This is the second 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: 40 to 31
40. Bijan Robinson, Running Back Atlanta Falcons
Dynasty fantasy football players have loved Bijan since he stepped on the field at Texas. The expectations are sky-high, and Robinson is ready to deliver. While picking him top ten might have been a little boneheaded when accounting for positional value, Robinson’s impact on a franchise will be felt from day one.
39. Haason Reddick, EDGE Philadelphia Eagles
Reddick is only 28 years old, coming off of a 16-sack season, and will continue to dominate the NFC. The defensive line in Philadelphia is terrifying. The Arizona Cardinals have to feel bad that they let him go.
38. Travis Etienne, Running Back Jacksonville Jaguars
A quick peek around the league shows that running backs are criminally underpaid. But they get fans’ and writers’ attention, so Etienne gets the nod here. He is explosive in the open field and poised for another great season with the foot completely healed.
37. Dak Prescott, Quarterback Dallas Cowboys
Prescott is coming off of a career-high in interceptions, a career low in yards (for a healthy season) and he still cracks the top 40 here. Will the loss of Kellen Moore impact Dak more than people are willing to admit? This season is a make-or-break season for him to be considered top ten in the league, and he could find himself on the outside looking in 2024.
36. Stefon Diggs, Wide Receiver Buffalo Bills
There’s not a lot of metrics that Diggs isn’t knocking out of the park. In 2022 he was top five in receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, and receiving first downs. His impact on the field cannot be overstated, and he’s shown no sign of slowing down.
35. Zack Martin, Guard Dallas Cowboys
Interior offensive linemen get no love, but Martin has earned his. He has been named to the All-Pro Team six of the past nine seasons and is one of the highest-paid guards in the league. Unfortunately, he is considering a training camp holdout, and the dispute could carry into the season.
34. A.J. Brown, Wide Receiver Philadelphia Eagles
So, Philly won that trade, right? In a season-altering move, the Eagles traded a first-round pick for A.J. Brown and then signed him to a massive contract. The result? The offense looked unstoppable, Brown opened up the playbook and Jalen Hurts looked like a different beast. One of the best receivers in the league.
33. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Safety Pittsburgh Steelers
Fitzpatrick is a top-two safety in the NFL right now, and he’s not two. In five seasons in the league, Fitzpatrick has three first-team All-Pro awards, he’s been the interception leader once, and been named to three Pro Bowls.
32. Austin Ekeler, Running Back Los Angeles Chargers
Is scoring touchdowns important? If they are, then Ekeler is supremely important. He had a casual 18 touchdowns in 2022, and 20 the season before. He is leading the charge in getting running backs paid but will continue to dominate the league in 2023.
31. Lamar Jackson, Quarterback Baltimore Ravens
The former MVP has a big new contract, new weapons on offense, and an offensive coordinator ready to run a scorched earth campaign on the AFC North. His rushing upside unlocks play designs that most players can only run in Madden. Jackson will be closer to the top ten than to this position after this season.
Main Photo Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
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