The Washington Commanders may not be a popular choice to make noise in the NFC in 2023, but it’s not because the team lacks talent.
ESPN recently predicted its top 100 players for the 2023 NFL season, and three Commanders made the list.
First on the list was star wide receiver Terry McLaurin at No. 36:
McLaurin established himself as a top-10 receiver in 2022, ranking 10th in receiving yards (1,191) and sixth in yards per catch (15.5). He ranks 13th in receiving yards since entering the NFL in 2019, despite playing with 10 different starting quarterbacks. McLaurin did a lot of his damage in the second half of games last season when Washington needed him most: He was third in the NFL with 737 yards in the second half, and he caught three of his five touchdown passes and 43 of his 77 receptions after halftime.
Signature stat: McLaurin is the first Washington player to record three consecutive seasons with 75 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards.
Next was defensive tackle Jonathan Allen at No. 64:
Signature stat: Allen applied the first pressure on 29 plays as tackle in 2022 — which tied for sixth most in the NFL.
Finally, at No. 70, Allen’s longtime partner in crime, Daron Payne, finally receives the respect he deserves:
Signature stat: Payne had 11.5 sacks last season, twice as many as any other season in his career.
All worthy choices here. Remember, this is a projection for 2023. Defensive ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young and wide receiver Jahan Dotson could all be candidates for these types of lists by the end of the season if they have the type of year many believe they can.