The National Football League is brimmed with talented and acclaimed offensive players across the 32 teams. division has a fair portion of that talent, but which offensive players stand out the most out of the four teams?
5. Derek Carr (Quarterback, New Orleans Saints)
Since Carr is arguably the best quarterback in the NFC South, the former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback has to be on the list.
Carr is attempting to kickstart a new era in New Orleans after the Saints experimented with Taysom Hill, back-up Saints quarterback Jameis Winston and current Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton under center for the past two seasons (‘21-‘22).
He protects the ball, as he has never thrown for more than 14 interceptions in a season since entering the league in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft by the Las Vegas Raiders.
The former Fresno State Bulldog is projected to post a lucrative stat line with returning wideout Michael Thomas and two young pass catchers in Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed.
4. Ryan Jensen (Center, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers center Ryan Jensen has been an anchor on Tampa Bay’s offensive line since joining the team in 2018.
The 2021 pro bowler played in one game during the 2022 season due to a knee injury he suffered before the season began. In Jensen’s absence, Tampa Bay’s offense struggled, especially on the ground. The Buccaneers finished last in rushing yards in 2022.
Since Jensen is returning from injury for the 2023 season, expect Tampa Bay’s rushing attack to improve with second-year halfback Raschaad White and former Arizona Cardinals running back Chase Edmonds behind him.
Jensen and the offensive line allowed only 45 sacks in a two-year span(‘21-‘22).
3. Mike Evans (Wide Receiver, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
It’s possible that Mike Evans can garner1000 yards with anybody tossing him the ball it seems. Since being drafted in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft out of Texas A&M by Tampa Bay, Evans has accumulated over 1000 receiving yards each season he’s been in the league (‘14-‘22).
The Tampa Bay wideout is only two seasons shy of tying former San Francisco 49ers wideout Jerry Rice for having the most consecutive 1000-yard seasons (11) in a career. Evans has accumulated 1000-yard seasons with the likes of career journeyman quarterback Josh McCown, turnover-prone Jameis Winston, and an inconsistent Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Evans will be catching passes from new Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield for the upcoming 2023 season. If Mayfield is even just mildly consistent throughout the year, expect Evans to post his tenth straight 1000-yard season.
2. Miles Sanders (Running Back, Carolina Panthers)
Former Philadelphia Eagles running back and current Carolina Panthers halfback Miles Sanders brings his talents to the NFC South in 2023.
Sanders was an essential piece in helping the Eagles emerge as NFC champions in 2022 and a berth to Super Bowl 57. In 2022, Sanders garnered 1,269 rush yards (ranked fifth) with an average of 4.9 yards per carry.
Sanders is going to serve as Carolina’s premier halfback alongside running back Chuba Hubbard, who also accumulated over 1000 rush yards in 2022.
The former Eagles halfback was a pro-bowl selection in 2022 and aims to bring his productivity to Charlotte, North Carolina.
1. Alvin Kamara (Running Back, New Orleans Saints)
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara has been a prominent piece in the Saints offense since being drafted in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft.
Kamara is known for his elusiveness and quickness whether it’s him running in between the tackles or running an out route. The former Tennessee Volunteer can be inserted anywhere on the offense, making his presence dangerous on Sunday afternoons.
The five-time pro bowler won the 2017 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award by posting 826 reception yards, 728 rush yards with an average of 6.1 yards per carry. Kamara was selected to the pro-bowl that season and was a major asset to the Saints ranking second in total offense.
Kamara also co-holds the record for scoring the most rushing touchdowns in a single game (6).
The two-time second-team all-pro running back (’17,’20) is placed number one on the list due to not only being selected to the pro-bowl in his first five seasons, but being placed on the annual NFL top 100 list for four straight seasons (’18-’21).
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