Ranking Every Team's Offensive Core Ahead of 2023 NFL Draft
Although a few available free agents may still be viewed as upgrades, the 2023 NFL draft is the best remaining avenue for adding skill-position talent this offseason.
Not only did the earliest wave of free agency shuffle rosters but key moves also shaped draft outlooks.
For example, the Las Vegas Raiders spent big money on quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and wideout Jakobi Meyers. Strictly on talent, Las Vegas has a reasonable case at a top-10 offensive core.
But plenty of rosters are also looking thin right now, too.
The rankings are subjective but focus on a roster's top five-plus offensive players at quarterback, running back, wide receiver and/or tight end. An emphasis is placed on a stable QB situation. The goal is purely to focus on talent without factoring in coaching or scheme.
32-29. Texans, Titans, Cardinals, Panthers
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32. Houston Texans
Houston's glaring hole at quarterback drags down the ranking. If the Texans draft a player at No. 2 overall to lead the offense as expected, their perception isn't so terrible. Running back Dameon Pierce impressed as a rookie, and offseason pickups Robert Woods and Dalton Schultz raise the pass-catching group's floor. Houston is hoping that wideouts Nico Collins and John Metchie III turn into top options.
31. Tennessee Titans
Derrick Henry remains a terrific running back, but the remainder of Tennessee's offense is unspectacular. Ryan Tannehill isn't a long-term answer at quarterback. Wide receiver Treylon Burks and tight Chigoziem Okonkwo have upside but are unproven, while Nick Westbrook-Ikhine is more a complementary receiver than a No. 2 target.
30. Arizona Cardinals
The asterisk here is Kyler Murray's knee injury. His recovery affects the ranking, which otherwise would probably have the Cardinals in the 24-27 range. James Conner is a versatile piece in the backfield, while DeAndre Hopkins and Marquise Brown are a solid one-two punch at receiver. Rondale Moore's development is a key topic to monitor.
29. Carolina Panthers
Not for long! Carolina signed running back Miles Sanders, wide receivers Adam Thielen and D.J. Chark and tight end Hayden Hurst in free agency. The current projected quarterback is Andy Dalton, but that is certain to change when the Panthers use the No. 1 overall pick on a signal-caller. Carolina's outlook will be improving shortly.
28-25. Colts, Jets, Packers, Falcons
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28. Indianapolis Colts
Similar to the Panthers, the problem for the Colts is their QB situation. Similar to the Panthers, that vacancy—one technically held by Gardner Minshew right now—should be addressed in the draft. Indianapolis has a respectable cast of teammates in All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor and wideouts Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce and Isaiah McKenzie.
27. New York Jets
This section is loaded with asterisks. If you fast-forward trade conversations and place Aaron Rodgers on the roster, the Jets rise noticeably. Running back Breece Hall and wide receiver Garrett Wilson played well as rookies, and New York added wideouts Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman in free agency. But as we sit today, regardless of what the trade we expect to happen, the Jets' starter is Zach Wilson.
26. Green Bay Packers
On the other hand, Rodgers props up the Packers. Otherwise, their outlook is messy. Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon are a tremendous duo at running back, but the pass-catching group is young and minimally proven. Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs lead the wideouts, and Josiah Deguara is the leading tight end. Not an ideal situation for Jordan Love, although help should be on the way in the draft.
25. Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta has a lot of potential after rookies Tyler Allgeier and Drake London, respectively, paced the team in rushing and receiving last year. Kyle Pitts—who's more a wideout than a tight end—struggled in 2022 but remains a high-upside target. Mack Hollins and Scotty Miller bolster depth with Cordarrelle Patterson, too. Now, is Desmond Ridder the answer at quarterback? We'll find out in the fall.
24-21. Bucs, Rams, Bears, Broncos
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24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Will the Bucs start Baker Mayfield or Kyle Trask? Either way, it's fair to label the position a big ol' question mark. The bright side is Tampa has wideouts Mike Evans and Chris Godwin to support the quarterback, along with promising back Rachaad White. Wide receiver Russell Gate and tight end Cade Otton are nice complementary players.
23. Los Angeles Rams
Cooper Kupp is an incredible wide receiver. From there, it's a bit murky. Veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford needs to return from a down year, and running back Cam Akers must be a season-long factor. Tight end Tyler Higbee and wideouts Van Jefferson and Ben Skowronek show glimpses of promise but occasionally disappear, too.
22. Chicago Bears
Is this the breakout year? If you're excited about Justin Fields, think a breakout is coming for running back Khalil Herbert and believe in Chase Claypool's upside, the Bears are positioned to surge in 2023. That might happen! But really, wideout D.J. Moore is the lone undeniably proven talent with Darnell Mooney not terribly far behind.
21. Denver Broncos
Exactly how much you believe in Russell Wilson after a hugely disappointing year is a major factor. Running back Javonte Williams and receivers Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy and Tim Patrick are a quality group for first-year coach Sean Payton to utilize, though.
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20-17. Lions, Patriots, Giants, Commanders
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20. Detroit Lions
A quick way to describe the Broncos, Lions and Patriots is "I think they're okay." On paper, Detroit has a decent core. Amon-Ra St. Brown is an exciting receiver, while running backs D'Andre Swift and David Montgomery and wideout Marvin Jones Jr. are plenty experienced. Jameson Williams is a promising receiver. Detroit should be okay. Probably. It hinges on Jared Goff playing as well as he ended 2022.
19. New England Patriots
The arrival of Bill O'Brien as the offensive coordinator should put Mac Jones back in a functional system. Plus, the Pats added JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mike Gesicki to the pass-catching group. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson had a strong 2022, as well. Tight end Hunter Henry and receivers Kendrick Bourne and DeVante Parker aren't stellar but combine to provide serviceable depth.
18. New York Giants
Running back Saquon Barkley, who totaled 1,650 scrimmage yards last season, is the featured player. Daniel Jones has found a home as a mobile quarterback and Darius Slayton emerged as a key receiver in 2022. Offseason additions Darren Waller and Parris Campbell bolster a supporting cast that is hopeful for Isaiah Hodgins and/or Wan'Dale Robinson to become reliable contributors.
17. Washington Commanders
Washington just needs a quarterback. Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel are an excellent trio at receiver, while Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson are a solid pair in the backfield. Washington is expected to hand second-year pro Sam Howell the reins of the offense in 2023.
16-13. Saints, Ravens, Steelers, Cowboys
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16. New Orleans Saints
New Orleans has a bunch of well-known names from Derek Carr and running back Alvin Kamara to wideouts Chris Olave and Michael Thomas and hybrid Taysom Hill. Tight end Juwan Johnson and receiver Rashid Shaheed made some noise in 2022, as well. But the production needs to follow in Carr's debut as the Saints' quarterback.
15. Baltimore Ravens
While perceptions of Lamar Jackson are beginning to vary, he's unquestionably a dynamic player at his best. Mark Andrews is also a top-tier tight end. Baltimore should be reasonably optimistic about running back J.K. Dobbins and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. returning from injury-affected years, too. The wild card is how much production the Ravens can pull out of Rashod Bateman and Devin Duvernay.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers
The pieces are there in Pittsburgh. Kenny Pickett is entering his second year at quarterback next to versatile back Najee Harris. The receiving corps includes George Pickens, Diontae Johnson and now Allen Robinson, along with tight end Pat Freiermuth. Even if there's not an All-Pro within the group, the Steelers have effective players at every position.
13. Dallas Cowboys
That final sentence applies to the Cowboys with one exception: CeeDee Lamb landed that All-Pro honor in 2022. Dak Prescott is a solid—albeit not top-tier—quarterback who's overseen three NFC East-winning teams. Running back Tony Pollard and receivers Brandin Cooks and Michael Gallup give Dallas a well-rounded offense.
12-9. Seahawks, Dolphins, Vikings, Raiders
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12. Seattle Seahawks
Few offenses have an RB/WR trio as strong as the Seahawks, who showcase Ken Walker III in the backfield with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett at receiver. Geno Smith is a risky quarterback, but Seattle could hardly afford to not keep him after his surge in 2022. Tight end Noah Fant completes a respectable group.
11. Miami Dolphins
Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are among the NFL's best one-two punches at receiver—and certainly two of the league's most explosive players. The remainder of the roster is satisfactory. Hill's arrival unlocked a more productive Tua Tagovailoa, and running backs Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. are ideal system fits.
10. Minnesota Vikings
The future of the Vikings is relatively cloudy; how long will Kirk Cousins and Dalvin Cook be around? Today, however, Minnesota's lineup still features All-Pro wideout Justin Jefferson and Cook, a four-time 1,000-yard rusher. Cousins isn't stellar, but he's a top-12(ish) quarterback. Tight end T.J. Hockenson and receiver K.J. Osborn are steady complements.
9. Las Vegas Raiders
Las Vegas is a prime example of coaching vs. talent. Look, you might not be sold on Josh McDaniels. Fair enough. Jimmy Garoppolo can be a fine quarterback, though, and the Raiders are well-built around him. Running back Josh Jacobs and wideout Davante Adams are All-Pro players, and Jakobi Meyers and Hunter Renfrow bolster a potent receiving corps that added tight end, Austin Hooper.
8-5. Chargers, Browns, Chiefs, Bills
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8. Los Angeles Chargers
After quarterback Justin Herbert, there's a feeling of uncertainty around the Chargers. All-Pro back Austin Ekeler has requested a trade, and veteran target Keenan Allen might not be around much longer. Mike Williams could be a cap casualty next offseason. However, when healthy and at their best—easier said than done—that's a fantastic quartet ahead of receiver Joshua Palmer and tight end Gerald Everett.
7. Cleveland Browns
Cleveland has a high-level player at each position, ranging from quarterback Deshaun Watson to running back Nick Chubb and wideout Amari Cooper. Wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones and tight end David Njoku both contributed 600-plus yards in 2022, and the Browns added Elijah Moore in an offseason trade.
6. Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are transcendent talents. Given the full picture—including coach Andy Reid and his offensive system—the Chiefs have a strong case for No. 1. However, let's not pretend that a supporting cast of Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore would be exceedingly impressive without Mahomes, Kelce and Reid.
5. Buffalo Bills
This is a great comparison. Just like Mahomes and Kelce, Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs are absolute superstars. Buffalo lands a slight edge because wide receiver Gabe Davis and tight end Dawson Knox have produced more than the Chiefs' complementary players. Running backs Damien Harris and James Cook should also be regular contributors.
4-1. Jaguars, 49ers, Eagles, Bengals
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4. Jacksonville Jaguars
Admittedly, this ranking is putting faith in Calvin Ridley to regain his All-Pro form of 2020. If that happens, though, Jacksonville has a fantastic core. Trevor Lawrence had a breakout season in his second year as the QB, and the Jaguars have no shortage of talented players. Even beyond Ridley, the reigning AFC South champs have running back Travis Etienne Jr., receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones and tight end Evan Engram.
3. San Francisco 49ers
We have reached the "nauseatingly talented" portion of the program. Running back Christian McCaffrey, wide receiver Deebo Samuel and tight end George Kittle have All-Pro recognition on their resumes, and wideout Brandon Aiyuk surpassed the 1,000-yard mark in 2022. San Francisco isn't quite as steady at quarterback as the next two teams, but the Niners will be confident moving forward with Brock Purdy or Trey Lance.
2. Philadelphia Eagles
Running back Miles Sanders' departure stings, but Jalen Hurts' mobility helps minimize the damage with Kenneth Gainwell likely stepping into the lineup. Plus, the Eagles have standout targets in A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and tight end Dallas Goedert with offseason pickup Olamide Zaccheaus strengthening Philly's depth alongside Quez Watkins.
1. Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow is an elite quarterback. Joe Mixon is among the NFL's most versatile running backs. Ja'Marr Chase is a powerhouse receiver. Tee Higgins could be a top target elsewhere, and Tyler Boyd would be a superb No. 2 wideout for many teams. And they all share the field in Cincinnati. Really, the Bengals are only missing a standout tight end.
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