Pro Football Focus is a good measuring stick for a player’s performance throughout the season. That said, seven NFL players have received an overall grade of at least 90 in 2022 and 2023. Leading the pack is reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, who had a 92.5 PFF grade in 2022 and 94 in 2023. It’s his third straight line-of-nine grade after getting 92 in 2021.
Garrett finished the 2023 regular season with 42 tackles, 14 sacks, and four forced fumbles. It’s his sixth consecutive double-digit sack season and fourth straight season with at least 30 solo tackles. Joining him in the exclusive group is Dexter Lawrence, who scored 92 in 2022 and 92.9 in 2023. The New York Giants defensive tackle had 121 tackles and 12 sacks in the two previous seasons.
The only defenders with a 90+ PFF Grade in both of the past two seasons pic.twitter.com/KDOd5MWjZN
— PFF (@PFF) June 19, 2024
Quinnen Williams, who had grades of 90.1 and 90.6, was also on the list. The New York Jets defensive tackle earned a four-year, $96 million contract extension after tallying 12 sacks and 55 tackles in 2022.
Meanwhile, Micah Parsons maintained his excellence in 2023 with a 92.7 PFF overall grade, thanks to 64 tackles and 14 sacks. The Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker scored 91.6 the year before, backed up by 65 tackles and 13.5 sacks.
Maxx Crosby has been the heart and soul of the Las Vegas Raiders defense, and PFF rewarded him with grades of 90.1 and 92.1. Crosby had 113 solo tackles, 27 sacks, and five forced fumbles in the last two seasons.
Nick Bosa, the highest-paid NFL defensive player, had 90.9 and 92.7 grades. He won the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Award after collecting a league-leading 18.5 sacks.
Finally, Aaron Donald exuded consistency and excellence before retiring with PFF grades of 90.5 and 90.9. In ten NFL seasons, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year never had a grade below 90. Being one of the game’s best defensive tackles earned him eight All-Pro and ten Pro Bowl selections.
-Lance Fernandez