This is the first 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: 50 to 41
Honorable Mentions
Jared Goff and Khalil Mack were just barely outside of the top fifty. Goff was the 11th quarterback to receive votes, and as the quarterback is the highest-paid position, he lost all tiebreakers. Mack was at one point the most dominant defensive player in the league, but those days are likely behind him. Two solid players, but didn’t crack the top fifty NFL players for 2023.
50. Patrick Surtain II, Cornerback – Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos have landed themselves a great corner. As the son of a former NFL player, Surtain came into the league prepared. After the Broncos selected him with the ninth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Surtain was named to the All-Pro team in 2022 and the 2022 Pro Bowl. One of the best corners in the league.
49. Mark Andrews, Tight End – Baltimore Ravens
Whether it’s dynasty fantasy football or real-life, Mark Andrews is one of the most important tight ends in the league. Andrews has either led the team in total yards or yards per game going back four seasons. At only 27 years old, he won’t slow down any time soon.
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48. Tony Pollard, Running Back – Dallas Cowboys
Despite preparing to return from injury, Tony Pollard is the first running back to crack the top 50 NFL players for 2023. Before breaking his ankle Pollard showed an electric rushing style. Cowboys fans have been clamoring for him to receive more touches compared to his now free-agent rushing mate Ezekiel Elliot.
47. Corey Linsley, Center – Los Angeles Chargers
Centers are cool again folks! Unfortunately, Linsley was the only center to crack the top 50 and one of less than five offensive linemen. The big fellas get no love, but Linsley has two All-Pros under his belt and protects one of the cornerstone players in the NFL.
46. Tristan Wirfs, Offensive Tackle – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Wirfs has played three seasons as an offensive tackle in the NFL. In that time he has won a Super Bowl, been to two Pro Bowls, was named to two All-Pro teams, and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie team. Offensive linemen don’t get a lot of love, but Wirfs respect is well-earned.
45. George Pickens, Wide Receiver – Pittsburgh Steelers
This feels like all the analysis required. This catch probably garnered every vote he received.
Just a reminder that catches like this aren’t normal pic.twitter.com/63fe6ST0V0
— FF Mike Kash (@FFMikeKash) July 16, 2023
Pickens was on the receiving end of a rookie quarterback, which capped his upside. In year two, the Pickett-to-Pickens connection could take a huge step forward.
44. Fred Warner, MLB – San Francisco 49ers
Fresh off of his second All-Pro selection, Warner has an argument to be even higher. After playing through his rookie contract, he is now the third-highest-paid MLB in the league. He’s a bunch tackler with big play ability and part of the reason the 49ers are always competitive.
43. Derrick Henry, RB – Tennessee Titans
Are running backs back in style, or is Derrick Henry just that dominant? Running backs are the analytics crowd’s nightmare, but Henry’s yards per game in the last five seasons are stats we may never see again. Just ask the Houston Texans, Henry looks like the best running back in history every time they’re in town.
42. Daniel Jones, QB – New York Giants
Brian Daboll may have turned around Daniel Jones’ career. Even in a year with minimal weapons, Jones was able to string together multiple impressive performances. Now enter Darren Waller, Parris Campbell, and Jalin Hyatt, and Jones is primed for another solid season.
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41. Cooper Kupp, WR – Los Angeles Rams
Is Cooper Kupp the 41st-best player in the NFL, or was he just injured so everyone forgot about him? He’s only one season removed from the triple crown (receptions, yards, and touchdowns leader) and was on pace to repeat before an untimely injury in 2022. Cooper Kupp is Matthew Stafford’s best friend, and deserving of at least this spot on the top 50 NFL players for 2023.
Main Photo: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
