Pro Football Focus tabs B1G players as best at respective positions
Pro Football Focus analyst Palazzlo selected the top performers at every position heading into Week 3. This isn’t based on any preseason awards list or any national reputation. It’s all about performance.
Palazzlo grades based on a two-point scale that is used to evaluate every player on every play. To see the entire process, click here.
What he concluded was that a few Big Ten players are among the nation’s best through two games. Here’s what he had to say about each of the conference’s selections.
Offensive Guard: Jordan Walsh, Iowa (+10.2)
Last season was not always kind to Walsh, but it’s been an impressive start as he’s grading at +8.6 in the run game while not allowing a pressure on 58 attempts.
Linebacker: Darron Lee, Ohio State (+7.1)
Lee can affect the game as a pass rusher (+3.2) and as a run defender (+3.0), while improving his coverage weakness (+0.7) from a year ago.
Safety: Nate Gerry, Nebraska (+5.4)
Already pegged as one of the best coverage safeties in the coming into the season, Gerry hasn’t disappointed with his +4.2 mark and two interceptions on five targets. He’s added three stops in the run game.