Preseason MVP Power Rankings: Week 2
Who are the stand-out stars in our Preseason MVP Power Rankings that are rocketing their way to the coveted Gerald McCoy trophy? Without further adieu, let’s get into it
Since we have some actual data now we’ve adjusted our model (which for those curious, can be accessed here) so it’s less training camp vibes based and more…. well still mostly vibes based.
5) TANK DELL
Tank Dell let us all down this week.
The front-runner for the Gerald McCoy believed he could rest on his laurels and didn’t bother to play a single snap in the Texans’ blowout loss to the Miami Dolphins.
Let me be clear to Mr. Dell or any other players who have earned their way to a spot on these power rankings.
Don’t grow complacent. This list and your spot on it are a privilege, not a right and there are hundreds of other players that would kill for that spot.
Tank Dell gets to hang around on the list for another week with the opportunity to surge back up for two reasons:
- I don’t believe in going from the top spot to off the list in one week
- He has a badass name.
4) Kingsley Enagbare
A defensive player in the MVP Power rankings? What is this 1986?
Kingsley Enagbare was in the league last year but really saw a limited snap count behind Rashan Gary and Preston Smith so forgive yourself if you haven’t heard of him, but man did he have a week.
In week two of the preseason, he only was on the field for 12 snaps but managed to secure 2 sacks and 2 forced fumbles.
I love me some pass rush snaps so let’s watch the big man from South Carolina work:
Shoves an OT out of the way with one arm and just takes Mac Jones down. Here’s another one:
Let’s hope we see some more of Enagbare on the field to end preseason because I’m instantly a fan of anyone that can punk out Mac Jones twice in a game.
3) Austin Watkins Jr.
Oh buddy what a statline!
Austin Watkins Jr. caught 7 of his 8 targets for 139 yards and found paydirt once.
It’s not just this week either. So far Austin Watkins Jr. has posted grades of 80.8, 74.8, and 84 by PFF in this preseason. The second-year player out of *checks notes* UAB Blazers was out of the league last year and the year prior had fewer snaps than he’s already secured this season.
I think Watkins Jr. has secured a spot in the Browns’ depth chart after this preseason. Especially when the only competition for that spot is Elijah Moore.
I’ve been sleeping on Austin Watkins Jr so far into the preseason and the only reason he isn’t higher on this list is that ties are quitter material.
2) SAM HOWELL
I feel like I should be taking a victory lap. I won’t because I am a generous god, but I should.
Sam Howell and the Juggernaut Washington Football Team Commanders ended the Baltimore Ravens’ 24-game preseason win streak and Sam Howell *Bill Simmons Voice* looked a little frisky.
Howell had 19 of 25 for 188 yards and two touchdowns 123.4 passer rating, and made some pretty good-looking throws.
Listen, I’m not saying he’s going to be a top-10 QB this season, Jake Fromm also went 10 for 16 for 91 yards and a touchdown against this defense, but I’m also not saying he won’t be a top-10 QB.
There is a minor chance that the Ravens weren’t trying, they did march out the entire bench unit for their defense, but I choose to believe Sam Howell toasted the soon-to-be one seed.
If he continues on this path he might very well be on his way to taking home the Gerald McCoy.
1) AIDAN O’CONNELL
With the death of a king, a new one rises.
The QB equivalent of drying paint takes the top spot on the power rankings this week. O’Connell, in limited play time, showed up once again. Throwing for 163 yards and 2 touchdowns in 19 passing snaps, Aidan O’Connell has become undeniable.
So far, the rookie out of Perdue has put up a 92.5 overall grade and a 91.8 passing grade per PFF this preseason. He’s grading above 90 on every passing concept with at least 10 attempts. I mean he can’t run but besides that, the only negative I can find to throw out there is that he looks boring as all hell, but at least he seems to own it.
So, congratulations Aidan O’Connell, you’ve stepped up and taken the top spot on the power rankings and you’re on your way to a spot on an NFL Roster and much more importantly, a Gerlad McCoy trophy to pass on through the O’Connell family for generations to come.
Want to see more Talent Alone Rankings? We’ve been ranking different skill position players on our podcast over here. You can also read the predecessor to the Preseason Power Rankings with our Training Camp Power Rankings.
