offGrid NFL Top 50: 40-31
After opening our NFL Top 50 series with players 50-41 following the 2023 season, we now look at the next ten players to feature on our list.
There are plenty of interesting selections and positions for the stars across the league. So if you disagree with the players we’ve included or where they are placed, let us know on Twitter!
Here are the picks 40-31…
40. Roquan Smith – LB, Baltimore Ravens
(Average Voting Position: 40.1)
A rollercoaster of a year for Smith, who got his big move to the Ravens after requesting to leave the Bears, but ultimately a stellar one. He ranked 3rd in total tackles, as well as racking up 4.5 sacks and 3 total interceptions during his time across both teams.
We can’t wait to see what Smith can produce with a full season under his belt in Baltimore.
Smith has developed into one of the top linebackers in the NFL in recent years, having finished last season third in the NFL with 103 solo tackles for the Ravens and Bears. Yet, at only 26 years old, the best may still be to come for the All-Pro linebacker as he will have a full training camp with his new club.
Lyndon Suvanto, The Always Moving Podcast
39. George Kittle – TE, San Francisco 49ers
(AVP: 39.5)
Kittle is an all-round elite athlete and tight end for the 49ers. Not only is he a brilliant pass catcher, having proved to be a reliable target for Brock Purdy last season, but he does the dirty work so well for San Francisco.
He excels as a run blocker and is crucial opening up areas of the field for the likes of Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel to distrupt. Another stellar season inbound for 2023.
A four-time pro bowler and one of the most effective tight ends in the NFL, George Kittle continues to be a massive threat in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. A monster in the end zone.
Ashlee Kiddell, Throw It In Rotation Podcast
38. Andrew Thomas – OT, New York Giants
(AVP: 39.2)
It’s crazy to think that Andrew Thomas was considered a flop after a poor rookie season in 2020. Just a couple of seasons on, the Giants left tackle is considered on of the best and most consistent in the NFL, with exceptional skills as a pass protector and run blocker.
He’ll be mainstay in front of Daniel Jones for years to come in New York.
Talk about redemption, Thomas has silenced the doubters to become one of if not the very best young player in his position.
Jonny Bisby, offGrid NFL
37. Terry McLaurin – WR, Washington Commanders
(AVP: 37.6)
Another year, another brilliant season for Terry McLaurin despite some mediocre quarterback play in Washington. It was a career year in receiving yards for Scary Terry, while also scoring five touchdowns and leading his team’s receivers by a distance with 2.04 yards per route run.
It is a shame that the Commanders haven’t had that consistency at QB, which could potentially take McLaurin’s game to the next level. But despite this, the former Ohio State continues to perform at such a high level.
36. Jalen Ramsey – CB, Miami Dolphins
(AVP: 35.8)
Jalen Ramsey has made his name as the ultimate shutdown corner, and is arguably one of the greatest to ever do it in that role. He arrives in Miami to bolster an unit that struggled for health in 2022, finishing with the sixth worst pass defense as a result. Alongside Xavien Howard, safeties Jevon Holland and DeShon Elliot, Miami will have one of the best secondaries in the NFL on paper in 2023 as excitement builds in South Beach.
Andy Davies, Across the Pod
35. Amon-Ra St. Brown – WR, Detroit Lions
(AVP: 35.4)
Amon-Ra St. Brown was the best NFL slot receiver in 2022. In his second season as a pro, he drew 146 targets and tied the NFL record for consecutive games (eight) with eight-plus receptions. The former fourth-round pick continues to improve, and will once again be the main target in an excelling Lions offense this season.
The always-open, always-ready Amon Ra St. Brown is the metronome that makes Detroit’s top eight offense tick. The USC product is a smooth route runner with a relentless attitude and monstrous chip on his shoulder.
Tayyib Abu
34. Tariq Woolen – CB, Seattle Seahawks
(AVP: 35.3)
A real ‘diamond in the rough’ pick, Tariq Woolen proved to be an exceptional draft find for the Seahawks during his rookie year. Six interceptions during his debut season really caught the eye for our writers, and has certainly contributed to his position on this list.
Elite combination of size and speed makes him a physical specimen. With his ability to read the game he’s a likely to be a star of the Seahawks defence for the foreseeable future.
Charlie Doggett, offGrid NFL
33. Maxx Crosby, EDGE, Las Vegas Raiders
(AVP: 32.7)
It was another tough year for the Raiders, but Maxx Crosby stood out once again on defense. He’s responsible for 93 quarterback hits and 37.5 sacks over the last four seasons, including a career high 12.5 in 2022, whilst earning yet another Pro Bowl selection in the process last year.
With Tyree Wilson coming in to help in 2023, Crosby will get the help he needs to take this unit to the next level.
Last season, Crosby led the NFL in pressures going up against an extremely favorable slate of opposing tackles. This year, he backed up the performance despite a much tougher run, finishing the year with 81 total pressures and an 82.5 PFF run-defense grade.
James Fallows, offGrid NFL contributor
32. Nick Chubb – RB, Cleveland Browns
(AVP: 30.8)
The focal point of the Browns’ offense for much of 2022, Nick Chubb continues to move up the running back rankings with his dominant ball-carrying and scoring ability.
Chubb gained over 1,000 rushing yards after contact last season, breaking 83 tackles on 302 carries, which makes him such a tough player to defend.
Nick Chubb has been one of the best running backs in the entire NFL since entering the league in the 2018 NFL Draft. The man is absolute beast and always make sure he is in my fantasy teams!
The Talkin Balls Podcast
31. Bobby Wagner – LB, Seattle Seahawks
(AVP: 30.6)
Many thought Wagner was a spent force after the opening game of 2022 for his new team in the LA Rams, following his move from the Seahawks. Yet, the eight-time Pro Bowl selection was able to bounce back and to show that he’s still an elite linebacker, tallying 50 defensive stops and missing just four of his 137 tackle attempts on the season.
Now he’s back in Seattle, he will add some much needed experience to this defense and help take the team to new heights in 2023.
One of the great linebackers of his generation, Bobby Wagner still has so much to give in this league. A certain future Hall of Famer, let’s hope he can finish his career on a high now he’s back with the Seahawks.
Jonny Bisby, offGrid NFL
