With the NFL season set to begin in just under a month, Last Word On Sports recently released their Top-50 list of the NFL 2023 season, written by Mike Kashuba. The list was a combination of votes from the writers, editors and staff of the Last Word on Sports team. On that list include the likes of two New York Giant players in quarterback Daniel Jones, and star running back, Saquon Barkley.
Two Giants in Last Word On Pro Football Top 50 Player NFL List 2023
Daniel Jones (42)
In Kashuba’s 50-41 section, coming in hot at 42 is none other than New York Giants quarterback, Daniel Jones.
In his contract year, Daniel Jones had a career year by all means. He finished over .500 for the first time in his career and his passing yards were at an all-time high with 3,205, and interceptions at an all-time low with just 5. When you look at the stats below, it actually helps put things in perspective.
NFL Top 100 #3 ranked Jalen Hurts vs unranked Daniel Jones 🤔 pic.twitter.com/lbLZweqLSK
— evin (@KayvonOjulari) August 8, 2023
Plus, for good measures, the 25-year-old brought the Giants to the playoffs for the first time since 2016, and even won a playoff game against the Kirk Cousins led Minnesota Vikings. Not to mention the Giants quarterback had the weakest receiving corps in the NFL.
Though he fell in the Divisional Round to the Philadelphia Eagles, his career year was recognized with the inking of a four-year, $160 million contract extension.
In year five, the thought is that the Jones‘ play will only increase with the addition of star-tight end Darren Waller, speedy receiver in Paris Campbell and Saquon Barkley set to return. The playoffs should be on the horizon yet again with expectations at an all-time high.
Saquon Barkley (19)
Saquon Barkley finished in the 20-11 segment of Kashuba’s list, coming in at No. 19.
So much for a potential holdout. The 26-year-old stud running back is back on a one-year, $11 million contract, which includes a $2 million signing bonus.
In 2022, Barkley had a season that rivaled his breakout 2018 Offensive Rookie of The Year season. The Penn State product rushed for a career-high 1312 yards, with 338 receiving yards on the side. Barkley finished 7th in the year in scrimmage yards with 1,650. As such, he was recognized for his good play, being named to the Pro Bowl with All-Pro (AP) status as well.
Just like Jones, the expectations are high yet again for Barkley.
While the Giants separated from two centers in the offseason, they’ll have a new man leading the anchor in 2nd round draft pick John Michael Schmitz.
A Potential Player Missing From the Top-5o Players List
Darren Waller
If I am being completely honest, Darren Waller’s potential status here really depends on his durability.
The former Raiders Tight end has started a combined 17 games in the last two seasons. If the newly acquired Giants tight end can stay healthy for an entire season, he immediately gains Top-50 relevancy. I struggle to believe his rein among the top 5 active tight ends is over.
Most recently, in 2020, Waller finished with 1,196 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns on a whopping 107 receptions.
Again, so much depends on his durability, but if he can stay healthy the entire season, Waller is in great shape to finish as a Top 50 player.
Main Photo Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
