offGrid NFL Top 50: 40-31

After opening our NFL TOP 50 series with players 50-41 going into the 2022 season, we now look at the next ten players to feature on our list.

Here is offGrid’s 40-31 players in the NFL heading into 2022:

40. Khalil Mack – EDGE, Los Angeles Chargers

(Average Voting Position: 36)

Khalil Mack continues to be among the league’s top edge defenders, despite being the wrong side of 30. It was a disappointing 2021 for his Bears side a year ago. Yet, despite being absent in chunks of the season, defensive stalwart Khalil Mack remained one positive from last season.

Now, with a move to team up with Joey Bosa at the Los Angeles Chargers, there is so much excitement about the former #6 overall pick.

He finished with six sacks in seven games last year, along with 19 tackles and six for a loss of yardage before getting injured. When healthy, there are few who can stop Mack.

Here’s to a huge return in 2022.

39. Lamar Jackson – Quarterback, Baltimore Ravens

(AVP: 35.5)

The ultimate dual threat quarterback. An MVP, an All-Pro with multiple Pro Bowl appearances. Yet, people still question whether Jackson can be considered a top QB.

No doubt, Jackson hasn’t found his MVP form since his outstanding year in 2019. Last year was overshadowed by injury and a worrying interception percentage. But Jackson is always improving as a passer and has a much stronger supporting cast in Baltimore than he did a year ago.

A healthy 2022, with the rest of the supporting cast in Baltimore fit and Jackson has all the tools to lead the Ravens to a Super Bowl.

“On his day, Lamar Jackson is one of the best athletes in the world to watch. He will silence the doubters in 2022.”

Jonny Bisby, offGrid NFL Editor

38. Mark Andrews – Tight End, Baltimore Ravens

(AVP: 33.7)

Andrews announced himself as the go-to option for Jackson in Baltimore last year. Used as essentially the Ravens’ slot receiver, the former third-rounder is coming off a career year in 2021. 107 receptions, 1,361 receiving yards, nine touchdowns. A sensational return.

At 6-foot-5, Andrews is a big, physical target with excellent ball skills. He’s an essential part of the Ravens’ offense and will put up way over +1,000 yards again in 2022.

Now an All-Pro, can Andrews outshine Travis Kelce this year as the premier Tight End in the league? There is an argument to be made that he’s the best out there already.

37. De’Andre Hopkins – Wide Receiver, Arizona Cardinals

(AVP: 33.3)

De’Andre Hopkins is an interesting one at 37. Of course, when he plays, he’s still an elite receiver. Missing a large chunk of last season hasn’t helped and he would undoubtedly be much higher in this list were it not for his six-game suspension in 2022.

Excluding 2021, Nuk has put up at least 1,000 receiving yards in six out of eight seasons. But Hopkins needs to get back to playing to prove he’s still up there. Hopefully he can help push the Cardinals towards the playoffs at the back end of the upcoming season.

“It’s a make-or-break season for D-Hop once he gets to play. But he’s still a top, top NFL wide receiver…”

Richard Hooch, The Crash Ball Diaries Podcast

36. Maxx Crosby – EDGE, Las Vegas Raiders

(AVP: 32)

Coming off a breakout year in 2021, Maxx Crosby is well primed for this season. Now an elite pass-rusher, he’s the best in the league at consistently winning on the outside, while using his signature cross-chop move. With Chandler Jones joining the pass rush in Vegas, the Raiders will look scary to opposition defenses.

Ranking third behind TJ Watt and Aaron Donald in total pressures last year, Crosby is finally delivering on his potential and incredible athleticism traits.

A born leader, Crosby will be one of the standout players from the new era of the Raiders under Josh McDaniels.

35. Matt Stafford – Quarterback, Los Angeles Rams

(AVP: 30.8)

Yes he throws too many loose balls. But Matt Stafford proved to be the perfect fit for the Rams last year.

A Super Bowl ring, another 4,000+ yard season and second only to Tom Brady in passing touchdowns, it was an outstanding debut season in LA for Stafford despite leading the league in interceptions.

With Allen Robinson joining the target room and the defense improving, there is no reason why Stafford can’t add more accolades to his resume over the next few seasons.

He’s a popular MVP choice for 2022. Can he lead the Rams to back-to-back Super Bowls in just his second year in LA?

34. Deebo Samuel – Wide Receiver, San Francisco 49ers

(AVP: 30.4)

Deebo Samuel is a one-of-a-kind talent in the NFL. A star receiver. And a more than useful running back. Such a unique skillset which is a unique and valuable commodity for any team in this league.

More than 1,400 receiving yards and over 350 rushing yards in 2021, Samuel’s physicality and work ethic is unmatched. Kyle Shanahan must be so happy that San Francisco has managed to keep him around for 2022.

Now that he’s extended his contract, it doesn’t really matter where he is used. Samuel isn’t just a hybrid weapon on offense, he is a stand-alone elite receiver.

Can he do it all again in 2022? We have no doubt. In think, we think he’ll top it this year.

“Samuel casts himself apart from other receivers due to his rushing ability. He will be a top five receiver this year, injury withstanding.”

Adam Martin, The Franchise Tag Podcast

33. Justin Tucker – Kicker, Baltimore Ravens

(AVP: 29.8)

Is this too high for a special teams player? Perhaps. But no question, Justin Tucker is greatest player of all time in his position.

Infact, following his huge extension to stay with the Ravens in August, NFL.com rank Tucker as the most underrated player currently in the NFL, given he is the most accurate kicker in the league’s history.

The Baltimore star received two top 20 votes by offGrid contributors in this list, showcasing just how valuable commentators think he is worth. With regular clutch, game-winning kicks such as his record-breaking slot against the Lions in 2021, it’s clear how big of a weapon someone like Tucker is for the Ravens to rely on.

“Greatest. Kicker. Of. All. Time.”

Nick Jones, offGrid NFL Contributor

32. Xavien Howard – Cornerback, Miami Dolphins

(AVP: 28.6)

The Dolphins must be ecstatic to have tied down star cornerback Xavien Howard long-term this offseason.

Arguably the best cornerback in the league over the past couple of years, Howard has 15 interceptions since 2019. He’s durable, no major injuries in recent seasons and is still under 30. He was one of only three players to receive Defensive Player of the Year votes in 2020 and continued his sublime form in 2021 too, with 5 INTS, 16 pass break-ups, a sack and a touchdown.

The Dolphins are well primed to take a leap on both sides of the ball this season. So we’re expected Howard to deliver once again.

“The best CB in the league”

Lucy Penn, offGrid NFL Contributor

31. Cameron Heyward – Defensive Tackle, Pittsburgh Steelers

(AVP: 28.2)

At 33 years old, no doubt that Cameron Heyward is coming towards the back end of his playing days. But following another dominant season in 2021, he definitely isn’t slowing down just yet.

Just look at the numbers. The 11-year veteran put together arguably his best ever season, with 10 sacks, 89 tackles and 15 tackles for loss, while earning first-team All-Pro status and a fifth consecutive Pro Bowl.

With retired lineman Stephon Tuitt no longer alongside him in Pittsburgh, and young talents like Jeffrey Simmons and Kenny Clark emerging as the elites within his position, there are question marks over whether Heyward will remain at the highest level. But what can’t be dismissed is how dominant Heyward still is.

He’ll continue to be a top force alongside rookie Demarvin Leal for the Steelers in 2022.

“Heyward has the opportunity to leave a longer legacy than just being great if he teaches new boy Leal a trick or two”

Freddie Hall, The Franchise Tag Podcast