r/NFL Top 100 Players of the 2022 Season - #80-71

Welcome to the 80-71 Rankings for the r/NFL Top 100 Players of the 2022 Season!

Link to Previous Post (90-81)

Players whose average rank landed them in places 80-71 are on this portion of the list revealed today. Players are associated with the team they finished playing for at the end of the 2022 season

Below you will see some write-ups from the rankers summarizing the players’ 2022 season and why they were among the best in 2022. Additionally, their ranks from previous years are available for y’all to see

METHODOLOGY

Link to more detailed writeup on our methodology

• Step 1: A Call to Rankers right after the Conference Championship games

• Step 2: Rankers from each team nominated players to rank, with a 11 game minimum threshold. Players are associated with the team they played for in 2022

• Step 3: The Grind. We instructed users to tier positions groups into T25, T50, etc based on 2022 regular season play only. This took several weeks as the rankers tiered each position group and discussed them. There were no individual player threads and no arbitrary position caps. Just questions and rankings.

• Step 4: Users submitted their own personal Top 125 lists.

• Step 5: User lists were reviewed by myself, u/mattkud , and u/MikeTysonChicken . The rankers were expected to answer questions about their lists. They were allowed to make any changes to their list, and were not forced to make any changes

• Step 6: The Reveal… where we are now!

And without further ado, here are the players ranked 80-71 in the r/NFL Top 100 Players of the 2022 Season!

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#80 - Terry McLaurin - Washington Commanders - Wide Receiver

Previous Ranks

2021	2020	2019
N/A	71	N/A​

Key Stat:

Most receiving yards by a player on a team where no quarterback had over 2000 passing yards since Deandre Hopkins in 2017

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Written by: u/confederalis

Terry McLaurin is an elite Top 10 receiver in the NFL and I’m tired of pretending he’s not. Even after four years of terrible QB play, bad playcalling, and being the only offensive threat on Washington, “Scary” Terry has produced only one thing: three consecutive 1000+ yard seasons. No drama and no trade requests; just ballin 'out. After a brief holdout this offseason, Washington rewarded Terry with a mega extension, and the Ohio State product immediately proved to be worth the money, earning #80 on the 2022 /r/NFL Top100 List.

While Terry’s 1191 yards ranked 9th in the NFL, he did this on much fewer opportunities than his compatriots (15.5 yds/rec, good for 4th in the league). Terry was a complete all-around threat, excelling in every facet of the receiver position. He was great after the catch: 5.1 YAC/rec (T-7th highest). He played clean: only 3 drops and 2 penalties. He moved the chains: 56 first downs (11th). He was explosive: 13 25+ yard catches (T-7th). These stats are already very substantial at face value, but they become even more impressive when the additional context of who was throwing the ball is added into the equation. Carson Wentz, Taylor Heinicke, and Sam Howell all threw to Scary Terry in 2022 and all were not good. This resulted in a 69.6% catchable target rate for Terry, which was 79th in the league. And he still put up ridiculous numbers. Terry had a 67% catch percentage, barely lower than his catchable target rate; an insane feat. Much of this can be attributed to Terry’s best trait: his jump ball ability. He led the entire NFL with 13 contested catches and put up a 68.4% catch rate on contested balls, good for 2nd behind Stefon Diggs. There’s no better to way to make up for poor QB play than by grabbing everything tossed your way, no matter how bad the throw.

Stats don’t tell the whole story, however and while Terry’s still pop off the page, he passes the eye test even moreso. In one of my favorite plays from this past year, Terry runs a quick curl before turning into a go-route as Heinicke begins to scramble. The ball is rainbowed all the way to the goal line, where Terry has to come back 10 yards, climb the ladder, high point the ball, and rip it out of Stephon Gilmore’s hands. Just an unbelievable catch with the game on the line. Keep in mind, Terry is only listed at 6’0” and he manages to fully moss one of the better corners in the league. While not as impressive, Terry still manages something very similar on this play against the Packers. With Eric Stokes draped all over him, Terry has to slow down and come back to the throw, fighting through contact and tracking the ball all the way into his arms. This play against my beloved 49ers is just as ridiculous and exemplifies Terry’s play all season long. Just look at the second replay and watch a masterclass in ball tracking and repositioning, all while keeping the defender on his back. And here’s another fantastic grab in traffic from the same game. Against the Giants, Terry proved that he wasn’t just a jump ball merchant, making a terrific one-handed catch on a ball thrown behind him, shedding a strong tackle, and prancing into the endzone. His route running is also superb, showing it off against the Eagles, where he sells an inside move before spinning out into a post-corner, leaving the DB in the dust. He does something very similar against Houston, selling inside to get the corner turned, before quickly turning into an out route.

Terry McLaurin is a phenomenal receiver and deserves to be mentioned as one of the NFL’s absolute elite. If Washington managed to field a competent QB, Terry might be putting up 1500 yard seasons with his backpack of skills. With his extension kicking in and Sam Howell showing promise to end the season, we may see Terry take that next step to superstardom. No matter what, though, Scary Terry will continue to terrify opposing defenders.

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79 - Mark Andrews - Baltimore Ravens - Tight End

Previous Ranks

2021	2020	2019	2018
24	N/A	80	N/A

Key Stat:

2nd most receiving yards and receiving touchdowns among tight ends since 2019

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Written by: u/Victory_SSB

After having a Travis Kelce like season in 2021, Mark Andrews followed up with a worse, but still very good season in 2022. Andrews had games this past year where it felt like he was the best tight end in the game, and others where he seemed obsolete. Two examples of the former were his week 2 and 6 performances. Having a touchdown in both games and having 106 and 104 yards in each of them. But then for the latter, you had games like week 4 against Buffalo where he had only 2 catches for 15 yards while playing 94% of snaps.

Despite regressing in the receiving game especially in his hands where his drop rate shot up by 5.1%, he was an amazing run blocker. He had a big role in the Ravens' run game as Greg Roman just loved outside runs and just running the ball in general. Our top three backs all averaged over 5 yards per carry and Mark did his part by making their jobs much easier on handoffs.

Mark Andrews, despite having a down year compared to last year and missing about 3 whole games, still managed to earn the 79 spot on this years addition of the r/NFL Top 100. Oh yeah he also has type 1 diabetes.

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#78 - Corey Linsley - Los Angeles Chargers - Center

Previous Ranks

2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014
47	26	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A​

Key Stat:

Career high 90.2 PFF pass blocking grade

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Written by: u/BigLewi

One of the most dominant pass blocking Centers in the NFL, Corey Linsley continued to show how important of an acquisition he has been for the Chargers in 2022. His adjustments at the LOS help hide perhaps Justin Herbert's biggest weakness as a young QB. This, paired with his ability to react in real time to missed assignments or stunts makes him one of the most integral parts to the Chargers pass offense. Corey's ability to help neutralize multiple pass rushers in the same play is a quality only the elite linemen in the NFL possess and it managed to help an undermanned and poorly coached offense to still produce at a fairly high level all season.

Linsley also excelled at getting up the field in run protection often helping the guard before moving to the second level. It was a credit to him that he continued his elite play while losing an Pro Bowl caliber LT and having 2 rookies start for the majority of the season, hopefully with a new OC and more consistency with his surrounding linemen, he can continue to produce at an All Pro and challenge Kelce and Humphrey to become the best Center in football.

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#77 - Terron Armstead - Miami Dolphins - Offensive Tackle

Previous Ranks

2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014	2013
N/A	45	51	73	N/A	N/A	45	N/A	N/A​

Key Stat:

The Dolphins averaged 16 points per game when Armstead didn't play, compared to 25 points per game when he did play

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Written by: u/pengionmidteg

Death, Taxes, Terron Armstead being an elite left tackle in the NFL. To be quite honest with you, I’m not exactly sure what to write about Terron Armstead that hasn’t already been said about him. As a saints fan, I got very used to watching this guy dominate at the left tackle position for a decade.

Armstead has established himself as one of the best Left Tackles in the NFL for a decade now, due to his great pass blocking and even better run blocking. As a pass blocker, Armstead continued his dominance this year allowing only 1 sack on 435 pass block attempts, while also only allowing 2 hits and 12 hurries on his way to his 4th pro bowl season. Here are some great examples of Armstead not giving up any ground to the outside edge rusher giving tua a ton of space to get his throws off.

Armstead isn’t just a good pass blocker though, his run blocking is even better, and he excels in double teams. New offensive guru head coach Mike McDaniel follows in the footsteps of his predecessor when it comes to finding great run blocking left tackles. Armstead is often being pulled or motioned into zone runs, in which he begins to excel finding ket initial blocks to open up holes, or further blocks down field for big gains. His speed and agility are key to front lining this fast and explosive monster offense the Dolphins have created this year and the distant future.

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#76 - Jonathan Allen - Washington Commanders - Interior Defensive Linemen (IDL)

Previous Ranks

2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
40	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A​

Key Stat:

Tied for third in tackles for loss among all DT's, per pfr

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Written by: u/Ch-i-ef

Heading into the 2022 season, there were many questions surrounding the Washington Commanders. From ownership (cough Dan Snyder) to their offense (cough Carson Wentz), there were many doubts about the legitimacy of the team. However, there was one unit to not be taken lightly, and that was their Defensive Line. From the edges; Montez Sweat and Chase Young who was returning from an ACL injury...eventually anyway. From the interior; Daron Payne and of course, Jonathan Allen, who came off an outstanding 2021 season that produced 9 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and 30 QB hits, and a Pro Bowl nomination. With the 2022 season coming up, Allen looked to make another impactful season.

Despite a lot of short-comings for the Commanders this season, their Defensive Line never let up in production. Not to be overshadowed by Daron Payne's fantastic season with 11.5 sacks, Jonathan Allen had a big impact for the Commanders. 7.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, 30 QB hits, 2 Forced Fumbles, and an Interception, leading to his second Pro Bowl nomination in 2 years. And his tape is just flat out fun to watch. Allen has a combination of strength to completely overpower the opposing lineman as well as great technique and speed to get around a lineman in a flash. Here's a few highlight clips:

Shouldering a Center all the way to the RB in the backfield? Check.
Big man pick? Big man pick.
How about a swim move strip sack?

One of my favorite highlights of his season. A quick step with a burst of speed off the line of scrimmage as well as pure strength to plow through a double team and wrap up the RB on the outside run. All Jonathan Allen here.

So what's next for Jonathan Allen? There's 2 years left on his $72,000,000 contract he signed back in 2021, and he's doing everything to prove he's worth the money. He may be approaching the later half of his NFL career at age 28, but with what Allen has shown on the field, he has more then enough gas left for another phenomenal year and then some.

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#75 - Christian Wilkins - Miami Dolphins - Interior Defensive Linemen (IDL)

Previous Ranks

2021	2020	2019
N/A	N/A	N/A​

Key Stat:

Lead all DT's in tackles, solo tackles, and stops

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Written by: u/cnvas_home

Christian Wilkins' cemented role as the leader of a chronically "overperforming" NFL defense after nearly 5 years has only seen his on-field performance continue to speak for itself. Ranked behind only Chris Jones in total snap count out of the position in the past season, Wilkins' ability to stay healthy and impact the blitz at an elite level goes on like clockwork. Still comfortably ranked within the top 5 in most metrics against the run (in sheer volume and niche PFF metrics alike) Wilkins is a run specialist who still had a higher snap count against the pass than everyone not named Chris Jones.

One thing to look for next time you watch a Fins' game is how quickly Wilkins will finish plays against the run. He routinely comes out of nowhere. We can only hope his high impact play will translate next year into his first Pro Bowl (or All-Pro Team) berth. The Dolphins soon face a crucial impasse as Wilkins' fifth year option expires, but for now, Miami can still take refuge within what he offers on the field game-in-and-game-out.

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#74 - Brian Burns - Carolina Panthers - EDGE Rusher

Previous Ranks

2021	2020	2019
N/A	100	N/A​

Key Stat:

174 pressures in the last three years - 4th most in the NFL

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Written by: u/MattyT7

There is a reason the Rams reportedly offered first round picks in 2024 and 2025 (as well as a second round pick) in exchange for the services of Brian Burns. Just 25 years old, Burns is one of the best young pass rushers in the league right now, and can succeed from almost anywhere on the line of scrimmage. As a rookie in 2019, Burn registered 7.5 sacks, followed by back-to-back 9 sack seasons, and accumulating 12.5 this past season. He is a major force to be reckoned with, and will anchor any line he’s on for years too come.

Burns has a near elite combination of speed and power. Do not try to pick him up with a tight end, do not try to pick him up with a running back. You will not succeed. At 6’5 250 pounds, Burns is big and long whilst still maintaining speed that can blow past any offensive lineman in the league. He has a killer bullrush and utilizes great handwork to dominate opposing lineman. Burns truly is a jack of all trades, capable of winning against offensive lineman using power, speed, and/or technique. Against the Bucs, Burns showcases both his nimbleness as a rusher as well as the respect he has earned as a dominant edge. Burns is able to exemplify his strengths as a pass rusher and hit the LT with a beautiful stutter/swim to get to Brady on the sack. He stops on a dime and makes the LT over-leverage himself out of position, giving him a clear path to Brady. Speaking about his incredibly length, he makes use of his wingspan on this awesome strip-sack on Russell Wilson. As a Seahawks fan, I am glad to not see Burns on the same DL as Aaron Donald, regardless of the price it would have taken. He has an arsenal of weapons and can use any depending on what the opposing OL gives him.

Entering his 5th-year option season, the Panthers will need to lock Burns down… unless they decide to trade him. He is due an extension, and will cost a pretty penny. But he is one of the most talented and exciting young defensive players in the league. He and cornerback Jaycee Horn are the type of players you can build an elite defense around. Having already turned down 2 first rounders and a second rounder in exchange for him, it’s hard to envision the Panthers sending him elsewhere. They would be wise to lock this man down ASAP.

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#73 - Jeffery Simmons - Tennessee Titans - Interior Defensive Linemen

Previous Ranks

2021	2020	2019
43	N/A	N/A​

Key Stat:

Rushes against the middle of the Titans line averaged by far the fewest Adjusted Line Yards, per Football Outsiders

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Written by: u/ThatOneGuyFrom93

Power, hand usage, and quickness are the three key attributes that helped Jeffery Simmons become one of the most impactful interior defensive linemen during his fairly young career. Simmons stayed pretty consistent following his breakout 2021 season.

He remained a problem for opposing QBs in 2022 racking up 7.5 sacks and 7 passes broken up at the line of scrimmage. Simmons was able to do most of his damage in the passing game using either his overwhelming power in one on ones with a bullrush or by using his quickness & hands to execute his stutter-swim technique to quickly get by opposing guards. Here is another example of him using a quick stutter to freeze Matt Feiler allowing him to immediately brush his hands off of him at 1st contact .

Simmons was no slouch against the run, particularly against inside and outside zone runs. Due to his combination of strength and overall quickness/speed for his position, he is partially adept at getting the upper hand on lineman moving horizontally to the LOS.

He displayed the quickness to not lose the position battle and if he did he had the strength to easily turn the offensive players movement against him, pushing them right into the play. On this first play in particular you can see this power being displayed to force the lineman right into Saquon's lap with a yank-bullrush . The second play showcases his quickness again as he's able to quickly get past guard without losing speed.

It's safe to say that the 25 year old Defensive Tackle has more than earned his 4 year extension and has even more to show going forward.

#72 - DeVonta Smith - Philadelphia Eagles - Wide Receiver

Previous Ranks

2021
N/A​

Key Stat:

6 of 7 touchdowns game against divisional opponents

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Written by: u/penguinmidteg

Tim Brown, Desmond Howard, DeVonta Smith. What’s one thing all these players have in common? Yep. Extremely basic last names… But it doesn’t end there! They also won a heisman thing too apparently. As for Brown and Howard, this is where the similarities end, with Brown going on to have a Hall of Fame career, and Howard, well he did win a Super Bowl MVP award but his wide receiving career left some to be desired. The question was, which type of career was the newest Heisman winner going to have?

After receiving his award, and being taken 10th overall by the Eagles in 2021, DeVonta HeiSmith^TM made quick work in showing his historical collegiate career was no fluke, as he would go on to have over 100 targets along with 916 yards and 5 scores as a rookie. With many questioning Smiths size and ability to play in the NFL during his first season, this past offseason a new challenge arose as Smith would now have to take a back seat to fellow superstar wr AJ Brown…. Right?.... WRONG

Even with a now much more limited opportunity, Smith continued to not only produce, but produce at an extremely elite and efficient level. Playing as lightning to AJBs thunder, Smith flourished, often taking the lead himself as wr1 on the eagles, finishing the year with 1,200 yards 140 targets and 7 tds, with another 200 yards over 3 games in the playoffs. Many could even argue the second half of the year AJB was often the thunder to Smiths lighting, as Smith lead the entire NFL in receiving from week 11 on ^{including playoffs.}

Buuuuut stats are boring, lets take some time to enjoy this mans incredible season with some of my favorite plays of his; Week 3 v the Commanders. En route to having 12 targets for 169^nice yards and a score, Smith also decided to show the world his elite ball playing skills (pause). Seriously though, this play makes me smile everytime I see it, the way he tracks, pinpoints, waits for the ball, finishing off with a beautiful over the shoulder catch while toe tapping the sidelines, I just can’t say enough about this play.

This next play against the Titans in Week 13 is not a flashy play, but it’s one that needs to be shown as it’s something Smith has always excelled at, and thats turning a defender's hips before breaking on his route. Although it is somewhat off screen, and not great from the corner, this route for Smith and the eagles was dominant all year, and felt it needed to be shown. This next route was probably Smiths most dominant, which is an out route for a touchdown. This catch is nothing special other than a very well run route, but it was one Smith dominated with all year, that also capped off a 60 yard drive from our HeiSmith for a touchdown..

These last few highlights are just some more of my favorites, that will also make you say wow. contested over the shoulder Week 14 v Bears, another great cut outside for a touchdown , and by far my favorite catch of his, this insane toe tap catch vs the Cowboys... just lol.

After two great seasons, DeVonta HeiSmith^TM is bound for another incredible 2023 season, and if you’re a fan of wide receivers, then this kid is must see tv.

#71 - Frank Ragnow - Detroit Lions - Center

Previous Ranks

2021	2020	2019	2018
N/A	60	N/A	N/A​

Key Stat:

First Lions OL to make multiple pro bowls since Kevin Glover in the 90's. First season with multiple Lions OL Pro Bowlers since Glover and Lomas Brown in 1995

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Written by: u/puntfootballs

More than any other position group, the offensive line depends on complete cohesive play from all 5 starters in order to produce even a passable product. It’s the truly great offensive lines around the league, however, that have a linchpin star who rises the talent around them, like a Peyton Manning in a room full of Austin Collies. For the elite offensive line of the Detroit Lions, I believe Frank Ragnow is that linchpin.

In 2021, Frank dealt with injuries, and we saw the Lions entire offense suffer for it. It's no coincidence that in 2022, a healthier Linchpin Ragnow came back and we saw the entire Lions offensive operation rise with his tide, with Ragnow allowing just 1 sack, and accounting for just 4 penalties in over 1,000 snaps. Frank “Poseidon” Ragnow wasn’t just great at keeping Goff upright in the middle of the field (the Lions allowed the second fewest sacks in the league with a statue QB in Jared Goff), he was an absolute anchor in the interior for the running game. Against some highly touted athletes, like Philadelphia’s Jordan Davis, Frank not only held his own, but took his man out of the play, and was consistently excellent at finding his next block up the field. Ragnow, along with his 4 counterparts, played like a 24-hour ihop delivering pancake after pancake blocking for a middling RB room to the tune of 4.5 YPC, and producing the NFL’s 11th ranked running attack.

If you need any more evidence in say, pass protection, take 5 minutes out of your day to watch any play in this Jared Goff highlight reel. In every one of these plays, whether Goff throws a dime, or Aman-Ra turns a duck into YAC, the amount of space Goff has in the middle of his line of vision to make reads and find his man is remarkable, and part of the reason the QB had a career year. His anchor and strength in pass pro are amongst the best in the league and make up for his (minor) weakness by way of his slower get-off. Linchpin Frank “Poseidon” Ragnow is now the league’s second highest paid center, behind just one Canton-bound Kelce brother and the Lions made a wise investment in keeping him for the long haul. Expect Ragnow to stay on this list for years to come, should he stay healthy.

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