Pro Football Focus' 5 highest-graded Rams of 2018 season
Cameron DaSilva
[
theramswire.usatoday.com]
It was yet another impressive season by the Los Angeles Rams under Sean McVay, topping their 2017 win total by going 13-3 and sweeping the NFC West. They got some outstanding performances from their top players – led by Aaron Donald, of course – but a handful of role players like Austin Blythe and Cory Littleton also stepped up.
Pro Football Focus released its five highest-graded players from the 2018 season and it’s no surprise who’s No. 1. The next four players, however, might surprise some, especially considering Todd Gurley isn’t among them.
Despite leading the league in touchdowns and finishing third in rushing (1,251 yards), Gurley earned an overall grade of only 78.8 – 16th among running backs. What’s even more shocking is that Ezekiel Elliott, the leading rusher in the NFL this year, had a grade of just 72.3, which put him 29th at his position.
Donald is obviously deserving of his 95.5 grade, which was the best of any player in the league this season. He led all players in sacks, pressures, quarterback hits and tackles for loss, essentially locking up another Defensive Player of the Year award.
Robert Woods was Mr. Reliable for Jared Goff, catching at least four passes for 60 yards in every game except Weeks 1 and 17. He finished the season with career-highs in catches (86), yards (1,219) and touchdowns (6).
Goff played a big role in Woods’ success, having a great season himself. Aside from those three games out of the bye week, Goff had an MVP-caliber season and was a top candidate through Week 11.
Rob Havenstein and John Johnson aren’t stars, but they’re quickly becoming two of the best players at their respective positions. Johnson led the team with four interceptions and ranked second with 11 passes defensed, playing 95 percent of the defensive snaps.
Havenstein played every single snap on offense and was fantastic in both pass protection and run blocking. The extension the Rams gave him this offseason looks like a brilliant move.
