NFL Prime 100 Gamers of 2022

Prime 100 rankings are inclined to favor the positions seen as “extra useful” within the NFL. It’s pure to see quarterbacks, go rushers, receivers, and offensive tackles ranked fairly excessive. However what wouldn’t it seem like if we ignored that and as a substitute tried to base the rankings purely on the dominance a participant shows in a vacuum?

Be sure to bookmark this web page as we proceed to launch our high 100 gamers for the 2022 NFL season. Every morning through the week of July Twenty fifth, 2022, we are going to launch one other set of gamers. The highest 25 will probably be launched on July twenty eighth, 2022.

PFN Prime 100 NFL Gamers of 2022 | 1-25

1) Aaron Donald, DT, Los Angeles Rams

It was refreshing to see the perfect participant of this era win a Tremendous Bowl. However it could have been devastating for soccer followers if his retirement contemplation had been critical sufficient to behave.

Fortunately, a newly-minted deal paying him over $30 million a season over the following two years in all probability places retirement discuss off till then.

It’s changing into more and more tough to actively argue towards Donald being the best defensive participant ever. If he can stay on the high for an additional few seasons, make a ridiculous 9 straight first-team All-Execs, and perhaps add one other DPOY Award, it might change into a boring argument.

Donald shouldn’t be human. He’s merely suppressing his powers sufficient to try to idiot us into believing he’s a mere mortal.

2) Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs

Chris Angel is a hack in comparison with Patrick Mahomes. Regardless of a disgusting love for ketchup on all the pieces and the drama that appeared to encompass his kin and vital different at occasions in 2021, Mahomes has remained virtually universally adored.

He’s probably the most inventive escape artist within the league at present. SB Nation’s Justis Mosqueda as soon as stated it seems to be like Mahomes runs like he’s attempting to not spill a beer. Attempt watching him ever once more with out that thought.

We’re all effectively versed on the mind-bending cross-body and subject passes he makes, however Mahomes isn’t given sufficient credit score for his off-script antics. Different QBs have the flexibility to flee strain, however the sport appears to decelerate for Mahomes in these moments. His imaginative and prescient and skill to course of angles and correct trajectory whereas being chased by defensive linemen and linebackers is what units him other than the remaining.

3) Trent Williams, OT, San Francisco 49ers

It’s practically inconceivable to crack the elite of the elite within the sport with out being a uncommon athlete, and Trent Williams is not any exception. Since heading out west and escaping a nasty state of affairs in Washington, the Oklahoma deal with has been the perfect within the sport.

There isn’t a extra dominant run blocker within the NFL, regardless of the place. Williams’ uncommon athleticism meets a veteran savvy that all the time places him in simply the precise positional leverage to decimate defenders on the second and third ranges. However he additionally possesses the lower-body explosiveness to constantly create a push on the line of scrimmage.

Though there could also be just a few “cleaner” go protectors, none can combine collectively Williams’ dominance in each facets of blocking. He allowed only one sack final season and solely 16 whole pressures.

4) Myles Garrett, EDGE, Cleveland Browns

Madden create-a-players don’t come out wanting like Myles Garrett. If the 6-foot-4, 270-pound defensive finish went into bodybuilding and hopped on just a few weight-reduction plan water cycles, he might need the body to compete for a Mr. Olympia title.

He’s the primary man off the bus … and he’s in all probability not sporting a shirt.

However wanting good and taking part in to the identical stage aren’t mutually unique. Garrett completed third in pressures and second in sacks final season whereas boasting ESPN’s highest pass-rush win charge. However his body, outrageous athleticism, and size additionally permit him to be one of many higher run-defending perimeter rushers within the NFL.

And whereas Watt has gathered extra sacks prior to now two seasons, Brandon Thorn’s True Sack Charge undertaking places Garrett at 22 high-quality sacks in that point in comparison with Watt’s 13.

5) Zack Martin, G, Dallas Cowboys

Normally, when somebody is robotic, it’s used with a destructive connotation. But when one was to construct an inside blocker in a lab, they might come out wanting precisely like Zack Martin, sans the lack to develop an actual guard/middle beard, which is a disgrace.

Anyway, Martin is and has been about as infallible as any participant within the league, no matter place. If Joey Bosa is the technical wizard of go rushers, Martin is that for guards, however with even larger relative athleticism for the place.

The Cowboys guard has allowed simply 9 sacks over his eight-year profession, regardless of taking part in in an NFC East that has constantly boasted a few of the most potent inside defensive traces and linemen within the league.

The one factor preserving him from eight straight All-Execs was an damage in 2020 that price him six video games. He’s been the league’s first-team proper guard 5 occasions in eight seasons.

6) Jalen Ramsey, CB, Los Angeles Rams

Jalen Ramsey will not be as naturally sticky as Jaire Alexander, and he’s actually not as quick in a straight line as Marshon Lattimore. He doesn’t take the ball away like Trevon Diggs, J.C. Jackson, or Xavien Howard.

And but, there may be – or shouldn’t be – no debate on who probably the most proficient cornerback within the NFL is.

No one does all the pieces effectively the way in which Ramsey does. He’s solely had one season with a double-digit missed deal with charge, which suggests he’s extra constant than your favourite linebacker, probably. Final season, he performed by much more snaps than ever within the slot, and he completed the season focused excess of in 2019 or 2020.

Nevertheless, he additionally tied his career-high in passes defended and interceptions and allowed only a 74.4 passer ranking.

7) Quenton Nelson, G, Indianapolis Colts

Whereas Quenton Nelson is barely the second-best guard within the NFL, he’s admittedly extra enjoyable to look at than Zack Martin for individuals who aren’t offensive line play geeks.

Nelson is among the few linemen who might really splice collectively an entertaining spotlight reel for the widespread soccer fan. Due to that dominance, many wish to crown him earlier than permitting the one true king, Martin, at hand down the dominion.

However ultimately, we’re speaking about minuscule variations in manufacturing and skill. Very similar to the talk between Watt and Garrett, there’s actually no “mistaken” reply, relying on how one seems to be on the query.

For the primary time in his four-year profession, Nelson missed video games in 2021. If he can proceed to sharpen his instruments whereas sustaining his well being and outrageous tenacity, he might find yourself because the league’s premier blocker by subsequent offseason.

8) Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs

Just one participant (Davante Adams) has extra receiving yards than Travis Kelce over the previous 5 seasons. If not for Rob Gronkowski’s unbelievable peak, Kelce can be seen as the perfect tight finish of this era and in competition as top-of-the-line ever.

The one factor he has over Gronk is reliability. Kelce has been a first- or second-team All-Professional in every of the previous six seasons. He’s completed that by staying wholesome. However he’s additionally been a very powerful weapon on a staff that’s been to the AFC Convention Championship for 4 straight years. He’s so easy that we regularly underestimate how explosive he’s, particularly for his dimension.

With Tyreek Hill heading to Miami, Kelce will probably catch a few of the quantity that’s left, which means there’s a superb likelihood his manufacturing spikes again as much as the place it was from 2018-2020.

9) T.J. Watt, EDGE, Pittsburgh Steelers

The best way sports activities media makes rating one participant above one other disrespectful not directly, form, or kind. However within the case of T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett, we’re arguing between two top-10 gamers within the league and perennial All-Execs.

And whereas T.J. Watt has had extra statistical success after we take a look at the standard metric of sacks, Myles Garrett affected the quarterback extra typically in whole, each from a quantity and effectivity standpoint.

However there’s no purpose to get caught up within the distinction between the 2. That is about how harmful Watt is.

Essentially the most spectacular factor about his sport has been his linear enhancements towards the run all through his profession. He retains getting higher and extra productive as a run defender.

Watt, like his older brother, has by no means had an issue operating his engine as scorching as anybody within the league. A lot of his sacks come from a neverending effort. It will not be as fairly as a few of the different high go rushers, however it’s efficient.

10) Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Payments

Josh Allen is a cheat code. His play model might be finest described as a bull in a china store. The 240-pound quarterback is constructed just like the 13-year-old who hit puberty earlier than the remainder of his classmates and is now not allowed to play soccer together with his pals at recess.

Allen nonetheless isn’t as polished a passer as a lot of the high quarterbacks, however his highs and speeding skill make him arguably probably the most harmful weapon on the place. He was the league chief in yards per carry (6.3) for people who certified for the crown.

He was particularly harmful on the bottom from Week 14 by means of the Payments’ two playoff appearances. Oh, and that second look was one of many biggest performances ever in a loss. He went toe-to-toe with the perfect quarterback within the league, and it was his top-ranked protection that got here up quick.

Allen’s arm is out of this world. He has a lot velocity that when he was at Cellular for the Reese’s Senior Bowl, he overthrew a crossing path to the again of the top zone throughout 7-on-7s, and it ended up someplace round row 16.

However now he’s realized to reel that in. He’s now not only a fastball thrower. He’s a pitcher that’s in a position to change up pace. Moreover, he’s one of many only a few situations of a quarterback severely enhancing their accuracy as a professional.

11) Aaron Rodgers, QB, Inexperienced Bay Packers

For higher or worse, Aaron Rodgers has come out of his shell over the previous two years or so. He’s change into rather more vocal publically, and he’s simply so occurred to win back-to-back MVP awards.

No one has ever discovered a steadiness between aggression and passivity on the sector as a passer the way in which Rodgers has. There are occasions when he’s change into too conservative, however he discovered his groove once more in 2020 and 2021.

Rodgers is probably the most naturally gifted passer of this era. He’ll by no means be thought-about for any greatest-ever debates as a result of he lacked staff success, however arguably, no person exterior of Dan Marino has an argument for his or her pure passing skill.

12) Fred Warner, LB, San Francisco 49ers

Fred Warner would have been a first-round choose had he been drafted two years later. The Bobby Wagners of the world aren’t practically as prevalent anymore as a result of the sport continues to get quicker as guidelines constantly are tailor-made towards taking physicality from the sport.

Warner, like Eric Kendricks, is a security taking part in inside linebacker. He deletes throwing home windows and constantly finds methods to bait quarterbacks into making ill-advised throws over the center.

However Warner’s constant enhancements in his personal physicality and set off towards the run have made him into the all-around defensive weapon that garners All-Professional consideration.

13) Nick Bosa, EDGE, San Francisco 49ers

It’s no secret that the San Francisco 49ers’ protection ran store on offensive traces within the again half of the NFL final season. They blitzed fewer than all however three groups within the NFL, they usually have been nonetheless in a position to terrorize opposing quarterbacks.

Nick Bosa is a large purpose why, each as a producer himself and due to the eye opposing offenses gave to him. Bosa was double-teamed probably the most of any of the highest go rushers.

Whereas brother Joey wins constantly on the skin observe, Nick performs an much more highly effective sport and is ready to win on the within extra typically, regardless of being barely much less superior technically than his older brother.

Regardless of the excessive double-team charge, Nick Bosa break up Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt when it comes to win charge on pure dropbacks, and he completed fourth in whole pressures final season.

14) Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings

It’s in all probability bizarre to see the highest receiver positioned exterior of the highest 10, contemplating how a lot of the narrative surrounds ability place gamers. It’s additionally in all probability a shock to see Justin Jefferson because the highest-ranked receiver.

Don’t let that shock you anymore. Quickly borrow certainly one of your pal’s NFL Recreation Go logins and activate the tape of this younger man. He’s Stefon Diggs with a 2.8 liter Kenne Bell supercharger strapped to him.

It’s apparent Jefferson is a basketball fan. He tailored the rocker step to assault off protection and turned it right into a full Eurostep that places defenders into the spin cycle. He’s in a position to do this as a result of he’s endlessly versatile. However we all the time questioned if Jefferson had the body and power to beat press protection as a result of he was used within the slot and considerably struggled with it in faculty.

Not anymore!

Jefferson doesn’t have a weak spot as a receiver. He separates like a pink, white, and blue shot and reveals wiggle after the catch. He’s additionally extremely environment friendly, contemplating his 13.3-yard aDOT was 1.4 yards increased than the next-closest receiver who obtained no less than 150 targets.

15) Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts

Jonathan Taylor went from making Huge Ten secondary gamers look sluggish whereas giving up 40 kilos to him to creating NFL secondary members look sluggish whereas nonetheless giving up 30 kilos to the again.

Taylor’s lack of receiving use whereas at Wisconsin and his poor ball safety might be what landed him in Spherical 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft. Since then, he’s improved his fumbling points and proved that his lack of receiving manufacturing in faculty was merely a utilization difficulty and never a ability difficulty.

The Colts’ offensive line took a step again in 2021, however Taylor was in a position to transcend that and nonetheless produce top-of-the-line quantity and effectivity seasons we’ve seen in fairly a while.

16) Tom Brady, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

What’s left to say about Tom Brady after a profession that has lasted lengthy sufficient to legally drink alcohol in america? Significantly, the person’s Professional Soccer Reference web page seems to be like a CVS receipt. It’ll offer you a migraine for those who attempt to discover a singular cell for a stat with out highlighting the rows and columns to triangulate it.

There’s arguably no person that’s been extra devoted to their physique than Brady. Andrew Whitworth had an outrageous profession at offensive deal with, and that bodily toll was in all probability greater than Brady, however there was a decline in his play that was anticipated.

Brady’s arm … is getting stronger? He’s been as productive in his 40s as a passer as ever earlier than, and he’s remained wholesome. After initially retiring after the season, Brady determined he was nonetheless not prepared to hold up his cleats and hang around together with his household.

17) Micah Parsons, LB, Dallas Cowboys

If Micah Parsons can catch, he could be the perfect receiver within the NFL. Put him within the backfield, and he could be probably the most harmful again in a yr or two. The younger man merely isn’t human.

After not often speeding the passer since his highschool days, Parsons was a menace to opposing quarterbacks when he stepped down onto the defensive position to spell the injured Demarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory.

Parsons teleports from place to put. He’s the quickest participant on the sector on most events, and he accomplishes that at 240+ kilos. However he’s not a finesse participant, both. Whereas Parsons continues to be enhancing as a pure off-ball linebacker, he shows the violence essential to play MIKE on the NFL stage for 10+ years.

Dan Quinn and Parsons are a match made in heaven, and there’s an opportunity we start speaking about Parsons the way in which we do Aaron Donald as quickly as this season.

18) Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams

On the threat of overcomplicating issues, Cooper Kupp could be the perfect soccer participant on this planet. Or no less than he ought to be everybody’s favourite soccer participant. The quantity of pointless soiled work Kupp has to cope with within the Rams offense is disgusting.

Sean McVay makes use of him as a pseudo-tight finish at occasions, forcing the 200-pound receiver to dam defenders 70 kilos heavier. Kupp will cross the formation and seal the sting on play-action seems to be the place McVay willingly retains his most harmful weapon within the backfield. It may be maddening to look at, but it surely makes one respect Kupp in the identical manner we should always have revered Bobby Timber when he was nonetheless in Los Angeles.

Oh, after which Kupp went out and virtually put up 2,000 yards receiving. And whereas his lack of explosiveness retains him from the highest receiver spot, there’s no denying he’s the poster youngster for pace not being the be-all, end-all of receiver play.

19) Nick Chubb, RB, Cleveland Browns

Nick Chubb is what Broncos followers need Javonte Williams to ultimately change into. Nevertheless, it doesn’t essentially work that manner. Chubb and Williams are each extremely elusive, with highly effective decrease halves that permit them to bounce off any non-square contact.

The distinction is within the imaginative and prescient and second-level manipulation. Since faculty, Chubb has possessed excellent imaginative and prescient, and he’s remained extremely environment friendly as a runner due to it. He doesn’t depend on splash performs to spice up his per-carry numbers, though he’s additionally one of the vital harmful runners within the league on high of being constant.

And in contrast to Jonathan Taylor and Dalvin Prepare dinner, Chubb breaks 15-plus-yard runs in a majority hole system. The one factor preserving him from having an actual dialog towards Taylor for being the perfect within the league is his well being.

20) Tristan Wirfs, OT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

We’ve change into accustomed to seeing the Midwest Huge Ten colleges and Notre Dame develop a few of the finest offensive linemen in faculty soccer and switch to the NFL stage. Tristan Wirfs is a shining instance of that.

The Iowa alumnus is the closest factor we’ve seen to Trent Williams however on the opposite aspect of the offensive line. Whereas technically quick for the place, each possessed nice proportional girth, size, and freakish athletic testing.

However not like Williams, Wirfs hit the bottom operating, permitting only one sack on over 700 pass-blocking snaps as a rookie. He got here in technically refined with unbelievable play power each within the run sport and as a go protector.

21) A.J. Terrell, CB, Atlanta Falcons

Some discredit A.J. Terrell’s season as a result of he didn’t journey with the opposing offense’s most harmful weapons. However in a league the place constant cornerback play is as fleeting because the US financial system, we have to acknowledge the unbelievable season he had within the conditions he was put in.

Terrell put up protection metrics that may make Darrelle Revis blush. Terrell broke up 13 of the 66 targets coming his manner (19.7%), permitting simply 6.9 yards per catch and 200 whole yards for the season. The longest completion towards him went for 28 yards in Week 1.

Terrell didn’t permit one other 20-plus-yard reception ALL SEASON! Sure, we’d all prefer to see him taking part in press man on each play whereas touring throughout formations to cowl opposing No. 1 huge receivers. However relating to “doing the job,” no person was higher at it than Terrell was final season.

22) Ryan Jensen, C, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Ryan Jensen is an old-school brawler on the inside. He’s neither probably the most athletic or bodily imposing. However he’s one of many greatest bullies within the league and the most important menace of any middle. Jensen seems to be for work like his unemployment is about to expire, and he pursues stated work with vicious intent.

When tasked with one-on-one conditions, Jensen possesses a really perfect anchor and arms that constantly ship physique blows over the course of 60 minutes. And whereas his violence shines, his intelligence is what units him other than the remaining. Most maulers have just a few psychological or technical deficiencies, however Jensen is arguably probably the most clever blocker within the NFL.

23) Kevin Byard, S, Tennessee Titans

The season Kevin Byard put collectively in 2021 was excellent. Kristian Fulton’s development and an uptick in pass-rush skill helped put the All-Professional security in a greater place than in 2020.

Byard is a extra conventional back-end protection security, however he’s a useful member becoming the run as effectively. He flies downhill however does an incredible job controlling himself and avoiding missed tackles.

Byard’s efficiency alongside safety-mate Amani Hooker battled the Buffalo tandem as the perfect within the league, and his instinctive nature in protection is a giant purpose why.

24) Derwin James, S, Los Angeles Chargers

Derwin James obtained one of many biggest seals of approval ever for a defensive participant this offseason. We all the time hear about surrounding a quarterback with weapons or a operating again with an offensive line to facilitate success. However this offseason Brandon Staley stated they added defensive expertise particularly to encompass James.

Safeties are generally seen because the quarterback of the protection. With James’ unbelievable versatility in alignment and deployment, the addition of different supreme skills ought to free Staley as much as get inventive with James.

There actually isn’t something James can’t do on the again finish. He has the vary to play a extra conventional free security function, the body to match up towards tight ends in protection, and the physicality to constantly match the run when aligned within the field.

He’s the Micah Parsons of defensive backs, splitting his time between the field, slot, and security virtually evenly. He’s one of many few true defensive chess items within the NFL.

25) Lane Johnson, OT, Philadelphia Eagles

If not for mounting accidents over the previous few seasons, Lane Johnson would nonetheless in all probability be thought-about one of many 10 or so most dominant gamers within the NFL. Sadly, the athletic marvel solely performed simply over 400 snaps in 2020 and has missed time in every season relationship again to 2015.

Johnson’s athleticism has made so many low cost the ability he generates as a run blocker, which has change into more and more necessary because the Eagles’ offense grew to become a run-dominant staff with Jalen Hurts at QB.

Johnson’s athleticism already overwhelms most go rushers, but it surely’s the flexibility in his arms and the consistency during which he lands distinctive strikes that makes him such a dominant go protector. Nothing a deal with does is prettier than Johnson’s faux strike to make a rusher present his playing cards, simply to have Johnson counter with the strike essential to counter the rusher’s main plan.

PFN Prime 100 NFL Gamers of 2022 | 26-50

26) Creed Humphrey, C, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs

It’s irritating to debate Creed Humphrey. Each time he’s introduced up, it’s inconceivable to disregard how Humphrey was robbed of thousands and thousands of {dollars} and draft positioning as a result of he snaps the ball together with his left hand as a substitute of his proper.

Humphrey burst onto the scene as a redshirt freshman at Oklahoma and proceeded to place elite tape out for 3 seasons. Then, through the peak of lockdowns, he proceeded to check as probably the most athletic middle ever with no obvious pink flags in sight to hinder his draft inventory.

And the league simply let Kansas Metropolis stick their hand within the merchandising machine and pick the All-Professional middle.

Humphrey battled Micah Parsons and Ja’Marr Chase as probably the most spectacular rookie in 2022. He’s already taking part in at an All-Professional stage and will probably be thought-about the league’s finest middle and arguably the perfect inside blocker sooner somewhat than later.

27) Davante Adams, WR, Las Vegas Raiders

Some could also be aghast on the sight of Davante Adams all the way in which down at 27 whereas different receivers have but to be listed. There’s no denying that when it comes to being a high-volume effectivity machine, there is no such thing as a higher receiver within the NFL.

Whereas Keenan Allen is the person of 1,000 releases, Adams holds a extra lethal set, if not as distinctive. His short-area quickness permits him to win on the line of scrimmage with consistency. However his skill to control a cornerback’s leverage makes him so harmful inside 10 yards.

However that’s type of the rub. Adams ranked effectively behind Cooper Kupp and Justin Jefferson in explosive performs. And whereas a few of that is because of his utilization, each are extra harmful with the ball.

28) Maxx Crosby, EDGE, Las Vegas Raiders

Maxx Crosby one way or the other solely managed eight sacks in 2021 regardless of pressuring the quarterback extra typically than anybody within the league. Nevertheless, uncooked statistics gathered solely imply a lot if a participant doesn’t accomplish the feat effectively. Properly, Crosby additionally gained extra typically than anyone on all dropbacks, and he completed with the third-best charge towards true dropbacks, which disregard play motion.

A part of the rationale why he has such a excessive win charge whereas not ending as typically on the quarterback is due to how he wins. Crosby’s cross chop and rip by means of paired with ample flexibility and explosiveness permits him to constantly win the skin arc.

However a go rush should be complementary, and if there is no such thing as a pocket push to maintain a quarterback stationary, any respectable QB can account for and evade a single exterior rusher.

Patrick Graham will carry a brand new model to Gus Bradley, and the Raiders additionally upgraded from Yannick Ngakoue with the addition of Chandler Jones in free company. Crosby has 20-sack potential if he can proceed to mount the pressures.

29) Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins

There isn’t a extra terrifying opponent to sport plan for within the NFL. Whereas his utilization in Kansas Metropolis modified and the frequency he scampered downfield by himself waned, the risk all the time remained.

Hill isn’t as proficient a receiver as Adams, Jefferson, or Kupp. Nevertheless, he’s removed from only a pace and YAC participant. Hill has progressed through the years as a technically refined route runner, altering tempo and getting out and in of breaks with much less wasted movement.

Essentially the most intriguing factor about his slot in Miami is how having Tua Tagovailoa as a substitute of Patrick Mahomes impacts the way in which groups defend Hill. Tua can’t unlock Hill’s final potential, which all the time got here on damaged performs downfield the place he and Mahomes would lock eyes and freestyle for enormous shot performs.

30) Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers

Whereas Patrick Mahomes makes the “wow” issue look easy and Josh Allen makes it seem like he’s an overgrown toddler bullying smaller kids, Herbert’s skill to wow could also be most spectacular. That’s to say, it’s arguably probably the most spectacular from a pure “quarterbacking” perspective.

He’s across the identical dimension as Josh Allen, however he’s not as bodily imposing. And he doesn’t fairly have the looseness of Mahomes whereas on the transfer. However throws just like the Cowl 2 honey-hole go towards Dallas, his cross-field toss towards Philadelphia, and his outrageous downfield bomb to Jalen Guyton towards the Giants gave him a ridiculous trifecta towards NFC East opponents.

And we’re not even entering into his extra intermediate tight-window throws. If the Chargers’ protection can play as much as its newfound expertise stage, a Yr 3 Herbert makes the opposite Los Angeles staff a professional contender in a stacked AFC.

31) Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals

The Joe Burrow vs. Justin Herbert debate will probably rage on for the whole thing of their careers. In the long run, all of us win as a result of they’re each extremely proficient.

Burrow was as near a completed product as a prospect that we’ve seen in fairly a while. He’s not the most important, most athletic, or have the most important arm. Burrow grew to become a psychological menace to defenses in his last season at LSU. He was already an expert quarterback, and he accomplished a metamorphosis from a Day 3 man to the primary total choose.

And there may be actually an aura about him. He strikes with as a lot confidence as one can presumably possess earlier than having it spill over into conceitedness. He’s additionally extremely correct and a wizard within the pocket at avoiding strain.

The controversy between him and Herbert will probably be just like the early debates about Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. Can Burrow’s “it issue” propel him to greatness that the extra bodily proficient quarterback can’t attain?

32) Marshon Lattimore, CB, New Orleans Saints

Taking part in cornerback within the NFL is extremely tough, and consistency on the place is difficult to search out. For as proficient as Marshon Lattimore is, even he has discovered struggles at occasions all through his profession. However the Ohio State product has completely flourished in Dennis Allen’s protection.

It helps that he hailed from the same model in faculty, however Lattimore has solely change into extra clever and instinctive in time. There are few corners taking part in the bottom third that may defend the submit from the alternative aspect of the sector, however Lattimore has completed it a handful of occasions in his profession after passing off beneath routes.

New Orleans’ protection is crammed with clever defenders, and Lattimore shows that in spades. He additionally occurs to be one of the vital explosive athletes ever on the place, which suggests he covers floor within the Saints’ zone-heavy scheme like a cheetah.

33) Jaire Alexander, CB, Inexperienced Bay Packers

Not having Jaire Alexander on the sector for many of final season was terrible for the Packers, however followers of defensive again play misplaced out too. Alexander is a pest. He sticks to receivers in protection like free filth does to a sweaty particular person. And we should always have seen it coming.

Throughout his Louisville days, he trolled a Wake Forrest receiver so badly that legend has it he retired instantly after the sport so his teammates wouldn’t flame him through the movie assessment of the loss.

In all seriousness, Alexander is the poster youngster of the fashionable mould of NFL cornerbacks. He’s just below 6 toes and at round 190 kilos. However that body permits him to stream effortlessly and drive in any route with out dropping an excessive amount of of a size benefit. If he’d been wholesome final yr, there may be little doubt he’d be increased on this listing.

34) Joey Bosa, EDGE, Los Angeles Chargers

No defensive finish in soccer is as technically refined as Joey Bosa. And whereas his brother’s impression was larger in 2021, Joey continues to be a cleaner watch.

He’s such an clever rusher. Bosa adjustments tempo with hesitations, has the quickness to cross the face of blockers, and the ability to run straight by means of them with a bull rush. He doesn’t have a go-to transfer, though he has probably the most disgusting spin transfer within the league presently.

And now he’s paired up with an improved inside and Khalil Mack speeding on the alternative aspect. The older Bosa brother might be freed up a bit extra in 2022, and opposing quarterbacks will hate that. However Bosa can also be a superb run defender, forcing six fumbles final season.

35) DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Arizona Cardinals

Apart from presumably Larry Fitzgerald, DeAndre Hopkins in all probability has probably the most pure arms of any receiver of this era. It’s continuously jarring to see his 4.94 Relative Athletic Rating, given what we’ve seen from him over the previous 9 seasons.

The truth that he’s solely 6-foot-1 is probably the most mind-boggling metric. He has constantly been the perfect within the sport with the ball within the air, disrespecting cornerbacks left and proper. The “Hail Murray” was simply probably the most obtrusive instance of Hopkins’ freakish ball expertise.

Though it’s a small pattern dimension, all one should do to grasp Hopkins’ worth is to take a look at Kyler Murray’s efficiency with and with out the elite receiver. Hopkins helps drive that offense.

36) Derrick Henry, RB, Tennessee Titans

In the case of the “first off the bus,” there will not be a extra intimidating determine than Derrick Henry. The photograph of him at Alabama standing subsequent to Mark Ingram when he was already a professional made Ingram seem like he was a highschool senior chosen to flip the coin.

Henry is arguably the final of a dying breed. In his six-year profession, he has solely 94 receptions. And but, he nonetheless ranks extremely excessive on the PFN Prime 100 due to his old-school model. In a league that constantly needs to spew rhetoric a couple of bodily again sporting groups down on protection as the sport goes on (false), Henry could be the exception.

Henry will hopefully be again to 100% after breaking his foot final season. Clearly, the Titans’ offense, particularly, Ryan Tannehill and the passing assault, struggled with out Henry’s presence. In a league the place operating again worth is low and, in principle, a again of Henry’s ilk ought to be inconsequential, he could also be a very powerful RB within the league.

37) Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

We in all probability ought to have all seen Ja’Marr Chase’s rookie season coming when Justin Jefferson determined the league was his in Yr 1. Chase was seen as the higher prospect popping out of LSU. However the perfect factor to occur to Chase was touchdown with Joe Burrow.

The 2 have an uncanny rapport. It’s Tony Romo to Dez Bryant on steroids. The explosive receiver continues to be enhancing as a route runner, and he isn’t probably the most pure separator, but it surely doesn’t matter. He’s hyper-aggressive in attacking the soccer, and he already proved to be top-of-the-line within the league with the ball in his arms.

Chase nonetheless has room to develop regarding the nuance of the place. When he reaches that potential, he’ll be preventing his former faculty teammate as the perfect receiver within the sport.

38) Joe Thuney, G, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs

It appeared the Chiefs could have overpaid Joe Thuney to come back to Kansas Metropolis till he took the sector in 2021. Thuney went from being one of the vital underrated guards within the league in New England to one of many league’s elite inside blockers.

The 29-year-old hasn’t missed a sport since being drafted within the third spherical of the 2016 NFL Draft. Final season, he broke his hand in Week 5 and proceeded to face Jonathan Allen and the Washington inside DL earlier than battling Denico Autrey and Jeffery Simmons the next week. He even had a sport at left deal with whereas Orlando Brown Jr. was injured.

39) Jeffery Simmons, DT, Tennessee Titans

Few inside defenders are as bodily versatile as Jeffery Simmons. The 300-pounder has the anchor of a real nostril deal with whereas additionally possessing sufficient burst to shock quarterbacks on the sting when the Titans play line video games.

When he’s in a position to pin his ears again, he shows a fast first step and excellent energy in his decrease half to transform pace to energy and collapse the pocket. Final season, he completed fifth in pressures and sacks for an inside participant and continues to be enhancing his go rush plan.

40) Mark Andrews, TE, Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore’s utilization of Mark Andrews is in stark distinction to how San Francisco deployed Kittle final yr. Andrews solely aligned tight to the formation on 30.5% of his offensive snaps. And whereas there is no such thing as a doubt that the 49ers receiving corps was higher than Baltimore’s, Andrews obtained 59 extra targets than Kittle!

Andrews additionally took a large optimistic step ahead together with his arms in 2021, dropping solely three passes and looking out extra aggressive in contested conditions.

Andrews is the quintessential transfer tight finish. The large slot receiver has flashed nuance and suddenness for his dimension relationship again to his days at Oklahoma. However he’s additionally change into much more stout as a blocker, which is one thing he wanted to do as he made the leap to the large leagues.

41) George Kittle, TE, San Francico 49ers

Kyle Shannahan is touted as one of many biggest offensive minds within the NFL, and for defensible causes. However with that stated, George Kittle didn’t contact the ball practically sufficient within the 49ers’ offense, and that should change going ahead.

Sure, Kittle is a 250-pound wrecking ball as a blocker. He’s the closest archetype we now have seen to Gronk, together with the fixed damage considerations.

Nevertheless, he’s additionally about as quick as many receivers within the league. Like Samuel, he’s an absolute unit after the catch. So having him aligned inline on 72% of his snaps is a misuse of wonderful assets! Sure, he’s needed as a blocker in Shanahan’s huge zone scheme, however he’s much more useful as a receiving mismatch!

42) Chris Jones, DT, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs

The Chiefs started final season utilizing Chris Jones primarily as an EDGE. Possibly that made sense in principle as a result of Kansas Metropolis lacked any semblance of an exterior rush. However Jones is extra disruptive on the inside, and inside strain is extra detrimental to quarterbacks.
In a very stunning flip of occasions, Jones started disrupting quarterbacks rather more often round Week 9 when he began shuffling inside on a majority of his defensive snaps.

Jones has been the second-most disruptive defensive deal with within the league over the previous 4 seasons. He’s posted no less than 64 pressures in every season, and he’s had no less than 7.5 sacks in every.

43) Deebo Samuel, WR, San Francisco 49ers

There isn’t a extra electrical and versatile participant within the NFL than Deebo Samuel. However he could have landed even increased on the listing had he remained at huge receiver as a substitute of being compelled into a job as a runner towards the again half of final season.

There’s a ton of recency bias when discussing Samuel. He’s been discounted as a receiving weapon due to the flexibility he confirmed as a again as effectively. However what many fail to comprehend is he was holding tempo with Cooper Kupp for the receiving yards crown. Kupp had 42 extra yards than Samuel by means of eight video games.

No one is extra dynamic with the ball of their arms. Samuel averaged 10 yards after each catch and led the league in yards per catch at 18.2. Whereas he’s not as polished as different go catchers, his route operating skill is undervalued due to his outrageous post-catch talents.

44) Cameron Jordan, EDGE, New Orleans Saints

Cameron Jordan’s mother and father in all probability loathed seeing the yearbook photographs each time they rolled out if he was something like he’s for his yearly photoshoots with the New Orleans Saints. Yearly, Jordan appears to have a unique facial features and distinctive facial hair.

Earlier, we applauded Von Miller’s reliability and sturdiness, however Jordan takes that to a different stage. From 2012-2020, he performed no less than 900 snaps in every season and performed 831 in 2021, the place he missed one sport because of Covid-19 protocols.

Now, for the expertise portion of the competition. Jordan’s trump card is his pure energy combined with elite arms, which he makes use of to perform a few of the most aesthetically pleasing go rushes amongst any participant within the league.

He’s a little bit of a unicorn. Most fashionable go rushers discovering success achieve this by means of elite explosiveness and bend, and solely Myles Garrett comes near matching Jordan’s body among the many league’s finest. However the wily vet brings expertise and an elite sport plan that permits him to dissect the blocks of a few of the finest blockers within the league instantly, serving to him clear a path to opposing quarterbacks.

Simply ask Tristan Wirfs.

45) Demario Davis, LB, New Orleans Saints

Demario Davis has by no means supplied the flash of different high linebackers. He’s a bit like his teammate who comes up subsequent on the listing of the highest 100 NFL gamers heading into 2022. Davis merely excels in each side of defensive soccer quietly.

However that’s type of the way in which the Saint protection operates, which makes Tyrann Smith’s arrival fascinating.

Intelligence and preparation are inherent in New Orleans’ protection, and Davis displays that constantly as a protection participant. If he have been within the navy, his superiors would love him. He’s all the time in the precise place on the proper time.

46) Eric Kendricks, LB, Minnesota Vikings

In case you packed Jessie Bates right into a 230-pound body, you’d come out with Eric Kendricks. Whereas Fred Warner is nearly universally seen as the perfect true linebacker within the sport, Kendricks could be even higher than Warner in zone overage.

His skill to bait quarterbacks into ill-advised throws boggles the thoughts, and whereas so many others flail aimlessly at attempting to defend passes, Kendricks has made a profession out of getting his arms on the ball.

However what has been so spectacular over the previous two seasons is his manufacturing towards the run regardless of the near-complete lack of expertise on the Vikings’ defensive entrance. Issues ought to be totally different subsequent season after Minnesota invested in beefing up the defensive inside, which ought to hold Kendrick clear and in a position to assault.

47) Stefon Diggs, WR, Buffalo Payments

The Vikings made what appeared like a large error in judgment after they traded away Stefon Diggs, solely to then draft the supercharged model of the Maryland product in Justin Jefferson. However the Buffalo Payments acquired one of many smoothest operators within the league, and it helped jumpstart Josh Allen’s ascension up the quarterback ladder.

Diggs possesses best flexibility for the place, which permits him to hold a ton of pace out and in of route breaks, making him extremely tough to stay to in man protection. The largest distinction between Jefferson and Diggs, and why Diggs ranks decrease than another receivers, is his lack of high-end post-catch playmaking skill.

Nevertheless, Diggs carries a lot worth as a result of he’s a high-volume, high-efficiency machine within the intermediate zones the place Allen’s arm can match passes into, and Diggs can exit and get even when they’re barely off track.

48) Von Miller, EDGE, Buffalo Payments

Whenever you’ve already completed a Corridor of Fame profession, why not go about your last few years hopping across the nation chasing Tremendous Bowl parades? That’s precisely what Von Miller is doing, besides he’s one way or the other nonetheless in his bodily prime. No go rusher on this era has been so constantly nice, and solely an damage in 2020 stored him from taking part in no less than 833 defensive snaps in each season since 2013.

His “ghost” transfer ought to hold within the Louvre, and regardless of not being a hulking large like Myles Garrett, he’s been constantly nice towards the run for his whole profession. And have been it not for a midseason sack hunch and ridiculous campaigns from Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt, Miller might have inserted himself into the All-Professional dialog.

49) Jessie Bates III, S, Cincinnati Bengals

Jessie Bates actually didn’t have the identical common season in 2021 that he had the yr prior, however he turned on the lights when it mattered most. Bates’ playoff run was unimaginable. His interception of Ryan Tannehill was what occurs when movie and tendency research meet insane route recognition, psychological triggering, and click-and-close athleticism.

He allowed a QBR of 35.6 when focused through the four-game playoff run. Whereas his inconsistency final season dropped his inventory a bit, when he’s on his sport, there is no such thing as a higher protection participant on the again finish than Bates. He can play as a single-high free security or present versatility in two-high zone match seems to be.

50) Xavien Howard, CB, Miami Dolphins

Talking of ball-hawking cornerbacks, no person has extra interceptions over the previous 5 seasons than Xavien Howard. Whereas he’s been inconsistent at occasions permitting huge performs, he has been a lot better in 2020 and 2021 at avoiding that splash play.

There was a stretch early on in 2021 the place it regarded like Howard may not be sustaining the play we noticed in 2020, however he actually rounded into kind over the latter a part of the season. From Weeks 7-17, we noticed the All-Professional caliber participant we’d been used to seeing.

PFN Prime 100 NFL Gamers of 2022 | 51-75

51) J.C. Jackson, CB, Los Angeles Chargers

J.C. Jackson could be the premier ball hawk within the NFL at present. His 17 INTs lead the league over the previous two seasons, and he’s defended 37 extra in that two-year span. These are unheard-of numbers on a protection that performs a excessive quantity of man protection because the Patriots do.

Issues could be totally different in Brandon Staley’s protection, however they don’t essentially should be. Staley’s quarters-heavy scheme will depend on man-to-man press protection, typically on the bottom of three×1 seems to be. That might match into Jackson’s arms like a soccer does.

However Jackson isn’t only a man cornerback. Whereas his reactive athleticism is an excellent match for man protection, he’s no slouch when he’s off the ball together with his eyes on the quarterback.

52) Budda Baker, S, Arizona Cardinals

Budda Baker has been on the cusp of the elite for just a few years now, however he lastly cemented his standing in 2021. The Cardinals’ go protection had no enterprise being pretty much as good because it was. And whereas it’s in all probability unsustainable, Baker does assist clog just a few of the holes that may be prevalent would he not be round.

His skill to come back downhill and deny the alley is excellent. For a smaller security, he makes no qualms coming downhill in run help. Nevertheless, that stature has additionally brought about him to be an inconsistent finisher at occasions.

His versatility of alignment permits Vance Jospeh the liberty to maneuver him freely across the formation. And though Joseph would somewhat play a zone-heavy protection scheme, his personnel dictates in any other case.

53) A.J. Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

A.J. Brown had a down season relative to expectations going into 2022, but it surely’s not his fault the Titans misplaced their offensive engine and Ryan Tannehill took a step again.

Whereas he’s not the perfect within the league with the ball in his arms, he’s fairly darned near it. The 6-foot, 230-pound receiver is constructed extra like Ezekiel Elliott than Julio Jones, which is a testomony to the transition we’ve seen on the place over the previous few seasons. Brown is tough to carry down, however he’s greater than only a YAC monster.

When finding out him at Ole Miss, Brown was a bodily specimen who performed within the slot and gained extra with physicality than nuance. Now, he’s realized the ins and outs of route operating and has proven a capability to creatively tempo routes to separate from tight protection.

54) Chris Godwin, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Nevertheless, Godwin edges Evans out on too many various receiving traits to maintain Evans rated over him at this level. Godwin is a tough analysis as a result of there actually isn’t a ton of flash to his sport.

Godwin is quick, however he’s not extremely explosive. He wins with intelligence. He’s about as savvy a route runner as they arrive within the league. And he’s in a position to separate in any respect three ranges of the sector. He’s additionally top-of-the-line blockers on the place.

The one space the place Godwin does flash, and what actually makes the argument for him over Evans, is his effectivity and ball expertise as a deep receiver. He tracks the ball extremely effectively, and he assaults it at its highest level.

55) Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Many will not be used to seeing Mike Evans’ identify earlier than Chris Godwin’s, however there is excellent purpose for it. Worth is subjective, and it’s tough to correctly worth two entities which can be totally different, even when they technically do the identical job. That’s what makes the Evans vs. Godwin debate so nice.

Evans is a big-play receiver by nature, however he’s much more polished than many give him credit score for as a result of he’s such an athletic marvel. The 6-foot-5, 230-pound speedster isn’t as nuanced a route runner, however he affords wonderful separation quickness, particularly for a receiver together with his construct.

He’ll by no means be a extremely environment friendly go catcher given his intermediate-to-deep utilization, however his skill to separate at that stage is sort of unmatched.

56) Cameron Heyward, DT, Pittsburgh Steelers

Cameron Heyward is among the few exceptions to the rule that to be able to be elite, particularly on the defensive aspect of the ball, one must be an elite athlete relative to their place. The Steelers’ defensive deal with shouldn’t be an extremely explosive participant. His arms are merely higher than anyone not named Aaron Donald.

Size is all the time a plus for trench gamers, and Heyward has used his size and refined arms to shed blocks towards the run and as a go rusher since 2014. It took just a few years to change into so technically refined, however he rounded into one of the vital dominant gamers within the sport.

57) Marlon Humphrey, CB, Baltimore Ravens

Earlier than we start, we should first acknowledge that Marlon Humphrey being as excessive as he’s on this listing is an unbelievable achievement. Any cornerback who can maintain success whereas sporting a quantity within the 40s is conquering some critical demons.

Positive, Ja’Marr Chase embarrassed him and the Ravens’ secondary throughout their Week 7 matchup, however that was merely an instance of two issues: 1) how tough taking part in cornerback in Wink Martindale’s protection could be, and a pair of) how a lot of a freak Chase is with the ball in his arms.

What made Humphrey so distinctive in Martindale’s protection was his versatility. He was really the Alpha that so many desire a No.1 CB to be. If the opposing staff’s finest playmaker was a slot-first participant, that’s the place No. 44 lined up. In the event that they have been a TE lined up within the slot or on the skin, that’s the place Humphrey was.

58) Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys

If we merely regarded on the bodily attributes of quarterback play to find out how good a quarterback can be, Dak Prescott would fall exterior of the highest 10. He has an enough however not overwhelming arm, and he isn’t practically as cell as he was again in 2016.

Prescott is among the finest within the sport as a result of he’s changing into one of the vital clever relating to processing what he sees. He completed that whereas additionally vastly enhancing his pocket presence and decrease physique mechanics between 2018 and 2019.

If he hadn’t injured his calf on the finish of the Patriots sport, Prescott in all probability would have had the identical kind of fanfare he had round his 2019 season. As a substitute, the calf damage considerably hampered his skill as a playmaking downfield passer, which restricted the Cowboys’ offense to a measly … seventh in EPA/play and sixth in dropback EPA/play.

59) Wyatt Teller, G, Cleveland Browns

Whereas Brandon Bean is among the finest expertise evaluators within the sport, he misplaced huge when he traded Wyatt Teller after his rookie season. The Virginia Tech guard was all the time going to be a undertaking, however Invoice Callahan and Co. spent lengthy nights within the lab getting the experiment to come back out excellent on presentation day.

By Yr 3, Teller was a second-team All-Professional on an offensive line that typically bullied opposing entrance sevens on the bottom. Teller is the most important bully on the Browns’ bodily offensive line. Whereas he doesn’t have the Quenton Nelson spotlight reel, he finishes blocks as aggressively as any inside blocker within the league.

The one purpose he’s not thought-about increased on the listing is a few intermittent gaffes in go safety and a excessive penalty charge. He had six holdings known as towards him and an pointless roughness penalty in 2021.

60) Dalvin Prepare dinner, RB, Minnesota Vikings

Solely Jonathan Taylor had extra runs of 15-plus yards final season. Dalvin Prepare dinner additionally completed second in breakaway charge amongst these with no less than 206 speeding makes an attempt. And he was in a position to accomplish this regardless of taking part in behind one of many poorer run-blocking traces within the NFL final season.

Prepare dinner is among the extra explosive runners within the league, however his true present is his imaginative and prescient whereas operating wide-zone ideas. He’s a grasp at manipulating second-level defenders, and his acceleration makes him a menace when he’s in a position to assault exterior of the deal with.

Hopefully, Ed Ingram comes alongside shortly at proper guard as a result of he would theoretically present an uptick in manufacturing on the bottom over Jesse Davis. Having a wholesome Christian Darrisaw in Yr 2 ought to assist carry Prepare dinner’s effectivity again up. However having Kevin O’Connell because the offensive architect ought to be the most important assist.

61) Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens

Lamar Jackson is probably the most dynamic weapon within the NFL. And for some time in 2021, it regarded like he can be competing for the league’s MVP award as soon as once more. Nevertheless, one thing flipped across the Ravens’ embarrassing Week 7 loss to Cincinnati.

Baltimore was attempting to remain afloat regardless of dropping key contributors on what felt like a weekly foundation. Their offensive line disintegrated, and Jackson merely tried to make the inconceivable occur too typically, resulting in poor selections.

A wholesome Ravens staff, and a wholesome Jackson, ought to compete within the AFC, and the 25-year-old might as soon as once more elevate his inventory within the league.

62) Denzel Ward, CB, Cleveland Browns

Denzel Ward is second to solely Jaire Alexander within the “gnat” issue. At just below the prototypical dimension for a cornerback, Ward’s effectiveness comes from his excellent foot quickness and reactive athleticism. Like a gnat on a sticky July night in Louisiana, he’s robust to get out of your face.

Ward has been extremely constant all through his first 4 NFL seasons, which might be why he acquired probably the most assured cash of any NFL defensive again. The scariest factor is Greg Newsome seems to be like he has the potential to be simply pretty much as good if he’s ever in a position to keep constantly wholesome.

Ward can also be a pesky run defender who misses tackles at a uncommon charge for a cornerback, notably one who’s sub-200 kilos.

63) Tre’Davious White, CB, Buffalo Payments

It’s unlucky that Tre’Davious White falls at 63 after rating thirty eighth in 2021, however that’s the nature of season-ending accidents at a place overflowing with elite-level expertise.

White’s aggressiveness is his biggest attribute. He’s a fighter who shows real pleasure for the sport when he’s on the sideline, spilling onto the sector within the type of improbable effort. However he’s not only a mauler on the skin, both. White constantly shows his intelligence and skill to play off his two veteran safeties in match ideas. The 2-time All-Professional additionally reveals no points carrying routes vertically.

64) Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Going into 2022, Antoine Winfield Jr. was ranked because the Twenty fifth-best security within the NFL, regardless of the narrative that he struggled in protection as a rookie. Regardless of having just a few gaffes in protection, it was clear that it was solely a matter of time earlier than his manufacturing matched the tape.

Winfield is a dense security who can lay the growth coming downhill whereas offering wonderful ball expertise regardless of missing size. The Buccaneers’ free security is a wonderful processor that may cowl teams by means of a mixture of enough lengthy pace and a fast set off. Apart from lacking just a few tackles right here and there because of his lack of size, there isn’t something he can’t do.

65) Corey Linsley, C, Los Angeles Chargers

Including Corey Linsley to the fold in Los Angeles was one of many first aggressive strikes they made to enhance Justin Herbert’s high quality of life. Linsley put collectively fairly a profession throughout his time in Inexperienced Bay, however his sport elevated to a unique stage in his last season as a Packer.

Linsley isn’t a highway grader however a technical run blocker who wins by attacking with nice positional leverage and hand placement. In go safety, the veteran is among the most cerebral facilities within the league, which is a large weight off the shoulders of a younger QB like Herbert.

66) DeForest Buckner, DT, Indianapolis Colts

There isn’t a extra proportionally fascinating participant within the NFL than DeForest Buckner. He possesses 34 3/8″ arms and big 11 3/4″ arms. He makes use of these arms to typically incapacitate blockers with one of the vital devastating go-to strikes within the league.

His swim transfer, which is a membership and arm-over, is demoralizing for inside blockers. In a league the place pad stage and leverage is so necessary, Buckner … bucks … that pattern and performs increased. And together with his outrageous size, he can acquire floor horizontally to the purpose blockers can’t counter when he lands his membership.

67) David Bakhtiari, OT, Inexperienced Bay Packers

Lacking all the 2021 NFL season was a tricky capsule for some to swallow. David Bakhtiari’s late-season ACL tear ended up taking on a full yr to correctly heal in an period of drugs the place we witnessed Cam Akers come again from an Achilles tear in 5 months. However each particular person physique and each damage is exclusive.

Apart from being arguably the perfect beer chugger within the NFL, Bakhtiari can also be arguably the perfect go protector. He’s the prototype at left deal with. His technical proficiency is unmatched, and solely damage and Trent Williams being an alien retains him from incomes the highest deal with spot within the high 100.

68) Tyron Smith, OT, Dallas Cowboys

Tyron Smith is never ever seen with a shirt on after observe, and for those who regarded like him, you’d in all probability petition to put on the previous Ezekiel Elliott stomach jersey from Ohio State.

Whereas Smith isn’t within the one centesimal percentile for athletic testing at offensive deal with, he could be the craziest athlete on the place. On high of getting outrageous pace, explosion, and agility, he has a few of the longest arms (36 3/8″) and largest arms (11”) ever on the place.

Humorous sufficient, Terron Armstead is among the closest RAS comps for Smith. However like Armstead, Smith’s well being has been a difficulty each season relationship again to 2016. Previously two years, he’s solely performed 13 video games.

69) Ryan Ramczyk, OT, New Orleans Saints

Ryan Ramczyk is superb to look at at proper deal with due to the way in which he assaults defenders in go safety. Few blockers can constantly hold go rushers guessing the way in which Ramczyk does together with his strikes.

Many blockers try and hold defenders on their toes by altering strike timing and method, however Ramczyk is in a position to take action with out sacrificing effectivity. He missed vital time for the primary time in his profession final season however has been dependable in earlier years. Nevertheless, he has battled by means of damage in each 2019 and 2020 as effectively.

70) Kenny Clark, DT, Inexperienced Bay Packers

Packer’s defensive deal with Kenny Clark has constantly been one of the vital underappreciated defensive gamers within the league over the previous half-decade. Amazingly, the six-year veteran continues to be simply 26.

Solely Chris Jones, Jonathan Allen, and Aaron Donald totaled extra pressures than the Packer’s inside defender. Clark (314 kilos) is well the most important of the bunch, with the remaining listed as sub-300 pounders.

It’s distinctive to see an inside defender together with his versatility. He splits his snaps between the A, B, and C gaps, the place he shows the power and consciousness to outlive heavy double-teams inside together with the athleticism to emphasize blockers in one-on-one pass-rush conditions.

71) Christian McCaffrey, RB, Carolina Panthers

When he’s on the sector and wholesome, there will not be a greater all-around operating again within the NFL. However that’s the rub. McCaffrey has solely performed in 10 video games over the previous two seasons in Carolina, which is the principle purpose he lands all the way in which down at 71.

He’s an excellent receiver out of the backfield, and he’s as nimble as a cat. However sturdiness is a large skill for runners, and he hasn’t been in a position to present that in 2020 or 2021.

He heads into 2022 with an improved offensive line in entrance of him. Hopefully, he can replicate his outrageous all-purpose manufacturing from 2019, the place he generated over 2,300 yards on 400-plus touches.

72) Marcus Williams, S, Baltimore Ravens

Marcus Williams is among the few true free safeties left within the NFL. Defenses have change into extra a number of and begun asking safeties to placed on a number of hats. Nevertheless, the Saints lined up Williams in an adjoining car parking zone on most events. It was a depth that may make even Gregg Williams blush.

Williams confirmed that he can do extra than simply patrol middle subject, however he hasn’t needed to play across the line of scrimmage typically all through his time in New Orleans. Will probably be fascinating to see how issues pan out in Baltimore, a protection that has traditionally been one of the vital aggressive within the league.

73) Frank Ragnow, C, Detroit Lions

Hopefully, Frank Ragnow stays wholesome in 2022, so we will talk about him among the many finest facilities within the NFL as a result of that’s the potential he possesses.

He has elite dimension and athleticism for the place, and he processes info effortlessly on the line of scrimmage. His psychological prowess takes quite a lot of strain off his quarterback. He started his NFL profession at guard however has steadily improved his strike timing and placement since. He has additionally developed his arms to maintain inside defenders guessing, and he makes no qualms about discovering work.

74) Elgton Jenkins, iOL, Inexperienced Bay Packers

Elgton Jenkins is a unicorn on the offensive line. There’s a well-known saying with unknown origins that talks about fielding the perfect 5 on the roster, however that’s not the truth – except you’re Jenkins. The NFL shouldn’t be Madden. You possibly can’t simply swap a 93-rated left deal with and magically anticipate them to be a plus starter at proper guard.

However with Jenkins, you possibly can. His versatility is a weapon for the Packers. Nevertheless, it might have additionally aided in his damage.

Hopefully, Inexperienced Bay has a plan for him in 2022, and he’s in a position to focus his psychological and bodily vitality on one place. As a result of if he’s in a position to specialize for an prolonged interval, whether or not at guard or deal with, he might change into one of many best in all the league.

75) Shaquil Barrett, EDGE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

It’s extremely uncommon to see an undrafted go rusher among the many league’s finest. In reality, Barrett (eleventh) was the one undrafted participant inside Brandon Thorn’s high 35 in sack rating for the 2021 season. The ten above him included 9 first-round picks and a third-rounder.

Solely T.J. Watt, Aaron Donald, and Myles Garrett have extra sacks over the previous three seasons than Barrett. And it’s unlikely that his reign of terror bestowed upon opposing quarterbacks ends quickly as a result of he’s the one participant to rank inside the highest 5 in whole pressures in every of the previous three seasons as effectively.

Sacks aren’t a superb indicator of future sack manufacturing on their very own, however pressures are. It’s unimaginable to see a short-armed, comparatively unathletic (for his place) and small go rusher win so constantly on the skin observe, however Barrett does.

PFN Prime 100 NFL Gamers of 2022 | 76-100

76) Vita Vea, DT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Talking of toe-drag swag, it could be unimaginable to see Tevita Tuli’aki’ono Tuipulotu Mosese Va’hae Fehoko Faletau Vea line up a fullback on the aim line and catch a landing go from Tom Brady in 2022.

The 340-pound behemoth is among the freakiest gamers within the league. His uncooked energy is unmatched on the defensive inside, and his hump transfer resides proof of that. And when that upper-body power is matched with an explosive decrease half, Vea simply converts pace to energy in devastating vogue, collapsing the pocket constantly with out having many nuances as a rusher.

Whenever you’re constructed like a sophomore in highschool going up towards a bunch of seventh graders, you’re certain to make a multitude. That’s what it seems to be like when Vea is recent on the sector.

77) DJ Moore, WR, Carolina Panthers

DJ Moore has been in a little bit of a predicament all through his profession in Carolina, and that was no totally different with Sam Darnold and Co. in 2021. Moore hasn’t been extremely environment friendly as a receiver all through his profession, however he has nonetheless discovered a option to produce on the skin. Moore is a dynamic weapon who is powerful and elusive after the catch. Whereas he isn’t as nuanced a route runner because the McLaurin and Allens of the world, he doesn’t have bother creating separation in man protection.

And to be productive with mediocre quarterback play, a receiver should be a stellar ball catcher. Moore doesn’t have a protracted body, however his explosiveness permits him to raise and end catches, and he has the wherewithal across the sidelines to point out off some toe-drag swag.

78) Keenan Allen, WR, Los Angeles Chargers

There isn’t a huge receiver within the NFL fairly like Keenan Allen. He has a launch repertoire with larger quantity than the variety of options Weezy took on throughout 2010 when he was on all the pieces.

Allen isn’t a 4.7 runner as his 40 time would counsel, however he’s actually not quick, both. In actuality, he’s the much less explosive however extra constant model of Amari Cooper. In different phrases, Allen is among the most technically savage route runners within the league.

However he’s additionally well-built at 6’2”, 210 kilos, permitting him to battle by means of contact and use his body subtly to create separation. And whereas he lacks lengthy pace, he’s geared like a 1/8-mile drag automotive. He’s in a position to speed up shortly and hit his chute to interrupt off routes.

79) Rashawn Slater, OT, Los Angeles Chargers

On the alternative aspect of the ball, the Chargers struck gold in Northwestern offensive deal with Rashawn Slater. He was instantly one of the vital impactful rookies within the NFL and top-of-the-line left tackles in all the league.

Slater is the prototypical athlete at left deal with however lacks the prototypical size typically coveted in a blindside blocker. Nevertheless, the nuance he possesses in his strikes permits him to maximise the size he has. Moreover, his lower-body power and skill to counter hold his lack of size from hurting him.

Slater isn’t only a go protector, although. Whereas Storm Norton isn’t a starting-caliber proper deal with, it was startling to see simply how extra environment friendly Austin Ekeler was operating behind Slater than to the precise aspect of the Chargers’ offensive line. Slater is a technically sound run blocker, and his endurance and athleticism on the second stage make him robust to shake for linebackers and defensive backs.

80) Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers

There are few gamers who’re as constantly nice at their craft as Khalil Mack has been for the higher a part of a decade. He’s constantly produced high-pressure and double-digit sack seasons throughout his eight-year profession.

Not solely is he an excellent go rusher, however he’s additionally arguably the perfect run-defending EDGE within the league. The one factor preserving him from being a lot increased on this listing is the truth that he’s 31 and coming off a critical foot damage that required surgical procedure.

However he additionally has just a few huge issues in his favor with reference to his potential manufacturing in 2022. He’s a part of a talent-laden protection that boasts top-of-the-line defensive ends within the NFL on the alternative aspect. In addition they occur to have an absolute weapon at security, upgraded the inside, and paid arguably the perfect ball-hawking cornerback within the NFL in J.C. Jackson. If Mack is absolutely wholesome, his manufacturing might explode.

81) Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams

Very similar to with Armstead, from a bodily expertise perspective, it’s obscure why Matthew Stafford wouldn’t be increased on this listing. For Pete’s sake, he simply gained an excellent bowl, in spite of everything!

He did, and there may be zero debating his contribution to the Rams’ success final season. He has one of many greatest arms within the league, and he has the conceitedness in it to make the entire throws.

However then there are the far too widespread situations the place FIGJAM comes into play, and Stafford tries to suit a ball right into a nonexistent window. Whereas he doesn’t include the attract of Brett Favre, he’s this era’s Favre.

82) Terry McLaurin, WR, Washington Commanders

It grew to become harder to really feel dangerous for Terry McLaurin after he secured the bag through the offseason, however we will nonetheless want he was in a greater state of affairs.

McLaurin is among the few sub-4.4 receivers with the flexibility to tempo routes and begin/cease effectively. That turns into particularly difficult as a participant will get larger, and McLaurin is not any DeSean Jackson at over 200 kilos.

His solely true weak spot has been the postal service making an attempt to ship his packages. They typically find yourself on the mistaken deal with, which even his excellent explosiveness can’t make up for.

83) Bobby Wagner, LB, Los Angeles Rams

Bobby Wagner is now not the perennial All-Professional we grew to become accustomed to seeing. He had his worst season as a professional in 2021 however was nonetheless a optimistic impression on a protection that struggled all season in Seattle.

Now, the getting older veteran will get to breathe some recent smog-filled air in Los Angeles as he as soon as once more performs on a squad able to compete for a championship. The Rams desperately wanted assist on the place, and taking part in behind arguably the perfect defensive participant ever and Greg Gaines ought to permit Wagner to stream freely to the soccer.

84) Darius Leonard, LB, Indianapolis Colts

Darius Leonard is the Trevon Diggs of the linebacker place with reference to his ball-hawking tendencies. Whereas he could also be a little bit of a risk-taker, he’s a extra constant linebacker than Diggs is a cornerback.

He’s made a profession forcing fumbles (16), intercepting passes (11), scoring defensive touchdowns (six), and breaking apart passes (14). Final season alone, he scored 3 times! Matt Eberflus spent quite a lot of time round Rod Marinelli, and his protection all the time allowed Leonard to be a heat-seeking missile. Will probably be fascinating to see how issues change beneath Gus Bradley.

85) Lavonte David, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Between Lavonte David and Demario Davis, it’s tough to determine who has been the extra underrated linebacker over the previous decade. However with Davis’ rating within the high 100 heading into 2022, I assume David is the reply.

Folks so badly needed to tout Devin White because the Buccaneers’ current and future whereas forgetting he wasn’t even the perfect linebacker on his staff.

David is excellent as a protection participant and has the fast downhill set off of a decade-plus NFL veteran. He’s additionally maintained excellent athletic skill into his early 30s.

86) Terron Armstead, OT, Miami Dolphins

If based mostly on expertise alone, Terron Armstead might be one of the best two or three offensive tackles in the NFL. Sadly, lacking video games as an offensive lineman is a tricky capsule to swallow, given the dearth of adequate line play within the league.

Armstead is a terrifyingly distinctive entity. Give it some thought this fashion; his 40-yard sprint time can be within the 79th percentile for tight ends! There are few extra terrifying photographs than dreaming of a 305-pound particular person operating at you quicker than 87% of defensive ends transfer.

And that athletic skill interprets superbly to his go safety. His arms are by no means misplaced, and he’s solely underrated as a run blocker as a result of he’s practically excellent in go professional. His solely knock is well being.

87) Jonathan Allen, DT, Washington Commanders

Inside strain is probably the most detrimental growth to an opposing quarterback’s success within the NFL. In 2021 solely Aaron Donald generated extra strain from the inside than Allen. Allen completed third in sacks, twelfth in defensive stops, and solely missed one deal with all season.

So what’s the rub? Why is he so low on the listing in comparison with his friends on the inside? Properly, his inconsistent run-defending can be the offender. Allen’s sport relies upon penetration, and whereas that’s disruptive, it will possibly additionally put him out of place towards the run.

However he’s nonetheless a top-100 NFL expertise as a result of he’s constant as a go rusher. Allen generates strain each week as a result of he’s tough to sport plan towards. He wins with a myriad of rush strikes that show energy, finesse, or a mix of the 2. He pairs that with an insatiable urge for food that retains his motor operating scorching always.

88) Joe Mixon, RB, Cincinnati Bengals

Expertise has by no means been a difficulty for Joe Mixon. The shortage of stable offensive line play and poor quarterback play, nonetheless, has hindered his effectivity as a professional. After which Joe Burrow confirmed up.

Regardless of nonetheless having a poor offensive line, Mixon had his best season since 2018. With the passing offense’s explosiveness and enhancements to the offensive line, Mixon ought to be much more environment friendly in 2022.

89) Tyrann Mathieu, S, New Orleans Saints

Since we’re on the subject of intelligence, there could also be no higher instance of that than Tyrann Mathieu. There are extra bodily gifted safeties in a vacuum, however Mahieu’s significance to Steve Spagnuolo’s protection can’t be overstated.

That’s why his departure from the staff for a participant comparatively unheralded at across the identical worth as Mathieu (extra assured cash, in truth) raises eyebrows.

A change of surroundings could show mutually useful, and there isn’t a greater defensive state of affairs for Mathieu to step into than in New Orleans. Dennis Allen’s protection wants clever protection defenders, and he will get one in Mathieu, who ought to be comfortable to be residence.

90) Kenny Moore II, CB, Indianapolis Colts

The perfect pure slot cornerback within the NFL is available in at 90 in PFN’s Prime 100. The undersized cornerback from Division II Valdosta State was initially signed as an undrafted free agent by Invoice Belichick’s Patriots. Belichick has a knack for eyeing cornerback expertise, and he receives partial credit score with figuring out Moore.

Nevertheless, the Patriots waived Moore, and their loss was Chuck Pagano and the Colts’ acquire. The undersized, undrafted cornerback survived as a rookie taking part in on the skin earlier than sliding into the slot in 2018, the place he flourished.

Moore is an explosive defensive again whose ball expertise are unimaginable for his dimension. He immediately processes info, and his understanding of opponents permits him to take calculated dangers in protection to make outrageous splash performs.

91) Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints

Final season was a brand new state of affairs for Alvin Kamara, and his dip in effectivity was not stunning. Sean Payton determined bashing Kamara’s head right into a brick wall again and again was going to be the important thing to preserving Jameis Winston in test and preserving video games shorter to favor the Saints’ proficient protection.

Kamara has by no means had a 1,000-yard speeding marketing campaign however has three seasons beneath his belt of 1,500 all-purpose yards together with three with 13 or extra touchdowns. Simply two years in the past, he scored a league-high 21 occasions.

His contact steadiness is his calling card, alongside his regular arms. If New Orleans can open the offense up in 2022, Kamara ought to get again on observe.

92) Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons

Lots of the gamers inside the highest 100 are athletic freaks. It’s practically inconceivable to be an elite skilled athlete with out additionally being an elite athlete relative to the person sport. Kyle Pitts is among the freakiest amongst a bunch of athletic marvels. Whereas not as sudden as Waller, he’s as easy as silk and a much more aggressive blocker.

No TE averaged extra yards per catch than Pitts final season. His 1,026 receiving yards ranked second all-time for rookie TEs, and his 68 receptions ranked third. The Florida product is primed to be the following nice tight finish within the NFL.

93) Darren Waller, TE, Las Vegas Raiders

Waller could be much more bodily gifted than Kyle Pitts, however his injury-riddled season in 2021 and the addition of Davante Adams to the Raiders might hinder his manufacturing even in good well being.

The one optimistic to the offseason concerning Waller’s potential manufacturing is Josh McDaniels, who has a protracted historical past of discovering methods to make the most of tight ends at a excessive charge inside his offense. Along with his uncommon dimension and explosiveness, Waller is a matchup nightmare for anyone aligning reverse him. And the flexibility to cease and begin as if he have been a a lot smaller receiver makes him a risk to all three ranges of the sector.

94) Joel Bitonio, G, Cleveland Browns

Whereas Mason has rounded right into a constant blocker, Joel Bitonio has been doing it now for the higher a part of 10 seasons within the NFL. The previous second-round choose was instantly a productive beginning guard as a rookie, and solely damage within the subsequent two seasons stored him from eight straight 1,000-snap seasons of high quality soccer.

In reality, Bitonio’s consistency is spooky. He’s allowed precisely 17 pressures in every of the previous three seasons – granted, there was an additional sport in 2021. Nevertheless, he even bumped out to play left deal with in Weeks 15 and 16, the place he allowed certainly one of his two sacks on the season.

95) Darius Slay, CB, Philadelphia Eagles

Darius Slay shouldn’t be right here. The 31-year-old cornerback was presumed washed in 2019 and virtually pronounced useless as an upper-echelon cornerback after his first season in Philadelphia. It’s extremely tough to get again on observe at such a reactive place after age 30.

And but, right here we’re!

All credit score to Slay, the veteran turned issues round in a giant manner final season. He nonetheless has unimaginable closing pace, plus his understanding of what he sees on tape and his skill to carry that onto the sector is how he stays top-of-the-line protection gamers within the NFL.

96) Carlton Davis, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Carlton Davis was a enjoyable, athletic prospect coming from Auburn that wanted to place just a few issues collectively mentally to be able to be a profitable NFL cornerback. His three-year, $44.5-million contract is the proof that he has.

Davis has the size and athletic skill to play on an island. However his route recognition in man is among the many finest within the league, and it permits him to higher mirror receivers out and in of breaks. However he additionally excels in zone protection because of his understanding of various passing ideas and complementary routes. He’ll flat-out run routes for receivers generally. Nevertheless, Davis has suffered minor setbacks in well being each season up to now which has stored him from the dialog as one of many league’s elites.

97) Jason Kelce, C, Philadelphia Eagles

Whereas the first-team All-Professional recognition that got here Jason Kelce’s manner in 2021 was extra of a legacy vote than earned by being the perfect middle within the league, Kelce continues to be top-of-the-line within the sport regardless of mulling retirement.

The four-time All-Professional will at some point be within the Corridor of Fame alongside his brother, Travis. Jason is the prototype for an undersized, athletic middle. And whereas he has benefitted from the Eagles’ long-standing zone-based run scheme, within the 30% to 40% of the time he’s spent in additional downhill seems to be, his lack of girth has by no means been a hindrance.

98) Robert Quinn, EDGE, Chicago Bears

Final season, Robert Quinn completed second in sacks behind T.J. Watt. It was Quinn’s second season of no less than 18 sacks, and the 32-year-old continues to be one of the vital gifted go rushers within the NFL. His explosiveness and suppleness let him be a weapon off the sting.

However he lands at 98th on the listing as a result of he’s not as well-rounded, nor as constant as lots of the league’s proficient rushers. Quinn has all the time been an underwhelming run defender. He additionally hasn’t constantly put collectively high-productivity pass-rushing seasons as a result of he by no means developed an influence ingredient to his sport.

That’s partially the rationale why he has had some excessive sack seasons with out constantly producing pressures. He wins shortly, or he doesn’t win in any respect. However at 32, there are few go rushers you’d somewhat subject on a Third-and-6+.

99) Chandler Jones, EDGE, Las Vegas Raiders

Chandler Jones started the 2021 NFL season by legally changing into Taylor Lewan’s adopted father (after which doing the identical to Kendall Lamm as effectively). Nevertheless, issues slowed down dramatically for the wily veteran after Week 1.

Over the following 16 weeks, he amassed solely six extra sacks and solely posted one sport with greater than 4 pressures. However whereas we’ll in all probability by no means see the 2019 model of Jones once more, he ought to nonetheless contribute to the Raiders aligning reverse of Maxx Crosby.

100) Shaq Mason, G, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Lots of the bodily freaks we consider fall on the alternative finish of the spectrum, however Shaq Mason is amongst that group. The faculty middle turned NFL guard falls within the third percentile for peak on the place and solely the thirty ninth percentile for weight. Nevertheless, he posted elite pace and explosive scores whereas narrowly lacking out on an elite grade in agility drills.

Mason entered the league with the status of a mauler however has rounded right into a constantly stable go protector through the years as effectively. In 2021, he allowed only a single sack and solely 15 whole pressures. Now he’ll be sandwiched between Ryan Jensen and Tristin Wirfs with Tom Brady as soon as once more his QB.

He’s set as much as have a virtually excellent season.

Be sure to bookmark this web page as we proceed to launch our high 100 gamers for the 2022 NFL season. Every morning through the week of July Twenty fifth, 2022, we are going to launch one other set of gamers. The highest 25 will probably be launched on July twenty eighth, 2022.