Ranking NFL 2023 ‘Triplets,’ Part I: From the worst group (Texans) to No. 17 (Falcons)

Simply as we did final 12 months and the 12 months earlier than that and the 12 months earlier than that and the 12 months earlier than that, the crew right here at CBSSports.com just lately got down to rank every NFL workforce’s “triplets.” Why not, proper? It’s the center of the offseason and whereas this 12 months (not like in 2023) there really is healthier stuff to do for the time being, it’s an offseason custom over right here. 

So within the house under, we’re as soon as once more counting down the NFL’s greatest QB-RB-WR/TE trios, grading the anticipated starters at quarterback and operating again and their presumed high pass-catcher for the 2023 season. Observe that solely rookies who’re anticipated to start the season as starters are included on this train, so Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson have been thought of the quarterbacks for the Jaguars and Jets, respectively, however Cam Newton, Andy Dalton, and Jimmy Garoppolo have been thought of begins for the Patriots, Bears, and 49ers. 

Additionally word that we went again to the unique format this 12 months, with our workforce of writers and editors rating every of the trios from 1-32. The quantity in parentheses is the typical of the workforce’s rating based mostly on the votes of a number of of our employees writers and editors at CBSSports.com. The rankings replicate the collective knowledge of this crowd, whereas the corresponding evaluation is mine.

We’ll start at present with the underside half of the league, and end up tomorrow with the highest. With out additional ado…

QB: ??? RB: David Johnson WR: Brandin Cooks

With the uncertainty surrounding Houston’s quarterback state of affairs, it was not precisely stunning that the Texans checked in final right here. They’d clearly transfer up significantly if we knew Deshaun Watson could be on the sector, however given his authorized state of affairs and the chance that the case may stay unresolved till after the 2023 season, we are able to’t make that assumption.

QB: Jared Goff RB: D’Andre Swift TE: T.J. Hockenson

It’s a step fall for the Lions, although that’s not stunning. They downgraded dramatically at quarterback with Jared Goff changing Matthew Stafford. They’re speaking up a timeshare at operating again the place Jamaal Williams is closely concerned. Their huge receiver group may be the worst within the NFL, with Breshad Perriman and Tyrell Williams wanting like the most effective perimeter choices.

QB: Drew Lock RB: Melvin Gordon WR: Courtland Sutton

It was powerful to decide on between Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams for the operating again, and between Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy because the huge receiver. We in the end went with the veteran in each circumstances, although it’s simpler to see Williams supplanting Gordon early within the 12 months than Jeudy overtaking Sutton because the workforce’s high receiver choice, if Sutton is wholesome. Nonetheless, it’s a gaggle held again by its quarterback play. If a rumored deal for Aaron Rodgers involves fruition, we might must re-do these rankings. 

29. New York Jets (28.8)

QB: Zach Wilson RB: Michael Carter WR: Corey Davis

The Jets have already constructed a greater infrastructure round Zach Wilson than they ever did Sam Darnold, however their rating right here reveals that they nonetheless have a methods to go. Clearly, Wilson himself elements in closely, however a Day 3 rookie seems like their most suitable choice within the backfield and Davis isn’t essentially a premier No. 1 wideout, so there’s undoubtedly room for enchancment. 

QB: Tua Tagovailoa RB: Myles Gaskin WR: DeVante Parker

Jaylen Waddle figures to emerge because the workforce’s No. 1 pass-catching choice sooner or later sooner or later, nevertheless it in all probability gained’t be that early on given the depth the workforce has on the place. There’s Parker, Will Fuller, Preston Williams, Jakeem Grant, and Lynn Bowden Jr., plus tight finish Mike Gesicki all nonetheless concerned within the go offense. Gaskin confirmed off a pleasant, well-rounded ability set final 12 months and the Dolphins didn’t add a lot on the place, so he ought to open the season because the starter. This all comes all the way down to how you’re feeling about Tua. He was a highly-regarded prospect, however didn’t flash any kind of ceiling potential throughout his rookie season. We’ll see if that modifications. 

27. New England Patriots (27.1)

QB: Cam Newton RB: Damien Harris TE: Hunter Henry

You can also make the argument that possibly Jonnu Smith or Kendrick Bourne or Nelson Agholor needs to be listed as New England’s pass-catcher right here, however I’m undecided it’d make a lot of a distinction. Their rating is extra reflective of the group’s relative insecurity in Cam Newton, who had a stable first two video games final season earlier than he struggled badly following his return from a bout with COVID-19. Harris confirmed some ability as a runner however nearly no worth as a pass-catcher, which hurts in such a train. 

QB: Jalen Hurts RB: Miles Sanders TE: Dallas Goedert

I used to be shocked the Eagles checked on this low. I had them at No. 24 in my very own submission, and that was the second-highest rating anybody gave them. I suppose the thought is that Hurts created most of his worth on his personal as a runner, and didn’t essentially show himself as a passer simply but. Sanders had an inconsistent season as he missed time with harm, however operating quarterbacks usually enhance the effectivity of the backfield mater, so he ought to have an excellent shot at bouncing again. One would anticipate Devonta Smith to ultimately emerge as the highest receiver right here, however Goedert’s confirmed himself a dependable choice and quarterbacks with Hurts’ ability set usually are likely to look to their tight ends extra typically than perimeter wideouts. 

25. Chicago Bears (25.3)

QB: Andy Dalton RB: David Montgomery WR: Allen Robinson

Had Montgomery not exploded down the stretch of the 2023 season, I believe the Bears may need ranked even decrease than this. Dalton didn’t present a lot in any respect throughout his stint filling in for Dak Prescott in Dallas, and he’ll be working behind an offensive line that’s simply as weak as Dallas’ injury-marred unit final 12 months and with a receiving that has Robinson and never that a lot else. (Apologies to Darnell Mooney.) It’ll be fascinating to see the place this group ranks subsequent 12 months, assuming Justin Fields takes over underneath middle sooner or later throughout the season. 

24. Jacksonville Jaguars (25.0)

QB: Trevor Lawrence RB: James Robinson WR: D.J. Chark

This appears about proper for the Jags. The median expectation for a rookie quarterback — even one as highly-touted as Lawrence — might be “below-average starter,” and given the questions alongside the offensive line and the way little we find out about what City Meyer’s offense will seem like, that looks like a protected default assumption. Clearly, we’d anticipate Lawrence to be fairly a bit higher than that as he positive aspects extra expertise, nevertheless it appears unlikely that he’ll be dominant instantly. With the best way Meyer has talked about Travis Etienne as a third-down again and a weapon, Robinson appears safely ensconced because the lead ball-carrier (for now), and Chark stays the highest receiving choice right here. 

QB: Carson Wentz RB: Jonathan Taylor WR: T.Y. Hilton

As you may see from the typical rating of the Jaguars (25.0) in comparison with the Colts (21.6), this seems like the beginning of a brand new tier within the rankings. The Colts’ trio goes to be put in good place to succeed due to their sturdy offensive line and head coach Frank Reich, nevertheless it’s been fairly some time now since both Wentz or Hilton has flashed elite-level expertise or manufacturing, and Taylor’s success as a runner solely issues a lot on this train. (And he was additionally working behind Jordan Wilkins for a stretch of his rookie season.) 

QB: Sam Darnold RB: Christian McCaffrey WR: D.J. Moore

This looks like a state of affairs the place the operating again and pass-catcher received an excessive amount of weight relative to the quarterback. Sam Darnold can be in a much better ecosystem in Carolina than he ever was in New York… however boy was he dangerous in New York. I simply don’t suppose we are able to actually financial institution on his being an improve over Teddy Bridgewater, not to mention a mean or higher starter this season. CMC needs to be wholesome coming off his injury-ruined 2023 marketing campaign and Moore is a stud, however the query marks surrounding Darnold have me considering the Panthers needs to be ranked decrease. 

QB: Ben Roethlisberger RB: Najee Harris WR: Diontae Johnson

There’s an argument to be made that Chase Claypool or JuJu Smith-Schuster needs to be listed because the pass-catcher right here, however the relentlessness with which Roethlisberger focused Johnson final season nudged us in his path. It was powerful to inform whether or not his inefficiency was a results of his personal expertise or Roethlisberger’s seeming incapacity or unwillingness to throw the ball downfield, however both means, it was not encouraging. Harris, in the meantime, is a terrific expertise, however operating behind a dramatically worse offensive line than what we’ve gotten used to seeing in Pittsburgh over time.  

20. San Francisco 49ers (20.1)

QB: Jimmy Garoppolo RB: Raheem Mostert TE: George Kittle

There’s not a lot religion in Jimmy Garoppolo round these components, I don’t suppose. Kittle is both the most effective or second-best tight finish in soccer and an absolute monster. Mostert is in his late-20s and may ultimately cede floor to rookie Tre Sermon, however he ought to open the 12 months because the lead ball-carrier. That’s a stable duo. However there’s a purpose the Niners gave up two future firsts to maneuver up for Trey Lance; Jimmy G isn’t chopping it. Once more, it’ll be fascinating to see the place San Francisco lands subsequent 12 months, when Lance will presumably be entrenched underneath middle. 

19. Washington Soccer Crew (19.4)

QB: Ryan Fitzpatrick RB: Antonio Gibson WR: Terry McLaurin

Fitz has a really excessive ceiling and a really low ground, so a rating simply barely below-average appears about proper for a workforce that he’s quarterbacking. Gibson seemed electrical as a runner at occasions throughout his rookie season, however the workforce unusually didn’t contain him within the passing sport typically sufficient — a shock, contemplating he was a hybrid receiver/rusher in school. McLaurin is a real No. 1 wideout who now has some assistance on the surface within the type of Curtis Samuel, and will discover himself working in extra space, extra typically this 12 months.

QB: Daniel Jones RB: Saquon Barkley WR: Kenny Golladay

I believe we would be capable of simply copy/paste the Panthers commentary proper right here. What have we seen from Daniel Jones that will lead us to consider he’s the appropriate man underneath middle? Getting Golladay offers him a brand new weapon and Barkley ought to hopefully be more healthy this 12 months, nevertheless it looks like this group is ranked too extremely. 

QB: Matt Ryan RB: Mike Davis WR: Calvin Ridley

Welp. We had Julio Jones listed as Atlanta’s pass-catcher till he went on TV earlier this week and mentioned he was outta there. It’s not too huge a downgrade to Ridley, however dropping Jones as an attention-drawer clearly makes thinks significantly tougher. Matt Ryan hasn’t performed a Julio-less season since 2010, so it’ll be a giant adjustment for him as properly. Davis crammed in properly for McCaffrey in Carolina final season, however he’s not the sort of top-end choice that may make up for shortcomings elsewhere. 

Keep tuned for Half II of our rankings Friday …