The NFL’s Offensive All-Talent Team

One thing I always say is that when it comes to ranking athletes, “best” and “greatest” are different categories. I touched on that discrepancy in a previous article about the best wide receivers of all time. Another word that is often tossed around is “talented”. In this article, we touch on the most talented players in the league. Unfortunately for some, talent doesn’t equate to success.

Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs

HM: Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Some players have talent so otherworldly, they can survive off of that alone. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is one of them. After throwing for 5,000 yards and 50 scores in his first season as a starter, Patrick Mahomes admitted that he didn’t even know how to read defenses! But who needs to read defenses when you can throw a football further than anyone else in the league and throw from more angles than anyone else in the league? His ridiculous arm talent allows him to complete throws that most NFL QBs wouldn’t even consider attempting. Whether it’s a no-look pass, a left-handed pass, or a laser into double coverage, Patrick can do it all. Not to mention, he can MOVE as well.

Right behind him is Aaron Rodgers, who nine years ago was probably equal to what we are seeing now. I have yet to see a quarterback who can make 60-yard dimes look so routine as Rodgers can. NFL fans should appreciate the fact that we have arguably the two most talented QBs of all time in the league simultaneously. Apologies to Vick, Marino, and Elway.

Running Back: Saquon Barkley, New York Giants

HM: Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns

There is a reason that Barkley was hailed as the best RB prospect since Adrian Peterson was still suiting up for the Sooners. When’s the last time you saw a 233-pound behemoth run a 4.4 forty and record a 40+ inch vertical? Even at that size, he’s arguably the most agile back in the game. I knew something was wrong with this man when he stiff-armed a Lions defender into oblivion while at a full-stop. If it wasn’t for the complete ineptitude of the New York Giants offensive line, who knows what “SaQuads” could be accomplishing right now.

Right behind him is the equally as-large Nick Chubb. He was a high school shot put champion and nearly captured titles in the 100 and 200-meter dash as well. His 4.51 forty time may not do him justice, but this does: https://youtu.be/XlqWTG45wFM. 

Wide Receiver: Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons

HM: DK Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks

It was clear Jones was a freak when he ran a 4.4 at the combine with a broken foot. Not since the days of Randy Moss have we seen such a combination of size, speed, hands, and route running. He’s capitalized completely on these natural gifts, totaling nearly 13,000 yards in just ten seasons. He’s also first all-time in career receiving yards per game. Jones has even shown his talent on the defensive side of the ball. In his second season, he recorded a game-sealing interception in the divisional playoffs. He also has a ridiculous highlight reel of graceful chase downs and violent tackles.

The most jacked receiver since David Boston, the 6’4, 230 pound Metcalf ran an unfathomable 4.33 in 2019. Concerns about his agility have all been put to bed over the last two seasons.

Wide Receiver: Odell Beckham, Cleveland Browns

HM: Josh Gordon, Seattle Seahawks

Odell Beckham, Jr. should be no less than the second-best receiver in the National Football League. His hands are second-to-none (okay, maybe Hopkins), his speed is up there with the fastest, and his agility is absolutely unmatched. There’s a reason he made football look so easy when he first came into the league. Beckham’s uncanny ability to turn small plays into big ones has single-handedly won games before. Don’t believe me? Watch Giants-Ravens 2016 and come back to this article.

Gordon is the biggest example of talent not translating to success. Drug issues have derailed his career completely. The one season he started more than 14 games? He led the league in receiving.

*all stats come from Pro Football Reference

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-By: Micah Jimoh