Fansided

NFL Player Grades: What offensive players are making the grade?

By Lyle Graversen

Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel (16) throws during the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel (16) throws during the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 7, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (14) on the sideline against the New York Jets during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Colts 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 7, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (14) on the sideline against the New York Jets during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Colts 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Wide Receivers

Making The Grade:

Hakeem Nicks – Indianapolis Colts

When Hakeem Nicks signed in Indy most viewed it as more of a “wild card” move than an impact signing. The general consensus was that Reggie Wayne and T.Y. Hilton would still be the primary weapons for Andrew Luck. Through two preseason games Nicks is making a strong case that he could ultimately end up being the top weapon in Indy’s passing game this season. His +2.0 overall grade is very good, but his +2.9 grade in the passing game is the second best in the NFL right now. It looks like this gamble may pay off big time for the Colts.

Frankie Hammond – Kansas City Chiefs

Most casual NFL fans probably have no idea who Frankie Hammond is. In fact many Chiefs fans probably didn’t know who Hammond was before the preseason started. The reason that Hammond’s +2.2 grade (good for 7th best in the NFL) is worthy to take note of is that KC has a serious shortage of weapons at WR after Dwayne Bowe and with Bowe suspended for week one there is room for a player like Hammond to make an impact.

Missing The Mark:

Mike Wallace – Miami Dolphins

Wallace was nothing short of disappointing in Miami last year after signing a huge free agent deal. I’m sure all Dolphins fans are hoping for a nice rebound this season. Let’s hope for their sake that his play in the preseason thus far isn’t a sign of what’s to come. His -1.5 receiving grade ranks 311th out of WRs that have played this preseason. 310 WRs have ranked higher thus far. Let that sink in.

Martavis Bryant – Pittsburgh Steelers

A fourth round pick, Bryant had a chance to come in and compete for regular playing time, but his preseason performance to date isn’t helping his chances. Bryant is currently one of the absolutely worst graded WRs by PFF this preseason. If you thought Wallace’s -1.5 grade and 311th ranking for pass catching was bad, Bryant’s pass catching grade of -3.6 is over twice as bad and is literally the worst grade for receiving in the NFL thus far. Ouch!

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