JKNFLFOOTBALL Top 100 Players for 2023: 50-31

 We are really getting into this now! The first half of my annual list is officially in the books, and now we draw our attention to the part we have all been waiting for, the top 50! Today I will reveal a ton of the best of the best, as we reveal 20 more players from #50-31. This is where it gets really controversial. Lets go.

50. Laremy Tunsil, Offensive Tackle, Houston Texans | LAST YEAR: N/A |

2022 stats: 1,061 snaps played, 11 penalties, 1 sack allowed, 80.0 PFF grade

Kicking off my top 50 is a player who I did not even have in the top 100 last year! Laremy Tunsil has long been respected (and paid) like a top player in the NFL, however, playing in Houston many forget about the few bright spots on the team, especially one on the OL. Tunsil, despite playing on arguably the worst team in the sport last season, gave it his all on every snap, and for that reason, he is a top 50 player for 2023 in my eyes. In over 1,000 snaps, he allowed just a singular sack, playing on the blindside and facing every team's best rusher week in and week out. That is quite the accomplishment if you ask me. He earned his third career Pro Bowl nod this past year as well. With a new regime and QB in Houston, things could be looking up in 2023. Tunsil's elite pass protection may finally go towards something. Laremy Tunsil kicks off the top 50! 

49. Joel Bitonio, Offensive Guard, Cleveland Browns | LAST YEAR: N/A |

2022 stats: 1,172 snaps played, 4 penalties, 1 sack allowed, 87.5 PFF grade

Back to back O-linemen who did not make the list a year ago to kick off my top 50! Joel Bitonio has come into his own in his last couple seasons and is making a pretty crazy post-30 jump. I'm not sure how I left him off the list a year ago as he was fresh off of an All-Pro nod. The same can be said for this season, and now I have him comfortably on the list. Bitonio was a rock. His 1,172 snaps played were fourth most in the league, and he allowed just a single sack in all of that while also providing elite run blocking. His 87.5 PFF grade is one of the highest in the entire NFL for 2022, regardless of position. Bitonio has now made back-to-back First Team All-Pros and is clearly a top 3 guard in the NFL. With health, a loaded roster, and Deshaun Watson with a full off-season behind him in Cleveland, the Browns could be a problem in 2023.  A lot of that will hinge on the reliable play of Bitonio, who should remain a top linemen in 2023.

48. Jalen Ramsey, Cornerback, Miami Dolphins | LAST YEAR: #13 |

2022 stats: 88 total tackles, 4 INTs, 18 pass deflections, 3 forced fumbles, 2 sacks

Well, it is certainly sad that we will go a lot of the 2023 season without seeing Jalen Ramsey. I originally had him well inside of my top 30 when making my initial brainstorm of the list, but with the recent news of his injury that should keep him out until at least December, I felt like I had to drop him down a bit. Even with the injury, Ramsey is still a top 3 CB in the NFL in my eyes and had to be in the top 50, but with a list trying to determine how good a player's entire 2023 season will be, I couldn't put him as high as he truly deserves. At 28 years old and entering a new team, there is no reason to believe he won't be as good as ever, once recovered from the injury. Ramsey is coming off of arguably the best season of his decorated career. While he did not make First Team All-Pro (like he has become so accustomed to) or win a Super Bowl this past year, his individual play was insane. There is not a corner in the league that does as much as Ramsey. He is shutdown, clearly (4 picks, 18 pass breakups) but he gets after it in run defense and can even rush the passer (2 sacks is insane for a CB). Miami got a superstar in Ramsey, and they somehow gave up little to get him. When he is back on the field, Miami is going to be a whole lot better. If they can make the playoffs without him, they are going to be a damn scary team once inside of the playoffs with him back in the fold. With health, Ramsey will likely be back right inside the top 30 next year. 

47. Josh Jacobs, Running Back, Las Vegas Raiders | LAST YEAR: N/A |

2022 stats: 340 carries for 1,653 yards, 12 TDs rushing | 53 receptions for 400 yards receiving

It is safe to say NO ONE saw this breakout season coming for Josh Jacobs. Just a couple of weeks before the season, people were calling for Jacobs' head. Coming off of just an 800 yard season, people were tired of Jacobs in Vegas. He was kind of a one trick pony who looked slow and unelusive, and people even thought that unheralded rookie Zamir White would unseat him for RB1 in Vegas. Could they have been more wrong?!! Jacobs EXPLODED in 2022 to the tune of 1600 yards and 12 scores on the ground, earning First Team All-Pro honors and his second career Pro Bowl nod. Jacobs easily led the NFL in rushing and took a huge step in the receiving game. Jacobs had nearly 400 touches in 2022, more than 100 more than the year prior. He looked impossible to take down at times, looking faster than ever. This is one of the most physical runners in the league and he takes multiple defenders to bring him down pretty much every play. His signature moment of the 2022 season was rushing for a 70+ yard TD in OT in Seattle to seal a comeback win that kept the Raiders' slim playoff hopes alive late in the year. He ran for 229 yards in that game alone, and went for over 140 yards in 4 OTHER games this season. I am not sure if 2022 was some kind of fluke, but I am very curious to see how he follows it up in 2023, and if he can, he will be an established top 20 player in football in my eyes. What a year for Jacobs as he rises from off of the list to firmly inside the top 50 in just one year. It is not often to see a guy go for over 2000+ total offensive yards in a season.

46. Cameron Heyward, Defensive Tackle, Pittsburgh Steelers | LAST YEAR: #39 |

2022 stats: 74 total tackles, 10.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 4 pass deflections

It is not common to see a DT in today's NFL go for over 10 sacks. Heyward has now done that in back to back seasons all while over the age of 32. Insanity. This guy does not regress, he only gets better with age, the mark of a true all-timer. Heyward will go down as one of the best players in Steeler history when it is all said and done. It is insane for any player (aside from maybe QBs) to go top 50 in back to back seasons while well over the age of 30, ESPECIALLY at the DT position. It is such a hard position to be considered an elite player at, and Heyward is. Heyward received yet another Pro Bowl nod this past season after his 10.5 sacks, 74 tackles, and a forced fumble. He anchored one of the best DLs in the sport and created havoc every down. Even at age 34, there is clearly no reason to believe Heyward is slowing down. I expect him to be back inside the top 50 for a third straight year on next year's list! Superhuman. 

45. CeeDee Lamb, Wide Receiver, Dallas Cowboys | LAST YEAR: #56 |

2022 stats: 107 receptions for 1,359 yards, 9 TDs receiving

This guy also just keeps on getting better. The 24 year old has played three seasons in the NFL, and has risen up the list every single year. Could he find himself inside the top 30 a year from now? Lamb recorded his best season yet as a pro in 2022, going for a whopping 107 catches (almost 30 more than 2021) and also went for career highs in yards (1359) and TDs (9). It was his first season playing without Amari Cooper on the opposite side, and it only made him better. Lamb is one of the most exciting to watch and unique wideouts in the sport. While he does not have game breaking speed by any means, there really may not be a better WR in the league after the catch (maybe Deebo Samuel). He uses an array of football moves to create space in the open field and shrug off tacklers. Again, at just 24, Lamb's ceiling is sky high. He feels like a player who could explode for over 1,500 yards in 2023 if he avoids injury. The Cowboys clearly have their next great WR.

44. Jaycee Horn, Cornerback, Carolina Panthers | LAST YEAR: N/A |

2022 stats: 53 total tackles, 3 INTs, 7 pass deflections (limited to 13 games)

Jaycee Horn is a prime example of how just one insane season can really put you on the map. While everyone knew Horn was a heralded young CB with high potential, no one thought he would be this good this quickly. The 2021 top 10 pick played in just 3 games as a rookie, ultimately missing pretty much all of the season with injury. When he returned in 2022, for technically his rookie season after playing so little in 2021, he lit it UP. Horn is another great example of how stats don't always tell the full story for a corner. While 3 picks and 7 pass breakups is a solid statline, it does not scream TOP TIER ELITE PLAYER by any means. However, looking deeper, you will know just how good this guy is. Horn allowed a 55% completion percentage when QBs threw his way (bottom 3 in the league) and also just a 62.4 passer rating allowed when thrown his way as well (also bottom 3). Those are two of the very most important statistics for a corner in the game, even if they are not as well known as INTs and PDs. Horn was SHUTDOWN when on the field, and QBs even stopped testing his side at times. For a guy in just his second season (basically his first since he barely played in 2021), this is insane. With not even 17 games under his belt and just 23 years old, Horn is already establishing himself as a top 5-10 CB in football. I cannot wait to see what he has in store in 2023, as the Panthers' defense as a whole looks vastly improved and Horn figures to be the best player on that defense. I have Jaycee Horn at #44 with not even 17 games played in his career yet.

43. Andrew Thomas, Offensive Tackle, New York Giants | LAST YEAR: N/A |

2022 stats: 1,049 snaps played, 2 penalties, 3 sacks allowed, 89.1 PFF grade

I remember when the Giants selected Andrew Thomas in the front end of the first round a few years back. It was a loaded OT class and the Giants had the pick of the litter, but could not afford to mess it up. While early returns were nothing special, Andrew Thomas has recently established himself as a top 3 OT in the league! The hype for him is through the roof following this past season. Thomas made his first All Pro berth of his career and cashed in on his 89.1 PFF grade worthy season with a 5 year-$117 million deal. For an ascending Giants offense, Thomas is the anchor of the group and they live and die through his blindside protection of sometimes erratic QB Daniel Jones. Thomas has even been making recent headlines for videos of him absolutely mauling Giant defenders to the turf in training camp. While many think it is a foregone conclusion that Trent Williams is the best OT in football, Thomas is starting to get some hype for that crown. At just 24 years old, this guy is just scratching the surface and it is clear the Giants will have a superstar at the position for the next decade-plus. This Top 100 berth is likely to be the first of MANY for Andrew Thomas. 

42. A.J. Brown, Wide Receiver, Philadelphia Eagles | LAST YEAR: #70 |

2022 stats: 88 receptions for 1,496 yards, 11 TDs receiving 

When the Eagles shocked the world by acquiring AJ Brown on draft night last year for their first round pick, people applauded them. It was a very good move for the player they thought they were getting. Had we known the 2022 season that he had coming, he probably could have gone for two or even three first rounders now. AJ Brown had been a star receiver for his first three seasons in the league, but many never knew if he could achieve SUPERSTAR status. He just did. Brown exploded onto the scene in Philly, notching career highs in catches, yards, and TDs in his first year in the green. In a run first offense with a QB that had some question marks around him, I did not see this coming from Brown, thus the solid but not insane ranking at #70 last year. AJ Brown achieved his first career All-Pro nod for his crazy 2022 season in which he broke the single season Eagle receiving yards record. At 26 years old, Brown is just entering his prime and should have another elite season in store in 2023. What a year for AJ Brown, and he makes his top 50 debut for doing so!

41. Derwin James, Safety, Los Angeles Chargers | LAST YEAR: #25 |

2022 stats: 115 total tackles, 2 INTs, 6 pass deflections, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles (limited to 14 games)

When on the field and not injured, Derwin James is the best safety in the NFL. He proved that once again in 2022. James was my highest rated safety on my top 100 last year, and he is again in 2023! What a year it was for him. The best do-it-all safety in football did-it-all again in 2022. His elite tackling was on full display with 115 total tackles, he was a ball-hawk with 6 breakups and 2 picks, and he was a force in run support and even pass rushing as evident with his 2 forced fumbles and a whopping 4 sacks from the safety position. He made First Team All-Pro for the second time in his young career this past season. Him going down in the rankings is not a slight against him, he is better than he was when I ranked him at 25 a year ago, but just the talent in the NFL at more important positions trumped that this time around. This is one of the best defensive players in the entire sport and arguably the best chess piece in the game as well. The Charger D had an up and down 2022 season as a whole unit, but James did everything he could on every given Sunday. The numbers he put up are a testament to how valuable he is and he achieved those numbers all while still missing three games. Expect James to be well within the top 50 again on next year's list!

40. Fred Warner, Linebacker, San Francisco 49ers | LAST YEAR: #71 |

2022 stats: 130 total tackles, 10 pass deflections, 1 INT, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble

Best safety in football at 41, now the best inside linebacker in football at 40. Fred Warner has been flirting with that honor for pretty much the entirety of his young career so far, but now I am ready to fully say that he is the best at his position. It has been a meteoric rise for Warner over the last few seasons, especially from last year to this year. Warner has risen a whopping 31 spots from 71 to inside the top 40 this year. The 26 year old made his second career First Team All-Pro spot in 2022 after proving he is the captain of this Niner D. While Nick Bosa led the league in sacks and won Defensive Player of the Year, Warner feels more like the heart and soul of this top ranked unit and calls plays at times as well. His impact can not be understated as he is always in the right place at the right time and makes it impossible to go over the middle against this defense. Warner broke up 10 passes, stonewalled 130 players, sacked the QB twice, and forced a fumble. He is an extension of the coaching staff on the field. There are not enough good things I can say about this guy, but rising 31 spots and becoming the best ILB in football speaks for itself. Fred Warner is a dawg. 

39. Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback, New York Jets | LAST YEAR: #16 |

2022 stats: 3,695 yards, 26 TDs, 12 INTs passing

For the first time in Aaron Rodgers' storied career, he will be donning a different shade of green in 2023. After years of speculation, Aaron Rodgers was finally traded, to the New York Jets. While he was banged up and looked slightly regressed in 2022, there is no doubt that Rodgers is still an elite QB with gas left in the tank. The 39 year old's numbers dipped greatly this past season, and he was not a top 5 QB in the sport (for the first time in years, especially after back-to-back MVP awards in 2020 and 2021). There were a lot of other factors on the table for why his numbers were not the same in 2022, but that all changes this season. Rodgers joins a Jet offense tailored to his success. His OC is one of his best friends in Nathaniel Hackett, a guy whom which he won two MVPs under in Green Bay. His receiving core is top notch, led by OROY Garrett Wilson, former Packer favorite of his in Allen Lazard, underrated option Corey Davis, and more. He also has an elite RB core and O-line to work with, and an amazing defense backing him up. While I doubt an MVP award is in the cards for him this season, I cannot rule it out. Rodgers has a tremendous chance to succeed with the Jets and I have him ranked accordingly. If he was in for another season with the same Packer team as usual, I probably would have him outside the top 50, but I am very optimistic about what this season holds for Rodgers and the Jets!

38. George Kittle, Tight End, San Francisco 49ers | LAST YEAR: #36 |

2022 stats: 60 receptions for 765 yards, 11 TDs receiving

A year after making the list at #36, Kittle stays virtually in the same spot, falling two places to #38. Kittle (and pretty much TEs as a whole) are not fully defined by their stats. They are not just big targets down the middle and in the redzone but valuable blockers and chess pieces on their offenses. Kittle is just that. While he is one of the very best pass catching TEs in the sport, he is probably also the best blocking TE in the game. It is truly like having a smaller, more agile offensive lineman on the field every down. He mauls guys and gets fired up about doing it. I like to think he would rather lay down a nasty block than haul in a massive reception. Nonetheless, why pick one when he can do both, and do both at an insane level. Kittle notched his career high in TDs with a whopping 11 this year. He is one of the best redzone threats in football as well. When Brock Purdy stepped in as starter for the Niners, he and Kittle had an immediate box office connection. Kittle had yet another All-Pro appearance this past season and there is no reason to think he won't do more of the same in 2022, hopefully with an entire season of Purdy throwing him the rock. One of the most energetic and fun to watch players in the NFL comes in at 38!

37. Jonathan Taylor, Running Back, Indianapolis Colts | LAST YEAR: #15 |

2022 stats: 192 carries for 861 yards, 4 TDs rushing (limited to 11 games played)

There is no doubt that 2022 was a MASSIVE disappointment for Taylor and the Colts. Coming off of a year where Taylor led the NFL in rushing yards and TDs and made First Team All-Pro, he was injured for a good part of the year and did not hit the 1,000 yard mark. He was still damn good when he was on the field, but it wasn't to the extent we saw a year prior. Everything was down last year for the Colts, which is why I don't have him falling too far. We know how good this guy is with health and a team around him, and I expect a big season in 2023 for the 24 year old back. It will be interesting to see if he plays in Indy this year with rookie QB Anthony Richardson or if the team honors his trade request. Whether it is in Indy or elsewhere, I think he will return to his elite ranks with an easy 1,000+ yard, 10+ TD season. Speed, elusiveness, and receiving ability out of the backfield all make him so good, and he is just now entering his prime. Don't sleep on a guy who torched the entire league just about a year ago. 

36. Creed Humphrey, Center, Kansas City Chiefs | LAST YEAR: #58 |

2022 stats: 1,138 snaps played, 4 penalties, 0 sacks allowed, 90.0 PFF grade

Creed Humphrey may be on a path to becoming the greatest Center of all time. Just two seasons into his pro career, Humphrey has arguably been the best C in the game for its entirety. He had a rookie season for the ages which got earned him rare rookie Pro Bowl honors on the OL. He then followed it up with a nearly spotless 2022 campaign that saw him allow not a single sack in over 1,100 downs. He earned Second Team All-Pro honors and an insane 90.0 PFF grade. Everyone likes to point to Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce as the reason the Chiefs and their offense are so good, but Humphrey might be the most valuable fixture in that unit to the success of the team. Mahomes does not ever have to worry about pressure coming down the middle and collapsing the pocket because of Humphrey and he is able to make his magical off-script plays as a result. It is hard to illustrate how good certain O-linemen are, but defending Humphrey's case is easy. He is just that good, and even the stats (which don't always seem to prove how good an O-lineman is) do prove it for him. After his rookie year, he was top 60, after year two, he's top 40. Will he just keep on climbing? My guess is yes.

35. Darius Slay, Cornerback, Philadelphia Eagles | LAST YEAR: #55 |

2022 stats: 55 total tackles, 3 INTs, 14 pass deflections

Even at age 32, Darius Slay remains one of the best corners in football and is starting to become one of the rare ageless wonders of the game. Many people thought his best days were behind him coming into this season, as Philly almost moved off of him in the off-season for cap purposes, deeming he was not worth the high price he costed the team. They ultimately bit the bullet and kept him around and boy did it pay off. Slay had a resurgent year, playing shutdown coverage all season long and clearly earning his spot as a top 5 CB. His play against opposing WR1s are a huge reason as to why the Eagles had an insane season and reached the Super Bowl. Slay was a Pro Bowler once again, breaking up a huge 14 passes and intercepting another 3. Slay received a contract extension again this off-season, proving how good he is and how much the Eagles think he has left in the tank. At age 32, Slay climbs a huge 20 spots to #35 for 2023!

34. Lamar Jackson, Quarterback, Baltimore Ravens | LAST YEAR: #38 |

2022 stats: 2,242 yards, 17 TDs, 7 INTs passing | 112 carries for 764 yards, 3 TDs rushing (limited to just 12 games)

While Lamar Jackson has not been the same, bona fide top 3 QB in the league that we all saw him as during his MVP 2019 campaign, he is still a damn good QB. Jackson has had a lot of injury issues since that season, but when he is on the field, he is still one of the best of the best. During his peak health of the season (which was early on), Jackson had back to back 4+ TD, 100+ rush yard games and we all had his name right back in the MVP convo. Then he got banged up and was not the same for the rest of the season. Nonetheless, Jackson is still just 26 years old and fresh off of signing a mega-deal to keep him Baltimore for the future. The Ravens also added playmakers galore around him finally this off-season in Odell Beckham Jr. and first-rounder Zay Flowers. With health and these new weapons, Jackson could be in for a bounceback 2023 campaign in which he is back in the serious MVP conversation. This guy is arguably the most elusive player in the sport, and he's a Quarterback! His sheer talent alone warrants basically a top 40 position on the list, and even after back-to-back injury plagued, disappointing seasons, he remains here. I feel like 2023 is finally the year he gets back on track!

33. Jeffery Simmons, Defensive Tackle, Tennessee Titans | LAST YEAR: #53 |

2022 stats: 54 total tackles, 7.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 7 pass deflections

Last year we all saw Jeffery Simmons take a major step forward into the tier of elite NFL DTs (a small and distinguished club). This year he rises another 20 spots as he proved he is there to stay. The 26 year old was even better in 2022. His sack total is very very impressive for a DT. The pressure he brings up the middle is pretty much top notch for the position and in today's NFL as a whole. He is also a menace in run defense and is a factor opposing offenses have to specifically assign blocking adjustments for. There aren't a ton of DTs that wreck a gameplan like Simmons. Simmons was Second Team All-Pro for the second straight year, proving he really is one of the very best at one of the hardest positions in the sport. Simmons has arrived as a superstar D-lineman and I do not think that will change for a long time.

32. Zack Martin, Offensive Guard, Dallas Cowboys | LAST YEAR: #42 |

2022 stats: 1,143 snaps played, 1 penalty, 0 sacks allowed, 73.3 PFF grade

Another ageless wonder hits the list, and rises following his age 31/32 season, just like Darius Slay. Zack Martin has long been considered a top 3 guard in football, and that won't change anytime soon. Martin was the best offensive player for the Cowboys again in 2022, taking over 1,100 snaps and not allowing a single sack and committing just one penalty. The poise and ability it takes to have that low of numbers in that many downs is just crazy. Martin is simply otherworldly. Martin was First Team All-Pro AGAIN in 2022, for the SIXTH time in his career. He is easily a future Hall of Famer. With that being said, his career is far from over. OL is a position with longevity and if you are as good as Martin, you know that age 32 is young for him. This guy might make First Team All-Pro 4+ more times in his career. People don't seem to care for the greats at the OL position much, but you have to respect and recognize a guy as good as Martin. He rises 10 spots heading into his age 32/33 season!

31. Nick Chubb, Running Back, Cleveland Browns | LAST YEAR: #32 |

2022 stats: 302 carries for 1,525 yards, 12 TDs rushing | 27 receptions for 239 yards, 1 TD rec.

It is clear that Nick Chubb has established his spot in the NFL. Last year Nick Chubb ranked #32 on my big list, a year later he is #31. And its not like it was same old same old for Chubb in 2022. He had the best season of his accomplished young career, rushing for career highs in yards and TDs and taking the most carries of his career yet as well. Chubb finished third in the NFL in rushing yards and made Second Team All-Pro for the first time. He started the season out on fire and was the runaway mid-season OPOY pick and even in the MVP discussion. That's what 4 100 yard games out of your first 5 games will do for you. In 2023, I could see an EVEN better year for Chubb, which sounds crazy. For the first time, he will be the sole leader of this backfield. Kareem Hunt is finally out of the equation, and while Chubb got an insane amount of carries in 2022, he could go for EVEN more in 2023. Chubb is one of the best pure football players in the sport and a downright nasty downfield runner who no one can bring down. He is a freight train. Chubb WILL be right back in this 30 range if not higher a year from now in a vastly improved overall Cleveland offense.

The top 100 will continue in the next few days with players 30-21...