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As the 2022 NFL regular season approaches its end, the PFF announced the 2022 All-Pro teams a few days ago. Below is a list of the best players in the NFL for every position in 2022. Note that this is not the official NFL 2022 All-Pro list, but rather a list of the best players in each position based on their stats and overall impact on their teams.
Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
The quarterback position is arguably the most important in the NFL. All plays depend on the quarterback, who can throw the ball to wide receivers, pass it to running backs, or run with it themselves. Being the best quarterback in the league is almost equivalent to being the best player in the league.
In 2022, many quarterbacks had impressive performances. However, to truly be the best, a player must excel in categories such as completion percentage, passing yards, touchdown passes, interceptions, and QBR rating.
Based on these criteria, the best quarterback in the league for 2022 is Patrick Mahomes. He has over 5,000 passing yards, which makes him one of only three players with multiple 5k passing-yard seasons. He also has 40 touchdowns, leading the next closest player by over 400 yards and six touchdowns in each category.
Other notable mentions include Josh Allen, Joe Burrow and Jalen Hurts.
Running back: Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders
Running backs are usually responsible for a team's running game, though in some cases the quarterback may also contribute. In 2022, several running backs had outstanding seasons, including Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, Jamaal Williams, and Nick Chubb. However, Jacobs stands out as the number-one running back for the year with over 1,600 rushing yards (160 yards more than any other player) and 12 rushing touchdowns.
Wide receiver: Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
Wide receivers are among the fastest players on the field and are responsible for catching passes thrown by the quarterback. Wide receivers also block for running backs and may run the ball themselves on occasion. There was no shortage of impressive performances from the league's wide receivers. Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams, Justin Jefferson, and Stefon Diggs all put up crazy numbers.
Jefferson gets the nod above the rest due to his record-breaking season. He has eight receiving touchdowns and led the league in receptions (124) and receiving yards (1,771). He has surpassed Hall of Fame member Randy Moss for the most receiving yards in a season in Minnesota).
Tight end: Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
The tight end position requires a player to have the strength and size of an offensive lineman and the skill of a wide receiver. Tight ends are utility players that are often used in the passing game as an extra receiver and also block in the running game.
The best tight end this season has been Travis Kelce. He has 12 receiving touchdowns, 104 receptions, and 1,300 receiving yards, ranking first in all categories for the position.
Offensive Lineman: Lane Johnson, Philadephia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles right tackle had a truly exceptional performance in 2022. Not only did he excel in his primary role of protecting the quarterback, but he also accomplished a rare feat in the NFL: he did not allow a single sack throughout the entire season.
This impressive accomplishment is a testament to his skill and determination which played a significant role in the success of the Eagles' offense. Jason Kelce of the Eagles also had an amazing season.
Defensive Lineman: Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers
As a defensive lineman, Nick Bosa has consistently demonstrated his ability to defend against the run and apply pressure on the quarterback. In 2022, he led the league in sacks with 17.5 and totaled 39 solo tackles and two forced fumbles, earning recognition as one of the top defensive linemen in the league.
However, it is worth noting that many other talented defensive linemen deserve recognition for their contributions to their respective team. These include Micah Parsons, Matthew Judon, and Chris Jones.
Cornerback: Sauce Gardner, New York Jets
Cornerbacks are defensive players primarily responsible for covering wide receivers and defending against passes. Sauce Gardner had an incredible season as a rookie for the New York Jets. He had 48 solo tackles, two interceptions and led the league with 20 pass defenses.
Other notable mentions of top cornerbacks include Jaire Alexander and James Bradberry.
Safety: Minkah Fitzpatrick, Pittsburgh Steelers
The safety position was one of the most difficult to decide upon, as both Minkah Fitzpatrick and Talanoa Hufanga of the San Francisco 49ers put up impressive performances and almost identical stats. Fitzpatrick had 51 solo tackles, six interceptions, and 11 pass defenses. Talanoa had 63 solo tackles, two forced fumbles, four interceptions, and nine pass defenses.
Kicker: Jason Myers, Seattle Seahawks
The kicking position is important in the NFL, as they have proved to be the deciding factor in many games for teams requiring a field goal to win. Jason Myers of the Seattle Seahawks has proven himself to be the best kicker in the league this season.
With an impressive 93.8% conversion rate on field goals and a perfect record on attempts from 50 yards or longer. His strong performances have undoubtedly contributed to Seattle's success this year. A worthy mention includes Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens.
Punter: Ryan Stonehouse, Tennessee Titans
The punter's position is often overlooked, but it is an important part of a team's success. In 2022, Ryan Stonehouse of the Tennessee Titans stood out as the best punter in the league. He had an average net punt distance of 44 yards and successfully placed 30 punts inside the 20-yard line. His strong performances played a key role in the success of the Titans' special teams unit.
A worthy mention is A.J. Cole of the Las Vegas Raiders, who had an average net punt distance of 43.4 yards and placed 25 punts inside the 20-yard line. Both of these players have had impressive seasons and have contributed significantly to their respective teams' success.
Punt return: Marcus Jones, New England Patriots
The punt return position is an important part of the special teams unit. The punt returner is responsible for catching and returning punts during a game for as much yardage as possible. In 2022, Marcus Jones of the New England Patriots had a standout season as a punt returner.
Jones had 13 punt returns for an average of 26 yards, including one touchdown return. He had five returns of 20 or more yards and one return of 40 or more yards, with a long return of 84 yards. Jones also made eight fair catches and had one fumble while returning punts. He is second in total punt return yards, trailing Jaelon Darden by just three yards. His strong performances contributed significantly to the success of the Patriots special teams unit.
