Every NFL Team's Most Dangerous New Addition in 2023
When teams "win" the NFL offseason, they don't always go on to have regular-season success. Big-name additions generate excitement during the spring and summer but sometimes prove to be little more than catalysts for offseason hope.
Sometimes, however, a team gets a new playmaker that is so talented, so dynamic and so dangerous, that their making an impact is virtually inevitable.
When the Miami Dolphins traded for Tyreek Hill last offseason, for example, anyone could see that it would help upgrade the offense. Hill did exactly that, helping to unlock quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and push Miami into the postseason.
Running back Travis Etienne had a similar impact for the Jacksonville Jaguars as an explosive, versatile dual-threat and a huge asset for former Clemson teammate Trevor Lawrence.
Etienne was drafted alongside Lawrence but missed his rookie campaign with a Lisfranc injury. Anyone who saw the two play together in college could foresee the potential of their NFL pairing.
Below, we'll examine each NFL team's most dangerous new player—one acquired through free agency, the draft, a trade or otherwise—and how they might impact the coming season. These are players with the proven production, athletic upside or playmaking potential to change the complexion of a team in 2023.
To prevent this from being a quarterback-driven list, signal-callers were excluded from consideration. Teams are listed in alphabetical order.
Arizona Cardinals: Edge B.J. Ojulari
1 of 32
When one thinks of a "dangerous" NFL player they may think of an explosive offensive skill player—and there will be plenty of those on this list. For the Arizona Cardinals, however, their most dangerous addition comes on the other side of the ball.
Second-round pick and former LSU pass-rusher BJ Ojulari stands to be a difference-maker for the Arizona Cardinals sooner than later. He recorded 12.5 sacks in his last two seasons and could be an even more productive pro with a little growth.
"If he can improve his use of hands on his finesse moves and add some strength to be more effective when bull-rushing, Ojulari will be a dangerous pass-rusher in the pros," Matt Holder of the Bleacher Report Scouting Department wrote.
Getting a defender with Ojulari's potential is huge for a Cardinals team that ranked 31st in points allowed last season, recorded just 36 sacks and lost pass-rusher J.J. Watt to retirement in the offseason.
New head coach and former Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon should enjoy finding ways to unleash Ojulari off the edge.
Atlanta Falcons: RB Bijan Robinson
2 of 32
The Atlanta Falcons used the eighth overall pick in the draft on Texas running back Bijan Robinson, and the former Longhorn might be the most dangerous all-around player any team added this offseason.
Robinson, who logged 1,580 rushing yards, 314 receiving yards and 20 combined touchdowns last season, is a potent offensive threat with All-Pro potential.
"I thought Saquon Barkley was sensational coming out of Penn State," ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay said on First Draft back in March. "I'll make this argument ... I think Bijan Robinson is more talented coming out of Texas."
In addition to his own production, Robinson will positively alter the Falcons as a support piece for second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder. Atlanta believes that Ridder is the quarterback of the future, and with a supporting cast that now includes Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts, Cordarrelle Patterson, Tyler Allgeier and Jonnu Smith, Ridder will have every opportunity to succeed.
If Ridder does take the proverbial next step in 2023, it'll be huge for the Falcons franchise. Robinson can help with that while also being an early favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Baltimore Ravens: WR Zay Flowers
3 of 32
A case could be made here for free-agent addition Odell Beckham Jr.. Beckham is a three-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl champion, but he's also coming back from his second torn ACL and didn't play in 2022.
Instead, we'll go with former Boston College receiver Zay Flowers, who was the Baltimore Ravens' first-round draft selection.
Flowers is a speedy (4.42-second 40-yard dash) skilled and savvy pass-catcher who can augment the best traits of quarterback Lamar Jackson. The 2019 MVP—who finally agreed to a long-term deal with Baltimore just before the draft—is great at keeping defenses honest, buying time in the pocket and finding receivers breaking free deep downfield.
Though he's a bit undersized (5'9", 182 lbs), Flowers has the speed to streak past defenders and enough wiggle and route awareness to break loose on underneath and in-breaking routes. He's also a playmaker with the ball in his hands, meaning he can be a mid-range outlet who turns medium passes into big gains.
Flowers, who had 1,077 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns last season, will be wonderful to watch working with Jackson in the scramble drill. Expect him to help bring balance to a previously run-oriented Ravens offense.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Buffalo Bills: TE Dalton Kincaid
4 of 32
The Buffalo Bills entered the offseason needing a high-end complement to star wideout Stefon Diggs. While they didn't get one of the draft's elite receiver prospects, they did land former Utah tight end Dalton Kincaid in the first round.
Kincaid, who caught 70 passes for 890 yards and eight touchdowns last season, can serve as another formidable downfield target for quarterback Josh Allen. In addition, he can help open up options for offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey.
Buffalo already has a capable pass-catching tight end in Dawson Knox. With Kincaid now in the fold, Dorsey can regularly attack defense out of two-tight-end sets. This was a very rare occurrence before Kincaid's arrival.
According to Sports Info Solutions, Buffalo only utilized "12" personnel (one running back, two tight ends) on four percent of its offensive plays in 2022. That represented the lowest rate in the league.
Two-tight-end sets will be perfect for Allen, who can burn defenses with his arms or his legs. Knox and/or Kincaid can be kept in-line as blockers but can also break loss as pass-catching mismatches with Diggs and Davis occupying the secondary.
Carolina Panthers: RB Miles Sanders
5 of 32
Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback and first overall pick Byron Young can be dangerous in his own right. Though lacking ideal size (5'10", 204 lbs), Young is a playmaker both inside and outside of the pocket.
Making Young's transition to the NFL easier will be free-agent addition Miles Sanders. The 2022 Pro Bowler was a versatile contributor for the Eagles last season, finishing his campaign with 1,268 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns. While Sanders wasn't heavily utilized in the passing game this past season, he is a capable dual threat.
As a rookie in 2019, for example, Sanders caught 50 passes for 509 yards and three scores. According to ESPN's David Newton, Carolina plans to lean into Sanders' potential as a pass-catcher.
"Sanders was signed as a free agent out of Philadelphia to be a safety blanket for Young, a player to rely on in the running game and be an outlet in the passing game," Newton wrote. "The goal is to get him back to where he was as a rookie."
Expect Sanders to aid Young's development as a signal-caller while still battering defenses as a Pro Bowl-caliber ball carrier.
Chicago Bears: WR D.J. Moore
6 of 32
The Panthers got their crack at Bryce Young by acquiring the No. 1 pick from the Chicago Bears. As part of the trade, Carolina sent star receiver D.J. Moore to Chicago.
This was a huge get for the Bears, who are trying to develop their own young signal-caller in Justin Fields. The 2021 11th overall pick emerged as a dangerous scrambler last season—he rushed for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns—but still needs to progress as a passer (85.2 QB rating in 2022). Moore can help with that.
This past season, Moore caught 63 passes for 888 yards and seven touchdowns while playing with an underwhelming quarterback trio in P.J. Walker, Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield. Carolina quarterbacks had a collective passer rating of just 80.2.
Moore topped 1,100 receiving yards in each of his previous three seasons.
Adding Moore will give Fields another reliable target to go with returning pass catchers Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet. It also gives Chicago the legitimate No. 1-caliber receiver that the franchise has lacked since the last prime year of Allen Robinson II (1,250 yards) in 2020.
Expect both Fields and the Bears offense to thrive with Moore in the lineup.
Cincinnati Bengals: OT Orlando Brown Jr.
7 of 32
Offensive linemen are rarely described as "dangerous," but the arrival of left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. could be so impactful for the Cincinnati Bengals that Brown gets the nod here.
While Brown isn't a truly elite pass blocker, he's a massive improvement over Jonah Williams. Brown was responsible for six penalties and four sacks allowed last season with the Kansas City Chiefs, according to Pro Football Focus. Williams was responsible for four penalties and 12 sacks allowed this past season, according to PFF.
The addition of Brown is big for two reasons. For one, it should substantially impact the pass-blocking efficacy of Cincinnati's line, which has been a problem since star quarterback Joe Burrow was drafted in 2020.
Through 42 regular-season games, Burrow has been sacked a whopping 124 times. As incredible as Burrow has been as a pro, he could be even better in 2023 with Brown on his blind side.
Secondly, Brown should help bolster a Cincinnati rushing attack that averaged a modest 3.8 yards per carry last season. The Bengals still ranked eighth in total yards and seventh in scoring. With a more balanced attack, the offense could be nigh unstoppable.
Cleveland Browns: Edge Za'Darius Smith
8 of 32
This offseason has been sneaky-great for the Cleveland Browns, who have added the likes of Dalvin Tomlinson, Elijah Moore, Juan Thornhill and Cedric Tillman. However, Cleveland's latest big addition could be its best.
Last week, the Browns acquired Pro Bowl pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith from the Minnesota Vikings in a trade. Why is that important? Because Cleveland finally has a high-level edge-rusher to pair with superstar Myles Garrett.
Last season, Garrett was responsible for 16 of Cleveland's 34 sacks. No other player had more than three quarterback takedowns on the season. When Garrett couldn't hit home or was out of the lineup—he missed one game following a car crash—the pass rush was virtually nonexistent.
Smith will change the complexion of the pass rush dramatically. With the Vikings last year, he logged 10 sacks and 37 quarterback pressures. Along with free-agent addition Ogbo Okoronkwo, Smith will help occupy the offensive line and provide more one-on-one reps for Garrett.
Having Smith in the pass-rushing rotation will also help ensure that Cleveland's pass rush doesn't begin and end with whatever Garrett can provide. For a team that ranked 20th in points allowed last season, that's huge.
Dallas Cowboys: WR Brandin Cooks
9 of 32
For much of last season, the Dallas Cowboys' passing attack pretty much ran through CeeDee Lamb. Even after Michael Gallup made his return from a 2021 torn ACL, the Cowboys lacked a truly reliable third wideout.
Departed tight end Dalton Schultz was second on the team with 577 receiving yards, and third receiver Noah Brown—who also departed in free agency—provided a passer rating of only 72.7 when targeted.
However, a savvy offseason trade with the Houston Texans netted Dallas its coveted third receiver this offseason. Brandin Cooks has entered the equation, and he'll add another explosive element to the Cowboys' passing attack.
Cooks dealt with a calf injury and had a down season in 2022, but he has recorded 1,000-yard campaigns in six of his nine seasons. Despite playing primarily with then-rookie quarterback Davis Mills in 2021, Cooks provided a passer rating of 95.9 when targeted that season.
Adding Cooks was noteworthy because it will allow Dallas to find mismatches when going with three-receiver sets. It's also big because it may help the passing game continue rolling after losing creative offensive coordinator Kellen Moore to the Los Angeles Chargers in the offseason.
Denver Broncos: OT Mike McGlinchey
10 of 32
A second offensive lineman makes our list in the form of new Denver Broncos offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey.
While McGlinchey isn't an elite pass-blocking right tackle—he was responsible for 10 penalties and six sacks allowed last season, according to Pro Football Focus—he's absolutely dominant in the ground game.
"On the ground, McGlinchey proved to be a powerful presence in Kyle Shanahan’s zone-heavy scheme, earning a 70.0-plus PFF run-blocking grade in four of his five seasons," Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus wrote.
McGlinchey's presence in the run game won't directly impact quarterback Russell Wilson, who is coming off a career-worst campaign (84.4 QB rating), but it can help support the future Hall of Famer.
The Broncos lost running back Javonte Williams to a torn ACL and LCL in Week 4 and failed to provide Wilson with a potent rushing attack after that (21st in rushing yards, 28th in rushing touchdowns).
Williams' recovery will be worth monitoring going into the season, but Denver has a strong backup in free-agent addition Samaje Perine. (681 scrimmage yards, six TDs last season). McGlinchey can help spark a potentially elite rushing attack that will, in turn, take pressure off of Wilson.
Detroit Lions: RB Jahmyr Gibbs
11 of 32
Last season, the Detroit Lions fielded an offense that ranked 11th in rushing yards, eighth in passing yards, fourth in total yards and fifth in scoring. Upgrading that unit was always going to be difficult, but Detroit found a way by using a first-round pick on Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
Gibbs is an explosive playmaker who, along with free-agent addition David Montgomery, will replace the 2022 backfield duo of D'Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams. While Montgomery has 51 NFL starts under his belt and may lead the rushing attack, Gibbs is the truly dangerous member of the new tandem.
"Once he earns himself a runway, Gibbs is hard to catch. He hits his top speed at the blink of an eye and he has that extra gear to sprint right past the rest of the defense on his way to the end zone," Klassen wrote. "Few other running backs in this class can even sniff his ability to ruin tackling angles and turn routine runs into chunk plays."
This past season, Gibbs averaged 6.1 yards per carry and 10.1 yards per reception. He adds another home-run hitter to an offense that already features rising star Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Green Bay Packers: TE Luke Musgrave
12 of 32
With Aaron Rodgers now a member of the New York Jets, the Green Bay Packers will ride with quarterback Jordan Love in 2022. Fortunately for the inexperienced signal-caller—who has just one career start on his resume—the Packers got him a potentially elite target in the second round.
Former Oregon State tight end Luke Musgrave has all the physical tools needed to be an immediate mismatch in the Packers offense. He's a 6'6", 253-pound pass catcher with tremendous quickness (4.61-second 40-yard dash) for a player of his size.
Musgrave wasn't heavily utilized in the passing game in college (only 633 receiving yards in four seasons) and missed all but the first two games in 2022 with a knee injury, but his best ball is still ahead of him.
"Musgrave's height, athletic tools and baseline blocking skills give him everything he needs to be a weapon," Klassen wrote. "He can succeed as a field-stretching tight end who doesn't have to leave the field on run downs, which gives him access to aggressive play-action concepts to make use of his speed."
By adding this fast, physical playmaker, Green Bay has given offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich a litany of new options for his playbook.
Houston Texans: Edge Will Anderson Jr.
13 of 32
Former Ohio State signal-caller C.J. Stroud is undoubtedly Houston's most important offseason addition because, well, he plays the game's most important position. However, the Texans' most dangerous new player is pass-rusher Will Anderson Jr., whom the team traded up to get one spot after taking Stroud.
Anderson, who was the top-ranked overall prospect on the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's draft board, is a true blue-chip pass-rushing prospect. He racked up 38 tackles for loss and 27.5 sacks over his final two seasons at Alabama and should be an instant difference-maker as a pro.
By moving up for Anderson, the Texans added a dangerous all-around playmaker for the defense of new head coach DeMeco Ryans. Ryans, who last served as the San Francisco 49ers' defensive coordinator, knows firsthand how a potent pass-rusher can change how a unit operates.
The 49ers have had a top-10 scoring defense in three of the last four years but ranked just 17th in that category when 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa was sidelined for most of 2020 with a torn ACL.
Bosa is an elite defensive centerpiece for the 49ers. Anderson has the potential to be that for the Texans.
Indianapolis Colts: WR Josh Downs
14 of 32
This season, the Indianapolis Colts should look to lean into the rushing ability of rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, a 6'4", 244-pound prospect with 4.43 speed. When Richardson is tasked with passing the ball, though, expect rookie wideout Josh Downs to make his presence felt.
While Downs doesn't fit the mold of a big (5'9", 171 lbs) or extremely fast (4.48-second 40-yard dash) offensive threat, his elusiveness and route-running will allow him to be productive at the next level.
"Downs plays with above-average twitch and foot speed, a combination that allows him to win fairly consistently on slants, whip routes, square-ins and speed outs," Klassen wrote. "Downs also has enough raw speed to threaten as a field-stretcher, both horizontally and vertically."
At North Carolina last season, Downs hauled in 94 passes for 1,029 yards and 11 touchdowns.
In Indy, Downs can be dangerous as a reliable third receiver with the talented duo of Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce on the perimeter. He can also complement what will likely be a run-based attack—headed by Richardson and Jonathan Taylor—as a dependable third-down outlet.
Jacksonville Jaguars: WR Calvin Ridley
15 of 32
The Jaguars' most dangerous new addition isn't coming from the draft or free agency. Wideout Calvin Ridley was acquired last year in a trade with the Falcons but was only recently reinstated after being suspended for betting on NFL games while away from his former team.
The potential impact of adding Ridley to an offense that ranked 10th in both yards and points last season shouldn't be overlooked.
Ridley emerged as a legitimate No. 1 receiver for Atlanta during the 2020 season. He caught 90 passes that year for 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns. He then stepped away from the Falcons in 2021 to focus on his "mental well-being" and hasn't played since.
In Jacksonville, Ridley should reemerge as the top-tier perimeter threat he was a couple of seasons ago. He'll give quarterback Trevor Lawrence the sort of go-to target he hasn't had as a pro and will help complement other talented pass-catchers like Travis Etienne, Christian Kirk, Zay Jones and Evan Engram.
Trades that have sent No. 1 receivers to new teams—like Stefon Diggs to Buffalo and Tyreek Hill to Miami—have benefited young quarterbacks greatly. Expect the Lawrence-Ridley connection to be one of the league's hottest this season.
Kansas City Chiefs: WR Rashee Rice
16 of 32
For the second straight offseason, the Chiefs have lost their top wideout. They traded Tyreek Hill last year and went on to win Super Bowl LVII with JuJu Smith-Schuster as their top perimeter target. Smith-Schuster then left for the New England Patriots in free agency.
Kansas City has been able to thrive with a rotating supporting cast because it has head coach Andy Reid, an offensive guru, and MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes. There will be a new No. 1 receiver this season, and the results could easily be the same.
Though the Chiefs did add veteran Richie James, rookie second-round pick Rashee Rice is best suited to take the mantle from Smith-Schuster. He's a big (6'1", 204 lbs), physical receiver who can fill a variety of roles in Reid's offense.
"For more creative teams, Rice's bully-ball YAC skills and alignment flexibility will make him a nifty weapon to move around the formation," Klassen wrote.
At SMU last season, Rice logged 1,355 yards and 10 touchdowns. He probably won't approach those numbers as a rookie, but he can quickly become Kansas City's second-biggest mismatch behind tight end Travis Kelce.
Las Vegas Raiders: DL Tyree Wilson
17 of 32
It was tempting to go with one of the Las Vegas Raiders' new offensive additions here, like wideout Jakobi Meyers—who played under head coach Josh McDaniels in New England—or rookie tight end Michael Mayer.
However, Las Vegas' first-round pick, former Texas Tech defensive lineman Tyree Wilson, gets the nod here because of what he can add to a lackluster Raiders pass rush.
Despite having Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby and free-agency prize Chandler Jones on the roster, Las Vegas finished the 2022 season with only 27 sacks. Adding Wilson should improve that number significantly.
Wilson is a capable edge-rusher in his own right, but it's the ability of the 6'6", 271-pound prospect to kick inside that is really special. Wilson's defensive-line flexibility can allow coordinator Patrick Graham to get Wilson on the field with Crosby and Jones in obvious passing situations in four-man fronts.
Between Las Vegas' 4-3 base and nickel packages, the Raiders used four-man fronts 77 percent of the time last season, according to Sports Info Solutions.
Wilson has the potential to be a game-wrecker on his own, but he'll also give the Raiders options with the pass-rushers they already have.
Los Angeles Chargers: WR Quentin Johnston
18 of 32
With capable pass-catchers like Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Gerald Everett already on the roster, adding TCU's Quentin Johnston in the first round was a luxury for the Chargers.
However, this doesn't negate the fact that Johnston can be a tremendously valuable playeer in the offense of new coordinator Kellen Moore.
Moore found ways to spread the ball around with the Cowboys in 2021, when the team's first-ranked offense featured CeeDee Lamb, Amari Cooper, Dalton Schultz, Cedrick Wilson Jr., Michael Gallup, Tony Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott in the passing game. There will be no such thing as too many targets in Los Angeles with Moore at the helm.
And Johnston—the top-ranked receiver on the B/R board, has the potential to be a wonderful target for quarterback Justin Herbert. Last season, he caught 60 passes for 10,69 yards and six touchdowns.
While being the third option in L.A. might prevent Johnston from amassing the numbers to view for Offensive Rookie of the Year, his presence will make it virtually impossible for opposing defenders to double-cover any of the Chargers' top receivers. There's value in that to go with Johnston's own value as a playmaker.
Los Angeles Rams: Edge Byron Young
19 of 32
While the Los Angeles Rams did next to nothing in free agency and lacked a first-round draft selection, they did manage to add 14 new players over draft weekend.
Third-round draft pick and former Tennessee pass-rusher Byron Young has the potential to become a star in Los Angeles' defense sooner than later. He logged seven sacks and 12 tackles for loss last season and has the tools to continue producing at the next level.
"Young is an exceptional athlete, and that really shows up when he's a pass-rusher," Holder wrote. "He's fast off the ball and can win around the edge in a handful of ways. He's also effective in line games with his quickness, change-of-direction ability and acceleration."
The 6'2", 250-pound Young can be an effective edge complement to star defensive tackle Aaron Donald, and he should have a clear path to playing time. The Rams parted with edge-rusher Leonard Floyd and linebacker Bobby Wagner—who accounted for 15 of L.A.'s 38 sacks in 2022—this offseason.
After purging a large chunk of the roster the Rams might not be particularly good this season. However, the tandem of Donald and Young will at least give some teeth to the pass rush.
Miami Dolphins: RB Devon Achane
20 of 32
With players like Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. leading the way, the Dolphins offense is predicated on speed. It's a great concept that complements quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who might not have elite arm strength but who is an elite distributor of the football.
Tagovailoa showed last season that he can consistently hit open targets in stride, which frequently led to big gains and led to Tagovailoa posting a league-high 105.5 passer rating.
Miami added another member to its track team during the draft, snagging Texas A&M running back Devon Achane in the third round. Though a smaller back at 5'8" and 188 pounds, Achane has elite speed (4.32-second 40-yard dash) and is a capable receiver out of the backfield.
Last season, Achane amassed 1,102 rushing yards, 196 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns while averaging 5.6 yards per rush and 5.4 yards per catch.
Adding Achane to the offense gives opposing defenses yet another home-run-hitter to worry about. He'll give head coach Mike McDaniel even more creativity with his game-planning and will be a threat to score practically any time he touches the ball.
Minnesota Vikings: WR Jordan Addison
21 of 32
The Minnesota Vikings headed into the 2023 draft needing a new offensive standout in the worst way. Minnesota had parted with No. 2 receiver Adam Thielen and may still move top running back Dalvin Cook.
"His future in Minnesota appears up in the air right now," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said Friday on SportsCenter (h/t Bleacher Report's Adam Wells). "The Vikings, for now, have been willing to hold on to his $14 million cap hit, but once June 1 hits, they can save $9 million on the cap if they do release him."
Well, the Vikings got a good one in wide receiver Jordan Addison. The USC product was the third-ranked receiver on the B/R board and caught 59 passes for 875 yards and eight touchdowns in his lone season as a Trojan.
Addison was even more productive with Pitt in 2021, finishing with 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns on 100 receptions on his way to winning the Biletnikoff Award as college football's top wide receiver. He's a crafty route-runner with good speed (4.49-second 40-yard dash) and an ability to chew up yards before or after the catch.
With Thielen out, Addison will get a chance to start from day one, and with superstar Justin Jefferson opposite him, he should see plenty of one-on-one opportunities as a rookie too. He might be the most serious challenger to Bijan Robinson for OROY.
New England Patriots: WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
22 of 32
The Patriots lost top receiver Jakobi Meyers in free agency but replaced him with a more dynamic pass-catcher in JuJu Smith-Schuster.
While there's plenty to like about Meyer's game—he's a strong route-runner with some big-play ability (12.0 yards per catch last season)—Smith-Schuster is closer to being a true No. 1 receiver for New England.
Meyers caught 67 passes for 804 yards and six touchdowns but provided a passer rating of only 67.0 when targeted. Smith-Schuster caught 78 passes for 933 yards and three scores while providing a 102.5 rating—though he did benefit from playing with Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City.
In 2018 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Smith-Schuster had a career year with 1,426 yards and seven touchdowns on 111 receptions.
Smith-Schuster can also play on the perimeter or in the slot, which will provide some options for new offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien and the Patriots passing attack.
While adding Smith-Schuster alone might not return quarterback Mac Jones to the Pro Bowl form he showed as a rookie in 2021, it will provide some potency to the Patriots' passing game.
New Orleans Saints: RB Jamaal Williams
23 of 32
The New Orleans Saints' big "get" of the offseason was quarterback Derek Carr. However, Carr will get a lot of support from New Orleans' other big veteran addition, running back Jamaal Williams.
Williams carved out a role as a ground specialist with the Lions last season, racking up 1,066 yards and a league-high 17 rushing touchdowns. However, it must be noted that Williams was also a tremendous receiving back with the Packers before joining rival Detroit.
In four years with Green Bay, Williams caught 122 passes for 961 yards and eight touchdowns. In his last season there, he provided a quarterback rating of 104.3 when targeted.
The Saints, of course, have dual-threat running back Alvin Kamara and rookie third-round pick Kendre Miller in the backfield as well. However, Kamara could face league discipline after being indicted on battery charges stemming from a 2022 assault in Las Vegas.
If Kamara is suspended, Williams will likely open the season as the Saints' starter. Even if he isn't Williams should still see a prominent role in both the running and the passing games.
New York Giants: TE Darren Waller
24 of 32
The New York Giants added quite a few new pieces to their receiving corps this offseason, including wideouts Parris Campbell, Jamison Crowder and rookie Jalin Hyatt. However, none of them match the mismatch potential of trade acquisition Darren Waller.
Waller was traded by the Raiders following two seasons impacted by back, knee and hamstring injuries. However, when healthy, the 30-year-old is among the most dangerous pass catchers at his position in the league.
Between 2019 and 2020, Waller caught 197 passes for 2,341 yards and 12 touchdowns. He's a dangerous downfield threat with enough route savvy to also be a dependable security blanket on shorter routes.
Waller provided a passer rating above 108.0 when target in both 2019 and 2020.
By bringing in Waller, the Giants have given quarterback Daniel Jones a legitimate go-to target. They also added another player who can help stretch the field and prevent defenses from keying in too much on star running back Saquon Barkley.
While Waller doesn't offer much as a blocker, he'll add new possibilities for offensive coordinator Mike Kafka and his passing plan.
New York Jets: WR Allen Lazard
25 of 32
New Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers may prove to be the most dangerous new addition for any team this year—assuming he can rebound from a disappointing 2022 campaign in Green Bay.
If Rodgers is going to return to Pro Bowl form, he'll need the help of a strong supporting cast. The Jets added a few quality pieces to that cast in the offseason, including receivers Mecole Hardman and Randall Cobb and rookie center Joe Tippmann.
Free-agent addition and former Rodgers teammate Allen Lazard is the most impactful piece New York added to Rodgers' cache this offseason, though. While Lazard has never been a No. 1-caliber receiver, he can be a high-end complement to the Jets' top wideout and reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, Garrett Wilson.
While filling a complementary role opposite Davante Adams in 2021, Lazard caught 40 passes for 513 yards and eight touchdowns while providing a passer rating of 132.8 when targeted.
Lazard also brings the benefit of familiarity with both Rodgers and new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. Expect him to have a notable role right out of the gate and to aid Rodgers as he transitions to the post-Packers portion of his career.
Philadelphia Eagles: DL Jalen Carter
26 of 32
Even after losing key contributors like C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Miles Sanders, T.J. Edwards and Javon Hargrave in free agency, the Philadelphia Eagles had one of the most complete rosters in the NFL. This is because general manager Howie Roseman did a masterful job of retaining players like Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, James Bradberry and Jason Kelce.
Still, this doesn't mean that Philadelphia won't get immediate contributions for ninth overall pick Jalen Carter. The former Georgia defensive lineman is a versatile and powerful defensive playmaker and was the No. 2 overall prospect on the B/R board.
"He's quick and athletic to make offensive linemen miss as a run defender and has plenty of strength to hold up against and shed one-on-one blocks," Holder wrote. "As a pass-rusher, he can win with power using a bull rush or push-pull move or around the edges with finesse moves."
Carter should quickly help fill the void left by Hargrave and provide assistance as both a run-stopper and an interior pass-rusher. While he might not be a three-down player —few 6'3", 314-pound defensive tackles are—he's a threat that can be unleashed on any down. He'll help maintain a level of flexibility in Philly's defensive rotation even after Hargrave's departure.
Pittsburgh Steelers: OT Broderick Jones
27 of 32
The Pittsburgh Steelers added wideout Allen Robinson II in a trade with the Rams, and if Robinson can return to the form he last showed in 2020 (1,250 yards), it could be huge. However, the pick here is rookie offensive tackle Broderick Jones.
The Georgia product is a powerful run blocker with loads of athletic upside who should immediately help boost a run game that ranked 25th in yards per carry (4.1) last season.
"Jones has very good power to create sudden, jarring force at the point of attack as a run-blocker on inside zone and gap concepts while being a weapon on the move as a lead blocker," Brandon Thorn of the B/R Scouting Department wrote.
He should also help improve the protection of second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett. Last year's starter at left tackle, Dan Moore Jr., was responsible for 10 penalties and seven sacks allowed in 2022, according to Pro Football Focus.
Jones can be dangerous because he can help running back and rookie Pro Bowler Najee Harris return to form following a down year in 2022 while helping Pickett with his second-year progression.
San Francisco 49ers: DT Javon Hargrave
28 of 32
The 49ers had a dominant defense in 2022, one that ranked first in both points and yards allowed. However, it wasn't a flawless unit and wasn't one of the league's elite pass-rushing groups despite having Defensive Player of the Year, Nick Bosa.
As a team, San Francisco recorded a good-not-great 44 sacks, tied for 10th most in the NFL.
Veteran defensive tackle Javon Hargrave is a dangerous building block who can help uplift San Francisco's pass rush from the interior. Hargrave is a consistent defender who has recorded at least four sacks in each of his past five seasons with 18.5 sacks over his last two. Last year, he logged 11 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 18 quarterback pressures and 60 tackles.
With Hargrave rushing up the middle, opposing teams will find it difficult to focus too much on slowing Bosa and complementary rushers like Drake Jackson and Clelin Ferrell. Overall, Hargrave will make San Francisco's existing pass rush better, he'll put up strong pressure numbers on his own, and he isn't even close to being a liability against the run.
The addition of Hargrave is going to be a problem for the 49ers' opponents in 2023.
Seattle Seahawks: WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
29 of 32
The Seattle Seahawks were one of the NFL's biggest surprises last season, fielding the league's 11th-ranked passing attack, ninth-ranked scoring offense and seeing Geno Smith emerge as a Pro Bowl quarterback.
Seattle got Smith a tremendous receiving threat in the first round, using the 20th pick on former Ohio State wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Smith-Njigba was limited to three games last season by a hamstring injury but logged 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns in 2021. His ability to create separation and maximize opportunities after the catch will be an immense asset for the Seahawks.
"The tempo in which he changes directions is very special,” Ohio State receivers coach Brian Hartline said, per The Athletic's Shawn Dugar. "...His catch-to-run mechanics, his ability to catch the ball and transition to a ball carrier is very uncommon. He does it at a very high level."
In Seattle, Smith-Njigba can be an immediate difference-maker with Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf drawing attention on the perimeter. The Seahawks' passing attack was quite good a year ago. It can now be elite with Smith-Njigba rounding out the starting lineup.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DL Calijah Kancey
30 of 32
Let's get this out of the way. Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie defensive tackle Calijah Kancey is not Aaron Donald. Expecting the Pittsburgh product to perform like the future Hall of Famer would be unfair, even if there are enough physical similarities to justify the comparison.
A compact but strongly built (6'1", 281 lbs) tackle, Kancey is an athletic marvel who can dominate slower interior blockers when rushing the passer.
"Kancey won't pass a lot of size thresholds but is extremely quick and can win in the trenches with athleticism," Holder wrote. "He's very impressive with a slew of moves and movement skills that can put offensive linemen in awkward positions in their pass sets."
Holding the point of attack against the run isn't Kancey's strong suit, but when he's chasing, he can be a force against the ground game. Last season, Kancey recorded 31 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks.
While the production won't be the same, Tampa can use Kancey like the Rams have used Donald—as a focal point of the pass rush who gets sacks and frees up edge-defenders like Shaquil Barrett and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka.
Tennessee Titans: OL Peter Skoronski
31 of 32
The Tennessee Titans went all offense with their 2023 draft class, and potential quarterback of the future Will Levis is likely to be the most impactful addition long-term. However, first-round pick and offensive lineman Peter Skoronski is the player Tennessee can immediately benefit from the most.
The top-ranked lineman and ninth-ranked overall prospect on the B/R board, Skoronski has an extremely high floor plus elite upside. A tackle at Northwestern, Skoronski may kick inside because of his less-than-ideal arm length (32¼ inches). Wherever the Titans decide to play Skoronski, though, he's going to be a force in the running game.
"Skoronski uses precise aiming points and footwork with equally proficient hand placement to fit, leverage, drive and steer defenders from a variety of angles and run concepts," Thorn wrote.
In Tennessee, Skoronski will be a hole-opener who provides clear running lanes for star back Derrick Henry. That's a dangerous advantage because once Henry gets past the defensive line and hits his stride, he's extremely difficult to bring down in the open field.
Landing Skoronski was a great development for the Titans and a scary one for opposing linebackers in the AFC South.
Washington Commanders: CB Emmanuel Forbes
32 of 32
Did the Washington Commanders reach for 6'1", 166-pound cornerback Emmanuel Forbes? Probably. The Mississippi State product was the 103rd-ranked prospect on the B/R board and ended up going 16th overall.
Forbes is an extreme size outlier who will likely need to add mass to emerge as a quality full-time starter. However, he can still be a dangerous piece as a part-time player in Washington's defense.
The reason is Forbes' spectacular ball skills and superb playmaking ability. In three collegiate seasons, Forbes logged 20 passes defended, 14 interceptions and six pick-sixes. He had six interceptions and three touchdowns just last season. He's already impressed the Washington staff.
"The 16th pick in April’s draft came out flying in rookie minicamp—with a pick on the first day that reminded one Washington coach of Trevon Diggs—in how instinctively and aggressively Forbes went after the ball," Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer wrote.
Forbes' ability to make plays on the ball will be a big addition to a Commanders defense that recorded only nine interceptions last season. Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio will need to come up with a plan to keep the rookie away from bigger and more physical receivers early, but the 22-year-old can be a turnover machine if he's utilized correctly.
*Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference unless otherwise noted. College statistics from Sports Reference.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
