offGrid NFL Top 50 for 2022: 20-11
We’re getting towards the business end of our NFL Top 50 series, having revealed the opening three parts of our lists on the best players in the league today.
With the winner revealed in the next article, let’s check out the players who just missed out on the top ten…
20. Justin Herbert – QB, Los Angeles Chargers
(Average Voting Position: 21.8)
It might not have been the ground-breaking year that many expected, but Justin Herbert’s a lot during the 2022 season. The Chargers‘ playoff berth was largely due to him, as they finished eighth in points above average despite playing with a below-average offensive line and his receivers missing some big games.
With Kellen Moore now at the helm of offensive coordinator in Los Angeles, it’s going to be exciting to see how Herbert continues to develop in 2023.
“Herbert is an elite playmaker, and continues to get better and better as a pro. With new additions in 2023, the Chargers are in a good spot to make the leap many have hyped about for the past couple of years.”
Jonny Bisby, offGrid NFL
19. Haason Reddick – EDGE, Philadelphia Eagles
(AVP: 21.3)
The signing of the season? It’s hard to argue, Haason Reddick was one of the best defensive players in the NFL in 2022.
Having traded the desert of Arizona for the bright lights of Philadelphia, Reddick has become a superstar for the Eagles, with 16 sacks during the regular season. Reddick also posted the second-highest pass rush win rate (28%) among all pass rushers, while also finishing fourth in the Defensive Player of the Year voting. More to come from the 28-year-old.
The true Defensive Player of the Year from last season is back again and set to cause chaos. Reddick, who last season led a rampant Eagles D-Line with 16 sack (tied 2nd in the NFL) and five forced fumbles (1st in the NFL). His snub from team of the year is a huge chip on his shoulder this season and expect him with that even more enhanced Eagles D-Line set new records!
Gareth Smith, The Franchise Tag Podcast
18. Ja’Marr Chase – WR, Cincinnati Bengals
(AVP: 20.8)
Ja’Marr Chase has been as impressive as any young receiver in the past couple of years. Since being drafted in 2021, Chase is responsible for over 2,500 receiving yards through his first 29 games in the NFL, and 25 touchdowns.
Tee Higgins has been a brilliant supplement to Chase, making the Bengals offense so destructive. It’s only a compliment to Chase’s ability that he’s been able to rack up such stats while not necessarily being the primary target in Cincinnati.
“After an explosive rookie season, Chase was hampered by an injury which effected his play last season. However, he is part of the reason we now see the Bengals as a Super Bowl contender and changed the face of the franchise. A healthy Ja’Marr Chase makes him one of the most dangerous wide receivers in the league.”
Daniel Hanbridge, offGrid NFL contributor
17. A.J. Brown – WR, Philadelphia Eagles
(AVP: 18.2)
A.J. Brown has completely transformed the Eagles’ offense. His addition has been a catalyst for other improvements across the team, while also complementing DeVonta Smith’s ability to form one of the top receiving rooms in the NFL.
Philadelphia is the perfect home for Brown, who averaged 3.4 yards per route run against man coverage, the fourth-most in the league.
“Brown’s monster season in 2022 earned the receiver his first All-Pro (second team) selection. The Eagles playmaker chalked up 11 touchdowns and 1496 yards throughout the season and caught six passes for 96 yards and one score in Super Bowl LVII. His physical dominance makes him a terror for defensive backs across the league, with many falling victim to his ever-growing career highlights reel.”
Ryan Henderson, offGrid NFL contributor
16. Davante Adams – WR, Las Vegas Raiders
(AVP: 18.0)
A trade away from Aaron Rodgers to join a mediocre offense in Las Vegas didn’t stop Davante Adams from continuing to excel as a superstar in 2022. He finished the regular season with over 1,500 yards, 2.45 yards per route run and a league-leading 14 touchdowns.
It might not have worked out with Derek Carr. But Adams will be integral for this Raiders team as it approaches a new era under Jimmy Garoppolo.
“Adams is the most dominant receiver in the NFL. Three All-Pro nods is no fluke, especially considering in 2022 he moved on from a partnership with one of the greatest passers of all-time.”
Jonny Bisby, offGrid NFL
15. Josh Jacobs – RB, Las Vegas Raiders
(AVP: 17.5)
Imagine how Las Vegas must be thinking, not tendering Jacobs’ fifth-year option and now having to franchise tag him after an incredible 2022. Jacobs wasn’t just the Raiders’ best player last year, he was arguably the best running back in the entire league.
Jacobs led the league in rushing yards, and should continue to shine in 2023.
Jacobs averaged 3.4 yards per carry after contact last season, while accumulating 94 rushing first downs, 21 more than any other back. He’s an elite player.
James Fallows, offGrid NFL contributor
14. Sauce Gardner – CB, New York Jets
(AVP: 17.1)
It was one of the best rookie seasons the league has seen in years. Sauce took the league by storm, quickly becoming the game’s best cornerback in his first year and helping to take the Jets‘ defense to the next level.
We cannot wait to see what he can do in Year Two.
After a stellar rookie season, Gardner has already slated himself as one of the league’s best corner, leading the league in passes defended. Sauce has single-handedly brought life and excitement back to the Jets’ secondary.
Ian McCallum, offGrid NFL contributor
13. Trent Williams – LT, San Francisco 49ers
(AVP: 15.6)
Arguably the league’s best offensive lineman, Trent Williams is a unit-and-a-half to get around. Allowing just 19 total pressures and one sack in 17 games during 2022, Williams continues to defy the odds as he gets older and aging like fine wine.
We see no reason to believe he won’t earn his third consecutive first-team All-Pro selection in 2023.
One of the best offensive lineman the game has seen. Williams is so consentient and is a huge part of San Francisco’s recent success.
Peter Ryan, offGrid NFL contributor
12. Christian McCaffrey – RB, San Francisco 49ers
(AVP: 14.3)
Just when we thought we’d seen the best of Christian McCaffrey, he gets a mid-season move to the 49ers and BOOM! He’s back to being one of the best playmakers in the NFL.
McCaffrey was an elite ball carrier and receiver, but his ability to line up all over the formation and interchange with other receivers, helping to make the 49ers one of the most destructive outfits in the league (even without the starting QBs). Let’s see what McCaffrey can do during a full season in San Francisco.
“Now fully healthy again, McCaffrey put the league on notice and showed why he is one of the best dual threat running backs the NFL has seen in recent memory.”
Luke Gray, offGrid NFL contributor
11. Myles Garrett – EDGE, Cleveland Browns
(AVP: 13.9)
One of the most dominant defensive players in the league, the consistency of play that Myles Garrett produces week on week is astonishing. It was a career year in terms of tackles and sacks (tied), while he led the NFL in pass-rush win rate.
With Za’Darius Smith now alongside, Garrett and the Browns pass rush should continue his rise in 2023.
“Time and time again, Garrett has proved to be one of the best pass rushers of his era. Constant pressure, constant disruption, there is no stopping him.”
Richard Hooch, The Crash Hall Diaries
