ESPN: Top 10 Series

Funkytown
Owner

Purple Pain Big Dog

Posts: 67,657

Likes: 31,578
Fan Since: 1998

ESPN: Top 10 Series Jul 11, 2022 10:50:56 GMT -6

Quote

Post by Funkytown on Jul 11, 2022 10:50:56 GMT -6

Here we go. Let's see how our roster stacks up.

We all love best-of lists, but what if people around the NFL created their own? To preview the 2022 NFL season, we surveyed more than 50 league executives, coaches, scouts and players to help us stack the top 10 players at 11 different positions, from edge rusher to interior offensive lineman.

We'll roll out a position per day over 11 days. Here's the schedule: edge rushers (July 5), defensive tackles (July 6), off-ball linebackers (July 7), cornerbacks (July 8), safeties (July 9), interior offensive linemen (July 10), quarterbacks (July 11), running backs (July 12), wide receivers (July 13), tight ends (July 14) and offensive tackles (July 15).

Edge Rushers:

Hunter gets an honorable mention-

Danielle Hunter, Minnesota Vikings: Hunter is a top-10 rusher when healthy, but he has missed 26 games over the past two seasons. Still, he has 60.5 sacks in 85 career games. "A long-arm power guy. Greatest asset speed and length. Those things will always cause problems," an AFC coach said. "I did not think he should be what he is. He certainly proved me wrong."

Link:

www.espn.com/nfl/insider/insider/story/_/id/34125688/ranking-nfl-top-10-edge-rushers-2022-execs-coaches-players-make-their-picks-best-defensive-ends-linebackers

Defensive Tackles:

No mentions.

Link:

www.espn.com/nfl/insider/insider/story/_/id/34130804/ranking-nfl-top-10-defensive-tackles-2022-execs-coaches-players-pick-best-interior-pass-rushers-run-stoppers

Inside Linebackers:

Kendricks gets an honorable mention-

Eric Kendricks, Minnesota Vikings: Kendricks is known for his pass coverage but finished 2021 with a career-high five sacks. "Still really good, but there have been other guys who have passed him up somewhat," an AFC scout said. "Probably somewhere high in that second tier of guys."

Link:

www.espn.com/nfl/insider/insider/story/_/id/34168579/ranking-nfl-top-10-ball-linebackers-2022-execs-coaches-players-make-their-picks-best-linebackers

Cornerbacks:

No mentions.

Link:

www.espn.com/nfl/insider/insider/story/_/id/34156316/ranking-nfl-top-10-cornerbacks-2022-execs-coaches-players-make-their-picks-best-corners

Safeties:

7. Harrison Smith, Minnesota Vikings

Highest ranking: 2 | Lowest ranking: Out of top 10

Age: 33 | Last year's ranking: 5

Many evaluators make the same assumption when casting their votes: Harrison Smith still has to be in there, right? But others quickly point out decline after a decade of worn NFL tread.

"Smith no doubt was [the standard] and the prototype for a long time. Age gets us all," an NFC front-office member said.

Most agree he has probably lost a half-step. But he has been arguably the most complete safety of the past decade and still productive, making his sixth Pro Bowl in 2021 with 114 tackles, three sacks and seven passes defended.

One veteran NFL offensive coach said he is a player "you absolutely must account for on every snap, and the list of safeties that do that is pretty short. Guys like him are still hard to find."

A high-ranking NFL official added, "He still has all the things that make him special -- his brains, instincts and experience will always get him close to the action."

Several others made the point that Minnesota's lack of cornerback play and pass rush affected Smith, who tried to compensate and overplayed some angles as a result. But Smith is basically the Demario Davis of safeties, equipped with football savvy to defy age.

"Obviously he's getting older, but his intelligence overcomes a lot of that," the defensive coach said.

Link:

www.espn.com/nfl/insider/insider/story/_/id/34163290/ranking-nfl-top-10-safeties-2022-execs-coaches-players-make-their-picks-best-back-end-defenders

Interior OL:

HA! No mentions.

Link:

www.espn.com/nfl/insider/insider/story/_/id/34197080/ranking-nfl-top-10-interior-offensive-linemen-2022-execs-coaches-players-make-their-picks-best-guards-centers

Quarterbacks:

Not an honorable mention but ...

Also receiving votes: Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings)

Link:

www.espn.com/nfl/insider/insider/story/_/id/34174647/ranking-nfl-top-10-quarterbacks-2022-execs-coaches-players-make-their-picks-best-passers

--

Let me know if you want to see more or know about a specific player. Will update OP for running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, and tackles when they're up.

Last Edit: Jul 11, 2022 10:52:22 GMT -6 by Funkytown

Funkytown
Owner

Purple Pain Big Dog

Posts: 67,657

Likes: 31,578
Fan Since: 1998

ESPN: Top 10 Series Jul 12, 2022 8:32:41 GMT -6

Quote

Post by Funkytown on Jul 12, 2022 8:32:41 GMT -6

Was gonna add to the OP, but I'll just reply.

Running backs:

4. Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings

Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 8

Age: 26 | Last year's ranking: 3

Some around the league still have no problem putting Cook in their top three based on his explosion, vision and toughness. With a full season, he could put up historic numbers. But that is sort of the problem -- Cook never has played more than 14 games in any of his five NFL seasons.

"He needs to stay on the field. The whole team is different when he's in there," a veteran NFL offensive coach said. "He's great and can get even better with discipline as a runner and growing as a third-down receiver. I think he'll show a more all-around game in a new offense."

The Vikings will implement new head coach Kevin O'Connell's scheme, with shades of the Rams' run-heavy attack but also reps for Cook as a receiver -- a theme out of OTAs.

Despite playing 13 games last year, Cook still produced 779 yards before first contact, second best in the NFL. And he recorded north of 1,100 rushing yards for the third straight season.

"I love Cook. Give me Cook all day," one NFC front-office member said. "That burst is impressive."

Link:

www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/34156442/ranking-nfl-top-10-running-backs-2022-execs-coaches-players-make-their-picks-best-rushers

Funkytown
Owner

Purple Pain Big Dog

Posts: 67,657

Likes: 31,578
Fan Since: 1998

ESPN: Top 10 Series Jul 13, 2022 8:23:28 GMT -6

Quote

Post by Funkytown on Jul 13, 2022 8:23:28 GMT -6

Wide Receivers:

4. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings

Highest ranking: 2 | Lowest ranking: Out of top 10

Age: 22 | Last year's ranking: Honorable mention

Jefferson was an ascending star after his 2020 rookie year. Now, he's a bona fide star after his sophomore year. He put together a near-perfect season, recording a stellar 90.1 Pro Football Focus rating after catching 108 of his 168 targets for 1,616 yards and 10 touchdowns. Jefferson also ranked 14th in yards per catch (15.0), which is impressive considering his usage.

The Vikings didn't hide their intentions to force-feed Jefferson the ball, no matter the coverage. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, the LSU product recorded 2,060 air yards, which was 45.2% of the team's total output, 3% higher than any other player in the league. And despite the presence of Adam Thielen, Jefferson also saw 28.9% of Minnesota's targets, the third-most in the NFL.

"He's not a burner, but he's got everything else," an NFL offensive coach said. "Instincts, competitive, great route-runner, can win at all levels of the field."

But even the burner conversation seems moot after Jefferson ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash before the 2020 draft and broke 11 plays for 30-plus yards in 2021. As multiple scouts and coaches said, I'll take his speed all day.

"He wants to be the best in the game, and you can feel that," an AFC coach said. "He'll get a gazillion targets in that [new Vikings] offense."

Uh, I want names. *paddle*

Also receiving votes: Adam Thielen (Minnesota Vikings), Tyler Lockett (Seattle Seahawks), Diontae Johnson (Pittsburgh Steelers), Odell Beckham Jr. (free agent), Tee Higgins (Cincinnati Bengals)

Diggs is at #6.

Rest at link:

www.espn.com/nfl/insider/insider/story/_/id/34169017/ranking-nfl-top-10-wide-receivers-2022-execs-coaches-players-make-their-picks-best-wideouts

Last Edit: Jul 13, 2022 8:23:47 GMT -6 by Funkytown

Funkytown Owner Purple Pain Big Dog Posts: 67,657 Likes: 31,578 Fan Since: 1998	ESPN: Top 10 Series Jul 13, 2022 9:35:52 GMT -6 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Funkytown on Jul 13, 2022 9:35:52 GMT -6 Oh, found this for you guys!

Funkytown Owner Purple Pain Big Dog Posts: 67,657 Likes: 31,578 Fan Since: 1998	ESPN: Top 10 Series Jul 13, 2022 9:37:34 GMT -6 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Funkytown on Jul 13, 2022 9:37:34 GMT -6 Jul 11, 2022 10:50:56 GMT -6 Funkytown said: Here we go. Let's see how our roster stacks up. Related:

Funkytown
Owner

Purple Pain Big Dog

Posts: 67,657

Likes: 31,578
Fan Since: 1998

ESPN: Top 10 Series Jul 14, 2022 17:09:07 GMT -6

Quote

Post by Funkytown on Jul 14, 2022 17:09:07 GMT -6

Tight Ends:

Of course, no mentions.

Link:

www.espn.com/nfl/insider/insider/story/_/id/34198295/ranking-nfl-top-10-tight-ends-2022-execs-coaches-players-make-their-picks-best-game

Bonus about our WRs, though. Found this at PFF:

Ranking the NFL’s best wide receivers in the red zone from the 2021 season

2. ADAM THIELEN, MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Receiving Grade in Red Zone: 84.3

Thielen led the top-25 graded receivers by catching 86.7% of his 15 red-zone targets. He also found the end zone nine times and was among 10 players who caught 100.0% of their catchable targets.

6. JUSTIN JEFFERSON, MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Receiving Grade in Red Zone: 77.6

The LSU product caught 91.7% of his catchable targets and 71.4% of his open targets for 101 yards and seven touchdowns. Jefferson caught 52.4% of his 21 overall red-zone targets, which ranked 23rd of 25.

Link:

www.pff.com/news/nfl-ranking-best-wide-receivers-red-zone-2021-season

Last Edit: Jul 14, 2022 17:09:58 GMT -6 by Funkytown

Funkytown
Owner

Purple Pain Big Dog

Posts: 67,657

Likes: 31,578
Fan Since: 1998

ESPN: Top 10 Series Jul 16, 2022 11:26:13 GMT -6

Quote

Post by Funkytown on Jul 16, 2022 11:26:13 GMT -6

Offensive Tackles:

O'Neill gets an honorable mention -

Brian O'Neill, Minnesota Vikings: O'Neill is coming into his own, earning a Pro Bowl berth and a contract that pays more than $18 million per season. He posted a 73.4 Pro Football Focus grade and a 91.1% pass block win rate (15th among tackles) last season. "Long, tough, smart and a unique athlete," an AFC exec said.

Link:

www.espn.com/nfl/insider/insider/story/_/id/34202583/ranking-nfl-top-10-offensive-tackles-2022-execs-coaches-players-make-their-picks-best-game

Funkytown
Owner

Purple Pain Big Dog

Posts: 67,657

Likes: 31,578
Fan Since: 1998

ESPN: Top 10 Series Jul 23, 2022 10:41:27 GMT -6

Quote

Post by Funkytown on Jul 23, 2022 10:41:27 GMT -6

Heck, even Madden snubs Cousins! *tongue*

Breaking down the Madden 23 ratings using PFF grades

QUARTERBACK
1. Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 97 (91.7 PFF grade)
2. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers: 96 (89.4)
3. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs: 95 (80.1)
4. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills: 92 (90.9)
5. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals: 90 (91.8)
6. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys: 89 (82.4)
7. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers: 88 (90.0)
T-8. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens: 87 (70.2)
T-8. Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos: 87 (73.9)
10. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams: 85 (86.1)

Biggest Snub: KIRK COUSINS, MINNESOTA VIKINGS (88.2 PFF grade in 2021)

RUNNING BACKS
1. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans: 97 (77.3)
T-2. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns: 96 (81.7)
T-2. Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers: 96 (80.6)
4. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts: 95 (87.0)
5. Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings: 94 (65.8)
6. Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals: 93 (79.2)
7. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints: 90 (63.2)
8. Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers: 89 (82.0)
T-9. Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers: 88 (75.3)
T-9. Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys: 88 (69.3)

Biggest Snub: Damien Harris, New England Patriots (86.6 PFF Grade in 2021)

WIDE RECEIVERS
1. Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders: 99 (92.7)
2. Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams 98 (93.0)
3. Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins: 97 (86.0)
4. DeAndre Hopkins, Arizona Cardinals: 96 (79.8)
5. Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills: 95 (81.0)
6. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings: 93 (90.1)
7. Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 92 (75.4)
T-8. Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders: 91 (78.3)
T-8. Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers: 91 (77.5)
10. Amari Cooper, Cleveland Browns: 90 (73.0)

Biggest Snub: Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals (85.3 PFF Grade in 2021)

LINEBACKERS
1. Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers: 94 (80.1)
2. Demario Davis, New Orleans Saints: 93 (77.9)
3. Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 92 (72.3)
4. Bobby Wagner, Los Angeles Rams: 91 (71.8)
5. Darius Leonard, Indianapolis Colts: 90 (79.0)
6. Roquan Smith, Chicago Bears: 89 (47.1)
T-7. Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys: 88 (89.7)
T-7. Eric Kendricks, Minnesota Vikings: 88 (59.9)
9. De'Vondre Campbell, Green Bay Packers: 87 (85.0)
10. Devin White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 85 (35.1)

Biggest Snub: Alexander Johnson, Denver Broncos (80.9 PFF Grade in 2021)

SAFETIES
1. Tyrann Mathieu, New Orleans Saints: 94 (67.4)
2. Derwin James Jr., Los Angeles Chargers: 93 (78.1)
T-3. Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals: 92 (64.6)
T-3. Kevin Byard, Tennessee Titans: 92 (90.4)
T-5. Micah Hyde, Buffalo Bills: 91 (83.8)
T-5. Justin Simmons, Denver Broncos: 91 (74.8)
T-7. Jessie Bates III, Cincinnati Bengals: 90 (67.8)
T-7. Jordan Poyer, Buffalo Bills: 90 (77.7)
T-7. Harrison Smith, Minnesota Vikings: 90 (77.9)
T-7. Jamal Adams, Seattle Seahawks: 90 (60.1)

Biggest Snub: Antoine Winfield Jr., Tampa Bay Buccaneers (89.5 PFF Grade in 2021)

Link:

www.pff.com/news/nfl-breaking-down-the-madden-23-ratings-using-pff-grades

Last Edit: Jul 23, 2022 10:42:37 GMT -6 by Funkytown

Funkytown Owner Purple Pain Big Dog Posts: 67,657 Likes: 31,578 Fan Since: 1998	ESPN: Top 10 Series Jul 24, 2022 9:33:17 GMT -6 via mobile Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Funkytown on Jul 24, 2022 9:33:17 GMT -6

Deleted
Ghosted Member

Posts: 0
Likes:

ESPN: Top 10 Series Jul 24, 2022 21:34:50 GMT -6 Purple Pain likes this

Quote

Post by Deleted on Jul 24, 2022 21:34:50 GMT -6

Jul 16, 2022 11:26:13 GMT -6 Funkytown said:

Offensive Tackles:

O'Neill gets an honorable mention -

Brian O'Neill, Minnesota Vikings: O'Neill is coming into his own, earning a Pro Bowl berth and a contract that pays more than $18 million per season. He posted a 73.4 Pro Football Focus grade and a 91.1% pass block win rate (15th among tackles) last season. "Long, tough, smart and a unique athlete," an AFC exec said.

Link:

www.espn.com/nfl/insider/insider/story/_/id/34202583/ranking-nfl-top-10-offensive-tackles-2022-execs-coaches-players-make-their-picks-best-game

Brandon Thorn from Trench Warfare has just released his list of top linemen at each position.
Brian O'Neill ranks as the 5th best RT. The top 10 RTs are:

Elite

Very Good

Good/Above Avg.

Solid/Avg.

PLAYER	TEAM	EXP.	AGE Wk1
Lane Johnson	Eagles	10	32
Tristan Wirfs	Bucs	3	23
Ryan Ramczyk	Saints	6	28
La'el Collins	Bengals	7	29
Brian O'Neill	Vikings	5	26
Jack Conklin	Browns	7	28
Taylor Moton	Panthers	6	28
Penei Sewell	Lions	2	21
Braden Smith	Colts	5	26
Rob Havenstein	Rams	8	30

1 = Elite. These players win essentially all reps against any level of competition below ‘elite’ while splitting them evenly with other elite players. There are very few players inside this tier at any position in a given season, and it represents the smallest bucket of players (along with tier 7 which we’ll get to shortly). This rarified group produces scheme transcendent players that regularly play at an All-Pro level regardless of the situation around them.

2 = Very good. These players are impact starters that win the majority of their reps against lower tiers of players, split them among other tier 2 players, and can compete with tier 1 players in spurts. This group is where most All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections come from and are often referred to as ‘blue chip’ starters.

3 = Good or above average. These players compete with the majority of competition across the NFL. They rarely win any rep handily, lose most of them when isolated against higher tiers, and are referred to as ‘red chip starters.’ Red chip players, or above average/good starters, can have Pro Bowl selections on their resume with some blue chip traits. However, they lack the consistency of higher tiered players and are often more dependent on the system and players around them for success.

4 = Solid or average. These players form the lifeblood of most NFL rosters. They have dependable skill-sets and can be developed into tier 3 players. They often have a more clearly defined ceiling than tier 3 players with high floors to stick around as starters for a half dozen or more years if they’re in the right system.

Last Edit: Jul 24, 2022 21:36:27 GMT -6 by Deleted

Purple Pain
Hall of Fame Nominee

Posts: 8,733
Likes: 2,877

ESPN: Top 10 Series Jul 25, 2022 18:06:52 GMT -6

Quote

Post by Purple Pain on Jul 25, 2022 18:06:52 GMT -6

PFF50: The 50 best players in the NFL right now

17. WR JUSTIN JEFFERSON, MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Jefferson has more receiving yards than any other player in NFL history after their first two seasons. It’s impossible to say he is the best receiver in the game right now, but it’s also impossible to say with any certainty that he isn’t. Jefferson is a complete weapon for the Vikings' passing game and will now play in an offense under new head coach Kevin O'Connell that features the passing game even more.

37. RB DALVIN COOK, MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Cook hasn’t had as good of blocking in front of him as some other elite running backs, but his ability to make something out of nothing shows up time and time again for the Vikings. He has averaged 3.0 yards after contact for his career while posting double-digit breakaway runs of 15 or more yards in each of the past three seasons.

Link:

www.pff.com/news/nfl-pff50-ranking-50-best-players-2022