Argos’ DB Robertson Daniel, Bombers’ QB Zach Collaros named PFF’s top-graded CFL players for June

Graphic: 3DownNation (Photos: Matt Johnson | Mike Still)

After a three-interception performance saw him named the highest-graded player in the CFL for Week 4, Toronto Argonauts’ defensive back Robertson Daniel sits atop the CFL rankings for the month of June.

According to analytics firm Pro Football Focus (PFF), Daniel received a grade of 87.0 through three games while collecting 12 defensive tackles, one tackle for loss, one pass knockdown, one forced fumble and two recoveries. He added three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, in last week’s win over the B.C. Lions to earn his first spot on the weekly honour roll.

Trailing Daniel on the list of highest-graded defensive players was Saskatchewan Roughriders’ defensive end Anthony Lanier II (86.4) and B.C. Lions’ defensive tackle Josh Banks (83.8).

Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ quarterback Zach Collaros took top marks among offensive players this month, receiving a grade of 85.2 through four games. The two-time CFL Most Outstanding Player made PFF’s weekly honour roll twice this month and put forth the highest-graded offensive performance of the year so far in Week 2. He has completed 74-of-110 pass attempts for 1,015 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions.

Honourable mentions on the offensive side of the ball went to Montreal Alouettes’ right tackle Landon Rice (81.5) and Toronto Argonauts’ running back A.J. Ouellette (81.1). The Toronto Argonauts’ offensive line was also honoured as the highest-graded unit with a collective grade of 79.4 through three games.

The CFL partnered with PFF for the first time ahead of the 2023 season. The American company uses game footage to review every player on the field and grades their individual performances on a scale from zero to 100.

The best individual performers by player grade from each of the nine position groups are named to a monthly team. Offensive and defensive players must play a minimum of 75 snaps to be eligible and special teams players must play 25.

The top players for the month of June were as follows.

• QB | Zach Collaros | Winnipeg Blue Bombers | 85.2
• RB | A.J. Ouellette | Toronto Argonauts | 81.1
• REC | Kaion Julien-Grant | Montreal Alouettes | 80.3
• OL | Landon Rice | Montreal Alouettes | 81.5
• DL | Anthony Lanier II | Saskatchewan Roughriders | 86.4
• LB | Douglas Coleman II | Ottawa REDBLACKS | 83.2
• DB | Robertson Daniel | Toronto Argonauts | 87.0
• K/P | Sean Whyte | BC Lions | 82.5
• ST | Tyrell Richards | Montreal Alouettes | 91.1