This is the fourth 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: 20 to 11
20. Derwin James, Safety Los Angeles Chargers
The highest rated safety on the list, James is a splash play artist. His four sacks and two interceptions in 2022 were huge for the Chargers and his record contract from 2022 was well earned.
19. Saquon Barkley, Running Back New York Giants
What a weird contract holdout. Now that that’s over, Barkley will return to form as one of the top running backs in the country. He is the heartbeat of the Giants offense and is instrumental in their success. Unless Barkley has an injury he is capable of leading the league in every rushing category.
18. Tyreek Hill, Wide Receiver Miami Dolphins
Speed kills. Hill’s speed breaks games. In 2022 he was supposed to take a huge step back going from Kansas City to Miami. Instead he set new personal records in yards and receptions. His speed will continue to haunt defensive coordinators until he decides to retire.
17. Chris Jones, Defensive Tackle Kansas City Chiefs
Everyone loves talking about Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City, but Jones has been instrumental to the Kansas City dynasty in the making. He is likely the most important defensive lineman outside of Aaron Donald.
16. Ceedee Lamb, Wide Receiver Dallas Cowboys
Lamb finished fourth in wide receiver receptions in 2022 and sixth in yards despite having no plays over 40 yards. If he can string together only a handful of larger plays this season he could find himself on the first-team All-Pro team instead of second-team.
15. Ja’Marr Chase, Wide Receiver Cincinnati Bengals
The only wide receiver in the conversation with Justin Jefferson has been competing with him since LSU. Chase only has five less yards per game through their first two seasons, and could go nuclear in 2023.
14. Sauce Gardner, Cornerback New York Jets
It’s not often a rookie cornerback is able to come in and make an immediate impact. Sauce was arguably the best player on one of the best defenses in the league. Gardner was first-team All-Pro as a rookie. Anything short of a Pro Bowl performance this season will be a let down.
13. Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback New York Jets
Is the 2023 Aaron Rodgers closer to his MVP form, or his 2022 form? Early indications are that he has staved off Father Time for one more season. He’s going to elevate the weapons around him, and fantasy football and real football will be exciting in the Big Apple for 2023.
12. Trent Williams, Left Tackle San Francisco 49ers
If the average fan closed their eyes and tried to name ten left tackles, most would struggle. But if they can name one, it’s Trent Williams. There are more highlights of him crushing defenders than sacks allowed. Whoever is playing quarterback in San Francisco won’t have to worry about their blindside.
11. T.J. Watt, Edge Rusher Pittsburgh Steelers
The co-owner of the All-Time sack record and former Defensive Player of the Year, Watt sits just outside the top ten NFL players for 2023. Despite missing seven games and playing a reduced snap count in 2022 Watt put together some dominant performances. His six tackles, one sack and interception against the Bengals Week One likely turned the tide for Pittsburgh. Expect more of the same in 2023.
Main Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
