This is going to be a ranking of the top 5 NFL players at each offensive position along with some honorable mentions. Find out who gets the edge between some of the games elite players!
Make sure you comment your thoughts at the end!
QUARTERBACK
1. Tom Brady
Not much to explain here. At age 44 he threw for 5316 yards and 43 touchdowns. Although he fell short in the playoffs, he did everything he possibly could to get the game close capping off his day with a 55-yard bomb to Mike Evans.
2. Russell Wilson
Although Wilson’s 2021 season was cut short by an unfortunate hand injury, he was and still is a sensational talent. He has single handedly kept the Seahawks relevant since the departure of the Legion of Boom. Interesting to see how the Broncos finish with that loaded division.
3. Patrick Mahomes
Since Mahomes burst on the seen in his sophomore year, he has “regressed” technically, but he is still one of, if not the most talented QBs in the league. At the end of the regular season Mahomes ended with 37 tds and 4,839 yards. Before losing to the Bengals, where he left a lot to be desired, he had a sensational shoot out with Josh Allen. Mahomes is in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time in his young career with undeniably the best division in the NFL.
4. Josh Allen
Arguably the best dual threat QB and maybe the strongest arm as well, Josh Allen took a ginormous leap in his 4th year. He is beginning to truly show what he is capable at quarterback, outside the pocket throws combined with elite scrambling skills and the ability to throw it anywhere on the field.
5. Justin Herbert
Statistically, Herbert was either the 2nd or 3rd best qb this past season. The youngest quarterback in this top 5 also happens to have the best combination of skills and physical attributes. He has the pocket presence and IQ of a veteran quarterback with elite accuracy and a bazooka of an arm. Unfortunately, the Chargers don’t always align themselves with winning tendencies….
But Herbert, Brandon Staley and one of the best-off seasons, playoffs should be in their future.
Honorable Mention: Aaron Rodgers, Matt Stafford, Joe Burrow
RUNNING BACK
1. Nick Chubb
While only playing 14 games, Nick Chubb, accumulated 1,259 rush yards averaging 5.5 yards per carry. Although many would argue that Jonathan Taylor deserves this spot, if Chubb’s carries were adjusted to be proportional with Taylor, they would have the same number of yards. He is undeniably the best pure running back in the NFL, his combination of power, agility and receiving ability are unmatched.
2. Jonathan Taylor
The healthiest running back on this list finished the season leading in rushing statistical categories. In only his second year, he displayed his elite speed and nack for finding holes his elite offensive line creates for him. No reason he shouldn’t have a great 3rd season especially with Matt Ryan behind the helm.
3. Derrick Henry
His great season was unfortunately marred by his foot injury. The straight-line speed demon was in position to be the best running back on this list again till his mid-season injury and Jonathan Taylor took advantage. Historically running backs have fallen off a cliff once they reach the 1,500-carry mark, hopefully the leading rusher will return to form instead of taking to the like of Ezekiel Elliot.
4. Dalvin Cook
Unfortunately, Dalvin Cook gets hurt frequently. But when he is healthy, he turns Kirk Cousins into a top 10 qb and power the Minnesota Offense. He is rated as the best zone read RB since 2017, in front of both Aaron Jones and Derrick Henry. Hopefully Kevin O’Connell is able to utilize Cook’s rushing and receiving skills, and hopefully he can stay healthy as well.
5. Alvin Kamara
The best dual threat running back on this list, that has managed to stay relatively healthy, is Alvin Kamara. He is untackle-able, defenders just slip off of him, He benefitted greatly from Drew Brees not being able to throw the ball more than 5 yards for many years. It will be fun to watch him and Jameis Winston next season.
Honorable Mention: Christian McCaffery, Aaron Jones
WIDE RECEIVERS
1. Cooper Kupp
One of the best route runners in the league and won the “Triple Crown” in his first year with a brand-new quarterback. Not much to add here or debate.
2. Davante Adams
Along with Kupp, Adams is one of the best route runners in the league, his and Aaron Rodgers connection used to be magical. Will be very exciting to see what Derek Carr can do with a wide receiver as talented as Adams.
3. Stefon Diggs
Again, another excellent route runner, but this one has a twist…
He has blistering speed. Since he was traded to Buffalo to be the number 1 receiver, he has consistently been at the top in separation from all forms of coverage.
4. Deebo Samuel
If a running back was a wide receiver, it would be Deebo Samuel. His track speed combined with his desire to seek contact, makes him the best RAC receiver on this list. Combined with Kyle Shanahan’s play calling with a young and dynamic QB in Trey Lance, they should be a great duo for years to come.
5. Mike Evans
The most consistent wide receiver probably ever. He is the best contested catch receiver by far, his towering height and straight-line speed, make him a matchup nightmare. Unless you are Marshon Lattimore at 6’0….
Mike Evans has never had a season below 1,000 receiving yards, no reason to believe he won’t with Brady in possibly their last season together.
Honorable Mention: Tyreek Hill, Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase
TIGHT END
1. Travis Kelce
Since Kelce’s rookie season, he has been the best tight end in the league. He runs routes like a wide receiver. He has greatly benefited from Tyreek Hill’s speed, more often than not yielding single coverage on Kelce. Once Kelce is done with his careers, he will easily have claim in the top 5, maybe even 3 TEs of all time. He should receive even more targets this coming season with the departure of Tyreek Hill.
2. George Kittle
The best traditional tight end in the league, runs like a bowling ball and blocks like a demon. He, like Deebo Samuel, seeks out contact. If Kittle can consistently stay healthy, no reason he won’t retire an all time great amongst tight ends as well. Closest thing to a prime Gronkowski we may ever see.
3. Mark Andrews
The tight end with the best hands on this list is Mark Andrews. Although not the best route runner compared to others, he has been forced into the role of a physical slot receiver. An excellent blocker as well, Mark Andrews should build upon his excellent performance in 2021 next season.
4. Darren Waller
Amidst a chaotic season in Las Vegas, Darren Waller had an excellent season. At 6’6, he may not be half the blocker any of the TEs on this list are, but he might be the best receiver. Waller and Kelce are the 2 best route running TEs, moves like butter and has great RAC speed.
5. Rob Gronkowksi
The GOAT tight end just retired after his final season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Although he is nowhere near his form in his prime, he was still a great run blocker and pass catcher. When he needed to, he filled his role perfectly. It is a shame such an elite tight end was robbed of so many games because of injuries.
Honorable Mention: Kyle Pitts, T.J. Hockenson, Pat Freiermuth
OFFENSIVE TACKLES
1. David Bakhtiari
For the past 5 years, Bakhtiari has been the best tackle in the NFL. Although most of his season was lost to injury, he was undisputedly the best tackle. Dominance of that sort cannot just be discounted due to 1 injury. Even though Aaron Rodgers’ time to throw has increased every year, Bakhtiari’s pressure rate has decreased every year (PFF). He’s looking to bounce back this year and should play a big role in keeping the Packers relevant.
2. Trent Williams
After being plagued with being in Washington, and injuries, he has been nothing short of elite with the 49ers. Even at age 33, he dominated most edge defenders he faced.
3. Tristan Wirfs
The 23 year old tackle was one of the best the moment he stepped foot on the field. He has only given up one sack, and that was to Khalil Mack, his entire career.
4. Lane Johnson
It will be interesting to see how this athletic freak of a tackle will age. At 32 years old, Lane Johnson finished in top 5 of all blocking statistics for tackles. He had a great bounce back since his ankle injury in 2020.
5. Ryan Ramczyk
This tackle in the prime of his career has been an image of durability for tackles. Probably the best technical tackle in the league, great footwork, and hands along with rarely getting flags. Jameis should benefit greatly from his great play next season.
Honorable Mention: Rashawn Slater, Jack Conklin, Terron Armstead
GUARDS
1. Quenton Nelson
Nelson is an athletic freak and a bowling ball on the line of scrimmage. Every healthy snap he has played, he has dominated. An elite run blocker and pass protector. He is a generational talent and should be a force for years to come with Jonathan Taylor running behind him.
2. Zack Martin
Many things in Dallas change every year, but Martin is the one thing that hasn’t. He has been elite the second he has stepped foot onto the field for the Cowboys, he’s been a model of consistency for that organization, something they terribly need. It’s a shame considering how great his career has been, but how lackluster the team has been.
3. Shaq Mason
Mason has been one of the best run blockers in the league. In a well utilized New England scheme, Mason was very dominant blocking for Tom Brady for many year. Tom Brady should have a sense of relief his interior lineman are once again well-fortified with Ali Marpet’s departure.
4. Joel Bitonio
One of the best pass protectors since 2017, Bitonio hasn’t give up a sack since last season. Although he doesn’t have the physical traits of some of the other guards, he makes up with technique what he lacks in athleticism. He should be very excited to protect Watson if he ever happens to get the opportunity.
5. Wyatt Teller
Two Cleveland Browns have made the list of top 5. Although he is not quite the pass protector Bitonio is, he makes up for it with his run blocking. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt have greatly benefitted from Teller and Bitonio being an interior force.
Honorable Mention: Joe Thuney, Michael Onwenu, Brandon Scherff
CENTERS
1. Corey Linsley
One of the best run blocking centers and the least amount of errors as well. He played a huge part in helping Justin Herbert take the leap that he did in his second year.
2. Frank Ragnow
One of the best emerging stars at center. He should be an interesting piece in this O-line as Detroit rebuilds. He has pretty much gotten better every season with a career year last season.
3. Jason Kelce
Although 34 years old, Jason Kelce hasn’t waivered out of the top 5 centers since he entered the league. He has historically been a great run blocker, which the Jalen Hurts and Myles Sanders should greatly benefit from.
4. Creed Humphrey
The Kansas City Chief’s young center has been one of the best O-Line selections in recent year. He was taken in the second round and has been nothing short of spectacular since.
5. Ryan Jensen
Perhaps the most well-rounded player on this list, Jensen has been extremely consistent on the Buccaneers and the Ravens. He has skills that any team would benefit from, he can pass block with the best of them and dominate the line when he needs to.
Honorable Mention: Ben Jones, Rodney Hudson, Ryan Kelly
