Highest-graded NFL players at every position ahead of Week 3

2RTA52C New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) lines up for a play in the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in New Orleans, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

• Tua tops the charts: Tua Tagovailoa is off to a hot start within a speedy Miami offense, earning an elite 90.9 overall grade through two weeks.

• Brandon Aiyuk is producing downfield: All 11 of his receptions through two games have gone for first downs.

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Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes


Week 3 of the 2023 NFL season is here. Let’s look at the highest-graded player at every position.

Editor's Note: Minimum of 30 snaps to qualify

WR:CB Matchup Chart


Quarterback

Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins – 90.9

Second place: Patrick Mahomes

Tagovailoa is at the helm of one of the NFL's best offenses thus far and appears to be developing quickly as a passer.

He has racked up a league-leading 715 passing yards and eight big-time throws, so defenses are going to have to be creative to contain him and all of the speed packaged into Miami's offense.


Running Back

Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons – 86.1

Second place: James Conner

This should come as no surprise to those who followed Robinson in college, as he was labeled one of the best-ever running back prospects to enter the NFL. He was PFF’s eighth-ranked player on the 2023 big board and has lived up to the hype. Robinson leads the league with seven rushes of 10-plus yards and looks as explosive as he did in college.


Wide Receiver

Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers – 91.4

Second place: Tyreek Hill

With a 13.9-yard average depth of target, Aiyuk is terrorizing defenses. All 11 of his receptions have gone for first downs, and seven of those catches gained 15-plus yards. The 49ers' offense looks as explosive as ever, and Aiyuk is leading the receiving group.


Tight End

T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings – 77.5

Second place: Sam LaPorta

Hockenson, already one of the NFL's best tight ends, has taken a leap this year. Through two games, he’s hauled in 15 receptions for 101 yards and two touchdowns. With the addition of Jordan Addison in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Vikings have a dynamic group of pass catchers.

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Offensive Tackle

Brian O’Neill, Minnesota Vikings – 86.2

Second place: Jordan Mailata

The second Viking on this list has been a consistent player, earning a pass-blocking grade above 65.0 for the past six years. O’Neill has allowed only one pressure this year and boasts a 90.2 run-blocking grade, both ranking near the top among offensive tackles.


Offensive Guard

Zack Martin, Dallas Cowboys – 84.3

Second place: Quinn Meinerz

Martin should be a lock for the Hall of Fame, and that elite level of play has kept up into his age-32 season. He endured a tough test through the first two weeks, facing Dexter Lawrence and Quinnen Williams a combined 17 times in pass protection, and didn’t give up one pressure.


Center

Ryan Kelly, Indianapolis Colts – 82.8

Second place: Frank Ragnow

The new offense in Indianapolis is doing wonders for Kelly, as he has posted the highest grade of his career so far. He remains in concussion protocol after leaving Week 2 against the Texans early, but Kelly earned an 87.3 grade in that game on 38 snaps.


Interior Defensive Line

Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs – 92.8

Second place: David Onyemata

Despite playing in only one game after a contract dispute, Jones is tied for 14th in the league among interior defenders with six pressures. This is no surprise, as he has graded above 89.0 in five of his past seven seasons. He's consistently been a game-wrecker, and the Chiefs are already reaping the rewards of him being back.


Edge Defender

Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys – 93.6

Second place: Nick Bosa

Parsons is playing like the best player in football. With 12 pressures, three sacks and the second-highest run-defense grade among edge defenders, he is firmly in the running for Defensive Player of the Year.


Linebacker

Matt Milano, Buffalo Bills – 89.9

Second place: Demario Davis

Following the offseason departure of Tremaine Edmunds, Milano has stepped up. He has two interceptions on the year and has allowed just four receptions for 41 yards while racking up three run stops.


Cornerback

Marshon Lattimore, New Orleans Saints – 87.9

Second place: Tavierre Thomas

Lattimore leads the league with four pass breakups. He has allowed 30 yards in coverage while being targeted only eight times. The former 11th overall pick continues to thrive in Dennis Allen’s defense.

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Safety

Jessie Bates III, Atlanta Falcons – 92.3

Second place: Grant Delpit

Bates has already been an incredible addition to the Falcons, having allowed just one reception through two weeks. He made two impressive plays on the ball against the Panthers, both resulting in interceptions, and has added 10 tackles to his stat line.

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