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.
Here's how our process works: Voters give us their 10 best players at a position, then we compile the results and rank candidates based on number of top-10 votes, composite average, along with dozens of interviews, research and film study 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 (July 8), defensive tackles (July 9), edge rushers (July 10), cornerbacks (July 11), safeties (July 12), tight ends (July 13), running backs (July 14), offensive tackles (July 15), guards and centers (July 16), quarterbacks (July 17) and wide receivers (July 18).
To say the NFL is entering a new golden era of quarterback play isn't overselling it. With Drew Brees and Tom Brady retiring in back-to-back years and Aaron Rodgers not far behind, six of the top seven quarterbacks in the NFL are 27 years old or younger. They all are armed with $200 million-plus contracts -- or could be in the next three months. And they are all dual threats to varying degrees, effectively putting the traditional "statue" pocket passer to rest.
While last year's rankings showed a depth problem at the position, the emergence of two young quarterbacks debuting in the top 10 and several veterans improving their play in 2022 has strengthened the pool. This made for a highly competitive voting process, especially for the 10th spot.
Let's look at some of the game's top QBs as ranked by execs, coaches, scouts and players around the NFL.
1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 2
Age: 27 | Last year's ranking: 2
Back on top after holding the No. 2 ranking last year, Mahomes received all but two first-place votes thanks to a dominant season capped by his second Super Bowl win.
"He's got everything needed from a great quarterback, and he does those things at a high level all of the time," an AFC scout said.
Most impressive was Mahomes' ability to adjust without the vertical threat of Tyreek Hill, who was traded to Miami. Of Mahomes' 41 touchdown passes, 31 went to running backs or tight ends, the most in a single season in the Super Bowl era (since 1966). Mahomes also led the postseason charge despite playing at less than full strength following a right ankle injury during the Chiefs' divisional round win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
His QBR of 77.6 was six-plus points higher than that of any other quarterback. He was particularly dominant in the red zone, leading all quarterbacks with an 87.3 QBR. He's the best against the blitz, too (83.6 QBR).
And he has proved efficient when the big passing yards aren't available. In the Super Bowl win over Philadelphia, Mahomes completed 12 passing first downs for 182 yards.
"He's accurate when uncomfortable, which is probably the hardest thing to do in the NFL," an NFL offensive coach said. "The game just slows down to the point where he's at his best in the chaos."
The Chiefs believe Mahomes improved his in-game adjustments in the past year, figuring out how defenses were attacking him and responding accordingly. Behind the scenes, the team has seen Mahomes take a more active role in coaching receivers and tight ends on where he wants them on a given play.
2. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 6
Age: 26 | Last year's ranking: 5
Last year, Burrow cracked the top five after only two NFL seasons. This year, he strengthened his case in the QB pantheon with an overwhelming number of second-place votes.
"Unflappable. Very calm. Poised," an AFC executive said.
"Whether you're pressuring him, whether he's ahead or behind, he stays level all the time."
An AFC offensive coach said Burrow is No. 2 and "it's not close" because he does everything well, he's more skilled than given credit for, "tough as hell and extremely accurate."
Burrow is elite as an intermediate-to-deep passer. Over the past two seasons, Burrow leads the NFL in touchdown passes (19) and touchdown-interception ratio (19-4) on passes thrown 20-plus yards downfield. In 2022, his 53 completions of 20-plus yards ranked fifth in the NFL.
He also ranked third in fourth-quarter QBR (75.3) and second in QBR outside the pocket (85.3).
One NFL quarterbacks coach said Burrow is the league's most refined quarterback, a model for young quarterbacks to follow.
"He takes time to appreciate because the elite athlete isn't what you see first," a veteran NFL scout said. "But the more you watch him, the more you're like, Damn, he's doing the right thing every play. It's a lot like [Drew] Brees and [Tom] Brady where they start doing things so consistently every year and you're thinking, Well, maybe he really is that guy."
Dan Orlovsky and Kimberley A. Martin discuss the likelihood of Joe Burrow becoming the NFL's best quarterback.
3. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 5
Age: 26 | Last year's ranking: 3
Allen has bolstered his case as a top-three quarterback but hasn't quite experienced the breakthrough that feels inevitable.
He's well ahead of the quarterbacks ranked Nos. 4-10 in the voting, but he was far behind Mahomes and Burrow.
The prolific scorer has 84 total touchdowns since 2021 (71 passing, 13 rushing). He's the only quarterback in NFL history to record three seasons with at least 35 passing touchdowns and five rushing touchdowns.
But his 29 interceptions during that span are the third worst in the league.
"His top 20 plays in a game are as good as Mahomes," a national NFL scout said. "But then Buffalo will go nearly a half and do next to nothing. That doesn't happen to Kansas City."
Allen was still dominant while under duress in 2022 with a 76.2 QBR when under pressure, nearly 23 points higher than the rest of the quarterback field. His 91.2 third-down QBR also led the league.
"If you're starting a team, I'd consider taking him first," an AFC exec said. "He can put a team on his back."
But the Bills ran out of gas in a 27-10 playoff loss to Cincinnati, the culmination of a year marred by injuries and Damar Hamlin's cardiac arrest. The offense also was transitioning to first-year coordinator Ken Dorsey.
"I think he got worn down mentally and physically at the end of last year," the scout said of Allen. "He had a lot on his plate. They didn't seem as creative without [former offensive coordinator Brian] Daboll. Some games it felt like they were throwing it 40 or so times, and he was running it another 10 times or more. He just needed help."
4. Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets
Highest ranking: 2 | Lowest ranking: 8
Age: 39 | Last year's ranking: 1
Despite pedestrian (for his standards) numbers in 2022, Rodgers brings elite quarterback play to the Jets.
"I'm so glad to have him out of the division," a coach from the NFC North said. "He's still one of the quarterbacks that you hate to face."
But after a historic two-year stretch that earned Rodgers two MVPs, his production dipped in yards (3,695), touchdowns (26) and interceptions (12), his worst total since 2008 as Green Bay broke in young receivers.
"I think everyone is afraid to say he's declined a little," an AFC scout said. "He's still a great thrower and sees it really well, but he's more like [ranked] eight to 12 for me."
Others are giving Rodgers a pass on the low production, maintaining the 39-year-old will experience a resurgence in his new home similar to Tom Brady in Tampa Bay and Matthew Stafford in Los Angeles.
Much will depend on whether the Jets can protect him. Over the past three seasons, Rodgers ranks 21st in QBR when pressured (17.0) vs. second when he's not (79.1).
"If you watch his tape, he still makes some beautiful throws," an AFC executive said. "It's hard when you don't have comfort level with receivers. That's probably undervalued that people don't necessarily take into account. It's not instant-make orange juice. You could see chemistry and timing was off early on. He might not have the same mobility to run, but he will have upgrades with the Jets' offense and will take advantage."
Liz Loza discusses why she has the Jets' Aaron Rodgers outside of her top 12 best available quarterbacks in fantasy.
5. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Highest ranking: 2 | Lowest ranking: 9
Age: 25 | Last year's ranking: 7
Herbert's rise in the top 10 has been steady ... but slower than that of draftmate Burrow, who has more playoff success.
The way some evaluators see it, matching that success is only a matter of time, considering Herbert's considerable skill set.
"Herbert is at that hump where they need him to win now," an NFC scout said. "He's got everything you need, a fantastic player, but now it's time to make that jump. The offense put so much on him that it's hard for him."
He often relied on the short passing game last season, with his average of 6.3 air yards per attempt ranking third lowest in the NFL, ahead of only Daniel Jones (6.0) and Matt Ryan (6.2).
Herbert's big arm suggests he can do much more. The addition of offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and first-round receiver Quentin Johnston should aid that process. Moore can implement a vertical attack that will apply pressure on defenses with Herbert's arm talent.
Herbert, who threw a career-low 25 touchdowns in 2022, posted 94 passing scores in his first three seasons, which ranks second to Dan Marino (98) all time during that span, setting the stage for a big future contract. His 14,089 passing yards during that span ranks first all time.
One high-ranking NFL official said: "Whatever the Chargers pay him, he'll be worth it."
One NFL offensive coach said that Herbert missed one too many "layup" throws last season that proved disappointing when watching the tape. But that's being nitpicky. After all, he faced pressure 258 times last season, second most by any quarterback in a season since ESPN began tracking pressures in 2009.
"He's deadly. He's a problem," an AFC exec aid. "He's done well with the tools that he has."
6. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
Highest ranking: 3 | Lowest ranking: 10
Age: 24 | Last year's ranking: Unranked
Hurts' total package elevated him to top-six status. He's known as a tireless worker and strong leader. He has grown as a passer every year: After posting a 33.8 QBR as a rookie in 2020, he had 54.6 and 66.4 ratings over the following two years.
And his savvy as a runner helps him break off timely rushes based on his reads of the defense. His 18 rushing touchdowns represent the most by a quarterback in a single season in NFL history.
"He's one of those guys who has progressively added to his game," an NFL personnel director said. "Not really flappable, similar to Burrow in that sense. He remains calm. He can do all the things you need to from the pocket. I don't see why he can't be [a] precision passer. Look at all the games where he's had to dial it up from the pocket. He has that in his game."
To understand Hurts' growth as a thrower, look no further than the end of games. His fourth-quarter QBR of 84.3 ranked first in the league by a wide margin (Jared Goff was No. 2 at 76.1). His 73.0 adjusted completion percentage (weighted by air yards, no throwaways/drops) ranked second.
Hurts also led the NFL in completion percentage from inside the pocket (72.0) and threw for 10 touchdowns on passes of 25 yards or more.
To be sure, he has a ton of help. Philly's offense is loaded. But that doesn't discount his impressive progress on the way to a Super Bowl berth.
"What I like about him is he knows he's got great receivers, so when he has a one-on-one, he throws it and doesn't hesitate," a veteran NFL offensive coach said. "He might never be the kind of pinpoint accurate passer that Aaron Rodgers or Kirk Cousins is, but he's improving in that area. And he's made of all the right stuff. He's everything you want from a quarterback as far as how he carries himself."
7. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Highest ranking: 4 | Lowest ranking: Unranked
Age: 26 | Last year's ranking: Honorable mention
Jackson surged back into the top seven after failing to crack the top 10 a year ago.
What changed, aside from the appreciation that comes with signing a five-year, $260 million deal as the NFL's top earner?
Well, his winning ways are hard to ignore. The Ravens' winning percentage of .738 (45-16) with Jackson trails only Mahomes (.800), Tom Brady (.754) and Roger Staubach (.746). He's still considered perhaps the most dynamic dual threat in the league.
Evaluators also saw attempts at growth as a passer. Jackson's rushing attempts per game were down from 11.08 to 9.33 year over year, yet his QBR improved from 56.8 to 59.1 in the same span. Since 2019, Jackson ranks second in the NFL in QBR (68).
Jackson posted a QB rating of 98 or higher in four of his first eight starts. And he was solid on third down with a 70.89 QBR, ranking 10th in the NFL.
"Prior to the [knee] injury, he was doing some big things from the pocket as a passer," an NFL scouting director said. "Some of those early games, he was dialing it up. He's definitely evolving as a passer, taking it to next level. He's a smart runner. Teams want to peg him in that role, but he never really gets hit solidly. He knows how to elude and avoid big hits."
Yet questions about his precision passing remain: Jackson's 19% off-target rate was the highest among any quarterback nominated for this exercise and ranked 27th among NFL starters, behind Justin Fields (19.5%), Carson Wentz (20%), Marcus Mariota (20.5%) and Davis Mills (22%).
Since entering the league in 2018. Jackson has been contacted 877 times, 27 more than the rest of the quarterback field.
Teams are eager to see whether elements of new offensive coordinator Todd Monken's system -- trips-empty spread offense, "pistol" passing concepts -- elevate Jackson, who has new targets in Odell Beckham Jr., Zay Flowers and Nelson Agholor.
"He had excuses before. He won't have them now," an NFL personnel evaluator said. "Time to put it all together as a passer."
Stephen A. Smith and Ryan Clark discuss whether the Ravens can be a threat in the AFC after adding offensive talent for Lamar Jackson.
8. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
Highest ranking: 4 | Lowest ranking: Unranked
Age: 23 | Last year's ranking: Unranked
Lawrence vaulted into the top 10 with a stellar sophomore campaign, throwing for 4,113 yards and 25 touchdowns with eight interceptions to lead Jacksonville to its first playoff berth since 2017.
He caught fire in the second half of the season. During Weeks 9-18, he ranked second in completion percentage (70%) and touchdown-interception ratio (15-2) to lead Jacksonville to a 7-2 finish and a playoff berth.
"He looked like the player that was promised in the [2021] draft," an NFL coordinator said. "It wouldn't surprise me if he's a top-five passer at the same time next year."
Lawrence ranked third in completions of longer than 20 yards (55) and posted a 78.6 QBR against the blitz, ranking sixth.
A second year with coach Doug Pederson -- who can work Calvin Ridley into the mix -- should quell any reservations about Lawrence's growth in Year 3, one AFC exec said.
"The only knock on him is he takes too many risks -- like, Did you really need to try to squeeze that in there?" a veteran NFL offensive coach said. "But I'd rather that than someone who doesn't play with that confidence."
9. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
Highest ranking: 7 | Lowest ranking: Unranked
Age: 29 | Last year's ranking: 10
One of the most polarizing figures on this list each year, Prescott remains a fringe top-10 passer -- consistently voted in, yet never considered in the upper echelon. He appeared on nearly 60% of the ballots but not higher than seventh in any ranking.
His 15 interceptions -- tied for worst in the league despite missing five games with a fractured thumb -- was a cloud that hung over him.
"He just wasn't seeing the field well last year," an NFL personnel evaluator said. "Wasn't as decisive as in the past."
The turnovers haven't hampered Prescott's scoring prowess. His 82.5 QBR from the red zone ranks third among qualified quarterbacks. He threw a touchdown on 5.8% of his passing attempts last season, the fourth-highest rate in the NFL. And he has serious chemistry with CeeDee Lamb, posting a 93 QBR when targeting Lamb, compared to 57 when targeting other Cowboys.
Without coordinator Kellen Moore for the first time since 2018, Prescott will look to find synergy with coach and playcaller Mike McCarthy, who plans to utilize the running game more.
"He's been a top-10 quarterback for a few years now," an AFC executive said. "Part of his game that was so great was the ability to run the ball and throw more play-action off that. They didn't have that as much with weapons on [the] outside. But I'm not down on him. He's accurate, he can extend and make plays. He's elite in his decision-making."
10. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
Highest ranking: 5 | Lowest ranking: Unranked
Age: 35 | Last year's ranking: 6
Stafford is a bit of a tough sell because his presence leaves several good quarterbacks -- including former top-five finisher Deshaun Watson -- off the list. He missed eight games last year because of neck and concussion issues. He still has top-five support among some voters, though.
"Arm looks good as it ever has," a lead personnel man said. "Mobility not quite what it once was, for sure. But when he was healthy, he still played at a really high level and his arm talent is as good as there is in the league."
He still completed 68% of his passes, fourth best in the NFL.
Wide receiver Cooper Kupp missing significant time last season didn't help matters. Stafford averaged 8.7 yards per passing attempt when targeting Kupp, compared to 6.2 yards per attempt when targeting other players. For context, that first number would have ranked second overall, the last one 32nd overall (out of 33 qualified QBs).
But concerns about whether his body will hold up are prevalent.
"He looked shot last year, but they had an abysmal offensive line," an NFL offensive coach said. "Hard for older guys to look good without protection. So I think with some of his bad throws he was just chucking it up out of frustration."
Honorable mentions
Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns: Watson has played six games over the past two seasons after serving an 11-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy after being accused by more than two dozen women of sexual assault and sexual misconduct during massage sessions. Many voters felt the lack of playing time and inevitable rust are what kept him out of the top 10. In his first six games as a Cleveland Brown, he posted a 38.3 QBR, which would have ranked 27th among starting QBs. Watson completed 58.1% of his passes for 1,102 yards and seven touchdowns with five interceptions.
"Keeping him out of the top 10 feels wrong," an NFL quarterbacks coach said. "He's too good. But putting him in the top 10 also feels wrong based on the play last year and the lack of play the last two seasons."
Some have questioned whether coach Kevin Stefanski's run-heavy system -- with schemed play-action, multiple tight ends and reduced sets -- is a good fit for Watson, a high-level pocket thrower.
Others say he is too gifted to be constrained by a scheme. And also, Stefanski can make attempts to tweak his offense.
"I saw improvement over those last two games, and I think he'll be fine in that system," an NFC offensive coach said. "He's still, to me, when he's right, a top-five passer. He needs time on task."
Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings: In recent years, Cousins has steadily climbed up the ranking as more of a top-10 threat than middle-of-the-road passer.
His 13,033 passing yards over the past three seasons rank fourth among active NFL quarterbacks, and he's coming off back-to-back Pro Bowl campaigns.
"You can poke holes in his game, and many do, but he's talented, he's accurate, and he wins," an AFC exec said.
"If you look at his production at the end of the day, he's really good."
Cousins has developed tremendous chemistry with receiver Justin Jefferson. The elite duo works because Cousins doesn't overthink it. He feeds him. Nearly 30% of the Vikings' passing targets the past two season (351 of 1,219) have gone to Jefferson.
Jared Goff, Detroit Lions: Goff rarely got a single vote over the past three seasons, but this year he appeared on nearly 25% of the ballots after leading Detroit to nine wins, thanks in part to a 29-7 touchdown-interception ratio.
He ranked third in the NFL in QBR against the blitz (81.6).
"He's always been a good thrower of the football. His issue, to me, was toughness, particularly in the pocket," an AFC scout said. "I thought he addressed a lot of that this year and stood tall."
The Lions emphasized the pocket toughness with Goff, who worked hard at it. He also has a strong trust with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, which was a big deal for him after the Rams unceremoniously moved on from him in the 2021 offseason.
Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints: Despite a down year in Las Vegas that led to his benching and eventual release, Carr signed a four-year, $150 million deal with New Orleans, showing his value in the quarterback conversation.
He cracked the top 12 last season.
"Quick processor and highly accurate," a high-ranking NFC official said. "He can also handle heavily game-plan installs. Very smart."
Even in a down year, Carr ranked 14th in QBR (55.5). And the season before, he was prolific with 4,804 passing yards and a 68.4 completion percentage.
Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins: Tagovailoa showed massive potential in coach Mike McDaniel's offense. He was dangerous whenever he looked to pass, averaging a league-high 8.9 yards per attempt.
And out of the pocket, he also led the NFL in QBR (87.9).
"I thought the first six-seven weeks of the season last year, he could have been the MVP," an NFL coordinator said. "I was impressed with his growth. Head injuries are complicated, but I like the direction he's headed."
Tagovailoa's durability is a concern among voters after spending multiple stints in the concussion protocol. Even aside from that, many don't see him as a top-10 passer.
"He's got very good timing, touch, anticipation and accuracy along with good pocket feel -- he doesn't have top mobility and power/arm strength, so there are some limitations," an AFC executive said. "He's a true point guard type who needs to get it out quickly and distribute to his playmakers, which he's done a good job of."
Also receiving votes: Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals), Daniel Jones (New York Giants), Justin Fields (Chicago Bears), Geno Smith (Seattle Seahawks)