This is about to be a wild 2023 NFL free agency signing period. We already have some massive news as Derek Carr joined the mix among the top 50 free agents, but what other big names will be — or could be — available?
We’ve already taken a look at where the top 10 quarterbacks could end up signing, but this 2023 NFL free agency class is absolutely loaded when you look at the running back position and other positions defensively, as well. As of right now, this list doesn’t even include potential salary cap casualties, which could make the 2023 NFL offseason one of the best and most intriguing in recent memory.
**Please note: Not every free agent is ranked in a deliberate order. This list is meant to simply reflect the 50 players who could end up as the top-paid UFAs in the NFL
Predicting 2023 NFL Free Agency: Where will the top 50 players land?
1. Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
As of right now, the expectation is that Lamar Jackson will be franchise tagged by the Baltimore Ravens. Of course, that doesn’t mean the Ravens won’t trade him away…As unlikely as that seems, it could be the path these two parties are headed down. Money talks, though, and if the Ravens make Jackson an offer he can’t refuse, the 2019 NFL MVP could be back in the fold and secure in the franchise’s feelings about him.
The Ravens would never be dumb enough to let Jackson just hit the open market. At worst, he will be in Baltimore in 2023 on the franchise tag or tagged and traded.
Prediction: Re-signs with Ravens (or tagged and traded)
2. Derek Carr, QB, Las Vegas Raiders
This spot was originally reserved for Tom Brady, but Brady signed his retirement papers with the NFL and doesn’t seem likely to undo his retirement this time around. Regardless of what Brady does, I think Derek Carr is one of the top prizes of NFL free agency in this cycle and some team is going to get a guy with a chip on his shoulder who can help your team win.
This should be a very calculated decision for Carr. He has had to deal with a bad defense with the Raiders for the majority of his NFL career. He needs to make sure he gets the perfect fit in terms of coaching, support from the defense, etc. To me, the New York Jets make the most sense even though Carr had a visit with the Saints that lasted multiple days. I’m going with my gut.
Prediction: Signs with the New York Jets
3. Geno Smith, QB, Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks might have slightly become victims of their own success here. What are you supposed to do with a one-year sample of Geno Smith lighting it up? Do you buy into him as a long-term option? Do you just go year-to-year Kirk Cousins style?
I think the smart path for Seattle is to tag Smith, but what kind of friction could it cause if they’re not willing to give him a multi-year deal? You certainly can’t eliminate a multi-year deal as a possibility, but the Seahawks would probably have to lowball Smith. Right now, his market value is going to be near or north of $30 million annually.
Prediction: Re-signs with Seahawks (or tagged)
4. Javon Hargrave, DL, Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles could win the Super Bowl and at this point in time, it remains to be seen how much of the band they’re going to be able to keep together. There’s no denying that Javon Hargrave has been a tremendous free agent acquisition for them coming over from the Pittsburgh Steelers and has undoubtedly established himself as one of the premier interior defensive linemen in the game.
I am guessing he will be one of the most coveted free agents in the entire offseason.
Prediction: Signs with Atlanta Falcons
5. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, DB, Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles stole Chauncey Gardner-Johnson from the Saints and general manager Mickey Loomis. Actually, without Sean Payton in the building, Howie Roseman took Loomis to the cleaners on a couple of trades between the NFL Draft and roster cuts.
At any rate, the Eagles ended up with a playmaker in Gardner-Johnson, who picked off six passes for them in 2022. He’ll be one of the more coveted defensive backs on the market. Could a connection with some of the staff in Detroit come into play?
Prediction: Signs with Detroit Lions
6. Orlando Brown, OT, Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are back in the Super Bowl again, and they certainly have one of the most dominant offensive lines in the game. That’s a far cry from how things were in 2020 when Patrick Mahomes was running for his life against the Buccaneers in the Super Bowl.
Orlando Brown has been key to that unit getting back on track. The Chiefs tagged him this past year and they might again, if they have to. I doubt he reaches the open market, but who knows?
Prediction: Re-signs with Chiefs
7. Jamel Dean, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Let the dismantling of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers begin? The Bucs might have one eye on the 2024 NFL Draft class at quarterback, which features Caleb Williams of USC and Drake Maye of North Carolina. I don’t know if we’re going to see them completely tear it down in 2023, but I could see them letting players like Jamel Dean hit the open market.
If he does, a team like the Chicago Bears could come calling with their near-$100 million in cap space.
Prediction: Signs with Chicago Bears
8. Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants
The job done in New York in a short amount of time by GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll is nothing short of remarkable. Of course, it happened in a contract year, but Daboll was able to get a vintage year out of Saquon Barkley, who hasn’t been able to consistently stay on the field since his rookie season. In 2022, he re-emerged as a top-flight back.
The Giants will need him back in some capacity in 2023. I seriously doubt, unless they have significant issues getting a deal done with Daniel Jones, that Barkley won’t be tagged or re-signed.
Prediction: Re-signs with Giants (or tagged)
9. Jessie Bates III, S, Cincinnati Bengals
It feels like the writing has been on the wall for quite some time regarding Jessie Bates III and the Cincinnati Bengals. They held onto him for this season, but there have been trade rumors and rumors of him leaving for about a year. Now, those rumors will probably come to fruition.
I think Bates is poised to leave and become one of the more coveted defensive backs on the open market. How about a marriage between Bates and new Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans?
Prediction: Signs with Houston Texans
10. James Bradberry, CB, Philadelphia Eagles
If the Eagles have to be selective about which players they re-sign in this year’s NFL Free Agency frenzy, then I think they’ll do their best to prioritize James Bradberry. Bradberry was a cast-off from the Giants who became a critical piece of a revamped secondary in Philadelphia.
Howie Roseman strikes again. Bradberry and Darius Slay are grizzled veterans at this point, but they are playing exceptional football for DC Jonathan Gannon and this is just a great fit. I think the Eagles and Bradberry find a way to get something done.
Prediction: Re-signs with Eagles
11. Daron Payne, DL, Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders have done their part to invest heavily in the defensive front seven over the last handful of years, haven’t they? Daron Payne, a former first-round pick out of Alabama, has certainly blossomed into a big-time player.
But the Commanders have a lot of big fish to fry this offseason, and they’re equipped to lose Payne if it comes to that. I think he’ll price himself out of their range and sign with the cap-rich Chicago Bears in the 2023 NFL Free Agent frenzy.
Prediction: Signs with Chicago Bears
12. Lavonte David, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The mass exodus out of Tampa Bay could continue with one of the franchise’s longest-tenured and most beloved players. Lavonte David has been nothing short of spectacular for the Bucs and deserves so much credit for how he helped them win a Super Bowl a couple of years ago.
With that being said, he should have a good market in free agency in 2023 and a team like the New York Giants could make a lot of sense.
Prediction: Signs with New York Giants
13. Jakobi Meyers, WR, New England Patriots
Although the New England Patriots haven’t exactly been a juggernaut through the air the last handful of years, Jakobi Meyers has emerged as a legitimate weapon for them. He’s pretty quietly racked up over 1,600 receiving yards the last two seasons and had a career-high six touchdowns in 2022.
The Patriots have made it a habit to let their top free agents walk in recent years, though, so don’t be surprised to see a team like the Houston Texans swoop in and snatch up a former Patriot with the Nick Caserio connection.
Prediction: Signs with Houston Texans
14. Josh Jacobs, RB, Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders are about to jettison Derek Carr, and they might not get their top target at the QB position, either (Tom Brady). With that being the case, this team has to realize how important it is to keep Josh Jacobs in the fold, right?
Right?
The Raiders would be fools to let Jacobs leave after the season he just had and the impact he made when the offense flowed through him.
Prediction: Tagged by Raiders
15. Mike McGlinchey, OT, San Francisco 49ers
Everyone wants a piece of the 49ers and Mike McGlinchey could give some team that in the 2023 NFL Free Agent frenzy. McGlinchey was once a first-round pick out of Notre Dame who has developed into a solid player when healthy for the 49ers.
Given some of his injury issues, you can’t help but think the 49ers might be okay letting him walk this offseason. He is coming off of a season in which he played all 17 games, so his value is certainly rehabbed after missing nine in 2021.
As will be a theme in this post, the Chicago Bears have a desperate need for OL help, and a ton of cap space to spend.
Prediction: Signs with Chicago Bears
16. Dre’Mont Jones, DL, Denver Broncos
I remain on the fence with Dre’Mont Jones and the Denver Broncos. I think if the Broncos can keep continuity defensively, this could become one of the best overall units in the league. And by continuity defensively, I mean keep Ejiro Evero in the defensive coordinator seat for one more year.
Dre’Mont Jones is a no-bull personality and doesn’t sound like he’s taking any sort of discount to stay with the Broncos and ride it out while the team tries to regain relevance. I think if he’s not tagged, he would be one of the most coveted players on the open market. The Broncos might be backed into the franchise tag corner here.
Prediction: Re-signs with Broncos (or tagged)
17. Tony Pollard, RB, Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys’ 2022 season ended prematurely, and Tony Pollard’s injury in the playoffs was a major reason why. Pollard went down against the 49ers with a broken leg and a high ankle sprain, a brutal injury and certainly brutal timing given his pending free agent status.
As of right now, I would say the most likely scenario is that Pollard is back with the Cowboys, but can they afford it? If he hits the open market, it will be a ton of fun to see which teams would line up to get him. As of right now, I’m going with the conservative play and saying the Cowboys find a way to keep Pollard, even if it means initially slapping him with the tag.
Prediction: Re-signs with Cowboys (or tagged)
18. Daniel Jones, QB, New York Giants
The New York Giants saw perhaps more than just a glimmer of hope from Daniel Jones in the 2022 season. With Brian Daboll coming over from the Buffalo Bills, Giants fans had hope (however delusional it may have seemed) that Daboll could do for Jones what he once helped do for Josh Allen.
Jones played his best football as a pro in 2022, limiting turnovers and helping lead the Giants to not only the playoffs but a road playoff win against the Minnesota Vikings. Now, he stands to make a ton of money. I think the Giants will find a way to get a deal done with Jones, but they’re in a tough spot here. Do they buy in long-term? Do they assume Jones is going to keep getting better under Daboll?
Prediction: Re-signs with Giants (or tagged)
19. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs took a ton of heat in the 2022 offseason for trading away Tyreek Hill, one of the true game-changers at the wide receiver position. They’re in the Super Bowl now, so I guess the detractors at the time (me included) can eat a plate of crow.
It’s clear that Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes are good enough elevators of talent that the Chiefs can have team success even with players like JuJu Smith-Schuster as primary receiver options. I don’t think he’s going to break the bank, but Smith-Schuster coming back to the Chiefs for another year or two feels likely and good for both sides.
Prediction: Re-signs with Chiefs
20. Zach Allen, DL, Arizona Cardinals
One of the more underrated players in 2023 NFL Free Agency is Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Zach Allen. The former third-round pick out of Boston College and Connecticut native seems like a lock to go back to the upper northeast and join the New England Patriots at this point in time.
Allen has steadily improved year after year in the Arizona defense and racked up a career-best 19 QB hits in 2022. The Patriots are known for their dominating defense and with Allen’s ability to play multiple positions on the defensive front, Bill Belichick will love him even more.
Prediction: Signs with New England Patriots
21. Marcus Davenport, EDGE, New Orleans Saints
Marcus Davenport is a former first-round pick of the New Orleans Saints, and the team is simply not likely to be able to afford to bring him back for the 2023 season. Davenport is coming off of a down year and the Saints are working to make a major upgrade at the quarterback position. Sacrifices are going to be made.
Luckily for Davenport, he’s got friends with the Atlanta Falcons. Former Saints executive Terry Fontenot is the Falcons’ GM, and the Falcons’ new defensive coordinator is former Saints assistant Ryan Nielsen. Davenport should get a prove-it deal with Atlanta to show that his tremendous talent is still there.
Prediction: Signs with Atlanta Falcons
22. Jordan Poyer, S, Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are likely going to try to keep the band together as long as possible, and Jordan Poyer is someone that defense relies on heavily. Even though he only played in 12 games last year, he still ended up with four interceptions and his first Pro Bowl nod.
Poyer will be 32 next season, so sticking around with the Buffalo Bills on a 1-2 year deal seems like a wise move for both the team and player.
Prediction: Re-signs with Bills
23. David Long, LB, Tennessee Titans
With a lot of cap space and a lot of roster needs, I think you can expect the Atlanta Falcons to show up as one of the more active teams in the NFL this coming offseason. As it relates to 2023 NFL Free Agency, it wouldn’t be surprising if the connection between the Tennessee Titans and Arthur Smith came into play a time or two.
David Long has been a productive player for the Titans since getting taken in the 6th round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He’s got four interceptions combined the past two seasons in Mike Vrabel’s defense, and perhaps now he can come over to Atlanta and help out a Falcons defense that needs to add significant help at every level.
Prediction: Signs with Atlanta Falcons
24. Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, San Francisco 49ers
For my money, I think Jimmy Garoppolo could be one of the top bargains in 2023 NFL Free Agency. The 49ers have done such a tremendous job with him under center, and although “QBWinz” are not really a viable stat, it’s undeniable howe well the 49ers have played as a team when Garoppolo is playing.
As DeMeco Ryans and a host of former 49ers assistants make their way to Houston in 2023, it wouldn’t be shocking at all to see a number of former 49ers players follow them. Garoppolo makes a lot of sense for a team like the Texans, that will be attempting to compete this year while also probably grooming a young QB. Garoppolo could help this squad win some games while CJ Stroud, Bryce Young, Will Levis, or Anthony Richardson gets to know the pro game.
Prediction: Signs with Houston Texans
25. Dalvin Tomlinson, DL, Minnesota Vikings
The Detroit Lions might become something of a “destination” team this coming offseason with the culture Dan Campbell has begun to build. They will be a fascinating team to watch, especially as it relates to adding talent in the defensive trenches. The offense seems to be in good shape, but if the Lions can improve their defensive front, this team could take a huge leap forward in 2023.
A player like Dalvin Tomlinson can be stout against both the run and pass, and the Lions would be stealing him from a division rival. Not that the Vikings haven’t been willing to just flat-out help the Lions out in the last year…
Prediction: Signs with Detroit Lions
26. Evan Engram, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars
After what we saw in the 2022 season, it’s hard to imagine the Jacksonville Jaguars will let Evan Engram walk in 2023 NFL Free Agency. Engram was somewhat of a “bust” after a great start to his career with the New York Giants, and Doug Pederson found ways to put him in positions to succeed this past year.
Along with the addition of trade acquisition Calvin Ridley, the Jaguars getting Evan Engram back again in 2023 could help take this offense to another level. As Trevor Lawrence continues to grow, so will players like Evan Engram.
Prediction: Re-signs with Jaguars
27. Cameron Sutton, CB, Pittsburgh Steelers
You aren’t going to find nickel cornerback among the most popular position groups in the NFL these days. Unfortunately, those guys do some of the most important work in the NFL today and they are some of the least recognized for their efforts. The Pittsburgh Steelers have recognized the talents of Sutton and he’s grown from being an important piece of their slot and dime package to being one of their more underrated defensive players as a whole.
As important as the cornerback position is in today’s NFL, I think it’s likely we see new Vikings DC Brian Flores (who came from the Steelers this past year) make his pitch that Cam Sutton should be one of Minnesota’s highest priorities this offseason.
Prediction: Signs with Minnesota Vikings
28. Dalton Schultz, TE, Dallas Cowboys
Dalton Schultz won’t end up being the big-name signing your team’s fan base is hoping for, but when it comes to the on-field product, he might be exactly what you need. As unspectacular as Schultz is, he’s a reliable pass-catcher and blocker at the tight end position who does everything well.
As you will see here, the Miami Dolphins are soon to likely lose Mike Gesicki in free agency. Let him walk might be a better way to put it. I think the Dolphins would much rather have a player like Schultz in their system and he is probably a much better fit.
Prediction: Signs with Miami Dolphins
29. Mike Gesicki, TE, Miami Dolphins
Although Mike Gesicki has not found a lot of success as a member of the Miami Dolphins, he should be one of the most coveted free agents in the entire league in 2023. Gesicki has outstanding size and athletic traits, and we’ve seen him put those together at times for stretches of outstanding play.
Although not a fit for Mike McDaniel’s style of offense, we have seen Zac Taylor work with tight ends in the past like Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett in Los Angeles, so it’s reasonable to assume that Gesicki could find a home with the Bengals. Why not add another big weapon into this stellar offense?
Prediction: Signs with Cincinnati Bengals
30. Samson Ebukam, EDGE, San Francisco 49ers
Playing in San Francisco the last two years after starting off his career with the Los Angeles Rams, Samson Ebukam has quietly been very productive. His defensive coordinator in San Francisco? DeMeco Ryans, of course.
Ebukam notched 31 total pressures, 24 QB hits, and 9.5 sacks as a member of the 49ers’ defense these last two seasons, and undoubtedly would be a welcomed presence off the edge for the Houston Texans where Ryans is now the head coach. Expect a mass exodus of players following Ryans to Houston, where they have a need for talent, cap space, and immediate playing time available.
Prediction: Signs with Houston Texans
31. Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Buffalo Bills
The 2023 NFL free agency crop is pretty deep at the linebacker position, and one of the most freakishly gifted athletes in the league at that position is hitting the market. We’ll see what the Buffalo Bills end up doing with their roster core, but it feels like there’s a chance someone like Tremaine Edmunds could end up being the odd-man out.
Edmunds is a two-time Pro Bowl selection and he’s been basically a lock for 100+ tackles every year since he got into the league. Considering he’ll only be 25 this coming season, I would guess that he’s got a great shot of being a coveted free agent by some team and perhaps pricing himself out of Buffalo’s range right now.
Prediction: Signs with Philadelphia Eagles
32. Byron Murphy, CB, Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals have themselves a new head coach in Jonathan Gannon, and we know Gannon’s specialty is working with the defensive backs. The Arizona Cardinals, as fate would have it, need a lot of help in the defensive backfield and need to get better there quickly.
They’re going to need to figure out a way to get Byron Murphy, one of their only good defensive backs, back in the fold this coming season. Murphy missed eight games this past season but picked off four passes in 2021. The Cardinals need him back.
Prediction: Re-signs with Cardinals
33. Ben Powers, OL, Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have a lot of big fish to fry in the 2023 NFL free agency period. Lamar Jackson’s situation looms large, and if the Ravens aren’t able to re-sign him, then that QB position becomes a major issue anyway. Outside of QB, the Ravens need to add at the wide receiver position. They paid a ton of money to keep Roquan Smith in the fold.
This team could end up losing a good interior lineman like ben Powers as a result. The Denver Broncos are one of likely plenty of NFL teams expected to be very aggressive in pursuing offensive line upgrades in the 2023 NFL free agency period, and they make as much sense as anyone to land a player like Powers, who can help them establish a physical ground game.
Prediction: Signs with Denver Broncos
34. Isaac Seumalo, OL, Philadelphia Eagles
Whatever ends up happening with Isaac Seumalo could depend entirely on what Jason Kelce decides to do this coming year. If Kelce decides to play another year, the Eagles may allocate their funds toward him and filling other holes this roster could have after the Super Bowl LVII loss to the Chiefs.
If Kelce retires, the Eagles would utilize 2022 second-round pick Cam Jurgens at center and likely work to keep Seumalo at guard. We’ll operate under the assumption they try to keep him around, but his options would be endless if he leaves Philadelphia.
Prediction: Re-signs with Eagles
35. DJ Chark, WR, Detroit Lions
The one-year flyer on DJ Chark seemingly paid dividends for both the Detroit Lions and DJ Chark this past year. The Lions will undoubtedly try to convince Chark to return but he could have a decent market as this year’s free agent crop of receivers (before cap casualties are added to the mix) is relatively underwhelming.
Chark is just 26 years old and averaged nearly 17 yards per reception this past season. There are a lot of mouths to feed right now in Detroit, so perhaps Chark will look to a clearer path at a target share. There’s no clearer path than in Baltimore right now.
Prediction: Signs with Baltimore Ravens
36. Jonathan Jones, CB, New England Patriots
Underrated corners coming from the New England Patriots might carry a massive warning sign at this point, but good players are good players. There are plenty of teams around the league that will be in the market for top-flight slot corners and Jonathan Jones proved this past season that he can be that as well as a solid outside corner.
Nobody loves former Patriots quite like the Houston Texans and GM Nick Caserio.
Prediction: Signs with Houston Texans
37. Jamaal Williams, RB, Detroit Lions
After the whopper of a season Jamaal Williams had in 2022, how can the Detroit Lions not bring him back? He finished the 2022 campaign with just over 1,000 yards as he worked in tandem with D’Andre Swift, but he had 17 touchdowns.
Averaging a touchdown per game is impressive, and Williams has been such a great fit and leader for that Detroit Lions team. I think they’re going to work on both sides to get a deal done so that he’s back with Detroit this coming season.
Prediction: Re-signs with Detroit Lions
38. Kaleb McGary, OT, Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are going to be a fun team to watch this offseason, and if you look around Twitter, just about every fan base of a team with offensive tackle needs is trying to speak signing Kaleb McGary into existence. The former first-round pick has certainly developed well for the Falcons in recent years and they would be wise to have him stick around.
Good offensive tackles are hard to find anymore and McGary is a good one. He would be one of the top free agents available if he reached the open market, but I don’t know if I see that happening.
Prediction: Re-signs with Falcons
39. Odell Beckham Jr., WR
After tearing his ACL in Super Bowl LVI, Odell Beckham Jr. ended up missing the entire 2022 NFL season. That’s not altogether surprising, although there were certainly plenty of rumors about where he might resurface in the playoffs. He had even done a little visit tour there late in the season, but teams must have determined the risk was too great with his knee to sign him.
Heading into 2023 NFL Free Agency, Beckham should be good to go, and you’ve got to think he’ll have a market. This has Kansas City Chiefs written all over it.
Prediction: Signs with Kansas City Chiefs
40. Miles Sanders, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Miles Sanders is coming off of the best season of his NFL career, and it’s hard to imagine him leaving the Philadelphia Eagles with how great of a situation they have proven to be for him since Jalen Hurts took over at the QB position.
It would be shocking to me to see Sanders go anywhere but Philadelphia this offseason, but you just never know with the way NFL teams are about the running back position. The Eagles could get a more cost-effective player like Bijan Robinson in the 2023 NFL Draft if they want, but I’m guessing they’d re-up with Sanders on a two-year deal and sooner spent those picks elsewhere.
Maybe.
Prediction: Re-signs with Eagles
41. Dalton Risner, OG, Denver Broncos
Dalton Risner is a Colorado native who has fulfilled a lifelong dream of playing professional football for the Denver Broncos, and now it feels like it’s time for everyone to move on. Risner will undoubtedly be valued in free agency as a four-year starter for the Broncos who could probably play any of the three interior positions.
He’s been primarily a left guard the last four years after starring some at right tackle late in his Kansas State career. A team like the Chicago Bears with needs all over the offensive line makes a lot of sense to load up Risner’s bank account.
Prediction: Signs with Chicago Bears
42. Marcus Peters, CB, Baltimore Ravens
The New York Giants unfortunately saw how much a veteran cornerback can help a defense take a leap forward in the 2022 season when they let James Bradberry walk in free agency. Bradberry obviously did very well for himself as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles and the Giants have to be kicking themselves for not sticking it out with that investment.
The veteran Marcus Peters is still just 30 years old, and up until this past season, he’s been good for at least four interceptions per year. The Giants’ defense took a step forward in 2022 and adding a playmaker on the back end like Marcus Peters could help them even more in 2023.
Prediction: Signs with New York Giants
43. Nate Davis, OL, Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans could be one of the more fascinating teams to monitor in the NFL this offseason. What is going to happen with Ryan Tannehill? If the Titans move on, what are they going to do at QB?
Regardless of the answer to those questions, we know this team will maintain an identity offensively as a run-oriented squad, as long as Derrick Henry can still wear the crown. In order to keep that identity, players like starting guard Nate Davis need to be kept around.
Prediction: Re-signs with Titans
44. Arden Key, EDGE, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars landed Arden Key for an absolute steal at one year, $4 million in 2022. Key didn’t match or exceed the 6.5 sacks he racked up the year prior, but he was a menace down the stretch for the resurgent Jaguars defense as they won the AFC South and a playoff game against the Chargers.
Key’s best season as a pro, statistically, came in the 2021 season when he was with the San Francisco 49ers and defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans. Now that Ryans is with the Texans, we could see players like Key follow him.
Prediction: Signs with Houston Texans
45. Ethan Pocic, C, Cleveland Browns
The Denver Broncos used a third-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft on former LSU center Lloyd Cushenberry III. Up to this point, Cushenberry hasn’t been able to establish or solidify himself as a long-term option for the team. Could the Broncos replace him with another former LSU center in 2023?
The idea of Ethan Pocic to the Denver Broncos is fascinating because Pocic was teammates in Seattle with Russell Wilson from 2017-2021. We’ve heard plenty about how some players like Russ, some don’t, some think he’ll be a deterrent, etc. We’ll find out of one of his old offensive linemen wants to go to the Mile High City where they have a need for OL and money to spend.
Prediction: Signs with Denver Broncos
46. Jawaan Taylor, OT, Jacksonville Jaguars
Offensive line help is hard to find these days. Well, good help, anyway. The Miami Dolphins have invested plenty in the offensive line in recent years but it’s still an unfinished product. They just recently hired a new offensive line coach — Butch Barry — who spent the 2022 season with Nathaniel Hackett and the Denver Broncos.
If they want Barry’s unit to be successful, they’re going to need to give him the best personnel possible. A player like Jawaan Taylor could become available this offseason thanks to the Jaguars having both Walker Little and Cam Robinson under contract.
Prediction: Signs with Miami Dolphins
47. Germaine Pratt, LB, Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals have done such a tremendous job of building through the NFL Draft over the last handful of years, specifically on the offensive side of the ball. The defensive resurgence this team has experienced has really flown under the radar, and players like Germaine Pratt don’t get the kind of credit they deserve.
The former third-round pick out of NC State has been a mainstay for Lou Anarumo’s defense and I think he’ll stick with him in the 2023 offseason.
Prediction: Re-signs with Bengals
48. Jadeveon Clowney, EDGE, Cleveland Browns
The Los Angeles Rams couldn’t find a way to make a huge impact trade off the edge last year, but they were rumored to be in the market for the likes of Brian Burns with the Carolina Panthers. Although they may have to do some discount shopping in the 2023 NFL Free Agency period, the Rams should be able to come away with impact players.
Jadeveon Clowney isn’t going to rack up 15 sacks but on a one-year deal, he might be able to come in and rack up 30 pressures as he did for the Browns in 2021. His numbers took a step back in 2022 but Clowney could work well for the Rams.
Prediction: Signs with Los Angeles Rams
49. Bobby Okereke, LB, Indianapolis Colts
Over the last two seasons, Bobby Okereke has racked up nearly 300 tackles with the Indianapolis Colts. Given his ties to Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus from their time together in Indy, that’s a marriage that makes plenty of sense. The Bears traded away Roquan Smith in the 2022 season, so there’s a clear need for them to add some bodies at that position group.
Okereke is familiar with the way Eberflus runs things and would be a nice addition to a team with tons of space to add impact players.
Prediction: Signs with Chicago Bears
50. Jermaine Eluemunor, OT, Las Vegas Raiders
Offensive line play is crucial for success in the NFL. The sky is blue, water is wet. You need good offensive linemen to sustain success in the NFL and the Raiders seem to have uncovered a diamond in the rough with Jermaine Eluemunor this past season.
Jermaine Eluemunor did not allow a pressure over his last three games.https://t.co/IjlQ7jYVKp
— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 31, 2017
Especially down the stretch, Eluemunor played well. The Las Vegas Raiders will need to make it a priority to bring him back into the fold in 2023 because the offensive line was one of this team’s weakest areas in 2022 on paper.
Prediction: Re-signs with Raiders