Pro Football Focus released its annual ranking of the 50 best player in the NFL right now. According to PFF, they quantify hundreds of data points on any given play in an effort to identify the best player. They use that information to create useful insights across the spectrum of football analysis. Here are the New Orleans Saints that made the Top 50 list:
No. 46: Cameron Jordan, Defensive End
Cam Jordan has been the bellcow of the Saints defensive line for many years to come. Jordan had a successful 2021 campaign racking up 59 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, 22 quarterback hits. He also had six passes defended and two forced fumbles. In 2021, Jordan also received his seventh Pro Bowl selection. Jordan also ranks second on the Saints all-time sack-list with 107.0 career sacks.
Saints Who Were Snubbed
There are three Saints players that come to mind that deserve to be on this list: Marshon Lattimore, Alvin Kamara and Demario Davis. You could even throw a wild card of Chauncey Gardner-Johnson being in the mix. The fact that there is only one New Orleans Saint player on this list is absurd.
Marshon Lattimore, Cornerback
Lattimore was selected by NFL execs to be the number two cornerback in the NFL and doesn’t even show up on the Top 50 list. The star cornerback had a stellar 2021 campaign where he posted 68 stops (55 solo), three interceptions, 19 passes defended and recovered one fumble. Lattimore picked up his fourth Pro Bowl honors for his performance during the 2021 season. The former NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year has become the leader of the Saints secondary.
Alvin Kamara, Running Back
Not seeing Alvin Kamara make the Top 50 list could me the most surprising out of the all of the Saints being snubbed. Kamara earned All-Pro honors in his rookie season in 2017 and 2020. He did have to miss some time in 2021, but he still led the team in rushing and in receiving. Kamara rushed for 898 yards on a career-high 284 carries with four touchdowns. On the receiving end, Kamara caught 47 receptions for 439 yards with five touchdowns. Kamara received his fifth Pro Bowl selection with his performance on the field in 2021.
Demario Davis, Linebacker
Davis yet to have a Pro Bowl appearance and that is eye-catching. Davis has been a workhorse for the Saints defense, ever since the black and gold signed him back in 2018. The star linebacker had a stellar 2021 season posting 105 tackles (61 solo), three sacks and seven passes defended. He has made an impact to the Saints defense and one of the reasons why New Orleans ranks among the top defenses in the NFL.
