The NFL is a league of stars, and defensive players are no exception. Every year, the best defensive players in the league rise to the top and make a name for themselves. As the years go on, these players become even better and more impactful on the field. With that in mind, here are the top 10 defensive players expected to shine in the NFL by 2023.
1. Myles Garrett – Cleveland Browns – Garrett has been one of the most dominant pass rushers in the NFL since entering the league in 2017. He has been a Pro Bowl selection in each of his first three seasons and is expected to continue his dominance into the future.
2. Nick Bosa – San Francisco 49ers – Bosa was the second overall pick in 2019 and has already made an impact on the 49ers defense. He is a disruptive force on the edge and is expected to become one of the best pass rushers in the league by 2023.
3. Darius Leonard – Indianapolis Colts – Leonard has been a tackling machine since entering the league in 2018. He has been a Pro Bowl selection in each of his first two seasons and is expected to continue his dominance into the future.
4. Jalen Ramsey – Los Angeles Rams – Ramsey is one of the best cornerbacks in the league and is expected to continue his dominance into the future. He has been a Pro Bowl selection in each of his first four seasons and is expected to remain one of the top defensive backs in the league by 2023.
5. Jamal Adams – Seattle Seahawks – Adams was acquired by the Seahawks prior to the 2020 season and has already made an impact on their defense. He is a versatile safety who can play both in coverage and against the run and is expected to be one of the best safeties in the league by 2023.
6. Joey Bosa – Los Angeles Chargers – Bosa was the third overall pick in 2016 and has been a Pro Bowl selection in each of his first four seasons. He is a disruptive force on the edge and is expected to remain one of the top pass rushers in the league by 2023.
7. Derwin James – Los Angeles Chargers – James was drafted 17th overall in 2018 and has already made an impact on the Chargers defense. He is a versatile safety who can play both in coverage and against the run and is expected to be one of the best safeties in the league by 2023.
8. Von Miller – Denver Broncos – Miller has been one of the most dominant pass rushers in the NFL since entering the league in 2011. He has been a Pro Bowl selection in each of his first eight seasons and is expected to remain one of the top pass rushers in the league by 2023.
9. Tre’Davious White – Buffalo Bills – White was drafted 27th overall in 2017 and has already made an impact on the Bills defense. He is an excellent cover corner who can shut down opposing receivers and is expected to remain one of the top cornerbacks in the league by 2023.
10. Aaron Donald – Los Angeles Rams – Donald has been one of the most dominant interior defenders in the NFL since entering the league in 2014. He has been a Pro Bowl selection in each of his first six seasons and is expected to remain one of the top defensive linemen in the league by 2023.
These are just some of the defensive players expected to shine in the NFL by 2023. There are many more talented players who could make an impact on their respective teams’ defenses, but these ten are some of the best players expected to make an impact over the next few years.