offGrid NFL Top 50 Players of 2022: 50-41
With the NFL Draft now over and done with and September drawing 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.
After the success of our inaugural series for 2022, the offGrid NFL Top 50 is back, as we reflect on the best players in football from the past year.
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 has ranked their top players from across the league during the 2022 season, with 33 writers taking part. Each player section includes an average voting position from the vote.
A special thanks to our writers, The Franchise Tag Podcast team 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!
50. Jeffrey Simmons – DT, Tennessee Titans
(Average Voting Position: 48.6)
Simmons was on form for being in contention for the Defensive Player of the Year until his midseason injury. A new contract this offseason was more than well deserved.
In spite of being hindered by an ankle injury halfway through the season, Simmons was once again a serious force and led Tennesse’s defense. His recent $94-million contract extension makes him the second highest-paid defensive tackle and further enforces how pivotal he can and will be in the years to come.
DJ Mather, offGrid NFL contributor
49. Lavonte David – LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
(AVP: 45.0)
The good times may be coming to an end in Tampa, but players like Lavonte David were integral to the success they had in recent years. David allowed just one touchdown into his coverage from 82 targets this season, and proved to be the key leader in this Buccaneers team.
A fierce pass rusher and longtime Buc, Lavonte David continues to play agelessly, earning a PFF Grade of 84.1 in 2022 at the age of 32. Entering what could be his last season in Tampa, there’s no man that would love to go out with an explosive year more than David in 2023.
Shay Rogers, offGrid NFL contributor
48. Jaire Alexander – CB, Green Bay Packers
(AVP: 43.6)
On his day, Alexander was the best cornerback in the NFL in 2022. Inconsistency was the only downer on an excellent year, with a career high in interceptions (5) and a second-team All-Pro selection.
Alexander has been nothing but excellent since entering the league. An important player and piece to the Packers defense.
Jordan Nelson, offGrid NFL contributor
47. Matt Milano – LB, Buffalo Bills
(AVP: 43.4)
Milano didn’t allow a touchdown all season into his coverage from 81 targets, and he had 57 defensive stops, including 11 in the playoffs. All-Pro honours in 2022 topped off another great year for the former fifth-round pick.
Alongside Tremaine Edmonds, Buffalo had one of the premier linebacker partnerships in 2022. Milano was always a dominant, opposing force for offenses to deal with, and will continue to be next season.
Jonny Bisby, offGrid NFL
46. Geno Smith – QB, Seattle Seahawks
(AVP: 43.1)
No one expected the rebirth of the Seahawks under Geno to be a success so quickly.
Comeback Player of the Year and then some, Smith’s form in 2022 showed just how good of a deal Seattle got in the Wilson trade.
The reigning Comeback Player of the Year silenced the doubters in 2022 to restore his NFL reputation. Smith could be primed for an even bigger 2023, with a top five trio of wide receivers now at his disposal!”
Skye Pank, The Franchise Tag Podcast
45. CeeDee Lamb – WR, Dallas Cowboys
(AVP: 41.6)
Lamb carried the Cowboys passing attack in 2022. His 121 receptions through the season, which includes during the playoffs, is massive, especially considering no other Dallas player achieved more than 47.
He will get more support next season, with Brandin Cooks coming into the ranks. But Lamb is slowly becoming an elite receiver, and he can take his game to yet another level in 2023.
CeeDee is easy the number one option in Dallas. Even with missing Dak for six games in 2022, Lamb still took a huge step forward. He matures with each play on the field.
Spoon of Zeke, Twitter expert
44. Minkah Fitzpatrick – S, Pittsburgh Steelers
(AVP: 40.8)
Is there a better big-play-making safety in the game? Time and time again, Fitzpatrick comes up with a game changer at the critical moment. Arguably the best year of his career, Fitzpatrick generated six interceptions and four pass breakups in 2022.
It was a brave move in 2019 to trade a first round pick for Minkah Fitzpatrick. But since then, it’s be blue skies with Minkah protecting them.
Freddie Hall, The Franchise Tag Podcast
43. Creed Humphrey – C, Kansas City Chiefs
(AVP: 40.6)
Humphrey has turned into one of the league’s best centers since entering the league in 2021. The centre piece to this improved Chiefs O-Line, the former Oklahoma star is capable of physically matching up with the biggest and best nose tackles, while also being a dominant run and pass blocker.
A key piece to the success of Kansas City, Humphrey has only given up one sack and just 28 total pressures in the past two years. A big future ahead.
In just his second season, Humphrey became a Pro Bowl centre and proven to be a key component of the Chiefs offensive line. His combination of strength and agility is what makes him so good, he can overpower opposing linemen with his strength.
Akram Miah, offGrid NFL contributor
42. Derrick Henry – RB, Tennessee Titans
(AVP: 40.2)
King Henry might be past his peak, but he’s still a wrecking ball for the Titans and one of the most imposing runners in the league. 2022 was his best year in terms of receiving yards,
The 29-year old arguably has his best days behind him but he’s still a force to be reckoned with. Last season’s 1,538 yards on the ground was only two yards off his second best season and he’s still a truly dominant rusher. Don’t rule him out yet he could still have another monster year ahead.
Sam Farley
41. Cameron Heyward – DT, Pittsburgh Steelers
(AVP: 40.2)
At 34 years old, no doubt that Cameron Heyward is coming towards the back end of his playing days. But following another dominant season in 2022, he definitely isn’t about to slow down just yet.
Just look at the numbers. After putting together arguably his best ever season in 2021, Heyward backed up his dominance with 10.5 sacks and 74 tackles and 15 tackles for loss, while earning a sixth consecutive Pro Bowl. Not bad at all for the veteran.
Like fine wine, there is no stopping the dominance of Cam Heyward on this Steelers defense.
Richard Hooch, The Crash Ball Diaries Podcast
