The best active NFL player wearing each jersey number: 0-49
theScore's Andrew Dixon and Daniel Valente research and rank the best active NFLers by jersey number.
Part 1 (0-49) | Part 2 (50-99)
0. Roquan Smith, LB, Ravens
Traded from the Bears to the Ravens midseason, Smith, who's changing to No. 0 this season, put together his best year in 2022 with 169 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and three interceptions. Baltimore rewarded Smith by making him the highest-paid linebacker in NFL history with a five-year, $100-million contract.
Others: Calvin Ridley (Jaguars), D'Andre Swift (Eagles)
1. Ja'Marr Chase, WR, Bengals
The options to represent No. 1 made this choice difficult, but in the end, Chase stands above the rest. What the Bengals star has been able to do in just two seasons (2,501 yards, 22 TDs) is nothing short of remarkable.
Others: Sauce Gardner (Jets), Jalen Hurts (Eagles)
2. Patrick Surtain, CB, Broncos
Surtain has launched himself into superstardom in record time. Entering his third season, the former top-10 pick has already become one of the most feared cornerbacks in the league, as he's racked up six interceptions and 24 pass breakups.
Others: Darius Slay (Eagles), D.J. Moore (Bears)
3. Derwin James, S, Chargers
It's impossible to have a conversation about the best safeties in the NFL without mentioning James. The three-time Pro Bowler has recorded multiple interceptions and 100-plus tackles in three of the four seasons he's played (missed all of 2020 due to injury).
Others: Budda Baker (Cardinals), Brandin Cooks (Cowboys)
4. Dak Prescott, QB, Cowboys
No. 4 is a quarterback-filled number, but out of all our candidates, Prescott comes out on top thanks to down years from Watson and Carr. Though he led the league in interceptions in 2022, Prescott has been a model of consistency since taking the Cowboys' starting job as a rookie in 2016.
Others: Deshaun Watson (Browns), Derek Carr (Saints)
5. Jalen Ramsey, CB, Dolphins
There's not really much that needs to be said about Ramsey. But in case anyone has forgotten, the six-time Pro Bowler has racked up eight interceptions and 34 pass breakups in the last two seasons alone. After dominating with the Jaguars and Rams, Ramsey will look to continue his stellar play with the Dolphins.
Others: Tee Higgins (Bengals), Kayvon Thibodeaux (Giants)
6. DeVonta Smith, WR, Eagles
So much for all the concerns over Smith's stature when he came into the league. Two years later, the Eagles wideout has produced to the tune of 159 catches for 2,112 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Others: Eric Kendricks (Chargers), Miles Sanders (Panthers)
7. Haason Reddick, EDGE, Eagles
Reddick was arguably the NFL's biggest secret before he arrived in Philadelphia. Though he's had double-digit-sack seasons in the past, Reddick exploded in 2022, as his 16 sacks and league-leading five forced fumbles earned him his first Pro Bowl invite.
Others: Trevon Diggs (Cowboys), Geno Smith (Seahawks)
8. Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens
Injuries have plagued the last two seasons for Jackson, but the Ravens quarterback is still the game's biggest dual-threat weapon when healthy. The competition for the No. 8 spot was tough - especially with Rodgers now in the category - but we feel Jackson still stands above the rest.
Others: Aaron Rodgers (Jets), Josh Jacobs (Raiders)
9. Joe Burrow, QB, Bengals
Arguably the coolest player in football, Burrow's swagger has translated to newfound success for the Bengals. Over the past two seasons, the LSU product has thrown for 69 touchdowns while also notching five playoff wins, including a trip to Super Bowl LVI.
Others: Matthew Judon (Patriots), Justin Tucker (Ravens)
10. Tyreek Hill, WR, Dolphins
It's a stacked group at No. 10, and it almost feels like there's no wrong answer. We're rolling with Hill, thanks to an injury-filled year for Kupp. In his first season as a Dolphin, Hill set career highs in receptions (119) and receiving yards (1,710).
Others: Cooper Kupp (Rams), Justin Herbert (Chargers)
11. Micah Parsons, EDGE, Cowboys
Parsons hasn't stopped making plays since the Cowboys selected him in the first round of the 2021 draft. With 26.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, and 33 tackles for a loss, it feels like only a matter of time before Parsons finally takes home Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Others: A.J. Brown (Eagles), Brandon Aiyuk (49ers)
12. Darren Waller, TE, Giants
The last two seasons haven't gone his way, but Waller takes the top spot based on his past performances. Still one of the most dangerous tight ends, Waller is just two years removed from a 1,100-yard season. He could get back to that in a Giants offense that lacks top-end receiving options.
Others: Chris Olave (Saints), Jacoby Brissett (Commanders)
13. Mike Evans, WR, Buccaneers
Death, taxes, and Evans going over 1,000 yards. There hasn't been a wide receiver in NFL history as consistent as Evans, who's now recorded at least 1,000 receiving yards in nine straight seasons to start his career.
Others: Keenan Allen (Chargers), Christian Kirk (Jaguars)
14. Stefon Diggs, WR, Bills
Diggs has been averaging nearly 1,400 yards per season since coming to Buffalo. Even as he approaches age 30, there's little reason to believe Diggs will start slowing down, especially after he just put up 1,429 yards and a career-high 11 touchdowns in 2022.
Others: DK Metcalf (Seahawks), Amon-Ra St. Brown (Lions)
15. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs
This isn't a contest. Mahomes is not only the best player to wear No. 15, but he's undisputedly at the top of the NFL's food chain after his second Super Bowl win in four seasons.
Others: Jaelan Phillips (Dolphins), Nelson Agholor (Ravens)
16. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jaguars
After taking a massive leap with Doug Pederson in 2022, Lawrence seems poised to firmly plant his flag among the league's best passers this year. The Jaguars quarterback threw 15 touchdowns to just two interceptions over his last nine games last season.
Others: Tyler Lockett (Seahawks), Jared Goff (Lions)
17. Davante Adams, WR, Raiders
Adams proved he didn't need Aaron Rodgers in his first campaign with the Raiders. Despite a clear drop in quarterback play, Adams still managed to eclipse 1,500 receiving yards while also grabbing 14 touchdowns.
Others: Josh Allen (Bills), Jaylen Waddle (Dolphins)
18. Justin Jefferson, WR, Vikings
Somehow, Jefferson continues to get better with each passing year, which seems crazy considering he's only entering Year 4. The 24-year-old led the NFL in receptions (128) and receiving yards (1,809) in 2022. That's after he put up 1,400 yards as a rookie and 1,616 yards as a sophomore.
Others: Diontae Johnson (Steelers), Matthew Slater (Patriots)
19. Deebo Samuel, WR, 49ers
A true offensive weapon, Samuel took the NFL by storm in 2021 before a pedestrian 2022 season brought him back down to earth. Even accounting for his lesser-than-usual numbers last year, the 49ers star is still averaging a whopping 14.5 yards per catch and 11.6 yards per touch over his career.
Others: Adam Thielen (Panthers), Kadarius Toney (Chiefs)
20. Tony Pollard, RB, Cowboys
Pollard received the biggest workload of his career last season, and the result was him moving past Elliott as the Cowboys' lead back. His first 1,000-plus-yard campaign earned him the franchise tag and the No. 1 RB job heading into 2023.
Others: Greg Newsome (Browns), Breece Hall (Jets)
21. Jordan Poyer, S, Bills
There doesn't seem to be any slowing down for Poyer, who's entering his 11th season. The veteran safety has been the heart and soul of the Bills' secondary for a number of years now. His play has been remarkable, as he's grabbed multiple interceptions every year with Buffalo, including nine over the last two seasons.
Others: Stephon Gilmore (Cowboys), Denzel Ward (Browns)
22. Derrick Henry, RB, Titans
In an era where running backs have become fungible, Henry continues to be irreplaceable for the Titans. After injuries cut short his 2021 campaign, Henry came back last year and put up 1,538 yards and 13 touchdowns. A former 2,000-yard rusher, it's impossible to predict when Henry will slow down.
Others: Harrison Smith (Vikings), Chidobe Awuzie (Bengals)
23. Christian McCaffrey, RB, 49ers
A trade to the 49ers was all McCaffrey needed to rejuvenate his career. In just 11 games, he recorded 1,210 yards from scrimmage and 10 total touchdowns. In total, he tallied over 1,800 yards last season, which was his best showing since his All-Pro campaign in 2019.
Others: Jaire Alexander (Packers), Marshon Lattimore (Saints)
24. Nick Chubb, RB, Browns
Chubb is in the midst of a pretty incredible run, as he's cemented himself as one of the most lethal backs in the sport. He's had four straight 1,000-plus-yard seasons and four consecutive Pro Bowl nods. He's also been incredibly efficient, averaging at least five yards per carry in each of his five seasons.
Others: A.J. Terrell (Falcons), James Bradberry (Eagles)
25. Xavien Howard, CB, Dolphins
Howard is set to form one of the scariest cornerback duos alongside Jalen Ramsey in 2023. Two seasons removed from a 10-interception campaign, Howard hasn't allowed a completion percentage above 60% in three straight seasons, per Pro Football Reference.
Others: Tyler Allgeier (Falcons), Elijah Mitchell (49ers)
26. Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants
It finally all came together for Barkley in 2023. A career-high 1,312 yards plus 10 touchdowns helped carry the Giants to their first playoff appearance since 2016.
Others: Asante Samuel Jr. (Chargers), Devin Singletary (Texans)
27. Tre'Davious White, CB, Bills
Woolen could seriously challenge for this spot in the near future, but for now, White still owns the crown. The veteran cornerback returned from an ACL tear in 2022 and allowed just 7.4 yards per target, per PFR. In six career seasons, he's also grabbed 17 interceptions.
Others: Tariq Woolen (Seahawks), J.C. Jackson (Chargers)
28. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Colts
Last season was the worst of Taylor's career, but that's not saying much, considering he still averaged 4.5 yards per carry and totaled over 1,000 yards from scrimmage. The Colts running back is also just one season removed from a league-leading 1,811-yard campaign.
Others: Joe Mixon (Bengals), Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (Browns)
29. Kendall Fuller, CB, Commanders
Fuller has been playing at a very high level since returning to Washington three years ago. He's grabbed eight interceptions since 2020, including two pick-6s last season.
Others: Xavier McKinney (Giants), Talanoa Hufanga (49ers)
30. Austin Ekeler, RB, Chargers
It was a close call between Ekeler and Bates, but the Chargers running back gets the nod. One of the most dynamic dual-threat backs, Ekeler has put up over 1,500 yards from scrimmage in three of his last four seasons. His 38 total touchdowns since 2021 also lead the league.
Others: Jessie Bates (Falcons), Jamaal Williams (Saints)
31. Justin Simmons, S, Broncos
Simmons continues to stake his claim as the best safety in the NFL. His six interceptions last season led the league and marked the third straight season he's recorded at least five picks. The Broncos safety has also recorded two or more interceptions in each of his seven campaigns.
Others: Kevin Byard (Titans), Antoine Winfield Jr. (Buccaneers)
32. Tyrann Mathieu, S, Saints
The Honey Badger continues to be a mercenary in the secondary. In his first season with the Saints, Mathieu put up a personal-best 91 tackles while also grabbing three interceptions. With 29 interceptions over 10 seasons, Mathieu has been one of this era's biggest defensive stars.
Others: Nick Bolton (Chiefs), Marcus Williams (Ravens)
33. Aaron Jones, RB, Packers
While Jones is accustomed to putting up 1,000-plus yards on the ground, his efficiency is truly where he makes his money. In four of his six seasons, he's averaged over five yards per carry. The lowest figure of his career is still only 4.6 yards per attempt. The former Pro Bowler has been a maestro at slicing through front sevens.
Others: Jamal Adams (Seahawks), Javonte Williams (Broncos)
34. Jalen Thompson, S, Cardinals
Playing opposite of Budda Baker, Thompson has fallen under the radar, but the Washington State product has been extremely valuable for the Cardinals. He's racked up 231 tackles and four interceptions over the past two seasons.
Others: Alex Anzalone (Lions), Justin Hardee (Jets)
35. Charvarius Ward, CB, 49ers
A player whose talent far outreaches their recognition, Ward has quietly done a stellar job with the Chiefs and now the 49ers. Over the past four seasons, he's never allowed a completion percentage above 57.1%, according to PFR.
Others: Jamel Dean (Buccaneers), Gus Edwards (Ravens)
36. Kevin Harris, RB, Patriots
There weren't many candidates to pick from when it comes to No. 36, but Harris gets the edge despite having rushed for only 52 yards last season. However, the running back could see his workload increase this year for the Patriots.
Others: Danny Johnson (Commanders), Ja'Sir Taylor (Chargers)
37. Amani Hooker, S, Titans
Hooker has blossomed into a decent accomplice to Kevin Byard in the Titans' secondary. Since becoming a key defensive piece in 2020, Hooker has grabbed six picks and forced two fumbles.
Others: Bryce Hall (Jets), Tre Herndon (Jaguars)
38. L'Jarius Sneed, CB, Chiefs
Sneed might be among the most underappreciated cornerbacks in the game. With multiple interceptions in each of his three seasons, Snead added another dimension to his arsenal in 2022, recording over 100 tackles and three forced fumbles.
Others: Rhamondre Stevenson (Patriots), Myles Hartsfield (49ers)
39. Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Steelers
Fitzpatrick has been the ballhawk safety the Steelers had been looking for since Troy Polamalu retired. In just four seasons, Fitzpatrick has grabbed 17 interceptions, including six last season, which tied for the league lead.
Others: Jamal Agnew (Jaguars), Nate Hobbs (Raiders)
40. Von Miller, EDGE, Bills
Miller will have his work cut out for him as he returns from a torn ACL. But his production prior to the injury was incredibly assuring. The eight-time Pro Bowler posted eight sacks in 11 games last season.
Others: Malik Harrison (Ravens), Nik Needham (Dolphins)
41. Alvin Kamara, RB, Saints
Kamara's streak of five consecutive Pro Bowls came to an end in 2022, but that doesn't mean his production did, as he posted his sixth straight campaign of 1,300-plus yards from scrimmage. The Saints star keeps finding ways to get it done, which is something not many running backs can claim.
Others: Josh Allen (Jaguars), Reggie Gilliam (Bills)
42. Patrick Ricard, FB, Ravens
Though fullbacks are slowly becoming extinct across the league, Ricard has done a phenomenal job in the Ravens' backfield. Ricard has made the Pro Bowl in four straight years, dating back to 2019.
Others: Andrew Wingard (Jaguars), Tony Fields (Browns)
43. Andrew Van Ginkel, EDGE, Dolphins
Van Ginkel has outplayed his draft billing since being picked in the fifth round in 2019. In 31 career starts, the Dolphins outside linebacker has recorded 11 sacks, 23 tackles for a loss, and 38 quarterback hits.
Others: Michael Davis (Chargers), Justice Hill (Ravens)
44. Marlon Humphrey, CB, Ravens
Humphrey missed the Pro Bowl in 2021 after a year in which he was hindered by injuries. However, he didn't miss a beat in his return last season, grabbing three interceptions. A complete playmaker, Humphrey has 12 interceptions along with 13 forced fumbles in his career.
Others: Kyle Juszczyk (49ers), Travon Walker (Jaguars)
45. Devin White, LB, Buccaneers
White hasn't been able to replicate the play he showed during an outright monster postseason run in 2020, but he's still the top candidate for No. 45. He's now in the midst of a three-season run with 120-plus tackles.
Others: K'Lavon Chaisson (Jaguars), Duke Riley (Dolphins)
46. Luke Rhodes, LS, Colts
It's a long snapper-dominated discussion for No. 46, and Rhodes is the best of the bunch. The Colts snapper earned Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro nods in 2021.
Others: Morgan Cox (Titans), Jon Weeks (Texans)
47. Josey Jewell, LB, Broncos
The Broncos found a key member of their front seven when they picked Jewell in the fourth round of the 2018 draft. He set new career highs in tackles (128), tackles for a loss (seven), and interceptions (two) in 2022.
Others: Arnold Ebiketie (Falcons), Bryce Huff (Jets)
48. Jahlani Tavai, LB, Patriots
Tavai has done a thankless job during his tenure with the Patriots. One of Bill Belichick's most trusted special teams stars, Tavai got a bigger opportunity on defense in 2022 and turned it into 69 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 12 starts.
Others: Chad Muma (Jaguars), J.T. Gray (Saints)
49. Frankie Luvu, LB, Panthers
It may seem absurd to not pick Edmunds, but Luvu simply outproduced the new Bears linebacker as a playmaker. Luvu compiled 111 tackles, seven sacks, one forced fumble, and one interception.
Others: Tremaine Edmunds (Bears), Alex Singleton (Broncos)