The Top 10 NFL Players To Watch In 2022-2023

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There’s no denying that the NFL is a young man’s game. Even though there are some veteran players who remain among the top performers each season, most players peak in their late 20s or early 30s and begin to regress by their mid-30s. This makes it challenging for teams to build long-term rosters while also accounting for the accelerated drop-off of most players. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t great football players out there who are still ascending as professionals. Whether they’re just entering their prime and have yet to realize their potential, or they’re developing and growing into a new role with more responsibility, these individuals stand out as the best of the best going forward. Here are our Top 10 NFL Players To Watch In 2022-2023:

Dalvin Cook

Dalvin Cook was selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, but he was expected to go much higher. A prolific running back at Florida State, Cook had the skill set to translate to the NFL almost immediately. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL in Week 4 of his rookie season, making for a disappointing first year in the league. However, he was able to bounce back in a big way in 2018 and 2019, becoming one of the NFL’s most dominant running backs. He’s excellent at getting to the outside and finding open space, allowing his offensive line to set up more effectively. In the passing game, he’s a legitimate threat, especially out of the backfield. He’s also an effective pass blocker, making him a complete three-down back.

Deion Jones

Deion Jones has been one of the NFL’s best linebackers since he entered the league in 2016. The Atlanta Falcons selected him in the second round and immediately took advantage of his elite coverage skills. He’s quick enough to stay with slot receivers, yet strong enough to match up against tight ends. He’s also improved as a tackler, making him a complete three-down linebacker. There’s not a thing he can’t do, and he figures to only get better. Even though he’s just 27 years old, he’s entering his fifth NFL season, which is when most players hit their stride. Plus, the Falcons have surrounded him with young players, who can learn from him and be effective as soon as this upcoming season.

Everson handles

This one is more of a projection than anything else. Everson handles, who was drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2021, has the potential to be one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL. He’s entering his fifth season as a pro, and he’s been a starter on the Broncos’ offensive line since his rookie year. In 2022-2023, he’ll just be entering his prime as a football player, making him an even more dominant force. One of his best traits is his ability to get to the second level and block for Denver’s running backs. Many linemen struggle to get to that level, but he makes it look effortless. He’s also a capable pass blocker, and he figures to be even better at that in the coming years. Denver overhauled most of its offensive line over the last few years, but handles is a cornerstone and the team has built around him.

Leonard Floyd

Leonard Floyd was one of the top defensive ends in the NFL when he was in his prime, but he transitioned to outside linebacker in 2019 and has become even more dominant as a result. He’s a quick, strong pass rusher who can wreak havoc as a stand-up rusher or playing off the edge. Floyd was an excellent defensive end, but he’s even better as a stand-up outside linebacker. There are very few players in the NFL who can match his skill set, and he’s only going to get better as he continues to develop this new role. He’s only 26 years old and he’s entering his fifth season as a pro. Plus, he’s surrounded by younger players who can learn from him and grow with him.

Marcell Dareus

Marcell Dareus has been one of the top defensive tackles in the NFL since entering the league in 2011. He’s a massive, powerful force on the inside who can stuff the run and pressure the quarterback. Dareus has missed time over the last few seasons due to suspensions and injuries, but he’s one of the NFL’s best when he’s on the field. He’s a great run defender, can pressure the quarterback from the middle, and he’s also a gifted pass rusher. He’s 28 years old, which is a common age for defensive tackles to really hit their stride. He’s just now entering his prime and he figures to be even more dominant in 2022-2023.

Aaron Donald

Aaron Donald has been one of the best defensive players in football since he entered the NFL in 2014. However, he was stuck in a contract squabble with the Los Angeles Rams, which prevented him from truly showing his dominance on the field. After a long contract dispute, the Rams finally gave in and gave Donald a massive deal. Since his contract dispute ended, Donald has been the best defensive player in the NFL. He’s an unstoppable pass rusher who can wreak havoc from anywhere on the defensive line. He’s quick enough to get to the quarterback as a defensive end, but he’s also strong enough to hold up against tackles as a defensive tackle. He’s only 29 years old, and he’s entering the prime of his career. He’s already one of the best defensive players in the NFL, and he figures to only get better going forward.

Joey Bosa

Joey Bosa was one of the best edge rushers in the NFL after his rookie season in 2016. However, he tore his ACL in the first game of the 2017 season, which was expected to sideline him for the year. Bosa came back better than ever in 2019, earning league MVP honors. He’s a relentless pass rusher who’s strong against the run and skilled in coverage. He’s a complete defensive end, and he’s only getting better. He’s only 26 years old, which is a common age for defensive ends to really hit their stride. He’s entering the prime of his career, and he figures to be even more dominant in 2022-2023.

Trae Waynes

Trae Waynes was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2015, but he didn’t become a full-time starter until 2019. He’s a tall, physical cornerback who can be a shutdown defender. He’s excellent at pressing and disrupting routes as a cornerback. He’s not afraid to get physical, and he’s also an effective cover man. He’s excellent at staying on top of receivers and disrupting their routes. Waynes has slowly become a more prominent figure on the Vikings’ defense, and he’s only going to get better. He’s 27 years old, which is a common age for cornerbacks to really hit their stride. He’s entering the prime of his career, and he figures to be one of the best defensive backs in the NFL in 2022-2023.

Bradley Chubb

Bradley Chubb was selected by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Since becoming a starter in 2020, he’s been one of the best edge rushers in the NFL. He’s an athletic pass rusher who can beat his defender in a variety of ways. He’s quick enough to beat offensive tackles off the edge, but he’s also strong enough to beat them with power. He’s a complete defensive end who will only get better as he continues to develop as a pro. He’s only 22 years old, which is a common age for edge rushers to really hit their stride. He figures to be one of the best defensive ends in the NFL in 2022-2023.

Concluding Thoughts

The NFL is a young man’s game, and most players peak in their late 20s or early 30s. That makes it difficult for teams to build long-term rosters while also accounting for the accelerated drop-off of most players. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t players to keep an eye out for on the rise.