PFF Top 101 Players for 2015

[KB_fan]

PFF is launching their top 100 Players series (actually top 101) for 2015.

4 Panthers make the list for Numbers 76 - 101:

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/05/09/pro-top-101-nfl-players-from-2015-nos-76-101/

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Before looking at the list, there are some important things to understand regarding the criteria for selection:

• This list is based solely on 2015 play. Nothing that happened in previous years or may happen in the future is accounted for. This isn’t about class or talent, it’s about performance throughout the 2015 NFL season.
• This list is created with an “all positions are created equal” mantra. So, you won’t see 32 quarterbacks heading the list—even though that is the game’s most valuable position. Instead, we take a look at how guys played relative to what is expected from their position.

Disagree with the players we’ve included here? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter at @PFF.

[1–25 to be released on May 12, 2016.]

[26–50 to be released on May 11, 2016.]

[51–75 to be released on May 10, 2016.]

 

Note: the parentheses after a player's name is their ranking from 2014, if applicable.

 

 

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79. Trai Turner, G, Carolina Panthers (unranked)

The hints were there during his rookie campaign that Turner could be a pretty useful player, but those hints became broadcast over a megaphone during his second season. He allowed just one sack all season despite a passing attack that held the ball longer than most and targeted downfield often. He was also a force as a run-blocker, and the only real negative to his season was seven penalties.

Best performance: Week 6 at Seattle: +4.9 grade

Key stat: Turner had the seventh-highest pass-blocking efficiency among guards at 97.6

 

 

 

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83. Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers (unranked)

When he has been healthy over his career, Stewart has always been an excellent running back, but this past season was one of his best in the Carolina backfield. He had the third-highest rushing grade of the season, and only Doug Martin forced more missed tackles over the season, if you include the playoffs. Cam Newton is a big help to the run game, but Stewart is the player that makes the run game tick when he is fit.

Best performance: Week 7 versus Philadelphia: +3.6 grade

Key stat: Stewart forced the 2nd most missed tackles in the run game at 54

 

 

 

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99. Andrew Norwell, G, Carolina Panthers (unranked)

Carolina entered the season with an offensive line that looked poor on paper, but the performance of players like Norwell turned it into a pretty good unit by the end of the year. Norwell was a very strong run-blocker and held his own in pass protection over the season, allowing just two sacks despite Carolina’s deep-focused aerial attack.

Best performance: Week 12 at Dallas: +4.9 grade

Key stat: Norwell was the fifth-highest-graded run-blocking guard at +20.8 over the season

 

 

 

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100. Thomas Davis, LB, Carolina Panthers (38)

It’s tough to overstate the toughness of a guy who was prepared to play in the Super Bowl with a broken arm held together by padding and surgical intervention, but Davis once again showed all season he is one of the league’s best coverage linebackers. His run defense dropped off a little from previous seasons, however, causing his slip down the rankings.

Best performance: Week 14 versus Atlanta: +5.0 grade

Key stat: Davis had the second-highest coverage grade of any linebacker at +13.7, trailing only teammate Luke Kuechly

 

 

[KB_fan]

So, we're guaranteed at least 8 players in the top 100.

with Cam, Luke, Josh & KK sure to be there.

Add in Greg & Ryan Kalil.... we could have 10 on the list.    Sweet.

[KB_fan]

Hadn't seen this stat for TD previously:
 

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Key stat: Davis had the second-highest coverage grade of any linebacker at +13.7, trailing only teammate Luke Kuechly

 

So, the line that we banter about here so often ("we have the best LBs in the NFL") is more than just talk.  It's really true!!!.

[jdpanther5]

So the second best coverage LB in the league, whose run defense - in their words - "dropped off a little," falls 62 spots in the top 100?

[Mr Mojo Risin]

Wow Davis fell that far even with the 2nd  best coverage grade for a Lb. Did his run defense really fall off that badly?

[YoungPanthers89]

A guy named Weston Richburg is rated 11 spots higher than TD

[t96]

41 minutes ago, KB_fan said:

So, the line that we banter about here so often ("we have the best LBs in the NFL") is more than just talk.  It's really true!!!.

Anybody who's watched football knows it's pretty clear we have the best 4-3 backers in the league.

[dpm0409]

39 minutes ago, jdpanther5 said:

So the second best coverage LB in the league, whose run defense - in their words - "dropped off a little," falls 62 spots in the top 100?

Doesn't make any sense to me either man

[KB_fan]

48 minutes ago, jdpanther5 said:

So the second best coverage LB in the league, whose run defense - in their words - "dropped off a little," falls 62 spots in the top 100?

Yup.  I deliberately didn't comment on that fact.  Wanted to leave some fun for others!  :-)

 

17 minutes ago, thomas96 said:

Anybody who's watched football knows it's pretty clear we have the best 4-3 backers in the league.

Oh indeed!  I'm just a little surprised to see PFF admit it (while at the same time ranking TD at 100, LOL).  TD doesn't get far enough credit or love in the media.  Though to be fair, they did rank him #38 last season. 

(So weird that they'd rank him so highly last year, and then drop him so far for 2015, because he was a beast in 2015.  I really think it was his best season.  He made a difference in so many games..., especially considering we were missing Luke for 3 1/2 games!)

[Bartin]

I'm interested to see where they slot Olsen. He had PFF's 1st or 2nd best receiving grade for a TE but he had the worst run blocking grade which put his overall grade way down the list for TEs. 

[Saca312]

TD dropped because of "run defense" issues..mhmm...

Say that again?

[GoobyPls]

I thought Davis pass defense fell of a little this past season, while his run D remained solid.

[AceMan]

17 minutes ago, GoobyPls said:

I thought Davis pass defense fell of a little this past season, while his run D remained solid.

I question the analysis as well

[KB_fan]

It was TOTALLY worth posting this thread, silly TD ranking and all, just to get these great TD highlights!  Keep 'em coming!