The Top 50 Players of Yesterday: S2 Edition

ErMurazor · (This post was last modified: 09-21-2017, 02:41 PM by ErMurazor.)

Due to some...changes around the league I have taken over this list and will be completing the top 10 for season 2. The top 10 will be based solely on performance in season 2. I have received lists from all of the participants used to construct the top 50 players listed below, with the exception of @deadendpath27, his placed was filled in with @kckolbe (Don't fret Yeti fans, the single Yeti player in the top 10 actually received their highest rating from kckolbe!) I will try to get this done quickly, but I won't be moving to Vegas in any scenario...though technically Noble never finished it...moving on.

Season Two

Player Rankings

50th Overall - S1 - King Bronko - QB [Image: hdESSXu.png]

49th Overall - S1 - Jason Williams - CB [Image: hdESSXu.png]

48th Overall - S2 - Dieter Koch - OL [Image: Gc5BmXW.png]

47th Overall - S1 - Leroy Jenkins - RB [Image: LWhJhPh.png]

46th Overall - S1 - Tyler Varga - LB [Image: ZgnysP3.png]

45th Overall - S1 - J.J Reigns - DT [Image: LWhJhPh.png]

44th Overall - S1 - Alexander Selich - LB [Image: hpWjDeS.png]

43rd Overall - S1 - Bradley Westfield - WR [Image: LWhJhPh.png]

42nd Overall - S2 - Micah Hendrix - OL [Image: lgKJrna.png]

41st Overall - S1 - Alex Hayden - CB [Image: aVlKvow.png]

40th Overall - S1 - Daniel Robicheaux - OL [Image: aVlKvow.png]

39th Overall - S1 - Jogn Floggity - OL [Image: 5sMCmtf.png]

38th Overall - S1 - Fuego Wozy - DE [Image: aVlKvow.png]

37th Overall - S1 - Vinny Cox - DT [Image: ZgnysP3.png]

36th Overall - S1 - Turk Turkelton - K/P [Image: Gc5BmXW.png]

35th Overall - S1 - Ben Longshaw - OL [Image: hpWjDeS.png]

34th Overall - S1 - George Wright Jr. - TE [Image: LWhJhPh.png]

33rd Overall - S1 - None Stormblessed - WR [Image: ZgnysP3.png]

32nd Overall - S1 - Kurt Hendrix - DE [Image: Gc5BmXW.png]

31st Overall - S1 - Dominic Verns - S [Image: LWhJhPh.png]

30th Overall - S1 - Logan Noble - QB [Image: aVlKvow.png]

29th Overall - S1 - Mayran Jackson - WR [Image: hdESSXu.png]

28th Overall - S1 - Boss Tweed - RB [Image: aVlKvow.png]

27th Overall - S1 - John Canton - CB [Image: hpWjDeS.png]

26th Overall - S2 - Fox North - WR [Image: lgKJrna.png]

25th Overall - S1 - Omar Wright - RB [Image: lgKJrna.png]

24th Overall - S1 - Ricky Maddox - TE [Image: 5sMCmtf.png]

23rd Overall - S1 - Mike Boss - QB [Image: LWhJhPh.png]

22nd Overall - S2 - Tyler Oles - CB [Image: lgKJrna.png]

21st Overall - S1 - Erasmo Broadway - LB [Image: Gc5BmXW.png]

20th Overall - S1 - Bailey Cook - WR [Image: 5sMCmtf.png]

19th Overall - S2 - Darlane Farlane - RB [Image: Gc5BmXW.png]

18th Overall - S1 - Antoine Delacour - CB [Image: Gc5BmXW.png]

17th Overall - S1 - Bubba Nuck - RB [Image: 5sMCmtf.png]

16th Overall - S1 - Kendrick Hendricks - WR [Image: aVlKvow.png]

15th Overall - S1 - Angus Winchester - OL [Image: LWhJhPh.png]

14th Overall - S1 - Reg Macworthy - RB [Image: hdESSXu.png]

13rd Overall - S1 - Isaiah Rashad - S [Image: hdESSXu.png]

12nd Overall - S2 - Tim Pest - OL [Image: hdESSXu.png]

11st Overall - S1 - Ryan Flock - S [Image: hdESSXu.png]

Note: The average grades for the top 10 do not include S1 rankings and thus will be slightly off the 50-11 rankings.

10th Overall - (S1) LB - Jonathan Saint || -4 - COL

@jparks98
Average Grade: 16.6 || Highest Rank: 6 || Lowest Rank: 35
Previous Rank: 6

9th Overall - (S1) DT - Mark Ramrio || No Change - PHI

@Anti-Hype
Average Grade: 15.4 || Highest Rank: 3 || Lowest Rank: 34
Previous Rank: 9

8th Overall - (S1) OT - Mat Akselsen || +26 - YKW

@Bzerkap
Average Grade: 11.2 || Highest Rank: 4 || Lowest Rank: 19
Previous Rank: 34

7th Overall - (S1) LB - Jaylon Lee || +12 - ARI

@youngcricket
Average Grade: 11.0 || Highest Rank: 4 || Lowest Rank: 20
Previous Rank: 19

6th Overall - (S1) S - Lincoln Jefferson || +33 - PHI

@adam2552
Average Grade: 10.1 || Highest Rank: 3 || Lowest Rank: 33
Previous Rank: 39

5th Overall - (S1) WR - Josh Garden|| -1 - YKW

@Ballerstorm
Average Grade: 7.4 || Highest Rank: 3 || Lowest Rank: 12
Previous Rank: 4

3rd Overall - (S1) LB - Harrif Ernston|| +20 - ARI

@Valtookan
Average Grade: 6.7 || Highest Rank: 1 || Lowest Rank: 21
Previous Rank: 23

3rd Overall - (S1) WR - Robert Phelps|| +8 - OCO

@DrunkenTeddy
Average Grade: 6.7 || Highest Rank: 2 || Lowest Rank: 21
Previous Rank: 11

2nd Overall - (S1) QB- Chris Orosz|| +6 - YKW

@Aenir
Average Grade: 6.3 || Highest Rank: 1 || Lowest Rank: 12
Previous Rank: 8

1st Overall - (S1) DE - Jayce Tuck|| +6 - ARI

@ErMurazor
Average Grade: 1.2 || Highest Rank: 1 || Lowest Rank: 2
Previous Rank: 7

Thanks to @kckolbe for some write-up assistance and making a list as well as the other list makers for helping out with this.

Code:
2,918 words with the below posting. Please give pay kckolbe for 1/2 the word count

ErMurazor · (This post was last modified: 09-21-2017, 02:39 PM by ErMurazor.)

10th Overall - (S1) LB - Jonathan Saint || -4 - COL

@jparks98
Average Grade: 16.6 || Highest Rank: 6 || Lowest Rank: 35
Previous Rank: 6

Saint had an amazing year despite a disappointing season for the Colorado Yeti. Despite missing the playoffs on a controversial technicality the Yeti defense was sound all season and Jonathan Saint was the foundation of that unit. Saint finished the year with an impressive stat line that included 121 tackles 3rd in the league, 9 tackles for loss first among LBs, 3 forced fumbles tied for 2nd in the league, 12 sacks tied for 2nd among LBs, 6 pass deflections, and 1 blocked punt. The talent surrounding Saint has shifted throughout his career, but so far he has shown he's going to put up number no matter who is running the Yeti or who is lined up next to him on the field. The linebacker position is chalked for of talent, but there is no denying Jonathan Saint has earned his place among the best in the league.

9th Overall - (S1) DT - Mark Ramrio || No Change - PHI

@Anti-Hype
Average Grade: 15.4 || Highest Rank: 3 || Lowest Rank: 34
Previous Rank: 9

Mark Ramrio is the best defensive tackle in a league. That is a fact. You could even make the argument that he's the only defensive lineman in the conversation for best in the league with Jayce Tuck. In season 2 Mark Ramrio played for the worst team in the league. If you go through this list you're not going to find a lot of Legion players listed on either side of the ball, but the Legion's defensive line was still able to win them a few games and was an above average unit. This was entirely built around the strengths and abilities of Mark Ramrio. Ramrio led defensive tackles in the following categories: tackles, tackles for loss, sacks, safeties, and blocked punts also known as all of them. Ramrio was also 2nd in the entire league in sacks. If you have any reservations about the abilities of Ramrio consider he was traded to the struggling Philadelphia Liberty for two first rounders and not only was the deal considered a good move by the Liberty front office, their defense is now in talks as one of the best in the league. Mark Ramrio is a beast that was able to help a bunch of bots, inactives, and rookies look like a NSFL caliber defensive unit in Las Vegas. Ramrio is the kind of player you can build a team around and earned his place in the top 10.

8th Overall - (S1) OT - Mat Akselsen || +26 - YKW

@Bzerkap
Average Grade: 11.2 || Highest Rank: 4 || Lowest Rank: 19
Previous Rank: 34

Mat Akselsen is the highest ranked offensive lineman on the list this year. In season 2 Akselsen has an impressive season finishing with the 2nd most pancakes at 72 and an impressive 2 sacks allowed. Some may argue other linemen deserved to be on the top of the list, but Akelsen's consistency from year to year played a role in earning him his spot here. Akselsen bookends the arguably the best offensive line in the league and played a key role in allowing the Wraiths to develop the most potent offense in the league. Akselsen is a leader on the offense and when he is firing on all cylinders the Wraiths offense can really get rolling. Several times in season two the Wraiths porous defense would allow the other team to put points on the board and Akselsen would lead the offense out to impose their will on the opposing defense and keep the Wraiths in the game. Akselsen's savy as a player and his ability to lead his teammates to wins and knock defenders off of the ball earned him the number 8 spot on this year's list.

7th Overall - (S1) LB - Jaylon Lee || +12 - ARI

@youngcricket
Average Grade: 11.0 || Highest Rank: 4 || Lowest Rank: 20
Previous Rank: 19

Jaylon Lee is the best middle linebacker in the league. Lee is able to dominate the center of the field and allow the other linebackers on the Outlaws to take risks and make big plays. While Lee isn't putting up flash sacks, interceptions, or touchdowns. He led the league in tackles by a significant margin. Jaylon Lee was also able to put up a respectable 7 sacks. 4 PDs, and 1 TD. Few would disagree that the Outlaws have the best defense in the league and Jaylon Lee is the lynch pin of that unit. Jaylon Lee is the best LB in the league and earned his spot at #7.

6th Overall - (S1) S - Lincoln Jefferson || +33 - PHI

@adam2552
Average Grade: 10.1 || Highest Rank: 3 || Lowest Rank: 33
Previous Rank: 39

Lincoln Jefferson proved himself to be a play maker in his first season on the defensive side of the ball. Jefferson was the star of an expansion team defense that was questionable at times throughout the year. Despite a lack of pretty much pass rushing threat Jefferson was able to lead the league in interceptions including one he brought to the house. The Liberty defense was a middling group in season 2 and I think Jefferson's importance can be best represented by removing him from the picture and imagining what the unit would have looked like without his on and off the field leadership. Jefferson's tackle numbers may have been inflated by being an a poor team, but he still beat out every other safety in the league, including those with even more opportunities for tackles, while also generating his own takeaways. As Jackson develops the Liberty's secondary into one of the best in the league it's hard to see a player that makes those that play around him so much better go anywhere but up from here.

5th Overall - (S1) WR - Josh Garden|| -1 - YKW

@Ballerstorm
Average Grade: 7.4 || Highest Rank: 3 || Lowest Rank: 12
Previous Rank: 4

Josh Garden. Wow there's so much to say about the man, the myth, the legend. Garden lives the rock star lifestyle and his off the field antics are almost as legendary as what we've seen him do on the field. Josh Garden is the kind of player you have to game plan for. The guy has 8 TDs! He's a threat to take every play to the house, even if your corner is on his back the entire time. Your punter is shanking punts because he's scared of Garden returning them. You can triple cover Garden and leave a running back wide open and Garden can still beat you, and the QB will probably still target him! I'm envious of the offensive coordinator that has a weapon like Garden. Get this man the ball and good things will probably follow. He may not always lead the leagues in statistical categories but you better bet your ass he's in the conversation. I don't think there's another player in the league that players are more worried about lining up against each week. Josh Garden is a real life cheat code.

Wow! A tie for third place!

3rd Overall - (S1) LB - Harrif Ernston|| +20 - ARI

@Valtookan
Average Grade: 6.7 || Highest Rank: 1 || Lowest Rank: 21
Previous Rank: 23

Harrif Ernston has made his presence felt on and off the field in his first two years in the league. In season 2 Ernston led the league's linebackers in both sacks and interceptions. Coupled with Jaylon Lee, Ernston helped contribute to the Outlaws ferocious, championship defense that simply shut opposing defenses down. If a team failed to keep track of Ernston on the field, he was sure to make them pay, taking the QB down on a blitz or getting in the passing lane and making a play on the ball. Ernston's fiery off the field demeanor often seemed to spill onto his play on the field and multiple times in season 2 he took over games and had his way with the opposing offense. This guy makes plays when his team needs them, there's no arguing that.

3rd Overall - (S1) WR - Robert Phelps|| +8 - OCO

@DrunkenTeddy
Average Grade: 6.7 || Highest Rank: 2 || Lowest Rank: 21
Previous Rank: 11

Remember that Josh Garden guy we talked about earlier? The game breaker? Well this guy recorded more yards and catches than him. Phelps may not have have found the end zone 8 times like Garden, but 5 TDs is nothing to shake a stick at, especially with 1400+ receiving yards. The Otters offense transitioned from a run focused team to one that slings it, and can you blame them when they have a guy like Phelps to throw to? In season 2 we saw Mike Boss begin to live up to his name and a big part of that was on the shoulders of Robert Phelps making plays. How many times did we see Phelps drag a defender down the field and make a play that looked impossible? A lot! This guy was the most physical receiver in the league and earned his spot on the top 50.

2nd Overall - (S1) QB- Chris Orosz|| +6 - YKW

@Aenir
Average Grade: 6.3 || Highest Rank: 1 || Lowest Rank: 12
Previous Rank: 8

The best quarterback in the league, Chris Orosz. I think it's safe to say Orosz is here for his role in dragging the Wraiths to the season 2 playoffs. Orosz was at the helm of what was, for my money, the best offense in the league. Orosz dragged his team, broken defense an all, into the playoffs. On the way he posted a league high 84.1 passer rating and a league high 3,657 passing yards. The 21 touchdown passes probably don't hurt either. The ride for Orosz may have had a few bumps, but the highs were too high to ignore. Several times in season 2 the Wraiths defense would fail to get a stop or make a play and Orosz would just drive them down the score and put up more points, whatever it took to get the win. Who cares what you say about his receivers or his line, you can't deny Orosz can sling it. The most important player on one of the league's top teams earns his spot at number 2.

1st Overall - (S1) DE - Jayce Tuck|| +6 - ARI

@ErMurazor
Average Grade: 1.2 || Highest Rank: 1 || Lowest Rank: 2
Previous Rank: 7

#1 among all DEs in tackles. #1 among all DEs in tackles for loss. #2 in the league in forced fumbles. Tied for #2 in the league in safeties. #1 in the league in sacks. Normally, if a player is surrounded by a large number of Top 50 players on his side of the ball, I ranked them worse. By that logic, Tuck should be lower. After all, the Arizona Outlaws had six players on defense make the top 50, an amazing FIVE of them in the top 15. My argument, though, is that Tuck, rather than the benficiary of that success, is more likely the reason for it.

Do you think Isaiah Rashad, playing Season Three in the DSFL, would have made this list if not for Tuck forcing bad throws for him to intercept? Same question for Jason Williams, who, as the #2 CB, was so bad that the Outlaws traded away their best receiver to take him off the field.

The only other argument you could make against Tuck is that a disproportionate amount of his sacks came against one weak opponent, which is true. 9 of his 23 sacks (almost 40%) came against the Liberty. Given that Harriff Ernston and Mark Ramrio's sacks were more evenly distributed, should that lower Tuck's stock? Taking away the Liberty games would drop him to 14 sacks, third in the league (still first among DEs, by the way). However, taking away Liberty games also drops Ramrio AND Ernston to 13. Tuck would STILL be number one.

No matter how you look at it, no player did more damage to an opponent than Jayce Tuck did to his, and that's why he's the number one player in the league.