FBI’s 2023 Top 100 NFL Players List (Part One)

The NFL top-100 that comes out every off-season is typically skewed dramatically. That is because NFL players themselves vote on it, and they inherently have biased opinions. It seemed necessary to do a top-100 of my own that comes from an unbiased person. Rather than ranking them based on just last year, this list will be ranked based on the overall talent level and impact they are expected to have heading into next year. That means players who had down years could still rank high. Please use code TREYSCHNEIDER on Underdog Fantasy to match your deposit up to $100. Gamble responsibly and leave your feedback on Twitter @FBIntellect.

Tier Five: Regressing Stars/ Ascending Studs

100. Montez Sweat, Washinton

Montez Sweat flew under the radar last season and quietly had an outstanding season. He racked up 62 pressures while also being a dominant run defender. When it comes to pure physical traits, very few NFL players can match Sweat. He uses his length and speed to generate speed-to-power at an elite level. Sweat may not be a superstar, but he is a piece that significantly elevates Washington’s defense.

99. Mike Evans, Tampa Bay

Mike Evans, like Higgens, could be a better separator but has all the ball skills you could ask for in a Receiver. He was Tom Brady’s favorite target during his stretch with Tampa Bay. Evans is a high-IQ player who always had excellent chemistry with his QB.

98. Grady Jarrett, Atlanta

Over the past several years, Grady Jarett has been an underrated gem for Atlanta. He brings an unexpected element of quickness and finesse to his game. All while being one of the best run defenders in football.

97. Micah Hyde, Buffalo

Micah Hyde, like Jordan Poyer, is a necessity to have on the roster. What he does playing as a two-high Safety is highly coveted in a split-Safety scheme. His IQ and ability to man up in match coverages are outstanding. He’s one of the many reasons Buffalo’s defense has been so good recently.

96. T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota

The trade Minnesota made to acquire T.J. Hockenson was a steal. He is a complete Tight End who impacts all facets of the offense. With the proper size and excellent strength, Hockenson can be a quality blocker. As a Receiver, he isn’t the best deep threat but is a dependable security blanket to rely on. Detroit should be kicking themselves for trading him away.

95. Justin Simmons, Denver

Justin Simmons is a very unique Safety who brings a lot of value to Denver. His skill set is perfect for a split safety defense. He may not be the rangiest guy, but he is very intelligent and has terrific quickness. When Simmons is in, he’s one of the most impactful players on the field.

94. Keenan Allen, LAC

Keenan Allen has been a well-known name dating all the way back to his rookie year in 2013. He works primarily out of the Slot but is one of the most effective Receivers when he’s healthy. There were some missed games last year, but he was a dependable and highly efficient player when he was in.

93. Tee Higgens, Cincinnati

You can argue that Tee Higgens should be higher, but his lack of separation ability drags him down. He’s undeniably one of the best possession Receivers in the league. 50/50 balls for Higgens are more like 70/30 balls. It would be in the best interest of Cincinnati to pay him.

92. Creed Humphrey, Kansas City

Creed Humphrey quickly emerged as one of the best Centers in the NFL. Coming out, he didn’t have the best physical traits, so he fell. Well, his dominant film from college only carried on to the pros, as he’s been remarkable for Kansas City.

91. Jaylen Waddle, Miami

Jaylen Waddle was one of the most twitched-up Receivers we’ve ever seen enter the draft. Since getting drafted, he’s done nothing but put his athleticism to use in the most dynamic way possible. His speed and ball skills make for an exceptional deep threat, and he is a menace after the catch.

90. A.J. Terrell, Atlanta

In 2021, A.J. Terrell emerged as one of my favorite players. He’s got tremendous speed and is physical in press coverage. Atlanta’s scheme is very man-heavy, but Terrell thrives in zone coverage. He can succeed in Man, too, but he is best in zone coverage. He is the primary reason Atlanta’s defense wasn’t abysmal the past two years.

89. Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay

Chris Godwin may not be as productive as Evans, but I’d instead take Godwin as my number-one Receiver. Godwin has legitimate burst and speed and is a well-rounded Receiver. He is a terrific separator and has good hands. The best thing about Godwin is he’s versatile and scheme-independent.

88. DK Metcalf, Seattle

DK Metcalf is undoubtedly one of the most lethal deep threats in all of football but lacks dynamism. When he runs a crosser over the middle, he is nearly unguardable. He also is the most physical Receiver after the catch in the league. The knock on him is his limited route tree and lack of elusiveness. However, he is an exceptional talent who is highly coveted by Seattle.

87. Jonathan Allen, Washington

Jonathan Allen was coming off a dominant season in 2021 but had some inconsistencies last year. He had a stretch of games with no pressures but is borderline unstoppable when he’s on. With stellar get-off and potent strength, he can bull rush with ease.

Tier Four: Proven Stars

86. Aaron Jones, Green Bay

Aaron Jones has consistently killed it in a wide-zone offense for several years. The most impactful element about Jones is his receiving ability. He’s a tough guy to get down when he gets into space. Additionally, he is adequate in pass-pro. He’s, without a doubt, the most dependable weapon Green Bay has.

85. Khalil Mack, LAC

Khalil Mack isn’t the same player he used to be. However, his skill set is still highly useful to his team. He can be a force in the run game with the proper length and grown-man strength. As a pass rusher, he still racked up 59 total pressures and is one of the brightest EDGEs there is. LA didn’t give up much for him, and they should be glad to have him around when he’s healthy.

84. Denzel Ward, Cleveland

Denzel Ward had a bit of a down year in 2022, but he likely returns to his usual self in 2023. He’s a highly challenging guy to separate against when he is on. His all-around athleticism is elite and is one of the primary reasons Ward can be so dominant. The contract he got was no overpay as he is well worth that kind of money.

83. QB Lamar Jackson, Baltimore

Lamar Jackson is one of the most electrifying players to step on the field in recent memory. His impact as a runner is simply incredible, and he has continued to improve as a passer gradually. After gaining weight, he is significantly better at throwing in the pocket. He’s well deserving of the contract Baltimore paid him, and it’s great he stays a Raven.

82. TE Darren Waller, New York

Darren Waller has regressed to an extent but is still a fearful threat, with a lot left in the tank. Injuries have taken a toll on his career, but when on the field, he is one of the best receiving Tight Ends in the league. As he’s very tall and has ridiculous speed, he’s a tough cover for both Linebackers and Slot Corners. New York got a steal of a trade to acquire him

81. Vita Vea, Tampa Bay

Vita Vea is a dominant impact in the run game while also being a legitimate pass rusher. He is a genuine space eater up front and attracts a lot of attention. At nearly 350 lbs with world-class power and 5.10 speed, he generates elite momentum and force. He’s one of the most fun D-Linemen to watch

Part Two