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Today's NFL features some of the most talented players it has ever seen.
The quarterback position is incredibly deep, especially in the AFC. There's Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen and presumably, Aaron Rodgers.
The skill-positions talent is elite as well. Wide receivers Justin Jefferson, Davante Adams, Tyreek Hill and DeAndre Hopkins can be absolute game-changers. Running backs Christian McCaffrey, Austin Ekeler, and Derrick Henry are all super dangerous with the ball in their hands. We can't forget about Travis Kelce and George Kittle at the tight end spot either.
There are the often-overlooked offensive linemen, without whom none of the above would stand a chance. Then there's the defenders.
Defensively, T.J. Watt, Aaron Donald, Chris Jones, and Micah Parsons rush the passer better than anyone. Linebackers Fred Warner and Darius Leonard play the best sideline-to-sideline defense in the sport. Defensive backs Jalen Ramsey, Jaire Alexander, Budda Baker, and Derwin James have some of the best coverage skills in the game.
Special teams are another much-overlooked, but crucial group and they can make-or-break not just a game, but your entire season.
With all that said, who are the league's three best players as things currently stand today? To give some balance, we chose one player from defense, one from offense and one from special teams. Let's take a look.
Defense: T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers (Edge)
There is no better edge defender in the National Football League than T.J. Watt.
The former Wisconsin Badger has earned five consecutive Pro Bowl trips and has led the league in sacks twice, which is tied for the NFL record. He is tied with Hall of Famer Michael Strahan for the most sacks in one season in NFL history (22.5). The 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year has over 330 combined tackles, 77.5 sacks, 88 tackles for loss, and over 160 quarterback hits.
Watt has set himself up for a Hall of Fame career after just six career seasons. After an injury-riddled 2022 season, look for Watt to be even healthier and more ferocious in 2023. He has done so much in such a short time and the 28-year-old has a whole lot left in the tank. Quarterbacks all around the NFL need to keep an eye on No. 90 coming off the edge at all times.
Offense: Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers (QB)
This was a tough one as there are so many talents on offense and not just in the QB position.
Aaron Rodgers will not be in Green Bay for much longer as his intention is to play for the New York Jets in 2023. However, that does not mean that the future Hall of Famer is not the best at the position anymore.
Despite throwing the most interceptions of his career since the 2010 season, Rodgers played through a broken thumb and broken ribs. He was also without Davante Adams, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and multiple offensive assistants for the first time.
A healthy Aaron Rodgers might be the greatest quarterback of all-time. He has the highest quarterback rating of all-time at 103.6 (minimum eight seasons played). He has the best touchdown-interception ratio in NFL history (4.52-1). He has led the NFL in passer ratings four separate times.
Rodgers is a member of the NFL's 2010 All-Decade Team. Additionally, he is a Super Bowl victory away from joining Peyton Manning as the only other quarterback with four-plus MVPs and two-plus Super Bowl victories.
Aaron Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks of all-time when he is healthy. Rest assured, the 10-time Pro-Bowler still has a whole lot left in the tank. The entire NFL needs to be on high alert once Rodgers joins an elite Jets roster.
Special Teams: Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens (K)
Not only is Justin Tucker the best kicker in the sport today, but he is the best kicker in NFL history. The eight-time All-Pro has the best career field goal percentage in NFL history at 90.52% (Pro Football Reference). He also holds the record for the longest field goal in NFL history (66 yards). The Super Bowl winner is 27th all-time in points and is still just 33 years of age.
He has not missed more than seven field goals in a season in his entire career. In 11 career seasons, the former Texas Longhorn has missed just five PATs. In other words, he does not miss kicks very often.
Tucker is the most accurate placekicker of all-time and has the strongest leg in history. Kickers like Justin Tucker come around once in a generation.
Poll : Are these the 3 best players in the NFL today?
Yes
No
10 votes
