In the NFL, the only constant is change, so there are bound to be some surprising performances across the league. From breakout rookie seasons to veteran career renaissances, many players have greatly exceeded expectations this season. Here are the 7 most surprising players for this 2023 NFL season:
Puka Nacua:
Without star receiver Cooper Kupp for much of the season, the Rams had to use lemons to make lemonade, and Puka Nacua was the water and sugar that made the lemonade taste good. The Rams had no first-round draft picks for this season, but who needs first-round picks when you can get a superstar receiver in the 5th round? Rookie 5th-round pick Puka Nacua has shocked the NFL world with over 1,000 yards and 77 receptions to keep the Rams' offense intact. Nacua's strategy of looking deep and then curling back has embarrassed defenders has made him quickly become one of the NFL's best slot receivers and a candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Geno Stone:
We've seen many surprisingly good safeties this NFL season, but Geno Stone has gone from a no-name to the NFL's best safety in just three months. His six interceptions, eight passes defended, and 31 tackles have helped the Ravens' defense become a top-five group and made him a cantidate for defensive player of the year. Geno Stone is not a freak athlete, but very good at reading the quarterback's eyes and knowing where the ball will go on every play. Where the ball is is where Geno Stone is.
Khalil Mack:
Khalil Mack had been one of the NFL's premier pass rushers for many years but has been presumably on the decline for the past few seasons. However, the 32-year-old linebacker has not only recorded a career renaissance in 2023, but the best season of his career. Mack is leading the NFL with a career-high 15 sacks, as well as 53 tackles. Despite the immense turmoil surrounding the Chargers' defense, Khalil Mack is quietly racking up elite stats and tearing through opposing O-lines.
C.J. Stroud:
The stats speak for themselves: A league-leading 3,540 passing yards, 20 touchdowns to five picks, and a 101.2 passer rating. Quarterbacks often struggle in their rookie NFL seasons, though C.J. Stroud is recording a historic rookie season despite few playmakers on offense and has a legitimate chance of winning MVP. While most young QBs wait until receivers find open space to throw the ball, Stroud throws before receivers break, anticipating separation rather than waiting for it. He also avoids throwing to the flat (1-10 yards from scrimmage), giving receivers more space to improvise and decreasing the chance of interceptions. Stroud's anticipation and avoidance of the flat have allowed him to tear up defenses like no other quarterback in the NFL.
Justin Madubuike:
Similarly to Geno Stone, defensive tackle Justin Madubuike's surprising 2023 performance has also helped the Ravens' defense become an elite group. Madubuike was a mere average pass rusher during his first three seasons, but his ten sacks, 70 sack yards, and 21 QB hits this season have made him the NFL's best interior defensive lineman and a top-ten pass rusher. Madubuike's elite pass-rushing this season has also allowed the Ravens to dominate the interior and exterior defensive line.
Kyren Williams:
Despite a 5-12 2022 season, the Rams have been surprisingly competitive at 6-6, and you can thank the surprising performance of running back Kyren Williams in addition to Puka Nacua. Kyren Williams missed four games this season due to an ankle injury, but he has been electric when on the field, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. The Rams have gone 5-3 with Williams on the field, including scoring 36 points against the NFL's best defense (The Browns), and a career-best 143 yards against the Cardinals. Williams also gets plenty of red zone usage, with seven touchdowns through his eight games. After an unremarkable rookie season as a backup, Kyren Williams has busted onto the rushing scene and should be a top-ten running back for years to come.
Trey McBride:
Sitting at 3-10, the Cardinals have been one of the worst NFL teams this season, and haven't found any rhythm on offense or defense. However, the performance of second-year tight end Trey McBride has been quite the opposite. After the Cardinals' starting tight end Zach Ertz suffered a quad injury in week 7, McBride proved to be the rightful starter, catching 440 yards on 41 receptions during those six games. His blocking has also boulstered the Cardinals' rushing game, with their running back James Conner averaging 15 more yards per game with McBride in the starting role. The Cardinals are still losing games despite Trey McBride's production, but at least he gives Cards' fans something to be exctied about.
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