Justin Jefferson isn’t one of the five best non-quarterbacks in the NFL, according to one publication’s recently released rankings.
Pro Football Network became the latest outlet to unveil preseason rankings. going with a list of the best 100 players in the league. The Vikings star receiver was listed as the eighth best player in the NFL.
“Justin Jefferson is the best receiver in the NFL. He glides on the field, and his ability to manipulate defenders with pacing and stride length while attacking leverage is unmatched. But Jefferson can also go up and get the ball and makes no qualms going over the middle. He’s a three-level threat who should have an easier job in 2023 with a bit of help coming his way offensively in Jordan Addison and a full season of T.J. Hockenson.”
The formula used to generate the rankings is very simple: “talent relative to the player’s position and his standing amongst peers.” In other words, how much better is a player than other players at his position is a big influencer, along with how a player is viewed by his peers.
The top 10 goes as follows…
- Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs
- Micah Parsons, EDGE, Cowboys
- Aaron Donald, DT, Rams
- Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs
- Trent Williams, OT, 49ers
- Myles Garrett, EDGE, Browns
- Lane Johnson, OT, Eagles
- Justin Jefferson, WR, Vikings
- Tyreek Hill, WR, Dolphins
- T.J. Watt, EDGE, Steelers
The results leave little room for misinterpretation as it clearly suggests that Mahomes, Parsons, Donald, Kelce, Williams, Garrett and Johnson and more superior to their positional counterparts than Jefferson is to wide receivers in the league.
This is highly debatable and makes for a very good discussion.
Jefferson wasn’t the only Viking to make the list. Offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw came in at No. 87.
“It was only ever a matter of time for Christian Darrisaw. Penei Sewell and Rashawn Slater vacuumed up most of the buzz surrounding the 2021 OL class, but Darrisaw had that same kind of ability coming from Virginia Tech. Darrisaw played well but was very obviously a rookie in 2021. He was excellent at protecting Kirk Cousins a season ago, and he’s one of the most dominant run blockers in the NFL at the position.”
Darrisaw’s No. 87 ranking places him as the eighth best OT in the league despite being one of only three tackles to have top-ten PFF run & pass blocking grades in 2022.
Jefferson and Darrisaw were the lone Vikings to make the list, snubbing, at least, T.J. Hockenson, Brian O’Neill and Danielle Hunter.
