The anticipation is building as the 2023 NFL season inches closer. This is the time to celebrate, analyze, and debate the incredible talents that define the league. As fans, we’re eager to watch the top football players perform their magic on the field once again. In this comprehensive breakdown, we’ll detail the 50 best NFL players going into the 2023 season, providing insights into their careers, what makes them unique, and why they deserve their place on this list.
1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs: A Master in the Making
The quarterback position is the most scrutinized in football, and Patrick Mahomes has risen to the top. His resilience and determination through the playoffs, despite a debilitating ankle injury, earned him an 85.1 PFF grade. His ability to make seven touchdowns and no interceptions with such grit is why he’s the best player in the NFL right now.
A Season to Remember
Mahomes’s highlight-reel performances have become the stuff of legend. His courage and resolve last season gave the world a glimpse into a character that transcends mere athletic prowess.
2. Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams: A Force to be Reckoned With
Aaron Donald is a name synonymous with excellence. Even in what many considered an “off” season due to injury, he still managed a 90.5 PFF grade and 40 total pressures.
The Unstoppable Force
Donald’s dominance on the field is evident in the way opposing offenses strategize to contain him. His level of skill is nothing short of elite, even during a season marked by adversity.
3. Trent Williams, San Francisco 49ers: The Elite Tackle
In a league where physicality is a given, Trent Williams stands out. With an impressive 91.7 overall PFF grade, his prowess in both run blocking and pass protection is unparalleled. His ability to perform highlight-reel blocks is instructional for aspiring players.
Consistent Excellence
Williams’s consistency in allowing only 19 total pressures in 17 games makes him an essential asset for the San Francisco 49ers.
4. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs: The Go-To Receiver
Following Tyreek Hill’s trade in the 2022 offseason, Travis Kelce stepped up as the primary target in Kansas City’s offense, racking up over 1,300 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. His importance to the Chiefs’ offensive structure cannot be overstated.
Record-Breaking Performances
Kelce’s 91.3 overall PFF grade is a testament to his reliability and ability to make key first downs (92) more than any other receiver.
5. Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns: Edge Rushing Excellence
Leading the league in PFF pass-rushing grade (93.5), Myles Garrett faced stiffer competition than most and still emerged as the top edge rusher. His performance indicates that 2023 could be his best season yet.
A True Leader
Garrett’s ability to lead the league in pass-rush win rate (22.5%) showcases his premier talent.
6. Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers: The Game Changer
Nick Bosa is not just another edge rusher; he’s a game changer. With 98 total pressures, including the playoffs, and 19 sacks in 19 outings, Bosa’s ability to take over games is uncanny.
A Dominating Presence
His 90.0-plus PFF pass-rushing grades in three games are indicative of the nightmare he poses to any offensive line.
7. Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs: Bridging the Gap
While Chris Jones may not have surpassed Aaron Donald, he has narrowed the gap between elite and ordinary players at his position. With a high PFF pass-rushing grade, Jones is only rising higher.
8. Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders: Still the King
Despite the rise of Justin Jefferson, Davante Adams continues to wear the crown as the top wide receiver, maintaining a superior PFF grade and yards per route run figure.
9. Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys: A Devastating Talent
With a stunning 106 total pressures last season, Micah Parsons as a full-time edge rusher has shown why he’s a special talent.
10. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals: The Clutch Performer
Joe Burrow’s consistent performance, marked by a 91.0 PFF passing grade in 2022, has enabled the Bengals to reach their highest level of success in decades.
Other Key Players to Watch
- Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
- Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
- T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers
- Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers
- Lane Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles
Conclusion
The 2023 NFL season promises to be one of the most thrilling in recent memory. These top 50 players not only exemplify the very best in football but also demonstrate the versatility, dedication, and innovation that continue to evolve within the game.
The countdown has begun. In just a few short weeks, we’ll witness these incredible athletes grace the field once more, each playing a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the season. Their stories, talents, and achievements are a celebration of the game we love. It’s more than a list; it’s a testament to excellence, determination, and the enduring spirit of competition.