We’re deep into the offseason lull now, so it’s only right that we take some time to hand out some flowers across the league. We talk about NFL players a lot – obviously – and use terms like “best in the league” or “elite” frequently, but rarely do we actually quantify who the best players on each team are. Until now.
The criteria is pretty simple. We’re not projecting ahead and thinking long-term. This is strictly: who is the best player on each team right now? After finishing up with the NFC, we’re carrying on with the AFC. Today, we’re taking a look at the AFC North, starting in Baltimore.
Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson, Quarterback
Where would the Ravens be without Lamar Jackson? Sure, they made the playoffs after losing Jackson to injury after 12 games, but they were 8-4 when he went down, and finished the season on a 2-3 run before being bounced out of the playoffs in the Wildcard round. It’s clear that Jackson is the straw that stirs the drink in Baltimore. But he’s also the actual drink, the ice, and the little umbrella. There aren’t as many offenses as heliocentric as the Ravens.
That’s because there aren’t many players like Jackson. Of course, the athleticism sticks out immediately. Jackson is a devastating runner in the open field and ludicrously tough to bring down, even in congested areas. As a passer, he’s maybe left some meat on the bone – but how much of that is schematic? Jackson has a big arm, the touch to layer throws, workable accuracy, and heaps of arm talent. He’s a top 8 quarterback on a bad day.
Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, Quarterback
The Cincinnati Bengals have made a name for themselves as AFC powerhouses over the last two years – you could argue that they’re in an even better position heading into 2023. But what kickstarted the rise? Well, Joe Burrow, of course. Burrow has a stellar supporting cast in the form of the best receiver trio in the NFL, and now an improved offensive line. But the former No. 1 pick has cemented his status as a top-3 quarterback in the NFL.
His arm talent isn’t in the same tier as the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, but he plays with such composure and aggression and has shown that he still has a catalogue of incredible throws. On top of that, there aren’t many quarterbacks who throw with better anticipation and accuracy. As long as Burrow is under centre, the Bengals will be one of the best teams in the NFL.
Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett, EDGE
After a run on quarterbacks, we’re moving onto the Cleveland Browns and concentrating on the defense. That’s not something that’s been said too often. The Browns defense was 25th in EPA per play in 2022 and struggled all over, but it was the soft belly of the interior defensive line that caused the most issues. Despite that, Myles Garrett performances on the edge didn’t dip.
For the past five years, Garrett has been an elite edge rusher. His speed rush is what shows up on film the most, but he’s versatile in how he can beat tackles to get to the quarterback. Need further proof? Garrett has 151 total pressures and 32 sacks over the last two seasons. There might not be a better pass-rusher in the NFL today, and Garrett is still getting better. There’s no doubt he’s the best player on the Browns.
Pittsburgh Steelers: T.J. Watt, EDGE
There aren’t many edge defenders that hold a candle to Garrett, but T.J. Watt is definitely one of them. Hence why he’s the obvious pick here. Watt missed seven games in 2022, but still found a way to contribute for the Steelers defense. He’s more than just a pass-rusher, though. Watt can routinely drop into coverage and shut off passing lanes – he’s had 37 pass break-ups since entering the league in 2017 and is a menace against the run. His motor just doesn’t stop, but despite doing all of that, he’s still an excellent pass-rusher.
From 2018 to 2021, Watt had 65 sacks across 62 games, averaging just over a sack a game – and his 339 career quarterback pressures mean he’s more than just a good finisher. He can consistently rush the passer on a down-to-down basis, but the fact he can do so much more is a testament to how good he is. He’s a one in a million player and the leader of the Steelers’ defense.
-Thomas Valentine
Twitter: @tvalentinesport
Photo: All-Pro Reels. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.