Las Vegas: Four Raiders ranked among the top 10 in their position group
Pro Football Focus put four Raiders players in the top 10 for their position group.
Though the 2022 version of the Las Vegas Raiders was disappointing, heading into the 2023 NFL season, the Raiders have four players among the top 10 in their position group, according to Pro Football Focus.
Those four players? Josh Jacobs, Davante Adams, Maxx Crosby, and Kolton Miller. Let's take a look at PFF's rationale for each of the players' rankings.
Four Raiders ranked among the top 10 in their position group
RB Josh Jacobs
No. 4, 91.6 Pro Football Focus offensive grade.
In Jacobs' most impressive season as a professional, he tallied 2,053 yards from scrimmage. Specifically, Jacobs amassed 1,653 rushing yards, 12 rushing touchdowns, and 400 receiving yards.
"Jacobs' 2022 season was unmatched, as was evidenced by his league-leading 1,653 rushing yards," wrote PFF's Trevor Sikkema. "Not only was it his second straight year with a yards-per-carry average above 4.0, but it was also his second straight season of at least 0.21 missed tackles forced per carry (a great average versus other backs) and more than 3.0 yards after contact. Those last two stats really showcase how much he was able to show off his individual ability."
WR Davante Adams
No. 1, 90.1 Pro Football Focus offensive grade
Adamas led the league in receiving touchdowns, 14, and he set a franchise record of 1,516 receiving yards on 100 catches.
"The masses think Justin Jefferson is the best receiver in the NFL, but I see no white towel thrown in on Adams' career," wrote PFF's Sam Monson. "He averaged 2.45 yards per route run, and over the past three seasons, he leads the NFL in PFF receiving grade (94.5) and yards per route run (2.67), with Jefferson placing second in each category. Adams remains the king of receivers until somebody topples him."
DE Maxx Crosby
No. 5, 90.1 Pro Football Focus defensive grade.
Crosby led the league in tackles for a loss with 22. He also notched a career-high in sacks with 12.5. He was ultra-productive during the 2022 season, and as a result, he finds himself ranked as a tier 1 edge rusher.
"As for Crosby, over the last two seasons, no player has more pressures (100), and only," PFF writes.
OL Kolton Miller
No. 8, 84.1 Pro Football Focus offensive grade.
Miller recorded his highest overall, pass blocking and run-blocking grades in 2022. He also played in all 17 games and 1,035 offensive snaps. He was an iron man. As a result, he was rewarded by Pro Football Focus.
"[A]fter a rough rookie season, he showed substantial growth between then and 2021," wrote PFF's Gordon McGuinness. "He has produced PFF pass-blocking grades of 81.0 or better in each of the past three seasons and was the 12th-highest-graded run blocker at the position last year, too."
Feature image via Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports.
