The Detroit Lions are a young team. That’s a great thing, since they’ve already shown promise. It just means they’ll keep getting better and better for the next few years. So, who are the most valuable Detroit Lions players for 2023?
It’s difficult to do a ranking based on the most valuable Detroit Lions players, because each team member brings something so unique to the table. Still, I’ve managed to break down the top five most valuable players, making this AlternativeFix.com’s official list for 2203. You’ll recognize some familiar names on this tally, since these players, for the most part, aren’t rookies. Find our list of the best offenses in the NFL here.
Most Valuable Detroit Lions Players for 2023:
5. EDGE Aidan Hutchinson
Hutchinson is the sole rookie on this list. He showed extreme skill, talent and dedication last year and was often the one shining light when the defense was struggling. He also came close to being named Defensive Rookie of the Year last year, thanks to his 9.5 sacks, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries. I just hope Detroit knows to keep him when it’s time to renew his contract.
4. C Frank Ragnow
Frank Ragnow is one of the Detroit Lions’ biggest stars. In fact, NFL commentators often list him as the best player on the team. However, his toe injury has caused him to lose some playing time. Still, there’s no denying Ragnow’s God-given abilities and his drive to keep pushing, so he easily makes in into this list.
3. OT Taylor Decker and QB Jared Goff
It’s a tie for No. 3 on this list. Taylor Decker has been with the Detroit Lions for seven full seasons now, which is hard to believe. He’s somehow flown under the radar. But, when you look at the stats, Decker is really one of the best tackles in the NFL. So, we’re giving him a top spot on this tally. As for Jared Goff, he held down some of the best status in the NFL towards the end of last season. He’s just getting started and is hungry to make it to another Super Bowl, this time with the Lions.
2. OT Penei Sewell
Penei Sewell is easily one of the greatest tackles in the NFL right now. He’s the guy nobody wants to come up against on the field. Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes brought him on during the 2021 NFL Draft, and he’s proved to be an indispensable pick.
1. WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
It shouldn’t be a surprise that Amon-Ra St. Brown is No. 1 on this list of the most valuable Detroit Lions players for 2023. He caught the second most passes in the league during the 2021 season. St. Brown is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, and he keeps getting better. Have this Pro Bowl players on our side is a key component of the Lions.
Many Detroit Lions fans could say that Jared Goff, the team’s star quarterback, just doesn’t get the respect he deserves. They’re not wrong. Goff is riding high with some of the best stats in the NFL. Even towards the end of 2022, Goff had some of the greatest stats in the league, but come spring, he wasn’t making it inside the top 10 on many best-of quarterback lists. Goff consistently ranked somewhere between 15 to 20 in the NFL. But, now, Jared Goff is the new PFF highest-ranked quarterback.
You’re not dreaming. You can even pinch yourself. The PFF just came out with its new rankings for best quarterbacks in the NFL, and No. 1 on the list is Goff. Back in May, the PFF had him at No. 16, and a few months prior, he was way down at No. 19. That’s a huge leap. Also, back in July, Goff didn’t make the top 10 best quarterbacks in the NFL put out by ESPN.
So, what changed? Well, Goff is winning, and his stats are consistent this season. He’s really picking up where he left off at the end of last season. He and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson are a dream team. In fact, Johnson even decided to stay with Detroit instead of entertain head coach opportunities because he believes in Goff and this team.
Goff has a solid throw rate, and his passes are often completed. He also hasn’t been sacked much this season and is known for not throwing many interceptions.
Jared Goff PFF Highest-Ranked Quarterback:
So, Goff is No. 1 on the current (Oct. 12) PFF ranking. Rounding out the top five is Lamar Jackson at No. 2, Josh Allen at No. 3, Sam Howell at No. 4 and Jimmy Garoppolo at No. 5. Kirk Cousins is outside the top 10 at No. 12, which is quite a surprise. He’s got a strong history as a quarterback and has solid numbers this year, but it’s true that his performance isn’t at the level of Goff this season. Time will tell how this season shakes out.
Lamar Jackson is also an interesting pick for No. 2. His performance with the Baltimore Ravens has been stellar, but the team is 3-2. He’ll need to bring home more wins to stay that high on the tally. The Ravens’ next game is Sunday (Oct. 15) at the Tennessee Titans. Find the full upcoming NFL Week 6 schedule here.
Check out the full list of the best quarterbacks in the NFL right now from PFF here.
We have a new highest-graded QB 👀 pic.twitter.com/x0PeE2AtnY
— PFF (@PFF) October 11, 2023
By Cat Badra