: 13.8)
After an injury-hit 2020, Bosa returned with a bang last year. The former second overall selection ranked fourth in the league in sacks (15.5), third in QB hits (32) and tied for first in tackles for loss (21).
A wrecking ball since entering the NFL, Bosa is the difference between the 49ers defense looking good to looking scary. He’s a leader upfront. And opposition quarterbacks will dread playing against him.
Bosa is almost at the top of the edge rankings. And we think he’s going to break the top 10 of all players by the end of this season.
Bosa has the power, speed and tenacity to generate pressure continuously.”
Tayyib Abu, offGrid NFL Contributor
16. Justin Herbert – Quarterback, Los Angeles Chargers
(AVP: 13.2)
Justin Herbert is an elite quarterback. That’s what the majority of commentators are saying about the former Oregon star. And he’s only played two seasons as pro.
One of the best passers in the game already, Herbert has a cannon of an arm which has proved to be so deadly in his short career so far. He’s quick, smart with his throws, and an underrated runner too.
With the Chargers’ roster now among the most complete in the league, the sky is the limit for 2020’s NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2020.
“A multiple MVP and possible Super Bowl champion in the making.”
Jonny Bisby, offGrid NFL Editor
15. Joe Burrow – Quarterback, Cincinnati Bengals
(AVP: 13)
Not many players lead their franchise to a Super Bowl appearance in only their second year as a pro. And even fewer have done it after recovering from a torn ACL in their rookie season. This is what makes Joe Burrow’s short career look already so impressive.
Like Herbert, Burrow is a born leader. The former may edge the statistical battle between the two. But the grit and determination shown by Burrow in the last year, particularly during the Bengals’ playoff run, gives him the edge on this list.
The former #1 overall pick is going to become one of the few quarterbacks to dominate the NFL over the next decade. He’s transformed the Bengals from the bottom of the league to competing at the top in just two years.
With Cincinnati’s offensive line drastically improving this offseason, Burrow can take his team to even greater heights in year three.
14. Travis Kelce – Tight End, Kansas City Chiefs
(AVP: 12.6)
Travis Kelce has been the most dominant tight end in the NFL for several years now. And there is little chance of him slowing down.
While it was a quieter year based on the stats for the former third rounder, the Ohio native still recorded over 1,100 yards and nine touchdowns. And with plays like the below, it’s no question that the duo of Kelce and Patrick Mahomes will continue to be one of the deadliest partnerships in the NFL.
And with Tyreek Hill now gone, Kelce will have to step up yet another level in 2022.
“In the conversation with Gronkowski and Gonzalez as the greatest tight end ever… His consistency, production and longevity for his position are second to none.”
Jonathan H. Bailey, offGrid NFL Contributor
13. Jalen Ramsey – Cornerback, Los Angeles Rams
(AVP: 12)
Jalen Ramsey is an all-action superstar. Whether in coverage or tracking routes, you just know that Ramsey is going to be able to make a play one way or the other.
To those saying he had a poor 2021 compared to other corners, just look at his numbers. It was a career-year for the former fifth overall pick, posting 77 tackles, four interceptions, 16 passes defense, nine tackles for loss and a forced fumble.
There is no doubting that the five-time Pro Bowl selection is an unbelievable talent. After recovering from a shoulder-injury this offseason, Ramsey will once again lead LA’s secondary to big things in 2022.
“A complete lockdown cornerback, whatever side of the field he is on immediately becomes a ‘no throw zone’ for quarterbacks”
Bradley Jones, offGrid NFL Contributor
12. Jonathan Taylor – Running Back, Indianapolis Colts
(AVP: 12)
Another player who broke out in 2021, Jonathan Taylor dethroned Derrick Henry in the running back rankings and heads into 2022 as the RB1 in the league.
JT possesses the perfect blend of power, speed and sturdiness. Not many running backs have all three traits.
The Wisconsin product amassed an amazing 1,811 rushing yards on the ground last season, along with an extra 360 through the air. It’s time for him to hit the magic 2,000+ in 2022.
“Breakaway speed, elite vision, unmatched decision making and jukes for days! Jonathan Taylor is everything you want in a running back, he’s the best in the league for a reason!”
George, The Franchise Tag Podcast
11. Cooper Kupp – Wide Receiver, Los Angeles Rams
(AVP: 10.8)
Before 2021, Cooper Kupp had been a decent player in the NFL. 24 career touchdowns, just one season of 1,000+ receiving yards in his four years. A decent resume, but nowhere near being a top 20 player in the league.
Last year, however, Kupp exploded onto scene. With 16 receiving touchdowns and almost 2,000 yards, the former third-rounder was one of, if not the, standout performer in the league altogether in 2021, winning the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award.
Coming off the historic triple-crown season, Kupp will be determined to stay right at the top of the receiver rankings. He’s an electric wideout, his ability to create space and take in so many passes makes him a perfect target for any quarterback.
There are plenty of talented guys breaking out in his position. But it will take a lot to knock Kupp from being one of the best in the business in 2022.
“Stafford may have transformed the Rams’ offense in 2021. But without Cooper Kupp, they wouldn’t have got close to winning the Super Bowl.”
Jonny Bisby, offGrid NFL Editor
