Four B1G players highlight PFF Dream Team
Ok, now we’re beginning to look like the preseason All-American list we thought would surface in August.
Pro Football Focus’ Steve Palazzolo believes there are four B1G players that have performed better than anyone at their respective positions. Ohio State’s Ezekiel Elliott and Joey Bosa both made the list, as did Michigan’s Jourdan Lewis and Michigan State’s Jack Conklin.
Conklin, despite the fact that he missed last week with a leg injury, was the only repeat B1G name on the list. Bosa, Elliott and Lewis all cracked the list for the first time.
Palazzolo grades based on a two-point scale that is used to evaluate every player on every play. To see the entire process, click here.
Here’s what he had to say about each B1G player that made the cut:
Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State, +13.0
A monster performance against Indiana thrust Elliott back into a spot among the nation’s best, as he ran for 274 yards and three touchdowns. Uneven quarterback play has held back a talented Ohio State team offensively, and this is the kind of performance they may need from Elliott a few more times going forward.
Jack Conklin, Michigan State, +12.1
Despite an injury, Conklin maintains his spot for at least one more week. He was one of the premier tackles in college football last season, and was off to a similar start. However, due to the injury, this spot is up for grabs in coming weeks.
Joey Bosa, Ohio State, +29.3
Despite missing the first game of the season, Bosa has already vaulted to the top of our rankings with a +29.3 overall grade. He’s put together three straight dominant outings at +8.9, +8.1, and +9.5, and now has a sack, 10 hits, and 11 hurries on 131 rushes to go with a +14.8 grade against the run.
Jourdan Lewis, Michigan, +11.1
The numbers jump off the page for Lewis, who has allowed only six catches for 46 yards on 26 targets this season (23.1 percent). He’s deflected a nation-high eight passes, and intercepted one more as his presence in the Michigan secondary has been a big part of their early-season success.