Teams are always looking for the center of their franchise. Whether it’s a top-tier quarterback, an edge rusher with a mean streak, or a wide receiver that can elevate an offense, teams need their franchise players.
Special thank you to John Frascella who gave the idea to the author.
If I were starting an NFL franchise today… RANKINGS:
1. Patrick Mahomes: QB, 27 years old
2. Jalen Hurts: QB, 24 years old
3. Joe Burrow: QB, 26 years old
4. Josh Allen: QB, 27 years old
5. Trevor Lawrence: QB, 23 years old
6. Justin Herbert: QB, 25 years old
7. Lamar Jackson:… pic.twitter.com/JsCo6if2kz— John Frascella (Football) (@LegendSports7) July 9, 2023
Cornerstone Players: Top Ten Players to Start a Franchise With 2023
1. Patrick Mahomes, QB
Should this be a surprise to anyone? When describing franchise players, Patrick Mahomes should be at the top of every list. The Kansas City Chiefs recognized this and signed him to one of the most insane contracts in history. He is one of the older players on this list, but Tom Brady just played until his mid-40s so Mahomes has plenty of time.
2. Trevor Lawrence, QB
Most of this list will end up being quarterbacks. They are viewed as the most important position by contract value, and Trevor Lawrence is one of the top quarterbacks already. At only 23 years old, Lawrence has taken a huge step forward and will do more of the same in 2023. Coming into the 2021 NFL Draft he was touted as the best prospect in years. He has lived up to the massive hype and is the reason there is hope for the Jacksonville Jaguars for years to come.
3. Justin Herbert, QB
Honestly, the top five or six options could be considered one massive tier. It boils down to personal preference, but Herbert has arguably the most arm talent out of any of them. He is three years removed from setting the rookie passing yards per game record, two years removed from a 5,000 passing yard season, and last year he showed the grit and toughness franchises value by playing through broken rib cartilage.
4. Jalen Hurts, QB
There is an argument to be made that Hurts is the best quarterback from his own draft class. He is the gold standard for a leader on and off the field, and his play style has earned teammates’ trust every game. His play style will lead to some more wear and tear, but any franchise with him at the helm has to feel great.
5. Joe Burrow, QB
All in all, Burrow might be the coolest player in the NFL. Accordingly, he’s safely in the top five. If he had won his Super Bowl matchup he would be higher, but Aaron Donald makes most quarterbacks look like that. Burrow sits fourth all-time in passing yards through his first three seasons (behind Herbert, Andrew Luck, and some guy named Peyton Manning).
6. Justin Jefferson, WR
Through his first three seasons in the NFL, Jefferson has the most receiving yards in history. The interesting part? It’s not even close. Randy Moss is a top ten receiver of all time (maybe even top three) and he’s 662 yards away. Yes, it was two fewer games, but still. As receiver contracts inflate and become a more important position, Jefferson has to be the top choice.
7. Ja’Marr Chase, WR
This might be a bit of a cop-out, but Chase couldn’t be too far off from Jefferson. Chase is fifth in yards per game in his first two seasons, only one spot behind Jefferson. If he takes another step forward in 2023, Jefferson’s records could be rewritten. Both of them are great options for fantasy football wide receivers.
8. Micah Parsons, EDGE
The first defensive player to make an appearance on this franchise players list. Parsons positional flexibility is a defensive coordinator’s dream and an offensive lineman’s nightmare. While there are defenders with higher production numbers, Parsons age and ability put him as the number one option on defense.
9. Sauce Gardner, CB
Number five on PFF’s top players under 25 isn’t too shabby for a second-year player. Sauce is truly a difference-maker on the outside and has been an elite cover corner in a position that normally takes time to grow. He will continue to dominate in 2023 and beyond, and should be towards the top of any franchise players list.
10. Lamar Jackson, QB
Injuries aside, Jackson has already been the MVP, took his team to the playoffs, and is arguably the most explosive player at the QB position. He’s somehow entering year six in the NFL and still only 26 years old, the same as Joe Burrow in year four. Jackson can elevate any offense and any team to the top ten in the league.
Main Photo: Jamie Squire/Getty Images
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