offGrid NFL Top 50: 30-21
Following on from the second article in our NFL TOP 50 series with players 40-31, we now look at the next ten players to feature on our list.
Here is offGrid’s 30-21 player in the NFL heading into the 2022 season:
30. Fred Warner – Linebacker, San Francisco 49ers
(Average Voting Position: 27.5)
A player who didn’t quite hit the heights that we’re used to seeing in 2021. But Fred Warner remains one of the best coverage players in the NFL and is well primed to return as an All-Pro this year.
He still hit a career-high 137 combined tackles last year, and was instrumental in helping to get San Francisco back to the NFC Championship game.
Warner is a physical force, with good running resistance and a much-desired ability to read the game so well. Without him, the 49ers defense is nowhere near as strong. The former third-round is going to take off in 2022.
“Incredible finish to last year’s campaign, let’s hope Warner can back it up in 2022.”
Michael Edwards, NFL Expert
29. Nick Chubb – Running Back, Cleveland Browns
(AVP: 27.2)
Through his first four seasons in the NFL, Cleveland’s Nick Chubb has been exceptional. His numbers are particularly impressive, 39 total touchdowns and three straight 1,000+ yard seasons since entering the league, after missing out by just four yards in his rookie year.
Chubb has the power, he’s got the speed and is just an all-round great finisher. But we think he’s only just getting started.
Not that he didn’t last year, but Chubb is going to get a lot more of the ball this season. With Kareem Hunt seemingly on his way out and their starting QB likely suspended, Chubb becomes the centre-piece of the Browns offense. He’ll easily eclipse 1,500 yards in 2022.
And more importantly, Chubb will do wonders for your fantasy team!
“Heard it hear first, Nick Chubb will win the rushing crown in 2022”
Jonny Bisby, offGrid NFL Editor
28. Shaquille Leonard – Linebacker, Indianapolis Colts
(AVP: 25.8)
Shaquille, Darius… whatever you call him, it makes no difference to the fact that the Colts’ star linebacker is one of the best defensive players in the game.
An All-Pro for the last two years now, Leonard seems to improve year-on-year, with 122 combined tackles, four interceptions and a huge eight forced fumbles in 2021.
‘Maniac’ plays the game full speed, no breaks. He’s the type of player that the Colts need to built around if they are to return to where they belong in the post-season.
“The perfect linebacker in today’s NFL.”
Michael Edwards, NFL expert
27. Joey Bosa – EDGE, Los Angeles Chargers
(AVP: 24.8)
The first Bosa brother on this list. With another double-digit sack season in 2021, Joey Bosa is without doubt one of the best edge rushers in the NFL.
While statistically not as dominant as his younger brother Nick, Joey has been voted to the Pro Bowl on four occasions. He’s a big leader for LA and is relentless on every snap. He’ll be a prime candidate for the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2022 if he stays fit and continues to perform.
Bosa was double-teamed on 23% of his pass rushes last year. Now with Khalil Mack alongside, expect Joey and the Chargers to break free and dominate opposition quarterbacks for years to come.
“The Chargers’; best player on defense, expect Bosa to shine in 2022 with newly-acquired Khalil Mack sharing the double-teams”
Harry Palmer, offGrid NFL Contributor
26. J.C. Jackson – Cornerback, Los Angeles Chargers
(AVP: 24.4)
Undoubtedly the most impressive cornerback in the NFL last season, J.C. Jackson got a huge payday this summer with an eye-catching move the stacked Los Angeles Chargers.
Jackson broke out of Stephon Gilmore’s shadow at the New England Patriots in 2021 with an impressive 8 interceptions, taking his tally to 25 in his first four seasons in the league.
And that’s not all. Jackson posted career-best number in pass breakups (23), tackles (58 combined) and scored his first ever defensive touchdown.
With Mack, Bosa and now Mr. INT in the defensive room in LA, the Chargers are looking SCARY ahead of the new season.
“Along with Khalil Mack, Jackson could be the additional spark that the Chargers need to get them into the playoffs and possibly into a Super Bowl.”
Hank Greenberg, offGrid NFL Contributor
25. Stefon Diggs – Wide Receiver, Buffalo Bills
(AVP: 22.8)
Stefon Diggs has completely transformed the passing game in Buffalo since his arrival from the Minnesota Vikings. Along with his partner-in-crime Josh Allen, the Bills’ aggressive offensive style couldn’t be possible without someone like Diggs.
He does everything so well. He’s got the speed, the soft hands and is excellent at route running. The former fifth-rounder racked up 1,225 yards from 103 receptions and 10 TDs in 2021, and with the Bills now one of the favorites for the Super Bowl this year, Diggs will want to go even bigger for his team.
“Diggs has only gotten better since his move to Buffalo, will he finally get a ring in 2023?”
Michael Edwards, NFL Expert
24. George Kittle – Tight End, San Francisco 49ers
(AVP: 22)
The People’s Tight End. How can you not love George Kittle?! The Iowa native isn’t just a popular character, he’s one of the best tight ends in NFL history.
An all-round superstar, not just an elite receiver, Kittle is renowned for being a top blocker. Pass rushers beware, No.85 takes some beating.
In the pass game, Kittle’s ability to make yards after the catch is unmatched. He’s so skilful in being able to find space and get open for his quarterback to aim at.
With the developing Trey Lance now at the helm for the 49ers, Kittle is going to be instrumental in helping the young QB grow and progress.
“The highest paid TE in NFL History at $15 million per year, Kittle is the league’s most dominant TE.”
Lakota Cree Briggs, offGrid NFL Contributor
23. Ja’Marr Chase – Wide Receiver, Cincinnati Bengals
(AVP: 20.8)
If his rookie season is anything to go by, Ja’Marr Chase is going to go down as one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history.
Reminiscent of a young Odell Beckham, Chase burst onto the scene like no other rookie receiver has done before, as the Bengals made the Super Bowl last season.
A big-play talent, Chase amounted 1,455 yards and 13 TDs last year. Not bad, but he can really push on in 2022. We expect his catch-rate and touchdown numbers to all improve in year two.
Chase is well on course to becoming the premier receiver in the NFL for the next decade.
“If he wasn’t a rookie last season, the guy would be right up next to Kupp, Adams and Hill.
Nick Jones, offGrid NFL Contributor
22. Zack Martin – Guard, Dallas Cowboys
(AVP: 20.6)
Consistently dominant, Zack Martin has arguably been the best interior lineman of the last decade.
According to PPF, Martin is, if anything, getting better with age. Last season, his eighth as a pro, Martin posted a 93.4 overall PFF grade, which is unheard of (unless your name is Trent Williams).
An outstanding run-blocker, Martin got his seventh Pro Bowl call-up last year, whilst also returning as an All-Pro. With just one sack and 17 pressures allowed last year, he’s a pretty good pass-blocker too.
A future Hall of Famer no doubt. Without him, the Dallas offensive line would be in tatters.
“If he stays fit and healthy, Zach Martin still has another 5+ years as elite offensive lineman.”
Jonny Bisby, offGrid NFL Editor
21. Justin Jefferson – Wide Receiver, Minnesota Vikings
(AVP: 19.7)
Justin Jefferson has been a whole lot more than the Vikings’ replacement for Diggs since his arrival in 2020. A two-time second-team All-Pro already, many people have Jefferson down as the best wide receiver in the league heading into the new NFL season.
The LSU product is such a dangerous receiver to defend against. Back-to-back seasons of 1,400+ receiving yards and 17 total touchdowns is an unbelievable start to life as a pro. if Kirk Cousins can improve his passing in 2022, Jefferson will explode even further.
Can he help the Vikings return to the post-season? Let’s wait and see, but we can be certain of seeing plenty more of ‘The Griddy’ in Minnesota this year, that’s for sure.
“Jefferson has hall of fame potential and it’s scary to think this isn’t even his prime yet.”
Lakota Cree Briggs, offGrid NFL Contributor
