Projecting the Top 100 Players From the 2023 NFL Season: Nos. 60-41

We’re halfway through counting down which stars will be considered amongst the league’s best come February, and with that means the only rookie on the list.

More of the Projected Top 100: Nos. 100-81 | Nos. 80-61 | Nos. 40-21

The NFL’s top 100 players. Not a new concept. We’ve seen the lists and how they change annually based on the ensuing performances.

But here at The MMQB, we’re adding a new spin. We’re forecasting how the top 100 will look after the 2023 season. Which players will rise and become stars, or grow into superstardom? Which players will begin declining either because of age or because of their situation?

So far, we have unveiled the first 40 players on the list, Nos. 100-81 and Nos. 80-61. At the midseason point, we’ll update and evaluate our list before a final review after the Super Bowl in Las Vegas.

In the meantime, we see at least one member of each team making the list, while the 49ers and Eagles are the most represented with eight and seven players, respectively. Conversely, the Cardinals, Panthers, Bears, Packers, Vikings and Buccaneers have one apiece.

All told, 12 quarterbacks made our list, while Matthew Stafford and Bryce Young were the first two missing the cut. Lastly, 54 AFC players made the list, with 46 from the NFC.

It wasn’t an easy task, but we have our top 100 based on how the players are about to perform, not only on what they’ve already accomplished.

60

Joe Thuney, OG, Kansas City Chiefs

Thuney enters his eighth year in the league, and his third protecting Patrick Mahomes.  :: Denny Medley/USA TODAY Sports

Thuney has been a starting guard for three Super Bowl teams—twice with the Patriots and with the Chiefs last season. He’s been a dominant pass blocker for many years now. 

59

DK Metcalf, WR, Seattle Seahawks

Metcalf will play as part of the Seahawks’ dynamic WR trio, alongside Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tyler Lockett :: AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

The Seahawks have one of the most intriguing offenses in the league, and it starts with Metcalf. After making the Pro Bowl in 2020, Metcalf hasn’t been back despite totaling 90 catches for 1,048 yards last year. If quarterback Geno Smith has another terrific year, expect Metcalf to make a bid for more accolades in ’23.

58

Terry McLaurin, WR, Washington Commanders

McLaurin injured his toe during Monday’s preseason game vs. the Ravens, but the WR is still expected to play come the season opener :: Rich Barnes/USA TODAY Sports

McLaurin is known for his acrobatic catches and consistent production since entering the league as a third-round pick in 2019. McLaurin has had at least 77 catches and 1,000 receiving yards the past three seasons. 

57

Matthew Judon, edge, New England Patriots

Early this month, Judon and the Patriots agreed to a revised contract that will bring the edge’s pay from $2 million to $14 million in 2023 :: Michael Chow/USA TODAY Network

Judon is one of the league’s most underrated players. A Pro Bowler each of the past four years between the Ravens and Patriots, few players have been more consistent or durable. Judon has missed only two games since his rookie year and last season posted 15.5 sacks after 12.5 in 2021.

56

Haason Reddick, edge, Philadelphia Eagles

Reddick is expected to undergo surgery for a thumb injury sustained during a joint practice last week, but he should return for the season opener :: Bill Streicher/USA TODAY Sports

Reddick flourished in his first season in Philadelphia by constantly creating pressure for opposing quarterbacks. He had a career-high 16 sacks, making his three-year, $45 million contract a bargain for the Eagles.

55

Cameron Jordan, DE, New Orleans Saints

Jordan signed a 2-year, $27.5 million contract extension with the Saints ahead of the 2023 season :: Stephen Lew/USA TODAY Sports

Entering his 13th year with the Saints, Jordan is a 34-year-old game-changer who has yet to decline. An elite pass rusher, Jordan has made the Pro Bowl six consecutive years while amassing 115.5 career sacks. It’s folly to bet against Jordan until we see any reason for doubt.

54

Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions

St. Brown was a Pro Bowler in his second season.  :: Robert Deutsch/USA TODAY Sports

St. Brown was instrumental in the Lions’ winning eight of their final 10 games last season. The feisty competitor racked up 106 catches for 1,161 yards and six touchdowns in his second season.

53

Creed Humphrey, C, Kansas City Chiefs

Humphrey was ranked as the league’s best center, just barely topping Jason Kelce in PFF’s run-blocking grades last season :: Denny Medley/USA TODAY Sports

Humphrey doesn’t play a traditionally glamorous position, but he’s incredibly valuable playing in front of Mahomes. Entering his third season, Humphrey is already a Pro Bowler and a second-team All-Pro. 

52

Andrew Thomas, LT, New York Giants

Thomas and the Giants reportedly agreed to a five-year extension that includes $67 million guaranteed at signing, a record for offensive lineman :: Jerome Miron/USA TODAY Sports

After a rocky rookie season, Thomas ascended last season and was named a second-team All-Pro. Now not many are questioning the Giants’ decision to draft him at No. 4 in 2020.

51

Joey Bosa, edge, Los Angeles Chargers

Bosa is set to return alongside Khalil Mack in 2023 :: Kirby Lee / USA TODAY Sports

The big question surrounding Bosa is health. The 28-year-old has played seven seasons for the Chargers and made four Pro Bowls, but he has also missed 29 games. If he’s healthy in 2023, he’ll likely outperform this ranking.

50

Joel Bitonio, OG, Cleveland Browns

The Browns recently restructured Bitonio’s deal, along with Myles Garrett’s, to clear cap space for the team :: Bill Frakes/Sports Illustrated/The MMQB

Bitonio has a case for being recognized as the best guard in the league after back-to-back seasons of making first-team All-Pro and five consecutive Pro Bowl selections. Chubb gets the glory in Cleveland, but Bitonio does his part by providing running lanes. 

49

Riq Woolen, CB, Seattle Seahawks

Woolen was the first defensive rookie from the Seahawks to be named to the Pro Bowl since 2005 :: Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports

Woolen was a stunning success story last year, becoming a rookie Pro Bowler after being a fifth-round pick. He helped the Seahawks to the postseason, totaling six interceptions and a touchdown. Look for Woolen to keep rising up the cornerback rankings.

48

Josh Jacobs, RB, Las Vegas Raiders

Jacobs has been away from the team due to contract disputes, but he is expected to return for the season opener :: Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports

Jacobs captured the rushing title in 2022 with 1,653 yards. He also added 12 rushing touchdowns and 53 catches for 400 yards. The ’19 first-round pick is known for being a physical runner, but he’s also a productive pass catcher and blocker. The Raiders, however, might not have Jacobs’s versatility on the field if he decides to miss games due to his contract holdout. But it’s tough seeing Jacobs passing on a guaranteed one year salary of $10 million for playing on the franchise tag. 

47

Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants

Barkely was named the league’s OROY in 2019 :: Rich Barnes/USA TODAY Sports

After rolling up 1,312 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 4.4 yards per carry, Barkley is looking to once more carry the Giants’ attack. Although New York paid quarterback Daniel Jones, Barkley remains the elite threat in the Giants’ backfield.

46

Nick Chubb, RB, Cleveland Browns

Chubb has rushed for at least eight touchdowns in each of his five NFL seasons :: Albert Cesare/The Enquirer/USA TODAY Network

The bruising running back has made four consecutive Pro Bowls and is coming off a career year with 1,525 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. Chubb, who’s one of the toughest players to tackle, also has a streak of four consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons.

45

Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons

Robinson rushed for 3,410 yards in three seasons at Texas, nearly half of which came in his final year :: Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports

Robinson is the only rookie who lands on the list, and for good reason. He’s a top-10 pick who went to an offensive-minded coach (Arthur Smith) in a system designed to utilize him in multiple ways. Robinson should be a 1,000-yard back who also racks up receptions. 

44

Stefon Diggs, WR, Buffalo Bills

Diggs denied Stephen A. Smith’s report that the receiver wanted out of Buffalo Monday :: Mark Konezny/USA TODAY Sports

Diggs is a savvy route runner with reliable hands, and the numbers support that evaluation with three consecutive seasons of at least 100 catches and 1,200 receiving yards. Diggs, a three-time Pro Bowler, has been instrumental in the success of the Bills the past three seasons. 

43

Penei Sewell, RT, Detroit Lions

“He’s our foundation. He’s one of those pillars that we talk about,” Dan Campbell told The Detroit News :: Junfu Han/USA TODAY Network

Sewell is on one of the league’s best lines, and is coming off his first Pro Bowl. Now entrenched as a star right tackle, Sewell enters his third season still only 22 years old, with both upside and credentials to his name.

42

Dexter Lawrence, DT, New York Giants

Lawrence (center) signed a four-year, $90 million extension with the Giants in May :: Jasen Vinlove/USA TODAY Sports

Lawrence expanded his game last season as a nose tackle who can rush the passer and stop the run. After recording a career-high 7.5 sacks, Lawrence signed a four-year, $90 million contract extension.

41

George Pickens, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

Pickens has been wowing fans at training camp this offseason :: Kim Klement Neitzel/USA TODAY Sports

Pickens was a second-round pick in 2022 who burst onto the scene with 52 receptions and 801 yards as a rookie. The star of a quietly stacked Pittsburgh offense, Pickens is primed to post his first 1,000-yard season with second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett at the helm.