offGrid NFL Top 50 Players for 2022: 50-41
As September draws nearer, we get ever closer to seeing the best players in football take the field once again for the start of the new NFL season.
With the long-awaited NFL Top 100 returning to our screens in the coming week, we’ve marking the annual series with our own, momentous list. Welcome, to the offGrid NFL Top 50!
Over the next five days, we’ll be posting an article a day counting down our top 50 players from across the NFL today.
The offGrid NFL Top 50 is based on the average vote a player received in voting by offGrid writers. Each writer ranked their top players from across the league heading into the 2022 season, with more than 20 writers taking part. Each player section includes an average voting position from the vote.
A special thanks to our writers, The Franchise Tag Podcast and others for your commentary contributions in this article series.
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 is offGrid’s 50-41 players in the NFL heading into 2022:
50. Derwin James – Safety, Los Angeles Chargers
(Average Voting Position: 47.2)
We start our list with one of the most talented defensive players in the NFL, Derwin James. There aren’t many players who can cover as many areas of the field as James, who many consider the ultimate modern day safety.
After returning from a year-long injury last season, James put up career-best numbers in tackles, along with two interceptions and three forced fumbles. His notable absences over the past few years is probably why James only received one vote within our top 40. But If he can stay healthy, no doubt that James will be a lot higher than this in a 2023.
He will be targeting a huge season with the impressive-looking Chargers in 2022, while earning a big pay cheque along the way.
“The most talented safety in the NFL.”
Jonny Bisby, offGrid NFL Editor
49. Marshon Lattimore – Cornerback, New Orleans Saints
(AVP: 46.9)
Since joining the New Orleans Saints after selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, Marshon Lattimore has been the leader of this stellar Saints secondary. A Defensive Rookie of the Year recipient, Lattimore can really do it all and has been a consistent performer in his five years as a pro.
Statistically, 2021 was a slight down year. The CB gave up 862 yards on the season with an average of 16 yards per reception, the highest mark of his NFL career.
However, the physical nature of his play makes Lattimore a difficult threat to overcome in the passing game. And while his interception numbers aren’t as attractive as other top corners, make no mistake, Lattimore is a big difference maker on defense.
48. Cam Jordan – Defensive End, New Orleans Saints
(AVP: 45.6)
At 48, it’s another key member of the Saints defense. Their leader up front, Cam Jordan.
One of the most consistent and disruptive pass rushers in the game, Jordan earned his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl call-up in 2021, with yet another double-digit sack season.
He may be getting older, but he shows no sign of slowing down. Entering year 12 in the NFL, Jordan will be targeting the Saints all-time sack record this season.
“The New Orleans Saints’ defensive icon is a revved up defensive end with an engine that never quits. Jordan is the tone setter in the Big Easy”
Tayyib Abu, offGrid NFL Contributor
47. Terry McLaurin – Wide Receiver, Washington Commanders
(AVP: 45.1)
Terry McLaurin finished with more votes than the likes of CeeDee Lamb, A.J. Brown and DK Metcalf in this list, which is testament to just how good a player he is.
From Case Keenum to Taylor Heinicke, McLaurin hasn’t played with a standout quarterback so far in his career. But he has consistently produced regardless of who is throwing the ball. ‘Scary Terry’ caught 77 passes for 1,053 yards and five touchdowns in 2022. A respectable return, but definitely something that he’ll be aiming to improve on this season.
McLaurin more than deserved his payday this offseason and it would be great to see him team up with some elite QB play at some stage of his career.
Will a partnership between McLaurin and new Commanders QB Carson Wentz excel in 2022? We’d love to see it.
“After Brandin Cooks, I don’t think there is a more underrated receiver in the NFL than Terry McLaurin.”
Richard Hooch, Crash Ball Diaries Podcast
46. DeForest Buckner – Defensive Tackle, Indianapolis Colts
(AVP: 43.8)
Buckner wasn’t as destructive in 2021 as we’ve seen from him in the past. But he still finished with seven sacks, 18 quarterback hits and 41 pressures last season. That just shows how highly regarded, if those stats quantify for down year.
After missing out on an All-Pro selection for the first time in three years, watch out for Buckner getting back to his very best in 2022.
45. Jaire Alexander – Cornerback, Green Bay Packers
(AVP: 42.5)
Despite having played just a handful of games in 2021, our writers hold Jaire Alexander in the highest regard as a cornerback. Having signed a four-year, $84 million extension in May, Alexander will be looking forward to getting back to full fitness this year.
A second-team All-Pro in his last full season in 2020, Alexander is so impressive in coverage, with lightning fast feet and soft hands. He’s rarely challenged in man coverage and alongside Rasul Douglas, they form one of the most dominant secondaries in the NFL.
If he can stay fit and healthy in 2022, there is no doubt Alexander can go on to becoming the best cornerback in the NFL.
44. Kevin Byard – Safety, Tennessee Titans
(AVP: 41.9)
Arguably the best safety in the NFL going into the new year, Byard is coming off an outstanding season in 2021. Forming a formidable partnership with Amani Hooker, Byard was an All-Pro selection, helping Tennessee to the #1 seed in the AFC.
No one is better than the former third rounder at defending the pass, who had six pass break ups and five interceptions last year.
He’s a versatile weapon for the Titans on defense. And there is no why he can’t get better in 2022.
43. Mike Evans – Wide Receiver, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
(AVP: 40.2)
The only player to start his NFL career with eight consecutive 1,000 yard receiving seasons, Evans is one of the most consistent and explosive wideouts in the game.
14 receiving touchdowns in 2021 shows just how valuable Evans is a target, particularly in the red zone. Only Cooper Kupp had more.
With Tom Brady back in the fold for 2022, expect more of the same from Evans in Tampa Bay.
“One of the most physically dominant, consistent and durable players of the modern era…”
Jonathan H. Bailey, offGrid NFL Contributor
42. Chris Jones – Defensive Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs
(AVP: 39.4)
A man of Chris Jones’ size should not be able to move of the ground as quickly as he does. Jones, who ranks sixth in the NFL with 41 sacks since 2018.
A three time Pro-Bowler and a Super Bowl Champion, Jones had nine sacks, eight tackles for loss and 17 QB hits in 2021. An impressive return who missed three regular season games last year.
Jones remains elite pass rusher and we’re expecting another big year from the Chiefs leader on defense.
“Keep him attacking interor lineman and Chris Jones is still one of the best in the game.”
Michael Edwards, NFL expert
41. Trey Hendrickson – Defensive End, Cincinnati Bengals
(AVP: 38.3)
Trey Hendrickson’s stock just keeps on rising. Some questioned his free agency contract. But the former third-rounder more than delivered in 2021, with 14 sacks for the Bengals last year following a 13.5 sack season with the New Orleans Saints.
A constant threat in generating pressure on QBs, Hendrickson stood out in the Bengals’ playoff run to the Super Bowl.
He’s tough, extremely physical and will continue to be a nuisance for QBs this year in Cincinnati.
“He has increased his sack total in every season he has played. I say that trend will continue for the ambitious Bengals DE”
Lyndon Suvanto, offGrid NFL Contributor
