Is it the player that makes the jersey, or the jersey that makes the player? Surely it’s the former. But it’d be foolish to deny that uniforms — and, specifically, jersey numbers — hold a special place in many NFL players’ hearts. Only in recent years has the league permitted skill positions to rock single digits, and starting in 2023 the No. 0 will also join the rotation, marking an even more diverse wardrobe for the stars of the game.
Whether it’s Patrick Mahomes‘ red No. 15 or Aaron Donald’s blue No. 99, certain numbers have become synonymous with the NFL’s best talents. And it’s with that in mind that we decided to assess every single digit, identifying the best player to wear each number, 0-99, for the upcoming 2023 season:
Note: Player ages are as of Sept. 1, 2023.
0 — Roquan Smith
Position: LB | Team: Ravens | Age: 26
WR Calvin Ridley, one of the first to claim the NFL’s newest digit, is poised to be a top target for Trevor Lawrence with the Jaguars. But Smith, who’s switching from No. 18, has been one of football’s surest things for six years, elevating his homing-missile physicality after a trade from the Bears to Baltimore in 2022.
Position: QB | Team: Eagles | Age: 25
Call it the number for young, dynamic quarterbacks, shared by Justin Fields, Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa. But the only true competition for Hurts, a rising dual threat with unshakeable poise, is Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase, a big play waiting to happen.
Position: CB | Team: Broncos | Age: 23
The young Broncos cover man gets the edge over fellow corner Darius Slay Jr., and wideouts D.J. Moore and Amari Cooper. His confidence on the outside helps buoy a feisty Denver defense.
Position: QB | Team: Broncos | Age: 34
Chargers S Derwin James may well be the more electrifying present-day talent, but we’re not completely writing off Wilson after his erratic Broncos debut. He’s owned No. 3 for a decade, and Sean Payton has what it takes to revive him.
Position: QB | Team: Cowboys | Age: 30
Solid and steady, Prescott gets the nod over fellow QBs Derek Carr and Deshaun Watson, the latter of whom is better suited to reclaim No. 4 with a full season in Cleveland; and Vikings RB Dalvin Cook.
Position: CB | Team: Dolphins | Age: 28
His prime years may be in the rear view, but the former Rams stud remains a No. 1 cover man as he relocates to Miami. Wild cards for the future: 49ers QB
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