The Biggest Offensive Playmakers of the 2015 NFL Season So Far

The 2015 season has continued to show the NFL is filled with explosive playmakers. Some household names are back as elite difference-makers, while some new names have emerged as stars. We’re going to rank the top 10 offensive playmakers through the season's first seven weeks.

This list is difficult because we’ve seen great performances from a few dozen playmakers. As offenses continue to evolve and be favored by the rules, we’ll continue to see a talent imbalance on that side of the ball. Poor defensive coordinators can only do so much to stop the names in this list.

Our criteria for this list is simple. Which players have dominated their competition certainly matters. So does the ability to perform despite having less-than-ideal circumstances. We’re excluding quarterbacks, as well.

This ranking isn’t necessarily meant to say any one player is better overall than his peers who aren’t on this list. Instead, it is meant to gauge just how well these 10 players are performing. Again, the competition has been fierce enough to make this a riveting discussion.

Who would make your top-10 offensive-playmaker list? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below and let’s compare.

10. Lamar Miller, RB, Miami Dolphins

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Despite a disappointing start to the season, Miami Dolphins’ running back Lamar Miller earned the 10th spot in our list after two huge performances. The Dolphins went from overly pass-happy to a more balanced approach. The result has been two blowout wins and Miller breaking out.

This isn’t just recency bias, either. Miller was greatly underutilized under Joe Philbin’s watch, but new head coach Dan Campbell has emphasized more accountability from his team. That includes offensive coordinator Bill Lazor, who is responsible for play calls.

Miller’s numbers are staggeringly efficient. He leads the NFL in yards after contact, with 3.8 per carry. He’s also tied for second with six yards per carry. The problem thus far has been opportunity. He’s only had 70 carries in six games.

Watch for Miller to continue his high level of play if Miami continues to commit to the run. His vision, patience and explosiveness makes him one of the NFL's more underrated players.

9. Allen Robinson, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

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No longer a sleeper to break out, Jacksonville Jaguars’ receiver Allen Robinson has emerged as a star. The second-year receiver has shaken his injury history to become quarterback Blake Bortles' sidekick. The pair have been superb when working together.

Robinson’s effectiveness really shows at the catch point, and his numbers reflect that. He has a gaudy 17.2 yards-per-reception number, which is second among receivers with at least 20 receptions. His big-play ability is a constant threat to the defense.

Robinson has just 82 yards after the catch, though. This illustrates a player who gets the ball near the sidelines or when downfield in contested situations. Watch Robinson in any game and that’ll confirm what the numbers say.

Since Bortles likes to take risks and give his receivers the chance to make a play on the ball, there’s no reason to think Robinson slows his production. The two aren’t elite players at their respective positions, but their chemistry and effectiveness is promising for the rest of this season and the future, alike.

8. Gary Barnidge, TE, Cleveland Browns

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Who had Gary Barnidge pegged as the NFL's second-best tight end seven weeks into the season? After losing Jordan Cameron to free agency last year, the Cleveland Browns desperately needed weapons to emerge. One has in Barnidge, who has been better than the man he replaced.

Cleveland’s force-fed Barnidge out of necessity, but he’s not just a player thriving because of volume. He’s caught 73 percent of his targets and has been an excellent red-zone threat. He’s shown solid athleticism and great hands on tough contested catches.

The arrow continues to point upward for Barnidge, despite a tough situation around him. Quarterback Josh McCown is one of the NFL's worst players, and yet Barnidge is on pace for over 1,000 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. That says a lot about his talent.

7. Keenan Allen, WR, San Diego Chargers

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Great wide receivers come in all shapes and sizes. There’s not one blueprint for what makes a star playmaker, but one who can make defenders miss in the open field is one to marvel at. San Diego Chargers receiver Keenan Allen is one of the league's best open-field runners.

The Chargers love to quickly get Allen the ball in order to let him create. He has just an 11.1-yard average per reception, but he’s done a lot of the work himself. Allen ranks fourth in yards after the catch, with 239 total. His 690 total yards is third, right on other dominant receivers' heels.

Not many receivers who see the number of passes Allen does are able to claim such efficiency, either. Allen has caught 76.5 percent of those thrown his way. That’s second among receivers with 50 or more targets. He’s having a monstrous season so far.

6. Le’Veon Bell, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

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Although Le’Veon Bell began the season suspended, it hasn’t taken him long to vault back into the top rushers' list. Even with two games where he couldn’t play, Bell is the fourth-most productive runner this season. We also must consider that he’s played without Ben Roethlisberger at quarterback the last few weeks.

With 511 yards this season, it’s as if he hasn’t missed any time, if you’re just looking at how productive he’s been. His 5.0 yards-per-carry mark and league-leading 367 yards after contact continue to back up his excellent film. He is a rare player with the ball in his hands.

Bell’s ability as a receiver cannot be understated, either. He isn't among the league-leaders in terms of yards, but that’s more of a limitation because of his quarterback situation. He has caught all but one target, pitting him at a ridiculous 96 percent catch rate.

5. Doug Martin, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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Let’s flash-back to a year ago. In the midst of another injury-riddled season, it was fair to wonder if Martin was another short-lived, first-round running back. But he returned to 100 percent this offseason, and he's back to wearing down defenses.

We saw Martin regain his explosiveness this preseason, but we had to wait until the regular season to see if it was a mirage or not. We know now that he is back. Martin’s explosiveness and quick feet have returned as he’s gashed defenses for 541 rushing yards.

Tampa Bay’s offensive line is among the worst in the NFL, but Martin has fought hard for his production. The NFL’s second-leading rusher is averaging five yards a carry. Martin also ranks second in the league with yards after contact.

Getting such big production from Martin is huge for the Buccaneers moving forward. Quarterback Jameis Winston needs all the help he can get. If Martin can stay healthy, he is one of the league's elite backs.

4. Devonta Freeman, RB, Atlanta Falcons

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Possibly the most surprising name on this list is Devonta Freeman. The Atlanta Falcons’ emergence has largely been due to Freeman's success. He’s the perfect fit for Kyle Shanahan’s zone-blocking scheme, and he’s taken full advantage of his workload.

Freeman isn’t the best athlete, but he is very quick and supremely decisive. When he reads the hole, he doesn’t hesitate to plant and gash upfield. There’s no wasted steps in his play.

Freeman is the NFL’s leading rusher with 621 yards and nine touchdowns. His schematic fit with Atlanta means he is in line for huge numbers moving forward, too. All of this is coming at a big time, as quarterback Matt Ryan has struggled playing overly well.

Amazingly, Freeman has also chipped in 310 yards receiving. He’s third in receiving yards among running backs, but the other two in front of him lack the running prowess he has. Expect Freeman to continue blossoming in Atlanta.

3. DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Houston Texans

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Most seasons would have DeAndre Hopkins as the best offensive playmaker at this point considering his production so far. After all, he’s first in receiving yards despite a terrible quarterback situation. Although I don’t have him there, he has a very strong argument that cannot be denied.

Hopkins’ development into an elite receiver isn’t surprising considering his excellent hands and athleticism. His route running is truly superb and ranks among the NFL's best. Opposing cornerbacks often have no chance at physically keeping Hopkins in check.

We’re splitting hairs, but why Hopkins is not first has more to do with the amazing play of his peers. Hopkins has been targeted a league-high 101 times, which is 17 more than anyone else. He’s getting more opportunities to shine than anyone else in the NFL.

Hopkins showed in 2014 that he was an emerging star, but now it is official. He is an elite receiver. The arrow is only pointing higher, as he is just 25 years old.

2. Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England Patriots

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Outside of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, meet the New England Patriots' most important man. When all else goes wrong, just target Gronkowski. He ranks second on this list, but he is also one of the league's very best players, regardless of position.

Gronkowski is simply unguardable. New England lines him up in-line to block, and he is a dominant run-blocker. When they send him out on routes, he simply bullies his way through defenders.

Since defenses have to keep three defenders in Gronkowski’s general area at all times, Brady has an easier time finding open receivers. Defenses must cheat toward helping on Gronkowski, or else he’ll be spiking a football in the end zone soon. It’s one of those decisions that never ends well, no matter the actual choice.

Gronkowski leads all tight ends in yards and touchdowns. He’s second in yards after the catch and third in receptions. Good luck trying to stop him.

1. Julio Jones, WR, Atlanta Falcons

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Julio Jones has been this season's most dominant and impressive offensive playmaker. The Atlanta Falcons receiver is second in yards, catches and touchdowns. How he's doing it is the most impressive aspect.

Unlike his peers, Jones is winning in every which way possible. He has the second-most yards after the catch, with 271 total. But he’s not reliant on screens to win. His 4.7 yards per reception is closer to average than not, and it shows he’s also winning on a variety of routes.

Jones’ 69 percent catch rate is also among the NFL's best. He’s made the most out of his opportunities and has an overwhelming physical profile to match his feel for the game. Even though Matt Ryan hasn’t been great this year, Jones has compensated.

What separates Jones from the rest is his unmatched efficiency while racking up production. He’s nearly impossible to defend with single coverage and is a must-watch player on a weekly basis to see what feats he accomplishes.

All stats used are from Sports-Reference.com and Pro Football Focus.

Ian Wharton is an NFL Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.

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