JKFOOTBALL Top 100 Players for 2023: 100-81

 IT. IS. BACK! My favorite time of the year. My third annual personal top 100 for the upcoming season starts today, as we knock out the first 20 players of my list (from 100-81). This is never easy and I did my best. I made an initial list with about 150 players and had to shave it down to 100 which was downright impossible. There will certainly be some surprises on this overall list, starting today, as I even left out multiple All-Pros from the past season. This list is based on all previous seasons, especially 2022, but is a projection for 2023. Aaron Rodgers won MVP the season before this one but was not my top player for the list for 2023. I do not include rookies in this list either as projecting them is a crapshoot. Lets get into this!

100. Rayshawn Jenkins, Safety, Jacksonville Jaguars | LAST YEAR: N/A |

2022 stats: 116 total tackles, 3 INTs, 3 forced fumbles, 12 pass deflections, 1 sack, 1 TD

Kicking off this list is one player I told myself I had to have on here. Through shaving this list down, it was hard to keep him in the top 100, but I did it, just barely! Rayshawn Jenkins was one of the breakout players of 2022. He had never been anything special in the NFL, having started out with the Chargers and then joining the Jags in 2021. Something clicked for Jenkins this past year, as he really did it all. The rangy chess piece Safety absolutely stuffed the stat sheet and it was not empty stats either. He was arguably the best player on a vastly improved Jaguar defense that made it to the second round of the playoffs and gave the eventual SB champ Chiefs a run for their money. The highlight of this season for Jenkins was his game-winning pick 6 of Dak Prescott to seal an OT win vs the Cowboys. The Jaguars have found an elite safety, and I can see Jenkins continuing to ascend in 2023!

99. Jaelan Phillips, Edge Rusher, Miami Dolphins | LAST YEAR: N/A |

2022 stats: 61 total tackles, 7.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 2 pass deflections

This is a prime example of why this list isn't just based off of last season. There were certainly edge rushers with huge names who did not make this list and Phillips did, but I have loved the potential I have seen from this guy through his first two seasons and believe 2023 is where he breaks out into the elite ranks of the league. Phillips had a respectable 7.5 sacks this past season, but showed flashes of pure dominance throughout the way. The 24 year old is just getting started, and I believe he could blossom into an All-Pro level rusher this coming year. Mark my words. Phillips debuts on my top 100 heading into his third NFL season!

98. Devonta Smith, Wide Receiver, Philadelphia Eagles | LAST YEAR: N/A |

2022 stats: 95 receptions for 1,196 yards, 7 TDs receiving 

The former Heisman trophy winner showed just how good he was in his second NFL season. After a promising rookie campaign, Smith officially arrived in 2022. He broke the 1,000 yard mark along with nearly 100 catches as the WR2 in a run heavy Eagle offense, routinely making some of the toughest catches you will ever see. The speedster can do it all, despite a slender frame, and is not afraid of anyone. Smith also had another 100 yard game in the Super Bowl, despite the loss. When Smith went for 169 yards and a score on 7 catches in week 3 against Washington, we all knew he was the real deal. In 2023 I expect him to continue ascending into an elite WR in this league. He honestly could be much higher than this ranking at 98, but the NFL is so loaded with talent right now I thought this was a solid spot.

97. Jalen Pitre, Safety, Houston Texans | LAST YEAR: N/A |

2022 stats: 147 total tackles, 5 INTs, 8 pass deflections, 1 sack

Our first 2022 rookie hits the list! The Texans' second rounder from a year ago is one of the least talked about mega steals I have seen in awhile. While numbers aren't everything, especially from a bottom feeding team, you can't make up the line Pitre had as a rookie. He is the next do-it-all DB in the NFL. He had a whopping 147 tackles. That is downright insane. Pitre led all DBs with that total. His 5 picks were also second most in the entire NFL. This guy was putting up prime All-Pro numbers in just his FIRST NFL SEASON! The sky is the limit with this guy, and I could see another jump given he is so young and now playing under an elite defensive minded HC in DeMeco Ryans. 

96. Dameon Pierce, Running Back, Houston Texans | LAST YEAR: N/A |

2022 stats: 220 carries for 939 yards, 4 TDs rushing | 30 receptions for 165 yards, 1 TD receiving (limited to 13 games)

Back to back rookies, back to back Texans rookies! This team was 'carried' by two very little known rookies who were not first rounders. Dameon Pierce was always known as a nasty runner in college, but who would have thought it would translate this well to the NFL, and this fast! Pierce became the starter in week 1, winning the job in camp, and was an instant star. Running behind probably the worst offensive line in football, it did not matter. This guy was so good, no one could stop him. Not even the top ranked Eagle defense, as Pierce gashed them over and over for 139 yards on 27 carries mid-way through the year. His season was cut short with injury, but he still nearly broke 1000 yards in just 13 games. Showing he could do this with no help on offense goes to show how big of a star this guy is going to be. While a lot of people still have him outside their top 100s, he was an easy pick to make mine!

95. Aidan Hutchinson, Edge Rusher, Detroit Lions | LAST YEAR: N/A |

2022 stats: 52 total tackles, 9.5 sacks, 3 INTs, 3 pass deflections

Back to back to BACK rookies in the low 90s here! The no. 2 overall pick of last year's draft quickly made a name for himself in Detroit, and earns a spot on my prestigious top 100. Hutchinson was more than just dynamite off the edge. He somehow wound up with 3 INTs on the season, all of which were super impactful to the result of the game it happened it, including one on Aaron Rodgers in a win over the Packers. 9.5 sacks is an elite total for any player, let alone a rookie doing it on his own on a bad D-line in Detroit. Hutchinson is just scratching the surface right now and looks poised to ascend into Pro Bowl territory in 2023 on an up and coming Lion team. 

94. Michael Onwenu, Offensive Guard, New England Patriots | LAST YEAR: N/A |

2022 stats: 1,044 snaps played, 1 sack allowed, 2 penalties, 79.3 PFF grade

The first offensive lineman on our top 100! Michael Onwenu has had an up and down start to his young career, but this past season, he silenced pretty much all doubters of his game with an All-Pro level 2022 season. In over 1,000 snaps played, Onwenu allowed just ONE sack and only committed two penalties, proving he was elite in pass blocking but was also one of the best run blockers in our game. At just age 25, Onwenu has 10+ more years to play in this league, and he is proving he will be a fixture on the top 100 in that span!

93. Kenneth Walker III, Running Back, Seattle Seahawks | LAST YEAR: N/A |

2022 stats: 228 carries for 1,050 yards, 9 TDs rushing | 27 receptions for 165 yards receiving (started just 11 games)

Coming in at 93 was the player who SHOULD have won Offensive Rookie of the Year. Due to a lame voting system, Walker receiving the most first place votes did not net him the honor. Walker is a straight up dawg either way, so I'm sure that will just motivate him even further this coming season. 'K9' burst onto the scene mid-way through the year when Seattle starter Rashaad Penny went down with injury. Walker went for 97 and then 167 yards in his first two career starts, and the rest in history. Seattle has found its next elite RB to rely on for the foreseeable future. I haven't seen a guy who can make cuts like Walker without sacrificing any speed whatsoever. This guy is simply one of the most fun players to watch in the NFL, and he produced and carried an offense behind a suspect OL. Look for Walker to take another big step in 2023, as I could see him rising up the ranks once again when next year's rendition of this list returns.

92. Justin Tucker, Kicker, Baltimore Ravens | LAST YEAR: #95 |

2022 stats: 37/43 FGs, 31/32 XPs, 142 points, 58-yd LONG

Our first returner from the 2022-2023 list is none other than a KICKER. Justin Tucker continues to just be the greatest kicker we have ever seen. No one is more consistent than this guy, and he 1000% deserves a spot amongst the top 100. If you get within 55 yards of the posts, Tucker is going to make the kick. It is that simple. This guy has a career 90% make rate! Everyone knows how good this guy is, and he actually moves UP my ranks from 95 last year to 92 this year! I don't know if we will ever see a kicker like him again.

91. Deshaun Watson, Quarterback, Cleveland Browns | LAST YEAR: #54 |

2022 stats: 1,102 yards, 7 TDs, 5 INTs passing (limited to just 6 starts)

Our first Quarterback on the list! While it feels like it has seriously been a fall from grace for Deshaun Watson, I foresee him redeeming himself in 2023. A perennial top 20/25 player early in his career with the Texans, sitting out and suspension has certainly clouded up the once pristine image of Watson. Deshaun missed over half of his first season in Cleveland with a suspension, and when he returned he did not look the same. Now, with new weapons and a full off-season of normal practice behind him in Cleveland, there are no excuses for the dynamic, dual threat QB. I expect Watson to get back to his old, elite ways. While the fall from 54 to 91 is dramatic, I still had to have this guy in my top 100. He should return to top 10 QB status in 2023.

90. Von Miller, Edge Rusher, Buffalo Bills | LAST YEAR: #85 |

2022 stats: 18 total tackles, 8 sacks, 1 forced fumble (limited to 12 games)

While he may be 34 which is definitely pretty darn old for most players in the NFL, especially edge rushers, the future Hall of Famer that is Von Miller has not looked like he is slowing down much (other than injury). He did miss a significant amount of time in 2022, but still tallied 8 sacks and a forced fumble, looking as dominant as ever when he was on the field. Maybe the injuries will just keep coming and his production will drop off a cliff this year, but I'm betting on Miller to have a vintage season in 2023 for the Super Bowl contending Bills. Many no longer see him as a top 100 player, but I'm banking on him to prove he is this season!

89. Kyle Pitts, Tight End, Atlanta Falcons | LAST YEAR: #77 |

2022 stats: 28 receptions for 356 yards, 2 TDs receiving (limited to just 10 games)

Following a rookie season for the ages, Kyle Pitts AND the Atlanta Falcons fell off a cliff in 2022. Pitts was either injured or playing through injury for much of the season and Atlanta could not figure anything out on offense OR defense for that matter. Still, heading into his third season, I could not leave the unicorn of a TE that is Pitts off the list. He is just simply too good of a player. Pitts became one of the first rookie TEs ever to hit 1000 yards as a rookie, and he did so with bad offensive play around him. He showed he can be the focal point of an offense. While things may not get a ton better in 2023 for his team, I think Pitts is a good enough player to at least have individual success either way. Desmond Ridder may be the worst starting QB in the league, but Pitts is open even when he isn't. If he can stay healthy, Kyle Pitts should continue to prove he is one of the best pure athletes and pass catchers in the game. He makes the list.

88. Landon Dickerson, Offensive Guard, Philadelphia Eagles | LAST YEAR: N/A |

2022 stats: 1,094 snaps played, 1 sack allowed, 14 penalties, 67.3 PFF grade

As far as stats go for top 100 caliber O-linemen, Dickerson may not look like the greatest player in the world, but trust me, he is one of the best of the best. If you really look at OL highlights and techniques, you will see how good Dickerson is. The Eagles boasted the best rushing attack in the NFL this season, and Dickerson was one of the biggest reasons as to why. The young guard played over 1,000 downs and was an absolute anchor in both the run mauling game, and pass protection. He allowed just one sack all season. The league leading 14 penalties is obviously a red flag, but Dickerson made his first career Pro Bowl in just his second season in the NFL, showing how good he already is at such an early stage of his career. The Eagles will continue to rely on him with their elite ground attack, and he will continue to deliver. Dickerson makes his JKFOOTBALL Top 100 debut at #88!

87. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Wide Receiver, Detroit Lions | LAST YEAR: N/A |

2022 stats: 106 receptions for 1,161 yards, 6 TDs receiving

After being my first player on the 'just missed' column last year in the 2022 Top 100, St. Brown delivered and is officially debuting on my list heading into his third season! After ending his rookie year on a crazy tear, St. Brown carried that momentum into his second season and went off. St. Brown finished top 7 in receptions, breaking the elusive and elite 100 catch mark, and was 11th highest in receiving yards with his nearly 1200 yards. He was the best offensive player on the Lions and helped them reach a very respectable 9-8 record that had them sitting just outside a post-season berth. With the Lions much improved in pretty much every aspect, St. Brown and his dominance should propel this team potentially into the playoffs this coming season. The guy once considered 'just a pure slot guy' is now the best weapon on the team, and another jump should be coming. This is one of the most exciting players to watch on the field any given Sunday, and I cannot wait to see him again in 2023!

86. Quandre Diggs, Safety, Seattle Seahawks | LAST YEAR: #65 |

2022 stats: 71 total tackles, 4 INTs, 7 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble

There were many skeptics when the Seahawks, who appeared to be headed for a full blown rebuild, went out and still paid big time money for their aging safety Quandre Diggs (who was also coming off of a brutal leg injury) in the 2022 off-season. 12 months later, boy did everything work out. Diggs, despite hitting age 30, had one of the best seasons of his career and was a huge reason as to why Seattle was able to make an unlikely return to the post-season. Even with the slow start he had to the year, Diggs still racked up an elite 4 interceptions along with 7 pass breakups. With those 4 INTs this past year, Diggs continued to add to his league leading total over the past couple of seasons. The highlight of his season was a season saving INT in OT of week 18 to give Seattle a chance to win and knock off the Rams, eventually sending them to the post-season. With Seattle's secondary getting loaded up with the emergence of Tariq Woolen, the return of Jamal Adams, and the addition of Devon Witherspoon, Diggs should be in line for another elite season in 2023.

85. Darren Waller, Tight End, New York Giants | LAST YEAR: #60 |

2022 stats: 28 receptions for 388 yards, 3 TDs receiving (limited to just 9 games)

With so few elite tight ends running around the league these days, it is extremely rare to see one move on from their team. With the Raiders retooling, they shocked the world by sending him to the New York Giants for pennies on the dollar. Waller, while injury prone, is one of the biggest match-up nightmares in the NFL, and is an insane advantage to have in your offense when he is on the field. While it has been two years since his last fully healthy season, where he caught over 100 balls for nearly 1200 yards and 9 scores, he is just 30 years old (young for a TE) and looks to be healthy now. The Giants do not have a lot of big time receiving threats on the roster, leading to the belief that Waller will be the bonafide no. 1 option in the pass game for the Giants. Daniel Jones is ascending as we speak, and he will have the best target of his career to sling it to. Just like Kyle Pitts earlier, Waller is too good of an athlete and player to not make the list, and I think he has a big 2023 in store with his new team. 

84. Garrett Wilson, Wide Receiver, New York Jets | LAST YEAR: N/A |

2022 stats: 83 receptions for 1,103 yards, 4 TDs receiving

The 10th overall pick from last year's draft makes his Top 100 debut after his rookie of the year winning season! I have to admit, my expectations for Wilson were not high heading into his rookie year. Rookie wideouts usually take some time before becoming top options in the NFL, and I didn't think Wilson was one of the outliers that would, especially given the terrible offensive situation he was put into. He proved all the doubters wrong, easily breaking 1,000 yards and 80 catches despite catching passes from Zach Wilson and Mike White all season long. The athleticism, smooth route-running, and lightning quick speed that Wilson possesses made him an instant difference maker and propelled him to ROY honors. I expect him to go crazy in 2023, with Aaron Rodgers now throwing him the ball. Rodgers always peppers his favorite wideout with an insane amount of targets, and Wilson will be that guy for Rodgers in 2023. Expect another jump in 2023 for this guy, who set the baseline very high for himself.

83. Calvin Ridley, Wide Receiver, Jacksonville Jaguars | LAST YEAR: N/A |

2022 stats: N/A, FULL YEAR SUSPENSION

After serving a full year suspension this past season for violating NFL gambling rules, Calvin Ridley is back, but this time in Duval colors. The Falcons traded him mid-season to Jacksonville, to get rid of his problems. What a move I foresee this being for the Jags. They got an elite wideout who is in the midst of his prime for pennies on the dollar, and now he will be paired with their ascending elite quarterback that is Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence and the Jags' offense was on fire down the stretch last season, and now insert a bonafide WR1 to the mix. Ridley is one of the game's best route runners and will be magic with Lawrence. Sure, we have not seen him in a year, but at 28, he has so much left in the tank, and with added motivation. This might seem high for a guy who has been in and out of the lineup so much of late, but I know his talent and I know how good Trevor Lawrence is, and I think this connection will be dynamite in 2023. He deserves a spot in the top 100 for what he is about to do.

82. Tyler Lockett, Wide Receiver, Seattle Seahawks | LAST YEAR: #79 |

2022 stats: 84 receptions for 1,033 yards, 9 TDs receiving

A third straight wideout in the low 80s here. Tyler Lockett remains one of the most criminally underrated players in the entire league. He is a small wide receiver 2 on a team tucked away in the Pacific Northwest. That should not prevent him from getting his damn respect. This is one of the most consistent players in the NFL who is ALWAYS open and securing huge first downs and TDs. Lockett recorded his FOURTH straight 1,000 yard season in 2022 and his FIFTH straight year of at least 8 scores. Even with the QB change of Geno Smith from Russell Wilson, Lockett remained the same safety blanket we have always known him to be. Entering his age 30 season, we have no reason to expect anything else out of him than another 1,000 yards and 8+ scores. The addition of first rounder Jaxon Smith-Njigba should only help Lockett as there's even another threat in the offense to worry about. With Geno Smith looking to build off his elite 2022 season, Lockett should be a major beneficiary and hopefully will start to get his much due respect. Another year, another Top 100 for Lockett.

81. Quenton Nelson, Offensive Guard, Indianapolis Colts | LAST YEAR: #22 |

2022 stats: 1,148 snaps played, 5 sacks allowed, 5 penalties, 68.4 PFF grade

A perennial fixture inside the top 30 of my Top 100s, 2022 was a rough year for the stud Colt O-lineman. Nelson was not playing to the level we have come to expect from him as much, but he was by no means a bad O-lineman. He was still one of the healthiest guards in the league, playing the 8th most snaps in football. 5 sacks allowed is a bit higher than we are used to for him, but nothing awful. Still just 27 years old, Nelson probably had an outlier year. Every other year of his career he has been arguably the best lineman in all of football, so I am not ready to let one mid-tier year shake my belief about him. Falling to 81 is somewhat of a fall from grace for Nelson, but if he can return to his usual self in 2023, he will be back up inside that top 30 again. The Colts will need him to.

The top 100 will continue within the next few days when we will release players 80-61...