At PFF, we now have more data than we know what to do with. Over time, we've developed data sets that focus on very specific traits.
Here, we dig into some of the best performers in niche categories throughout the league, hitting on everything from the best blitzer to the best quarterback at throwing a slant route to the toughest running back to tackle.
Most elusive QB
Tyrod Taylor, Bills
Taylor has had the highest average time to throw in the league since becoming Buffalo's starter at the beginning of last season, and the gap only increases over the field if you fold in scrambles. He spends his day buying time in the pocket just to deliver the ball. When you add in the fact that as a ball carrier he has the moves and athleticism to make people miss and gain yardage, Taylor is the most elusive QB in the game. Last season he forced 39 missed tackles and this season he has already notched 13.
Runner-up: Cam Newton, Panthers
Toughest RB to tackle
David Johnson, Cardinals
He doesn't have the experience of other running backs, but Johnson has been extremely difficult to contain so far in his young career. Last season he ranked seventh in PFF's elusive rating metric -- which measures missed tackles in both the run and pass game and yards after contact -- on 169 touches. And this season he ranks second to only Eddie Lacy. Entering Monday night's game against the Jets, he had broken 29 tackles on 118 touches and was averaging more than three yards per carry after contact. In the first quarter Monday, he broke a shifty 58-yard TD run. Johnson has strength, speed and an exceptionally quick jump cut that allows him to leave would-be tacklers in the dust.
Runner-up: DeMarco Murray, Titans