The PFN Top 100 is here, and eight players from the NFC South made the annual list, including six in the top 50. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the reigning division champions and boast the top two players, Antoine Winfield Jr. and Tristan Wirfs, who are both top-30 overall selections.
Each NFC South team garnered at least one selection, with Tampa Bay and Atlanta tying for the overall lead with three players each. The field was also split between offensive and defensive players, with four each.
NFC South Players in PFN’s NFL Top 100
1) Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (26th Overall)
A true Swiss Army Knife who can do just about everything, Antoine Winfield Jr. spent roughly 60% of his 2023 snaps at free safety but also played in the box and the slot. He filled up the stat sheet for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leading the league with six forced fumbles while adding six sacks and three interceptions and earning first-team All-Pro honors.
2) Tristan Wirfs, OT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (30th Overall)
Tristan Wirfs moved to left tackle in 2023 after beginning his career (and earning All-Pro nods) on the right side of Tampa Bay’s offensive line. He was just as good on the left side, which should only increase his market value.
Wirfs could surpass Sewell as the NFL’s highest-paid offensive tackle when he signs an extension.
3) Jessie Bates III, S, Atlanta Falcons (39th Overall)
After five excellent years with the Bengals, Jessie Bates III joined the Atlanta Falcons in 2023 and put up the best campaign of his career. He registered more ball production than ever before, finishing second among safeties with six interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown in a Week 12 win over the New Orleans Saints.
Bates truly thrives in a single-high role. He can sit back and read the quarterback’s intentions while driving on dig routes and defending the post. Atlanta is changing coordinators in 2024, but Bates fits any defensive system.
4) Chris Lindstrom, G, Atlanta Falcons (41st Overall)
Chris Lindstrom had always been a powerful run blocker, but his work in the passing game showed clear improvement in 2023. He allowed just 15 pressures and three sacks on more than 500 pass-blocking snaps.
Lindstrom’s spatial awareness and functional strength make him an asset on the inside of an underrated Falcons offensive line.
5) Demario Davis, LB, New Orleans Saints (45th Overall)
A late bloomer in the NFL, Demario Davis has become a genuine force since signing with the New Orleans Saints in 2018.
While he’s entering his age-35 campaign, Davis is still among the most productive linebackers in the league. He’s received a first- or second-team All-Pro nod in five consecutive seasons and has been named a Pro Bowler the last two. His 6.5 sacks in 2023 ranked second among off-ball linebackers.
6) Derrick Brown, DT, Carolina Panthers (46th Overall)
Derrick Brown, the No. 7 pick of the Carolina Panthers in the 2020 NFL Draft, has improved in every season of his career. He played the third-most snaps (938) among defensive tackles last year and was arguably as valuable as any interior defender in the league.
Brown set an NFL record for tackles by a defensive lineman (103) in 2023. He ranked first in ESPN’s run-stop win rate (47%) and posted more “stops” — tackles that result in negative EPA for the offense — than any DT last season, per PFF.
7) Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (74th Overall)
One of the most consistent players in NFL history, Mike Evans has famously eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in every season of his decade-long career.
In 2023, Evans led the NFL with 13 receiving touchdowns, ranked fifth in contested catches (30), and was the only receiver in the league to average 2+ yards per route run while posting a 15+ yard aDOT.
8) Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons (76th Overall)
Don’t judge Bijan Robinson on his counting statistics alone. While he didn’t clear 1,000 rushing yards in his rookie campaign, the Falcons only asked him to carry the ball 214 times. With fellow RB Tyler Allgeier handling 186 carries, Robinson didn’t have the opportunity to put up gaudy rookie year numbers.
However, he still managed 1,463 total yards, more than any other rookie RB in 2023. Robinson passed the eye test every week and could be an All-Pro if Atlanta’s new coaching staff gives him more touches in 2024.
