NFL training camps are fast approaching, which means it is again time for the league's true insiders to have their say. As part of ESPN's 2023 NFL season preview, we surveyed league executives, coaches, scouts and players to help us rank the top 10 players at 11 different positions, from quarterback to cornerback and all positions in between. This is the fourth edition of these rankings, and as usual, several players have moved up or fallen off last year's lists.
By way of refresher, here's how our process works: Voters give us their best 10 players at a position, then we compile the results and rank candidates based on number of top-10 votes and composite average, along with dozens of interviews, research and film-study help from ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen. In total, more than 80 voters submitted a ballot on at least one position, and in many cases all positions. We had several ties, so we broke them with the help of additional voting and follow-up calls with those surveyed.
Each section includes quotes and nuggets from the voters on every ranked player -- even the honorable mentions. The objective is to identify the best players right now for 2023. This is not a five-year projection or a career achievement award. Who are the best players today? Check out who makes the list at every position on ESPN+
We will roll out a position per day over 11 days. The schedule: Off-ball linebackers (7/8), defensive tackles (7/9), edge rushers (7/10), cornerbacks (7/11), safeties (7/12), tight ends (7/13), running backs (7/14), offensive tackles (7/15), guards and centers (7/16), quarterbacks (7/17) and wide receivers (7/18).
Top 10 edge rushers
Last season, our respondents voted Dallas Cowboys disruptor Micah Parsons as the league's No. 2 off-ball linebacker. Parsons' evolving role means that this season, he has been moved to the edge rusher category ... where the competition proved extremely fierce. Parsons took on pass-rushing brothers Nick Bosa and Joey Bosa, last year's No. 1 T.J. Watt, and mainstays in this category including Myles Garrett, Von Miller and Maxx Crosby. It all made for one of the deepest top 10 lists in our NFL survey ... and Cowboys fans just might find reason to quibble with the order at the top. See our top 10 on ESPN+ »
Top 10 defensive tackles
Could there be any other answer than Aaron Donald at the top of our defensive tackles survey? Of course not ... but the field is closing in. After the most injury-plagued season of Donald's dominant career, the NFL insiders we surveyed had some other names to consider among the league's premier interior disruptors. Chris Jones, an unsung piece of the Kansas City Chiefs' march toward a Super Bowl title in 2022, moves up the DTs list. The Jets' Quinnen Williams, new 49er (and newly rewarded) Javon Hargrave and a pair of Washington Commanders defensive tackles were among the other figures cited by our panel. See our top 10 on ESPN+ »
Top 10 off-ball linebackers
A change in category meant Micah Parsons was moved off this list and into the edge rushers group, while last year's No. 1 at the off-ball linebacker position, Shaquille Leonard of the Colts, took a tumble on our list after an injury-marred 2022. That left room for some new names. While Fred Warner might not be the face of the 49ers' defense, NFL insiders we surveyed were suitably impressed with the consistency of his impact. Roquan Smith also impressed last year, his first with a Baltimore Ravens team that subsequently rewarded him with a rich new contract. Others including the Bills' Matt Milano had strong showings here as well. See our top 10 on ESPN+ »
Top 10 cornerbacks
One of the NFL's premium positions has undergone something of a power shift, with Jalen Ramsey falling from the No. 1 perch he's occupied for each of the past two seasons. After a down season by his standards, Ramsey falls to No. 3, with challengers including Pat Surtain II (Broncos), Sauce Gardner (Jets), Jaire Alexander (Packers), Marshon Lattimore (Saints) and Marlon Humphrey (Ravens) all garnering first-place votes from our panel in this year's survey. See our top 10 on ESPN+ »
Top 10 safeties
Safety was one of the most competitive and crowded positions in our survey, with 21 players garnering votes. Part of the reason is the evolving nature of the position: traditional "post" safeties still exist, but many of those who attracted attention from our respondents favored the hybrid safeties who can switch to a linebacker or even edge rusher position if needed. Like cornerback, safety went through a changing of the guard at No. 1 -- our 2022 pace-setter Justin Simmons (Broncos) slipped down the charts after being slowed by injury last season, with challengers including Minkah Fitzpatrick (Steelers), Derwin James Jr. (Chargers) and Budda Baker (Cardinals) receiving plenty of support. See our top 10 on ESPN+ »