The Best Pac-12 NFL Players: The Preseason Edition

The Best Pac-12 NFL Players by Team

Pac-12 Conference states

We know the ten Pac-12 players that could be first-round picks in the 2020 NFL Draft. But, who are the best Pac-12 NFL players already in the league? Our list below compiled the best talent, on offense or defense, from each Pac-12 school.

Arizona

Nick Foles

Although he’s a few years removed from his Cinderella story Super Bowl run, Nick Foles is still a good quarterback. Though his play oscillates dramatically at times, he still has a ceiling fit for a championship ring. At the top of his game, he is up there with the elite quarterbacks.

With a solid defense around him in Jacksonville, Foles doesn’t have to revert back to his old Rams days. Instead, he can manage the game and come up with big plays when it’s clutch time. Foles has played well in playoffs in recent years. The Jaguars haven’t. That’s why they need Foles and its why he made our best Pac-12 NFL players list.

Arizona State

Lawrence Guy

Obviously a Super Bowl Ring helps illuminate players like Lawrence Guy. Nonetheless, his 2018 play is deserves a highlight. Guy made 30 defensive stops against the run last season. His run-stopping ability helped hold the Los Angeles Rams to just 62 yards rushing. 

But, he’s more than just a run-stopping big man. Guy was one of 11 interior defenders with 30-plus run stops and 20-plus pressures. In fact, he racked up four quarterback hurries in the Super Bowl, disrupting Jared Goff again and again. When an Arizona State player comes up big in the Super Bowl, he lands himself square on the best Pac-12 NFL players list.
No, Guy isn’t going to flash and dazzle like Aaron Donald, Von Miller or Fletcher Cox. But, as an interior defender, he’s brilliant and sound. It’s no wonder he posted an elite PFF grade of 91.1.

Cal

Cameron Jordan

Shocking as it may be, Cameron Jordan takes this spot from Aaron Rodgers. While many can argue against this, Jordan is currently performing better. Honestly, Cameron Jordan could be one of the best Pac-12 NFL players of all time when he’s done. First off, Jordan is extremely consistent. In his nine seasons in the NFL, he’s played every game. Get that. 128 straight games. He’s a machine.

Moreover, in those seasons he’s been a steady source of disruption. He’s totaled 409 tackles (98 for a loss), 143 quarterback hits, 71.5 sacks, 10 forced fumbles and 9 fumble recoveries. In his last three seasons, he’s earned a PFF grade of 90.0-plus. For that reason, PFF ranked him 16th on their 2018 Top 101 and 16th in for their 2019 rankings. Additionally, Cameron Jordan is a top-5 edge in run-defense and pass-rushing ability. His 66 pressures in 2018 show that he continues to be a nightmare for quarterbacks. He’s reliable, well-rounded and elite. Offenses beware.

Colorado

David Bakhtiari

Other than Aaron Rodgers, the next best player on the Green Bay Packers in David Bakhtiari. Bakhtiari is a staple of consistent, elite, pass protection. And in Green Bay, pass protection is gold.

In three straight seasons, Bakhtiari leads all offensive tackles in PFF’s pass-blocking grade. He’s earned pass-blocking grades of 93.0-plus in 2016, 2017 and 2018. He’s not only one of the best Pac-12 NFL players, he’s one of the best in the whole league. Per PFF, he is their highest-ranked offensive lineman for the 2019 PFF50. In 691 pass-blocking snaps in 2018, Bakhtiari only allowed 25 pressures. Of those, 18 were hurries, 3 were hits and only 4 were sacks. He protects his quarterback. 

Oregon

DeForest Buckner

At 6-foot-7, 291lbs with 84th-percentile arm length, DeForest Buckner is a large man. Combing that with a 112.4 (84th-percentile) Burst Score and an 11.98 (77th-percentile) Agility Score, Buckner is a difficult defended to stop. The defensive lineman performed quite well in back to back seasons. In 2018, Buckner totaled was tied for 14th in sacks and 10th in tackles for a loss. Also, Buckner added 53 pressures, 37 defensive stops and even 3 passes defended. Most of all, Buckner did all of this on a 4-12 San Francisco 49ers team. In 2019, he’ll hopefully have more opportunities to win.  

2019 should be a big year for Buckner and he can set himself apart from even the best Pac-12 NFL players. While not elite just yet, he’s entering his fourth season and has steadily risen. With Nick Bosa joining the pressure, Buckner has the chance to face easier blocking and schemes for his production. With more favorable opportunities, Buckner should wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks this season.

Oregon State

Brandin Cooks

Each of the last four seasons, on three separate teams, Brandin Cooks topped 1,000 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns. He’s a remarkable talent, gifted with raw athleticism. Athletically, Cooks is known best for his blazing 4.33 (99th-percentile) 40-Yard Dash speed and equally impressive 10.57 (99th-percentile) Agility Score. His raw speed and agility made him one of the best Pac-12 NFL players in the 2014 NFL draft. But more than that, Cooks has ball skills. Even in the deep quadrants of the football field, he posted a 87-percent (No. 25) True Catch Rate. Imagine what his catch rate would be closer to the line of scrimmage. 

But putting him closer isn’t optimal. Because no matter the opponent, Cooks is a threat to take the top of the defense. Because of this, he’s well-respected by opposing defenses. This allows his teammates to operate with greater success. Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp and Jared Goff owe a lot to Cooks and his powerful skill-set. 

Stanford

Christian McCaffrey

With the NFL evolving into a league that places more and more importance into pass-catching running backs, Christian McCaffrey emerged in 2018. He caught an otherwordly 107 passes for 867 yards, leading all backs in both categories. Additionally, he rushed for 1098 yards and tallied 13 total touchdowns. McCaffrey was electric in 2018.

Beyond the typical counting stats, McCaffrey had 57 Evaded Tackles, an 86.3-percent Catch Rate (No. 2), and only dropped 3 passes. His 2.4-percent Drop Rate was second-best for running backs in 2018. Also, per PFF, his receiving grade of 89.3 ranked first in the NFL of running backs with at least 60 targets. He makes his case to be on the best Pac-12 NFL players of all times list if he keeps this production. All in all, Christian McCaffrey is the most elite pass-catching back in the league and is primed to do so for years to come.

UCLA

Kenny Clark

In year three, Kenny Clark broke out in a big way. He’s currently one of the best defensive interiors in the NFL. Clark earned the No. 43 spot on PFF’s 2018 Top 101 and spot 37 on the 2019 PFF50. As a sophomore and a junior in the NFL, Clark was an excellent rush defender. Clark’s 9.9 run-stop percentage ranked 16th-best in run-stop percentage at the position. 

But, Clark’s pass-rushing growth is what made the biggest difference. Clark went from earning pass-rushing grades below 70 in his first two seasons to an amazing 88.8 in 2018. Clark ranked 11th in pass-rush win percentage and ninth in total pressure percentage. His year three proved he can win in all facets of the game and put himself square on our best Pac-12 NFL players list.

USC

JuJu Smith-Schuster

At just 22 years of age, JuJu Smith-Schuster battled (and arguably won) Antonio Brown for the top spot in the Pittsburg Steelers offense. His 22-year-old season included:

  • 111 Receptions (5th for wide receivers)
  • 1426 Receiving Yards (5th for wide receivers)
  • 587 Yards After the Catch (1st for wide receivers)
  • 7 Touchdowns (13th for wide receivers)
  • 839 Air Yards (10th for wide receivers)
  • 16 Redzone Receptions (2nd for wide receivers)

He’s so young. And abundantly talented. He’s already climbed above even the best Pac-12 NFL players. Smith-Schuster, now operating in an offense sans-Antonio Brown, now has his chance to truly shine as the number one. His elite career is just beginning.

Utah

Eric Weddle

Eric Weddle is entering his 13th year in the league. This veteran safety has been one of the best Pac-12 NFL players for a while. He’s 34-years-old, but that didn’t stop the Los Angeles Rams from signing him to a two-year, $10.5 million contract. Despite his age, Weddle continues to play at a high level. 

Joining John Johnson, the Rams duo make for an elite safety tandem. The Rams secondary just got stingier. Though Weddle turned down larger offers from other teams, his eyes are set on the Super Bowl. Signing with the Rams is his best shot at that. Weddle is still a strong contributor and will add value to the Rams. Joining John Johnson, the Rams duo make for an elite safety tandem. The Rams secondary just got stingier. 

Washington

Desmond Trufant

Though Desmond Trufant is no Jaylen Ramsey, he’s certainly a good cornerback. Washington Huskies fans certainly remember why he’s one of the best Pac-12 NFL players around. Even with the Atlanta Falcons defense struggling last season, Trufant remained solid. He led his team with 12 passes defended and made a plethora of veteran plays. Moreover, Trufant was exceptional in deep coverage. Among 59 qualifying cornerbacks by PFF, Trufant ranked 9th in deep target coverage. On 12 targets 20-plus yards down the field, he allowed just 2 receptions. Of those 12 targets, he forced an incompletion on 25-percent of them. He made it difficult to go deep against him.

Overall, Trufant remains an above-average cornerback. He is one of three cornerbacks that have “allowed less than a yard per coverage snap for four consecutive seasons.” In his six seasons, he’s had a PFF grade above 70. No, he’s not elite. But he certainly is great.

Washington State

Joe Dahl

For the Detroit Lions, Joe Dahl gets his shots with versatility and availability. A converted left-tackle, Dahl played both guard spots, center and even fullback for the Lions. An injury here or there, and Dahl would slide into the five-man O-line.  Yes, it’s surprising for a spot-starting lineman to make it on the best Pac-12 NFL players list. But, he’s played well in his starts and has a promising future.

While Dahl hasn’t impressed enough to be a consistent starter yet, this year is his shot. 

“I think he’s really transformed his body over the last year,” Lions head coach Matt Patricia said on Thursday. “He just looks bigger and stronger. He moves better.”

Matt Patricia

Dahl is vying for the starting left guard position for the Lions. With Matt Patricia’s (projected) run-heavy scheme in 2019, Dahl’s guard position is incredibly important. The WSU product needs to build chemistry with the other offensive lineman and cement his place in the starting five.

Ten Stats That Prove Rob Gronkowski is the Greatest Tight End of All-Time

Ten stats show that gronkowski is the greatest nfl tight end of all time

Rob Gronkowski: Greatest Tight End to Ever Play

On March 24th, 2019, following another Super Bowl-winning season, Rob Gronkowski finally decided to call it quits. Through nine NFL seasons, Gronkowski has been the most dominant tight end in the league. Whether blocking or running routes, Gronk has been the best. Now that he is officially retired, it is time to review his status as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) tight end and Hall of Fame player with these ten stats.

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The Gronk Stats

Gronk-Stat No. 1: 133.52

Since 2000, Rob Gronkowski has the highest recorded Total NEP (Net Expected Points recorded by numberFire) for a tight end season. His 2011 season was unworldly. In fact, Gronkowski has four of the thirteen highest totals at the position since 2000. As a receiving weapon, Gronk was a major contributor for his team. His ceiling and dominance as a player was unmatched.

Stat No. 2: 535.89

When we compare Rob Gronkowski to other pinnacle NFL tight ends like Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates and Jimmy Graham, Gronkowski’s efficiency stands out even more. Compile each of their top-five seasons in Total NEP and you get a chart that looks like this:

SeasonsGamesTotal NEPNEP per Game
Rob Gronkowski2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 201771535.897.55
Antonio Gates2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 201478511.296.55
Tony Gonzalez2000, 2004, 2008, 2009, 201280514.76.43
Jimmy Graham2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 201679463.015.86

What is incredible is that Gronk compiled more NEP than all of the others in only 71 games. He averaged an entire point more per game than the next man up, Antonio Gates. Gates, Gonzalez and many other tight ends may have given us longevity. But Rob Gronkowski provided more for his team on a per-game basis than any other tight end. When he was on the field, he changed the game.

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Stat No. 3: 88.7

Per PFF grading, Rob Gronkowski has a career run-blocking grade of 88.7. He also holds a career pass-blocking grade of 72.6. Gronkowski was “one of the few modern-day tight ends that [was] as formidable as a run-block as he [was] a receiving weapon”. At the NFL Combine, the University of Arizona product had the following measurements:

  • 6-foot 6-inches
  • 264 pounds
  • 10 ¾-inch hands
  • 34 ¼-inch arm length

As a blocker, Gronk used every inch and pound he had. Utilizing his 88th-percentile arm length, large frame and 84th-percentile Speed Score, Rob Gronkowski was an impressive blocker. He was “a monster” on the field, according to New England Patriots’ teammate Rex Burkhead. Jason McCourty called him “a beast” and Tom Brady referred to Gronkowski as one of “the most dominant blocking tight ends in the league.”

Stat No. 4: +0.6

When it comes to scoring touchdowns, not even the Patriots could match Gronk’s prowess. When Rob Gronkowski was out of the lineup, the Patriots scored 0.6 less touchdowns per game. As Mike Clay’s numbers show, Gronkowski’s impact extended to more completions, passing yards, passing touchdowns, overall touchdowns, completion percentage and yards per attempt. All that with less pass attempts per game. Gronk made the entire Patriots offense more efficient whenever he was in the game. Of note, the 7.0 YPA would have ranked 22nd in the NFL over that time span, while 7.9 YPA would have ranked 1st. Gronkowski’s impact on an already prolific offense is unbelievable.


Stat No. 5: 5

In the NFL’s history, a tight end has recorded a ten-plus touchdown season only 38 times. Tony Gonzalez owns two of those seasons. Antonio Gates has three. Jimmy Graham notched an impressive four. However, Gronk sits atop at his position with five. Rob Gronkowski was a touchdown machine. His spikes were a regular occurrence when he was active. In fact, Gronkowski turned 10.4-percent of his targets from Tom Brady into touchdowns. Unreal.

Stat No. 6: 9.9

As Graham Barfield noted on Twitter, Rob Gronkowski’s efficiency was better than any other tight end in yards, touchdowns and yards per target (since 1992). While Gronk was adept at catching first downs, making diving catches or securing the football in the endzone, he was also a YAC (yards after the catch) monster. Gronkowski compiled YAC with stiff arms, broken tackles, spins or just outrunning the defense. As seen in this 79-yard catch and run, The colossal tight end made NFL secondaries look like featherweights.

Stat No. 7: 90.2

Through his nine-season career, Rob Gronkowski graced the NFL with 16 playoff games. Accumulating his PFF grades for each of those games results in a PFF grade of 90.2. Per Sam Monson at PFF, this grade would have ranked number-one overall in 2018 for tight ends. It would rank top-ten among all tight end seasons PFF has graded. Gronk already was listed on PFF’s Top 101 six separate times for his regular season performances, but in the playoffs he exceeded the highest expectations. Everyone talks about Playoff Edelman, but Playoff Gronkowski was on another level.

Stat No. 8: 330.9

In 2011, Rob Gronkowski put together the greatest single-season for a tight end. 90 receptions, 1,327 receiving yards, and 18 total touchdowns. His 330.9 PPR Points are the most ever scored by a tight end. Gronkowski’s career 15.52 PPR (Points Per Game) would also rank first all-time for tight ends.

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Stat No. 9: 13.9

As PFF’s Twitter account mentioned, Rob Gronkowski ranks higher than tight end Jason Witten, Tony Gonzalez, and Antonio Gates. Yet again, Gronkowski puts distance between himself and other tight end legends.

Stat No. 10: 129.6

When Tom Brady targeted Rob Gronkowski, he had a passer rating of 129.6. Through nine seasons, holding a passer rating that high is remarkable. Brady and Gronkowski turned 753 attempts into:

  • 516 Receptions
  • 7,786 yards
  • 78 Touchdowns
  • 13 Interceptions

Rob Gronkowski and Tom Brady were the best quarterback to receiver duo in the 21st-century.

Rob Gronkowski is a First-Ballot Hall of Famer and the GOAT Tight End

The sheer dominance that Rob Gronkowski possessed when he played football is unlike any other. With that being said, there are still doubters that Gronkowski is the greatest tight end. One argument against him is that he was plagued with injuries. However, his injuries should be an argument for his greatness. Gronkowski overcame a forearm fracture, multiple herniated discs, a torn ACL and MCL, in addition to other back, ankle, thigh, knee, hamstring, hip and lung injuries. If he didn’t have those injuries, Gronkowski would have made his 2011 season a regular occurrence. Nevertheless, he still managed to create an NFL resume that is the best of all time for tight ends.

Another criticism of Gronkowski is his shorter NFL career. Gronkowski only played nine seasons, whereas Tony Gonzalez had 17 seasons and Shannon Sharpe played for 14 years. Antonio Gates just played in his 16th season and Jason Witten will have his 16th in 2019. Admitted, Gronkowski’s career doesn’t have the longevity of others. But Barry Sanders also retired early, after just ten seasons played. That didn’t stop him from being a first ballot Hall of Famer. Neither should Gronkowski’s nine season.

Bottom line, Rob Gronkowski is without a doubt the GOAT tight end and should be an easy first-ballot Hall of Fame vote.

Five up Five down: 5 best NFL Teams, 5 worst NFL Teams Week 3

5 best NFL teams

Five Up  Five Down is where we rank the 5 best NFL Teams and 5 worst NFL Teams. Who really cares about the teams in the middle. As Ricky Bobby from Talladega Nights would say, “If you’re not first, you’re last”. The Five Up  Five rankings for Week 3 reflect what we learned in week 2. We learned the importance of having a good placekicker and the awesomeness of Patrick Mahomes II. So, here are the results after the first 32 games played.

Five UP: 5 best NFL teams

1.  TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (2-0)

They beat the Saints and the Eagles, which is why they’re #1 in our 5 Up 5 Down Weekly NFL Rankings.  Best team to watch if you are a fantasy fan right now.  The team is putting up points like playing Madden 19 on the easy level.  Ryan Fitzpatrick leads the NFL in passing (819 Yards 8 TD’s a 151.1 QBR), looks like Conor McGregor and is playing like Dan Marino!  #FitzMagic is real, and he is the first QB in NFL History (99 Years) to throw for 400 yards, and at least 4 TD passes in each of his team’s first two games.  This might be a mirage, but it’s a fun mirage. The Bucs are home versus the struggling Steelers (0-1-1) whose defense is struggling against the pass.

2.  LOS ANGELES RAMS (2-0)

 The Los Angeles Rams have it all going on right now.  A defense that generates points and an offense that is by far the most creative this side of New Orleans.  The defense is loaded with playmakers (Suh, Peters, Donald).   The offensive line is playing stout.  The Rams can play better since Todd Gurley has not been himself yet.  Next up: the battle of the LA Chargers (1-1) that would make Snake Plissken happy. Don’t be surprised to see the Rams at the #1 position in our NFL rankings next week.

3.  JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (2-0)

Jacksonville fans will not like our NFL Rankings Week 3! Everyone said that the one thing that is holding the Jaguars back from being serious Superbowl contenders is Blake Bortles.  Hmm…Blake looked good in getting his revenge last week against the Pats throwing for 377 yards, and 4 TD passes against the New England Patriots.  My biggest concern with this team, like the Rams, is depth. Plenty of time to add a piece or two, but this team has plenty of time to move up these Unafraid rankings.  Jacksonville will have a chance to go to 3-0 at home versus the (1-1) Titans.

4.  KANSAS CITY CHIEFS  (2-0)

Only Ryan Fitzpatrick has been more exciting to watch than Patrick Mahomes II (582 Yards, 10 Touchdowns, 143 QBR, with zero INT’s).  I still have issues with the Chiefs defense, but we’ll see.  That offense is loaded and watching a young QB come in and dominate the NFL is very exciting.  Kid Dynamite (My new nickname for him), will have a challenge this week at home vs. (1-1) 49ers and a stout defense.  The Chiefs could be a good bet to rise in my NFL Rankings Week 3.

5.  CINCINNATI BENGALS (2-0)

Sure we laugh at this thinking they will fail, and Marvin Lewis won’t get fired again, but this team has been very impressive!  They won both of its games to start the season in dominating fashion, 34-23 against the Colts and Ravens.  The Red Rifle has been very terrific to start the season (108.5 QB Rating with 6 TD passes and just 1 INT).  Geno Atkins has been unblockable with three sacks.  The only reason why I have him at #5 is that they are the Bengals.  If these two performances were by the Patriots or Eagles, they would be #1.  That’s how impressive they have been.  Next up:  at the (1-1) Carolina Panthers.

Closing in on the top 5:   6. Minnesota Vikings (1-0-1),  7. Miami Dolphins (2-0), 8. Denver Broncos (2-0).

Five DOWN: 5 worst NFL teams

28.  DETROIT LIONS (0-2)

It seemed like things were trending in the right direction for the Lions, then the season started.  They got blown out by a rookie QB at home against the Jets and last week they tried to come back but fell short vs. 49ers. Matthew Stafford is taking a beating and hasn’t played well (76.7 QBR) the running game which was thought to be better with the additions of LeGarrette Blount and Kerryon Johnson has failed largely because of the offensive line not creating any running room. Will Matt Patricia be the latest Patriots coordinator to fail as a Head Coach (156-227 .407 Winning %). Well, his mentor brings the Patriots (1-1) to town on Sunday night, which could mean a 0-3 start.

29. OAKLAND RAIDERS (0-2)

The season started off with a catastrophe trading Khalil Mack away.  Funny, Jon Gruden said at his press conference on Wednesday, “Its hard to find a great pass rusher !” really? Derek Carr played much better in week #2 but this team gets no pressure on the opposing team’s QB, and the Wide Receivers are not getting separation.  Jared Cook has been a stud, but the Raiders look like they at best will be an 8-8 squad. The Silver and Black travel to South Beach to face the surprising (2-0) Miami Dolphins.

30. CLEVELAND BROWNS (0-1-1)

They have played better and really should be 2-0.  Doesn’t matter they had a kicker who cost them two games and Mr. Gonzalez is now gone. They replaced Gonzalez, not with a proven veteran (Santos or Forbath were available since Bailey said no), but with a rookie who had a 69% FG percentage at UCF. Yikes! I like the talent on this team, but the dysfunction of what has produced (1-32-1) football is still intact. Think of this: the Browns have not won on a Sunday since December 13, 2015 (vs. 49ers).  That is over 1,000 days.  They have a chance to end that streak next week vs. Oakland but tonight they are favored for the first time in a long time vs. the N.Y. Jets (1-1) A chance for Cleveland to get out of the doghouse in our NFL rankings.  Maybe the team needs back on Hard Knocks; they had more hope then.

31.  ARIZONA CARDINALS (0-2)

 Okay, they could be #1 in our power poll, but I like the Cardinals, so I gave them clemency.  What they won’t like is that fact they have scored a whopping 6 points in 8 quarters of play.  Sam Bradford looks like he should retire.  He set an ominous mark on Sunday against the Rams with the lowest yards per pass completion ever. Checkdown Sammy had 17 completions for 90 yards that averaged a paltry 3.33 yards.  It wasn’t that good, and the OL has been pitiful.  The Josh Rosen watch is on as the Cards will look to score some points at home versus the Chicago Bears (1-1).

32.  BUFFALO BILLS (0-2)

 The Buffalo Bills are the worst team in the NFL.  Hey, they still have the best fans, but man will this year be tough to watch!  It’s so bad they have players retiring at half-time!  What happened? They were just in the playoffs.  They already are at minus 55, the worst point differential in the league, with a date coming up with Kirk Cousins and the high-powered Vikings (1-0-1) on the road.  Josh Allen will get his 2nd NFL start with the 2nd worst offense (have already yielded 11 sacks) going up against the #1 defense from last year (Bills are 16.5 point underdogs Sunday). This could get a lot uglier.

Knocking on futilities door:  Houston Texans (0-2),  Seattle Seahawks (0-2), Pittsburgh Steelers (0-1-1) 

Come back next Wednesday for Five up Five down: 5 best NFL Teams, 5 worst NFL Teams Week 4.