This is the third in a series counting down the top NFL players for 2023. The Last Word on Pro Football team’s writers, editors, and managers cast ballots for their top ten players heading into this season. A first-place vote was worth ten points, second-place nine, et cetera. Ties went in the inverse of the most critical positions determined by contract value, as garnering a vote at a less publicized position is even more impressive.
The Top 50 NFL Players of 2023: 30 to 21
30. Justin Fields, Quarterback Chicago Bears
Update in Chicago: there’s hope. Fields has a cannon of an arm, a new weapon in D.J. Moore, and is set to take a huge step forward in 2023. At his best, he is the most explosive quarterback in the league. At his worst, he’s going to rely on his legs too much to elevate the offense around him.
29. Davante Adams, Wide Receiver Las Vegas Raiders
There are rumors swirling of a possible trade for this All-Pro receiver. Whichever team he plays for in 2023, he will be their top receiver. He was supposed to take a huge step back going from Aaron Rodgers to Derek Carr. Instead, he put up 1500 yards and 14 touchdowns. More of the same until Father Time catches up.
28. Roquan Smith, Middle Linebacker Baltimore Ravens
The third-leading tackler in the NFL in 2022, Smith is a difference-maker at the inside linebacker position. As the Ravens prepare for a bounceback season Smith will be a key cog in their defense.
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27. Jonathan Taylor, Running Back Indianapolis Colts
In Taylor’s last healthy season, he put together over 2,000 yards from scrimmage and 20 total touchdowns. His 2022 campaign was derailed by ankle injuries, but his talent cannot be ignored. In this new-look offense, Taylor could be heavily relied upon.
26. Tua Tagavailoa, Quarterback Miami Dolphins
Is there a better fit for the McDaniels offense than a healthy Tua? His pinpoint accuracy is able to hit his receivers in stride, and between Waddle and Hill, there’s enough speed to run away with the division. If he suits up for all 17 games this season, the Dolphins will be a problem.
25. Jalen Ramsey, Cornerback Miami Dolphins
Ramsey’s injury put a damper on the excitement around training camp. Injuries are always unfortunate, but losing a three-time All-Pro before the season even starts is heartbreaking. The team is optimistic he can return in December, but knee injuries and late-season returns don’t always mix well.
24. George Kittle, Tight End San Francisco 49ers
Travis Kelce might get all the love because he can catch passes a little better, but Kittle has an argument as the better all-around tight end for 2023. He’s terrifying with the ball in his hands and crushes defensive linemen when blocking.
23. Christian McCaffrey, Running Back San Francisco 49ers
Word on the street is that the 49ers had a solid team last season. Just this group alone, they have two players represented. In the whole top 50, they have five, more than any NFC team. While his trade was controversial from the Panthers perspective, he is now part of the scariest arsenal of weapons in the NFL.
22. Joey Bosa, Edge Rusher Los Angeles Chargers
Thanksgiving at the Bosa table must be insane. Joey has one more Pro Bowl but doesn’t have a Defensive Player of the Year award. He has more sacks, tackles for loss, and total tackles but has had less of an impact these past couple of seasons due to injury.
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21. Nick Chubb, Running Back Cleveland Browns
Chubb has had a throttle control set on him with Kareem Hunt in town. Now that Hunt is gone, Chubb will get more snaps and every opportunity to run amok in 2023. He made the 2022 Last Word on Sports All-AFC North team and was second-team All-Pro.
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Main Photo Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
