2023 All-NFL Teams
NFC
QB: Brock Purdy, 49ers
"Mr. Irrelevant" proved he belonged among the league's elite quarterbacks this season. His performance, most notably exceptional efficiency and accuracy, catapulted Purdy to the apex of the NFC. He led the NFC in QBR and was top five in touchdowns, yards, and completion percentage. Dak Prescott and Jared Goff each deserve acknowledgement, as well.
RB: Christian McCaffrey, 49ers
A legitimate MVP candidate, McCaffrey proved himself the most dangerous dual-threat back in the league. Nobody makes more plays in more ways than CMC. He led the NFC in rushing by a considerable margin. Kyren Williams had a standout rookie campaign for the Rams, too.
TE: George Kittle, 49ers
Kittle remains at the top of the tight end heap, even after a sluggish start to the season. He is a true gamebreaker, while still performing as an exceptional blocker. Kittle was tops in receiving yards among NFC tight ends. His fellow former Hawkeye T.J. Hockenson was on pace to take this spot before a late-season injury stalled his memorable season.
WR: CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys
CeeDee Lamb has been a top-flight receiver for years, but he rose to the zenith of the wide receiver rankings in 2023; he was the class of the NFC, and only Tyreek Hill rivaled him for the league's top receiver crown. His 135 receptions for 1,749 were conference bests, and only Mike Evans had more touchdowns.
WR: Mike Evans, Buccaneers
Mike Evans is steadily bolstering his Hall of Fame campaign. Just when everyone expected he (and the Buccaneers) to stumble in the Baker Mayfield era, Evans reminded onlookers of his immense talent. His 13 receiving touchdowns were tied for best in the league.
WR: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions
St. Brown has become the prototype for a NFL wide receiver. Speed, route running, intelligence, yards after catch and infallible hands--he does it all. He was one of only seven players in the NFL with 10 or more touchdowns, and his 119 receptions were tied for second in the league. A.J. Brown, Puka Nacua, and Jordan Addison also deserve honorable mentions.
C: Tyler Biadasz, Cowboys
Biadasz is the latest in a long line of elite Cowboys linemen. He anchors a stout unit and is a core reason for the offensive renaissance and peak year for Dak Prescott.
OG: Chris Lindstrom, Falcons
Lindstrom has become a bit of a forgotten man in the NFL lineman landscape. Despite being the 14th overall pick in 2019, Lindstrom played under the radar for a while. Even so, he's become a consistent star for a Falcons offense loaded with dynamic weapons.
OG: Landon Dickerson, Eagles
The "Brotherly Shove" became the signature unstoppable play for the Eagles, and it only succeeds because of the force generated by the offensive line. Dickerson is as much a part of that power play as anyone. He took a tremendous leap forward in his third NFL season, and is now a beast flanking legendary Eagles center, Jason Kelce.
OT: Jordan Mailata, Eagles
The behemoth of Philadelphia's dominant offensive front, Mailata has joined the ranks of the league's top tackles. Checking in at 6'8" and 365 pounds, Mailata is a one-man wall whose been integral in the success of Jalen Hurts and Co. He had his share of growing pains, but he's now entrenched as a first-rate offensive tackle.
OT: Penei Sewell, Lions
Few units get less attention and respect than the Detroit Lions offensive line. Sewell has started every single offensive snap for the Lions since being drafted in 2021 and rarely gets beat off the right edge. Sewell looks like an All-World player for the foreseeable future.
DE: Nick Bosa, 49ers
Nick Bosa has been in the conversation for "premier pass rusher" since entering the league in 2019. He was yet again the engine behind San Francisco's vaunted defensive front that somehow gets better every year. He amassed 10.5 sacks during the regular season, second amongst NFC defensive ends.
DE: Aidan Hutchinson, Lions
The Michigan alum, who was still inexplicably not the first overall pick in 2022, looks poised to be the league's next great pass rusher. Hutchinson wrecked offenses all year long. The do-it-all defensive end led the NFC with 11.5 sacks, 21 knockdowns, 29 QB hurries, seven pass deflections, and an interception.
DT: Aaron Donald, Rams
Aaron Donald continues to defy Father Time and most career arcs in the NFL, and he continues to hold sway as the king of NFL defensive tackles. The surefire Canton enshrinee played up to his standard yet again. He collected eight sacks--second best among NFC interior pass rushers--and added 53 combined tackles.
DT: Fletcher Cox, Eagles
Another ageless defensive tackle, Fletcher Cox once again anchored Philadelphia's ferocious defensive front. The Eagles under head coach Shane Steichen have hung their hat on trench warfare, and it all begins with Fletcher Cox. Top on his 2023 resume was leading NFC interior linemen in quarterback hurries. Former Cox teammate Javon Hargrave and Rams rookie Kobie Turner are on our honorable mention list.
OLB: Danielle Hunter, Vikings
Danielle Hunter had one of the great career comebacks no one talks about. After an injury-shortened 2021, Hunter was seemingly written off by the general public. However, he bounced back with a huge 2022 and career-best season in 2023. His 16.5 sacks were #1 in the NFC. He added 41 quarterback pressures.
MLB: Bobby Wagner, Seahawks
Continuing on the trend of veteran warriors, Bobby Wagner made his triumphant return to Seattle and looked like it was 2013, not 2023. He led the NFL in total tackles, 12 years into his Hall of Fame career. He was also first in solo tackles and only missed eight tackles all year. T.J. Edwards, Bobby Okereke, and Ernest Jones also posted exceptional seasons.
OLB: Micah Parsons, Cowboys
Probably the most revered young edge rusher in the game, Micah Parsons third season was just as impressive as his first two DPOY-caliber campaigns. His 14 sacks were second only to Hunter; he bolstered his performance with 16 QB knockdowns and 43 pressures. Haason Reddick and Kayvon Thibodeaux earned rightful acclaim for their 2023 campaigns, too.
CB: Daron Bland, Cowboys
Who doesn't love a pick six? Daron Bland set the record for the rare achievement with 8 in 2023. His 9 interceptions were best in the entire league.
CB: Paulson Adebo, Saints
Paulson Adebo gets next to no attention from NFL fans--which is surprising given how diversely talented he's been through four NFL seasons. Adebo snagged four interceptions, third in the NFC, and deflected 18 passes. Adebo narrowly edged Charvarius Ward and Tyrique Stevenson for this spot.
S: Jessie Bates, Falcons
Bates was perpetually underrated as a Cincinnati Bengal, but he's finally registering some adulation with the Falcons. Bates was a one-man wrecking crew with 132 tackles, six interceptions, and three forced fumbles--the only man in the NFC to finish top seven in all three categories.
S: Julian Love, Seahawks
Julian Love made some of the most improbable interceptions of 2023 and stands as the All-Conference representative for a star-studded Seahawks secondary. Four interceptions and 10 pass deflections propelled Love to the top of the heap. Camryn Bynum was also a worthy nominee for the safety position.
P: Michael Dickson, Seahawks
Dickson was one of four NFC punters to average 50+ yards per punt and finished second among said foursome with 66 punts. He had the highest percent of touchbacks and second highest net yards per punt. Bryan Anger came in a close second on the NFC punter list.
K: Brandon Aubrey, Cowboys
The story of Brandon Aubrey's journey to the NFL is motivating and uplifting. Add in his booming leg and you have one of the most likable players in the league. His 157 points were by far the most in the league, and he led the NFL in field goals with 36. Cairo Santos had a quietly excellent year for the Bears.
Ret.: Rashid Shaheed, Saints
Rashid Shaheed was one of only three NFC players to return a kick or punt for a score this year. The second-year man out of Weber State led the NFC in all-purpose yards, finished second in punt return yards, and was the only NFC returner to finish top 10 in both punt return yards and kick return yards.
AFC
QB: Lamar Jackson, Ravens
Much had been made about Lamar Jackson's perceived decline in recent years. He put that to bed and returned to MVP form with a dynamic 2023. His 3,678 yards and 24 passing touchdowns were relatively pedestrian, but his 821 rushing yards were far better than any other QB. He was the best dual-threat quarterback in the game in 2023. Tua Tagovailoa and Josh Allen also boasted fantastic years.
RB: Derrick Henry, Titans
Everyone seemingly forgot about the King in 2023, due to Tennessee's lackluster season and early exit from playoff contention. Even so, Derrick Henry defied the odds and churned another AFC-best campaign. He rushed for 1,167 yards and 12 touchdowns on a league-leading 280 carries. Raheem Mostert, Joe Mixon, and Najee Harris ranked in the honorable mention tier for AFC backs.
TE: Evan Engram, Jaguars
Evan Engram has been revitalized in Jacksonville. He posted a great rookie season with the Giants before fading into the pack; something in Florida sparked a career second act for the Georgia native. Engram's 114 receptions were best among all tight ends and fourth best among all players. Only Travis Kelce had more receiving yards among AFC tight ends.
WR: Tyreek Hill, Dolphins
Who was the best offensive player (or all-around player) in the NFL in 2023? Tyreek Hill would likely top most ballots. If the MVP still went to non-quarterbacks, Hill would be a strong contender. He paced the NFL in receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, and first downs receiving.
WR: Stefon Diggs, Bills
Stefon Diggs might be the league's best wide receiver over the last decade, and he posted yet another 1,000 yard-100 reception season. He ended the season in the top five of AFC receivers in touchdowns, targets, and receptions.
WR: Keenan Allen, Chargers
Keenan Allen's 11th NFL season may have been his best. Just when people thought he would slip down his own depth chart and the league echelons, Allen busted out with a career year. Despite missing four games, he hauled in 108 passes for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns--leading the NFL in receptions per game along the way. Nico Collins, Amari Cooper, and Michael Pittman, Jr. top the list of players just on the outside looking in.
C: Creed Humphrey, Chiefs
The brain of the Chiefs exceptional offensive line, Humphrey looks like he's entrenched to be a Pro Bowl player for the next decade. As great as Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid are, Humphrey is essential to keeping the potent Chiefs offense humming.
OG: Quenton Nelson, Colts
Quenton Nelson is almost guaranteed to be on any best-of list at this point. Six years in and Nelson has done nearly everything there is to do. He started every game for the Colts and was only called for holding three times. It's hard to "wow" people from the guard position, but Nelson is a refined technician and fundamental marvel who can jump off the screen.
OG: Joel Bitonio, Browns
Cleveland has boasted one of the best offensive lines in the game for years, yet they're rarely acknowledged by the broader football fandom. This team's shocking 11-6 season and playoff appearance is mostly credited to the defense, but Bitonio and the offensive line created lanes for an array of running backs and helped to revitalize Joe Flacco's career.
OT: Dion Dawkins, Bills
Dion Dawkins quietly worked his way into the "best of the best" conversation. He started every game and played 96% of offensive snaps for a dynamic Bills offense that saw James Cook post a career-best season, and Josh Allen yet again run-and-gun from the pocket. Dawkins' control of the edge sets the tone for the Buffalo offense.
OT: Laremy Tunsil, Texans
Tunsil missed three games in 2023, but during the other 14, he made life much easier for rookie signal-caller C.J. Stroud. Tunsil had previously struggled with penalties in his career, but he curved many of those bad habits this season, only accounting for nine flags. A nimble yet powerful athlete, a healthy, focused Laremy Tunsil might be the best left tackle in the game.
DE: Myles Garrett, Browns
Myles Garrett is a beast, that's not news. But when someone that good goes to an even higher level, he's a Defensive Player of the Year frontrunner. Garrett collected 14 sacks in 2023--third among AFC defensive ends, and his 37 QB pressures were second in the conference. Cleveland was a playoff team behind his immense power and playmaking ability.
DE: Maxx Crosby, Raiders
"Mad Maxx" might be the scariest player in the game. He is the quintessential Raider and plays all-out, all the time. He was on-par with Myles Garrett is every statistical category, but far exceeded his peer with 90 combined tackles. Trey Hendrickson also had another underappreciated outing for the Bengals, actually besting Crosby and Garrett with 17.5 sacks.
DT: Justin Madubuike, Ravens
The Ravens will always find defensive gems, and this year they discovered their latest in Justin Madubuike. In his fourth professional season, the former third-round draft pick out of Texas A&M exploded onto the scene with sacks, the highest tally by an interior defensive lineman. His breakout season was a major reason the Ravens fielded the most stout scoring defense in the league.
DT: Denico Autry, Titans
The battle for the second defensive tackle spot was a close race. Chris Jones and Ed Oliver have strong cases for being selected. However, we opted for the the man with the late-career renaissance. 2023 marked Autry's tenth season in the NFL, and his highest sack total with 11.5.
OLB: T.J. Watt, Steelers
Nobody menaces quarterbacks more than T.J. Watt. He bullied his way to a league-best 19 sacks--his third career 15+ sack season. He also ranked among the top three in QB pressures and knockdowns. Injuries stymied his numbers, but Watt is still the most dangerous edge rusher in the NFL, outside linebackers and defensive ends of all types included.
MLB: Foyesade Oluokun, Jaguars
Oluokun has been a tackling machine for years now, and he once again finished at the head of the class. Pure tacklers don't get the same acclaim as pass rushers, but amassing more than 100 tackles in an NFL season in no small feat. Oluokun's 111 solo tackles were best in the NFL, and his combined 173 was good enough for fourth overall. His ability to get after opposing quarterbacks gave him a slight edge over Indianapolis' Zaire Franklin.
OLB: Khalil Mack, Chargers
When Khalil Mack went to the Chargers, it initially felt more like a ride off into a sunset. Two years later, the old Khalil Mack is back. His 17 sacks were fourth best in the NFL, and his 21 tackles for loss ranked third; he added 74 total tackles for good measure. Josh Allen also deserves mention on any list of the league's elites edge defenders with his bounce-back season.
CB: Darious Williams, Jaguars
The most unknown player on this list, Darious Williams has been around the league since 2018 and mixed into the starting rotation for the Rams and Jaguars. In his first season as a full-time starter, he took advantage of quarterbacks who tried picking on his side of the field. Despite being one of the most targeted corners, his allowed completion percentage was only 55%; for comparison, Sauce Gardner allowed 56.4% completion percentage on only 55 targets. Williams added four interceptions and an AFC-best 19 pass deflections.
CB: Patrick Surtain II, Broncos
Despite grabbing only one interception in 2023, Surtain II continued his early career dominance with his physical style in Denver. He deflected 12 passes, seventh best among AFC defensive backs, while also being one of the most sure tacklers with 69 combined on the season. Martin Emerson and Derek Stingley, Jr. also had breakout performances.
S: Kyle Hamilton, Ravens
Kyle Hamilton put the league on notice this year. Considered by many as the best all-around prospect heading into the 2022 NFL Draft, Hamilton's reputation cooled a bit as rookie. However, he erupted in Year 2 to be the best player in a loaded Ravens secondary. He was one of only five AFC players to snag four or more picks, and he had a pick-six to his name. Add three sacks, 81 tackles and 10 TFLs, and Hamilton was one of the league's most versatile defenders.
S: Derwin James, Chargers
On the other end of the safety spectrum from Hamilton is old reliable Derwin James. Despite missing all of 2020, James might be the best safety of the decade, so far. Most defensive back conversations focus on coverage skills, but when it comes to James, he's an old school hitter and tackler. He led all AFC safeties with 125 combined tackles. Geno Stone, Andre Cisco, and Daxton Hill were in the conversation for this spot, too.
P: A.J. Cole III, Raiders
Cole III was one of two AFC punters to average more than 50 yards per punt, and he did it on 20 more kicks than his conference rival, Ryan Stonehouse of the Titans.
K: Dustin Hopkins, Browns
Hopkins tied for second in the AFC with 33 field goals made in 2023; he was the AFC's best deep-ball kicker, going 8-for-8 beyond 50 yards. Harrison Butker was also outstanding, nailing 94% of his field goal attempts and 100% of his extra points for the Chiefs.
Ret.: Marvin Mims, Broncos
The only rookie selection on the AFC side, Mims burst onto the scene as a weapon on both kick and punt returns. His 99-yard return was one of only four kickoff returns all year, and the longest of the bunch. His 397 kick return yards ranked third in the AFC and his 312 punt return yards ranked fourth. Only three AFC players went over 300 yards in both categories--Mims, Xavier Gipson of the Jets, and Derius Davis of the Chargers.