With Week 5 of the NFL in the books, it is time to look at the best performers at each position from last week. It should be a mix of usual suspects and random one-game wonders. If a player is not on the list, it does not mean that the individual did not have a great game. Not all positions are created equal. Prior performance has no bearing on this list. With that said, let’s look at the best 11 offensive players and best 11 defensive players from Week 5.
An asterisk (*) indicates a player that would earn a spot on the All-Pro team through five weeks.
Quarterback: Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
After two fabulous eye test games, Jackson posted the statistical game of the year at the quarterback position. Lamar Jackson set a season-high with 442 passing yards. He tacked on four passing touchdowns, two two-point conversions, and 62 rushing yards. Jackson had a scarcely believable 140.5 passer rating on 43 attempts, one of just three games in NFL history to have a rating that high on as many attempts. Jackson posted a 90.7 passing grade, launching four big-time throws.
Tom Brady lost his spot during Monday Night Football.
If the season ended today, Kyler Murray would earn the author’s All-Pro vote.
Running Back: Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans*
Previously Appeared: Week 2
For most backs, 130 rushing yards and three touchdowns would be the game of the season. However, it was Derrick Henry‘s second three-touchdown effort and his fourth straight 100-yard game. Henry did not grade out particularly well, but the production speaks for itself. Henry finished third in yards on the week, but his three rushing touchdowns were not matched.
Nick Chubb ran for 161 yards, and James Robinson ran for 149 yards. Austin Ekeler tallied three total touchdowns, but he did not match Henry’s yardage output.
If the season ended today, Henry would earn the author’s All-Pro vote.
Wide Receiver: Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers*
Previously Appeared: Week 3
Davante Adams turned 16 targets into 11 catches and 206 yards. He tacked on a touchdown as well. It is the highest output by a receiver on the season. He graded out exceptionally well, earning a 93.2 receiving grade. Adams brought in three of four contested catch opportunities. Of his 11 catches, nine resulted in first downs.
Among those to catch a touchdown and miss the team, Ja’Marr Chase paced the group with 159 yards and a touchdown.
If the season ended today, Adams would earn the author’s All-Pro vote.
Wide Receiver: Kadarius Toney, New York Giants
While Kadarius Toney did not score a touchdown, he did score an ejection. When on the field, Toney caught 10 of 12 targets for 189 yards. He graded out even better than Adams, posting a 93.3 grade. He was perfect on three contested catch opportunities. Toney forced three missed tackles. He did have a drop, but he received 12 targets, so it is not the end of the world.
Among receivers to not score, Robert Woods led the way in yards. He had 150.
If the season ended today, Cooper Kupp would earn the author’s All-Pro vote.
Wide Receiver: Mike Williams, Los Angeles Chargers
Previously Appeared: Week 3
Despite posting a PFF receiving grade of 70.4 including a drop grade of 54.9, Mike Williams earns his second Team of the Week spot. Williams caught eight of 15 targets for 165 yards. He scored a pair of touchdowns. Five of his catches went for a first down, and he was two-for-three on contested catches.
Marquise Brown and Antonio Brown caught multiple touchdowns but did not match Williams’ pure production.
If the season ended today, Chase would earn the author’s All-Pro vote.
Tight End: Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens
Previously Appeared: Week 3
It took until the fourth quarter of the final game, but Mark Andrews compiled a fourth quarter for the ages. He scored twice, securing the two-point conversion for both touchdowns. Andrews ended with 147 yards on 11 catches, repeatedly bludgeoning the Colts. After not having a red-zone target in the first four weeks, Andrews was the go-to option for Jackson and the Ravens’ passing offense in the red zone. He posted a 92.1 receiving grade.
David Njoku, Kyle Pitts, and Dawson Knox scored and eclipsed 100 yards, but Andrews stole the spot away.
If the season ended today, Andrews would earn the author’s All-Pro vote.
Left Tackle: Taylor Lewan, Tennessee Titans
Taylor Lewan paced all left tackles in PFF grade with an 86.9. As a run blocker, Lewan was integral in paving the way for the aforementioned Henry. He earned an 82.9 run-blocking grade. In pass protection, Lewan had an exceptional performance. On 26 reps, Lewan surrendered zero pressures en route to an 88.6 pass-blocking grade.
George Fant was the only other left tackle to grade in the 80s.
If the season ended today, Trent Williams would earn the author’s All-Pro vote.
Left Guard: Alijah Vera-Tucker, New York Jets
After Noah Fant narrowly missed the team, Alijah Vera-Tucker earns his spot with pure domination against the Falcons. Vera-Tucker earned the highest pre-MNF offensive grade of any linemen, the only player to finish above 90.0. He led guards in run-blocking grade, finishing third overall. It was a similar story as a pass blocker. Vera-Tucker allowed zero pressures en route to an 88.9 pass-blocking grade, the best among guards and second to Tyron Smith among all linemen.
Ali Marpet comes in a distant second place.
If the season ended today, Joel Bitonio would earn the author’s All-Pro vote.
Center: Corey Linsley, Los Angeles Chargers
It was a tough decision at the center position, but Corey Linsley earns the spot with his exceptional pass-blocking performance and solid enough run-blocking performance. Overall, Linsley ranked fifth in grade with a 72.6. Across 53 pass-blocking snaps, tied for the second-most played by any center, Linsley allowed zero pressures. He had an 82.4 pass-blocking grade and 64.5 run-blocking grade.
Ben Jones, Connor McGovern, Ryan Jensen, and Creed Humphrey beat out Linsley in terms of pure grade, but all four allowed at least one pressure.
If the season ended today, Frank Ragnow would earn the author’s All-Pro vote.
Right Guard: Wyatt Teller, Cleveland Browns
Wyatt Teller joined Vera-Tucker in the 80.0/80.0 club. He had an 83.8 run-blocking grade to go along with an 83.4 pass-blocking grade. On 38 pass-blocking snaps, Teller allowed zero pressures, bucking his trend of being an average to below-average pass blocker. Teller gets points for his well-rounded performance.
Mark Glowinski and Nate Davis graded above 85.0, but neither were as well-rounded as Teller.
If the season ended today, Zack Martin would earn the author’s All-Pro vote.
Right Tackle: Patrick Mekari, Baltimore Ravens
Patrick Mekari did allow two pressures, both hurries, but he benefits from a weak cast of right tackles this week. Samuel Cosmi and Elijah Wilkinson graded slightly better, but they combined to play 60 snaps; Mekari played 73. David Quessenberry earned the highest grade of any tackle, but his 59.6 pass-blocking grade was less than ideal. Mekari earned an 87.7 run-blocking grade and 78.7 pass-blocking grade.
If the season ended today, Jack Conklin would earn the author’s All-Pro vote.
Interior Defensive Line: Javon Hargrave, Philadelphia Eagles
Previously Appeared: Week 1
Javon Hargrave had another excellent game to add to his borderline All-Pro season. He notched six pressures, earning an 84.5 pass-rush grade. He had a well-rounded game with run defense and tackling grades in the 70s. All told, Hargrave battled to an 89.6 grade.
Poona Ford and Al Woods graded out better by fractions of a point, but Hargrave gets the nod because of his ball production.
If the season ended today, Cameron Heyward would earn the author’s All-Pro vote.
Interior Defensive Line: Matthew Ioannidis, Washington Football Team
Matthew Ioannidis is the third different Football Team member to earn an IDL spot on the Team of the Week. He posted five pressures and a sterling 85.7 pass-rush grade. He held it together as a run defender (66.0) and tackler (71.8). Ioannidis more than doubled his total number of pressures on the season.
Jeffery Simmons and Aaron Donald led the week in pressures, but they did not grade out as well as Ioannidis’ 87.1.
If the season ended today, Donald would earn the author’s All-Pro vote.
Edge Defender: Randy Gregory, Dallas Cowboys
While Randy Gregory did not record a sack, he did lead all players with nine pressures against the Giants. He notched three hits and six hurries. Gregory finished third in pass-rush grade among EDGEs (with a minimum of 15 snaps) with a 90.3. As a whole, Gregory posted an 89.9 grade with a 68.2 run defense grade.
Everson Griffen and Chase Young edged out Gregory in terms of pure pass-rush grade, but Gregory had more pressures and was a better run defender.
If the season ended today, Myles Garrett would earn the author’s All-Pro vote.
Edge Defender: Khalil Mack, Chicago Bears
Khalil Mack was a jack of all trades in his revenge game against the Raiders. He ended with an 86.0 overall grade. He recorded five pressures en route to a 73.4 pass-rush grade. Mack was a key run defender, earning a 73.2 run defense grade. Rounding out the profile, he had a 76.9 tackling grade and a 79.5 coverage grade.
T.J. Watt was the best run defender of the week, and he recorded five pressures, earning him an honorable mention.
If the season ended today, Maxx Crosby would earn the author’s All-Pro vote.
Linebacker: Alexander Johnson, Denver Broncos*
Alexander Johnson finished second in overall grade to the other linebacker on the team (with a minimum of 10 snaps). He had a well-rounded game including 80.0+ grades as a run defender and tackler. Johnson posted a 71.6 pass-rush grade, recording one pressure. He was not the stingiest in coverage, but he did have a 65.1 grade and a pass break-up.
His opponent Devin Bush earned an 80.1 grade.
If the season ended today, Johnson would earn the author’s All-Pro vote.
Linebacker: Eric Kendricks, Minnesota Vikings
Eric Kendricks led all linebackers, regardless of snap count, with a 91.4 grade. He had been an average player for the first four weeks, but he flashed his elite coverage ability. Kendricks earned a 92.2 coverage grade, hauling in an interception of Jared Goff. It was not the most well-rounded game, but he did grade out as a strong tackler.
Kyzir White finished a distant second place in coverage grade among linebackers with an 81.6.
If the season ended today, Matt Milano would earn the author’s All-Pro vote.
Cornerback: Darius Slay, Philadelphia Eagles
It was a vintage performance for the former All-Pro. Darius Slay nabbed two interceptions of Sam Darnold. He allowed a passer rating of 25.0 when targeted. Slay did miss two tackles and finished with a run defense and a tackling grade in the 20s, but a 92.4 coverage grade is elite. He played 71 snaps to the tune of a 90.2 grade.
Elijah Molden matched Slay’s 92.4 coverage grade, but Molden played just 18 snaps in coverage. Slay played 43.
If the season ended today, Marshon Lattimore would earn the author’s All-Pro vote.
Cornerback: Anthony Brown, Dallas Cowboys
It took a while, but Anthony Brown earned his spot with a pick-six of Mike Glennon in the fourth quarter. Brown ended with an 80.2 coverage grade, aided by a 14.1 passer rating allowed. He had a solid all-around game with a 63.5 run defense grade. All told, Brown posted a 79.4 grade.
Janoris Jenkins earned a stellar 87.0 grade, including an 88.8 coverage grade.
If the season ended today, Trevon Diggs would earn the author’s All-Pro vote.
Safety: Micah Hyde, Buffalo Bills*
While Micah Hyde did not post an elite grade against the Chiefs, he did victimize Patrick Mahomes for a pick-six. Despite poor grades as a run defender and tackler, the production speaks for itself. Hyde ended with a 73.7 coverage grade. However, he has been rock-solid enough to slide into All-Pro consideration.
Jaylinn Hawkins had this spot secured until Hyde scored.
If the season ended today, Hyde would earn the author’s All-Pro vote.
Safety: Kevin Byard, Tennessee Titans*
Kevin Byard was the second-highest graded safety (minimum 20 snaps), falling short of the aforementioned Hawkins. Byard picked up a defensive touchdown and an interception, but his well-rounded performance shines through. He earned an elite 90.0 grade. As a run defender, Byard posted a 77.7 mark. In coverage, Byard earned an 82.7 grade.
DeAndre Houston-Carson posted an almost unfathomable 94.4 overall grade, but he only played 17 snaps against the Raiders.
If the season ended today, Byard would earn the author’s All-Pro vote.
Defensive Back: Marshon Lattimore, New Orleans Saints*
Marshon Lattimore was targeted nine times on Sunday. Lattimore broke up six of these targets. For those counting at home, Lattimore had six pass break-ups in one game. This tally by itself leads the NFL. Taron Johnson and Byron Jones have five each on the season. It is one of the biggest statistical anomalies of the season, and it is all the more reason for Lattimore to earn this spot and the CB1 spot on the All-Pro roster.
If the season ended today, Casey Hayward would earn the author’s All-Pro vote.
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