Ranking the Best Skill-Position Groups of the 2023 NFL Season

Rosters are officially set, and with Week 1 fast approaching, let’s take a look at the weapons each team has at running back, wide receiver and tight end.

Now that 53-man rosters are set for the 2023 NFL season, it’s a good time to assess the skill-position groups for all 32 teams.

We did a ranking of the top 15 way back in March, before the NFL draft. Plenty has changed since then. And not only did we rank every group in the league, but we also decided to list the five best skill players (wide receiver, running back, tight end) on every team.

Some teams are stacked at wide receiver, while others have a more balanced attack with dynamic running backs and tight ends. But before we get to the rankings, let’s remember that this list is about teams with the best five skill players, not the best three or four. Star players are important, but depth might be just as critical in the NFL.

Let’s get to the list!

32. Cardinals

WR Marquise Brown, RB James Conner, TE Zach Ertz, WR Rondale Moore, WR Michael Wilson

The Cardinals are expected to be bad this season, but the skill-position group appears to be in decent shape, with depth and potential. Wilson, a rookie third-round pick, is off to a fast start, and Moore could be a breakout candidate. But this unit desperately needs star power—players who are viewed as the best at their respective positions. Brown and Conner are middle-tier playmakers. And Ertz might not even be ready for the start of the season, because he’s rehabbing from a knee injury. 

31. Texans

RB Dameon Pierce, TE Dalton Schultz, WR Nico Collins, WR Tank Dell, WR John Metchie III

Pierce missed the final four games of 2022 with an ankle injury :: Robert Deutsch/USA TODAY Sports

The Texans are also lacking in star power, but this unit has intriguing upside. Perhaps Pierce builds off his promising rookie season and establishes himself as a top running back in the league. There’s an element of unknown with Metchie, who missed his rookie year dealing with leukemia, but if the former Alabama star finds his stride, that would give the Texans a talented wide receiver unit with Collins and Dell, the rookie third-round pick who made many plays in the preseason. The addition of Schultz will also benefit this young offense led by rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.

30. Colts

RB Jonathan Taylor, WR Michael Pittman Jr., WR Alec Pierce, WR Josh Downs, TE Jelani Woods

If the Colts end up trading Taylor, consider them the worst group of skill players in the league. But even if Taylor plays for the Colts this season, this group seems thin, especially at tight end. Woods has struggled this summer and could lose snaps to Kylen Granson, who has flashed chemistry with Anthony Richardson during preseason. The Colts are missing a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver, but Pittman, Pierce and Downs form a strong receiving corps.

29. Panthers

RB Miles Sanders, WR Adam Thielen, WR Jonathan Mingo, WR DJ Chark, TE Hayden Hurst

None of the five players listed here played with the Panthers last year. Carolina signed Thielen, Chark and Hurst to provide rookie quarterback Bryce Young with a variety of reliable weapons. The Panthers are lacking star players, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if Mingo, a rookie second-round pick, emerges as the No. 1 target by Halloween. Sanders probably didn’t get enough credit playing behind the Eagles’ rugged offensive line, but he didn’t just stumble on a 1,200-yard rushing season last year. 

28. Titans

RB Derrick Henry, WR DeAndre Hopkins, WR Treylon Burks, WR Kyle Philips, RB Tyjae Spears

Hopkins’s arrival makes this group look so much better on paper. The Titans went most of the offseason not knowing who would be their third starting wideout behind second-year players Burks and Philips, who’s currently sidelined with a knee injury. But Tennessee still needs Burks, last year’s first-round pick, to develop into the No. 1 target considering Hopkins might no longer be in his prime. Luckily for this group, Henry hasn’t shown signs of decline, rushing for 1,538 yards in 2022.

27. Broncos

WR Jerry Jeudy, WR Courtland Sutton, WR Marvin Mims Jr., RB Javonte Williams, RB Samaje Perine

The Broncos lost their depth at wide receiver this summer, with Tim Patrick’s season-ending injury and KJ Hamler’s departure, the latter of whom was waived after being diagnosed with pericarditis. To make matters worse, Jeudy sustained a hamstring injury last week. But Sutton appears healthy and could regain his top form (he has struggled to stay healthy since his lone 1,000-yard season in 2019). Perine will give the Broncos another option in the backfield, while Williams works his way back from last season’s knee injury.

26. Patriots

WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, RB Rhamondre Stevenson, TE Hunter Henry, WR DeVante Parker, RB Ezekiel Elliott

New England could be tough to beat with a possibly dominant defense and productive running game, thanks to the duo of Stevenson and Elliott. But the Patriots have uncertainty in the passing game with quarterback Mac Jones, who needs a dynamic season to prove he’s the long-term answer as a franchise signal-caller. The addition of Smith-Schuster should help Jones in the intermediate game. But they’re missing a big-play threat, and according to reports, Tyquan Thornton has had a disappointing training camp, which is why the 2022 second-round pick isn’t listed above.

25. Packers

RB Aaron Jones, WR Christian Watson, WR Romeo Doubs, WR Jayden Reed, TE Luke Musgrave

Inexperience is the primary reason why this group isn’t ranked higher, but there’s plenty of potential in Green Bay. Watson could be a breakout star in 2023, and Doubs and Reed have already made plays this preseason with first-year starting quarterback Jordan Love. Musgrave was regarded as one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the draft this year. Jones, a seventh-year veteran, will probably deliver another productive season.

24. Browns

RB Nick Chubb, WR Amari Cooper, WR Elijah Moore, WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, TE David Njoku

Chubb rushed for 12 touchdowns last season :: Scott Galvin/USA TODAY Sports

Moore wasn’t wanted in New York, but his versatility has been welcomed in Cleveland. If the Browns are able to unlock the 2021 second-round pick’s vast skill set, perhaps that could help Chubb in the running game. The Browns have uncertainty at RB2 with the departures of Kareem Hunt and D’Ernest Johnson. Also, Deshaun Watson and the Browns are going to need more than a few trick plays from Moore to aid the passing game. Cooper’s days of being a No. 1 target might be gone, and Njoku and Peoples-Jones tend to have highs and lows throughout a season.

23. Rams

WR Cooper Kupp, TE Tyler Higbee, RB Cam Akers, WR Puka Nacua, WR Van Jefferson

Kupp did the heavy lifting for the Rams last season before sustaining a season-ending ankle injury. He could have more help from his fellow wide receivers this season with the emergence of Nacua, a rookie fifth-round pick who has quickly impressed coach Sean McVay. Jefferson has been inconsistent throughout his career, but he tends to have big moments in crunch time. Higbee is a reliable tight end, and Akers could pick up where he left off last season, ending 2022 with three consecutive games of at least 100 rushing yards.

22. Buccaneers

WR Mike Evans, WR Chris Godwin, RB Rachaad White, TE Cade Otton, WR Trey Palmer

The Buccaneers are top heavy with inexperience behind the duo of Evans and Godwin. But Palmer, a rookie sixth-round pick, could be ready to fill in for Russell Gage, who’s out for the season with a knee injury. If Tampa Bay gets better run blocking this season, perhaps White has a breakout second season. As for another second-year player, Otton flashed as a rookie, highlighted by a memorable game-winning touchdown catch versus the Rams last season.

21. Ravens

TE Mark Andrews, WR Odell Beckham Jr., WR Zay Flowers, RB J.K. Dobbins, WR Rashod Bateman

Andrews probably doesn’t get enough credit for how valuable he’s been for the Ravens as a pass catcher and blocker—expect him to remain one of the best tight ends in the league. But there’s uncertainty surrounding Baltimore’s talented receivers. Beckham will need to prove he can stay healthy, as will Bateman, a 2021 first-round pick. Flowers, this year’s first-round pick, is off to a fast start and could be a vital piece in helping Lamar Jackson push the ball downfield in ’23. The Ravens are counting on Dobbins as the lead back, despite his lengthy injury history.

20. Bears

WR DJ Moore, WR Darnell Mooney, WR Chase Claypool, TE Cole Kmet, RB Khalil Herbert

Moore (right) came to Chicago from the Panthers as part of the trade for the No. 1 draft pick :: Jamie Sabau/USA TODAY Sports

Trading for Moore will not only benefit quarterback Justin Fields. Mooney and Claypool, two wideouts who have been inconsistent at times, should see better opportunities on the field, with opposing defenses now having to account for Moore. The Bears probably would have been ranked higher had Mooney not regressed last season: He recorded 40 catches for 493 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games played. Kmet is a versatile tight end who recently earned a four-year, $50 million contract extension.

19. Lions

WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, RB Jahmyr Gibbs, RB David Montgomery, WR Jameson Williams, TE Sam LaPorta

After St. Brown, there’s plenty of unknowns surrounding the Lions’ skill players. Williams didn’t play much his rookie year because of injury, and he will now miss the first six games of the season for violating the league’s gambling policy. Taking LaPorta in the second round of this year’s draft might have been a reach. But Gibbs, the 2023 No. 12 pick, has had a strong camp and has received comparisons to Alvin Kamara.

18. Commanders

WR Terry McLaurin, WR Jahan Dotson, WR Curtis Samuel, RB Brian Robinson Jr., RB Antonio Gibson

I’m sure many people will be upset about the Commanders being ranked this low, considering that they have one of the best receiving corps in the NFL. Yes, McLaurin is a stud, and Dotson and Samuel are standout downfield threats. But there’s not much to like at tight end. Robinson and Gibson are a fine duo, but they aren’t Pro Bowl–caliber backs. You’ll probably notice the many running back stars ranked after this.

17. Falcons

RB Bijan Robinson, TE Kyle Pitts, WR Drake London, RB Tyler Allgeier, WR Mack Hollins

Another friendly reminder that this ranking prioritizes the best five skill players on every team. The Falcons have star power at running back (Robinson), tight end (Pitts) and wide receiver (London), but there’s a drastic drop-off after the big three. Atlanta might have the worst wide receiver depth in the league. Hollins is probably better suited as a No. 3 wideout, and he’s currently No. 2 for the Falcons. Also, I’m not convinced that Pitts will ever reach his high potential after two rocky seasons for the No. 4 pick in the 2021 draft.

16. Giants

TE Darren Waller, RB Saquon Barkley, WR Parris Campbell, WR Jalin Hyatt, WR Darius Slayton

The Giants traded a 2023 third-round pick (No. 100) for Waller :: Jamie Sabau/USA TODAY Sports

Daniel Jones was paid this offseason (four years, $160 million) partly because of what he’s been able to do the past few seasons with a lackluster group of pass catchers. But the quarterback no longer has that excuse thanks to the arrivals of Waller, Campbell and Hyatt. Suddenly, the Giants have depth and upside at the skill positions. Last season, Slayton might have been the most reliable target for Jones, and now he may not even have a spot on this top-five list. Wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins could have a breakout year after flashing late last season.

15. Steelers

WR George Pickens, WR Diontae Johnson, RB Najee Harris, TE Pat Freiermuth, WR Allen Robinson

With Kenny Pickett pushing the ball downfield this preseason, Pickens could be on the verge of a breakout season to establish himself as a premier wide receiver in the league. If Pickens takes steps forward, that would make Johnson a premium No. 2 target. Harris is coming off back-to-back seasons of at least 1,000 rushing yards, and Freiermuth is viewed as a top-10 tight end in the NFL.

14. Raiders

WR Davante Adams, RB Josh Jacobs, WR Jakobi Meyers, TE Michael Mayer, WR Hunter Renfrow

There might not be a better wide receiver-running back duo in the league than Adams and Jacobs, who recently reported to the team after ending his contract holdout. The Raiders face a good problem to have with Meyers and Renfrow being two standout slot receivers. Mayer might be limited in the passing game, but his versatility as a blocker should benefit the Jimmy Garoppolo–led offense. 

13. Saints

WR Chris Olave, WR Michael Thomas, RB Alvin Kamara, TE Juwan Johnson, RB Kendre Miller

New Orleans has a case to be ranked higher, but Kamara was hit with a three-game suspension to start the year, and Thomas needs to prove he can stay healthy after dealing with injuries the past few years. But regardless of what happens with those two, the Saints have a star in the making with Olave, plus they have plenty of depth at running back with Jamaal Williams and Miller, a rookie third-round pick. Also, Johnson appears to be a friendly target for Derek Carr. 

12. Vikings

WR Justin Jefferson, TE T.J. Hockenson, WR Jordan Addison, RB Alexander Mattison, WR K.J. Osborn

Jefferson is viewed by many as the best wideout in the NFL, but that didn’t stop the Vikings from using their 2023 first-round pick on Addison, a versatile wideout who can play in the slot and as a downfield threat. Hockenson had a breakout season after being traded by Detroit to Minnesota. After a few disappointing seasons, the ’19 first-round pick appears to be a top-five tight end in the league. Mattison has flashed at times, but he’s now expected to deliver as a starting running back after the release of Dalvin Cook.

11. Chiefs

TE Travis Kelce, RB Isiah Pacheco, WR Kadarius Toney, WR Skyy Moore, WR Justyn Ross

Toney sustained a knee injury at the start of training camp :: Michael Chow/The Republic/USA TODAY Network

Feel free to argue with me here. It seems wrong to rank the defending Super Bowl champions with one of the greatest tight ends of all time outside of the top 10. But there’s lots of mystery with Kansas City’s wide receivers. Toney is once again sidelined with an injury, and he hasn’t proven to be a consistent wide receiver since the Giants took him at No. 20 in 2021. But Ross has flashed high upside, and Moore could be Patrick Mahomes’s third-down target. Rookie Rashee Rice is also an intriguing wide receiver option.

10. Jets

WR Garrett Wilson, RB Breece Hall, RB Dalvin Cook, WR Allen Lazard, WR Mecole Hardman Jr.

Aaron Rodgers comparing Wilson to Davante Adams seems accurate, and feels like a good sign for the Jets. Along with having a star wideout, New York has plenty of star power at running back with Cook and Hall. The Jets, however, lack a standout tight end and depth at wide receiver. But Lazard’s familiarity with Rodgers could pay dividends. As for one major area of concern, the Jets’ shaky offensive line could hold back this talented group of skill players in 2023. 

9. Cowboys

WR CeeDee Lamb, RB Tony Pollard, WR Brandin Cooks, WR Michael Gallup, TE Jake Ferguson

Pollard proved to be a dependable and dynamic starting running back after surpassing Elliott on the depth chart last season. Lamb also had a breakout 2022 season, going from a promising wideout to a legitimate No. 1 target. Cooks is a quality No. 2 option, but the Cowboys are going to need Gallup to deliver as a consistent playmaker. Also, Dallas is banking on the duo of Ferguson and rookie Luke Schoonmaker to fill the void left behind by Schultz.

8. Dolphins

WR Tyreek Hill, WR Jaylen Waddle, RB Raheem Mostert, RB Jeff Wilson Jr., RB Devon Achane

The Dolphins have arguably the best wide receiver duo with Hill and Waddle, and there’s no debate when it comes to Miami having the fastest set of skill players in the NFL. The Dolphins could use a bell cow running back (which is why they reportedly showed interest in Dalvin Cook), but they have three speedy backs in Mostert, Wilson and Achane, a rookie third-round pick. They could also use a pass-catching tight end, but coach Mike McDaniel didn’t use tight ends a ton in the passing game last season, so they should be fine without.

7. Jaguars

WR Calvin Ridley, WR Christian Kirk, TE Evan Engram, RB Travis Etienne, RB Tank Bigsby

The Jaguars have a balanced set of skill players with Pro Bowl talent at the three positions. Ridley hasn’t played much the past two seasons, but according to local reports, he’s had a dominant summer and already appears to have chemistry with Trevor Lawrence. Kirk was worth the money last season as a downfield threat, and the Jaguars also have a quality No. 3 wide receiver in Zay Jones. But Jones didn’t make the top five thanks to the emergence of rookie Bigsby, who could form a productive backfield tandem with Etienne. 

6. Bills

WR Stefon Diggs, WR Gabe Davis, RB James Cook, TE Dalton Kincaid, TE Dawson Knox

Diggs was named a captain for the third year Wednesday.  :: Mark Konezny/USA TODAY Sports

The Bills probably made the right decision to take the best player available in the first round, instead of adding another wide receiver because of need. Kincaid, the No. 25 pick this April, will likely be utilized as a wide receiver in two-tight-end sets with Knox. But the Bills are going to need Cook to break out in his second season, and for Davis to be a consistent playmaker after a somewhat disappointing 2022 season. 

5. Chargers

RB Austin Ekeler, WR Keenan Allen, WR Mike Williams, WR Quentin Johnston, WR Joshua Palmer

The Chargers have a versatile running back who has scored a combined 38 touchdowns the past two seasons (Ekeler), and four wide receivers who stand above 6'1" to potentially give Justin Herbert many advantages against opposing defenses in his first season with OC Kellen Moore. But there are some concerns with Williams struggling to stay healthy at times, and with Allen entering his 11th career season. Los Angeles will need Johnston to quickly find his footing in his rookie year. 

4. Seahawks

WR DK Metcalf, WR Tyler Lockett, WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, RB Kenneth Walker III, RB Zach Charbonnet

The Seahawks’ starting trio at wide receiver is unique, because each provides a different skill set. The 6'4", 235-pound Metcalf has the size and strength for contested catches; Lockett stretches the field with his 4.4 speed; and Smith-Njigba can move the chains as a smooth route runner. But this trio likely won’t be on full display for Week 1 because Smith-Njigba, a 2023 first-round pick, injured his wrist during the preseason. Also, Seattle has a dynamic running back tandem with Walker and Charbonnet, a ’23 second-round pick.

3. Bengals

WR Ja’Marr Chase, WR Tee Higgins, WR Tyler Boyd, RB Joe Mixon, TE Irv Smith Jr.

The Bengals’ wide receivers trio gets the edge over the Seahawks for a few reasons: Chase is an elite wideout, Joe Burrow is throwing them the ball and this group has had plenty of success the past two seasons. Boyd doesn’t get as much credit as Chase and Higgins, but he’s been instrumental in Cincinnati’s rise as a yearly Super Bowl contender. Mixon is a productive running back, but he struggled down the stretch last year, and he’s in his age-27 season.

2. Eagles

WR A.J. Brown, WR DeVonta Smith, TE Dallas Goedert, RB D’Andre Swift, RB Rashaad Penny

The Eagles finished in the top three in the league for total offense in 2022 :: Eric Hartline/USA TODAY Sports

The Eagles don’t have a big three at wide receiver, but Goedert has been more productive than most No. 3 wideouts in the league. Brown had a dominant first year in Philadelphia, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Smith gets his first Pro Bowl selection this season. But there are concerns at running back due to the injury history that comes with Swift and Penny. If they both remain available in 2023, the Eagles’ rushing attack might be better than last year when Sanders was the lead back.

1. 49ers

RB Christian McCaffrey, WR Deebo Samuel, TE George Kittle, WR Brandon Aiyuk, WR Jauan Jennings

This is a no-brainer because of the 49ers’ elite playmakers at the three positions. McCaffrey is regarded as the best running back in the league by many, thanks to how productive he was after being traded by Carolina to San Francisco. Kittle is a four-time Pro Bowler because of his versatility as a blocker and pass catcher. Samuel might be the game’s most dangerous playmaker, especially in open space. Aiyuk gets lost behind the big three, but he’s coming off a 1,000-yard receiving season. Jennings is a reliable playmaker, along with wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III and running back Elijah Mitchell. Plenty of playmakers in the Bay Area.