The 2023 National Football League Season begin tonight, and we are ready with our revised list of the top 150 active (or hoping to be) players based on their existing Hall of Fame resume.

This is our fourth pre-season monitor, and you can find it all here.

A quick synopsis shows that we have the following:

19 Quarterbacks are ranked, including a brand new number one overall, Aaron Rodgers, now of the New York Jets. Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes rocketed to #10 and Russell Wilson of the Denver Broncos regresses to #11.

Only 12 Running Backs are ranked, with no player in the top 25 overall. The surprising top player at this position is Alvin Kamara of New Orleans.

Wide Receivers are more represented with 21 on the list. Julio Jones is the only one in the top ten (we still rank Free Agents who we think have a shot to return) with three others in (#18 Tyreek Hill, #20 DeAndre Hopkins and #24 Davante Adams) in the top 25.

Only 5 Tight Ends are ranked with Travis Kelce at #7.

22 Offensive Lineman are on the list, including three players in the top ten (#6 Zack Martin, #8 Trent Williams and #9 Jason Peters). There are two other players in the top 25 with Jason Kelce (#12) and Tyron Smith (#16).

On the defensive side, there are 23 Defensive Lineman, led by the Rams’ Aaron Donald, who is ranked #2 overall. Other Defensive Lineman in the top 25 are #17 Cameron Jordan, #19 Calais Campbell and #25 Ndamukong Suh.

With the Linebackers, we have the only position where there are two in the top five, which are Seattle’s Bobby Wagner and Buffalo’s Von Miller who are #3 and #4 respectively. There are 19 overall, and two more in the top 25, #14 Khalil Mack and #15 T.J. Watt.

There are 13 Cornerbacks who are ranked, led by Patrick Peterson of the Steelers at #13. There is one other Cornerback in the top 25 with Jalen Ramsey at #23.

At the Safety position, there are 12 who are ranked, but it takes you all the way to #63 (Minkah Fitzpatrick) before we see our first one.

There are five Special Teams players, led by Ravens Place Kicker, Justin Tucker at #23.

As always, we thank you for your support of the site and look for more improvements, content and lists in the future.

Do you want to play a classic, fun game like baseball? Do you want to know everything about it before you start? You've come to the right place.

Baseball is an enjoyable game that anyone can enjoy regardless of age or skill level. With this beginner's guide on How To Play Baseball, we'll cover all the basics and help launch your journey as a player. 

From equipment needed to how each inning works, we'll give you great tips and valuable information so that you can confidently take up America's favorite pastime.

Understand the Basics of Baseball – Rules, Positions, and Equipment Needed

Baseball is a classic American sport that fans have loved for generations. While it may seem daunting to newcomers, once you understand the basics of baseball, it becomes a thrilling and engaging game to watch and play. 

Familiarizing yourself with the rules and positions is key to enjoying the game fully. 

Each player on a team has a specific position with unique responsibilities, from pitcher to catcher to outfielder. 

Additionally, several pieces of equipment are needed to play, including a glove, bat, balls, and protective gear. 

Learn the Field Layout and Composition

Baseball is a game of strategy, and understanding the layout and composition of the field is essential for success. 

Every detail plays a crucial role in the game, from the placement of the bases to the dimensions of the outfield. 

Players must be aware of each stadium's unique features and adjust their strategies accordingly. 

Moreover, the opposing team's players' position must also be considered when creating offensive and defensive plays. 

Whether you're a seasoned player or a newcomer to the sport, mastering the field layout and composition is vital to becoming a skilled and successful baseball player.

Practice Throwing and Catching with a Partner

One of the essential baseball skills is the art of throwing and catching with a partner. Completing a successful throw or catch can be the difference between a run being scored and an out being made. 

The beauty of practicing with a partner is that it builds trust and teamwork. When you take the field, you'll know your partner will be there to back you up. 

Throwing and catching with a partner sets the foundation for success in baseball and is an excellent way to enhance your skills. 

Learn How to Bat Properly – Stance, Grip, Swing Mechanics

"If you want to hit the ball out of the park, you need to start with the basics – your stance, grip, and swing mechanics." - Speaks, Sayed from SportsDomainLab.

These are the building blocks for a successful baseball swing, and getting them right could be the difference between a home run and a strikeout. 

It all starts with your stance, which sets the foundation for your swing. Your grip is equally important – you need to hold the bat in a way that gives you control but still allows you to generate power. 

Finally, your swing mechanics determine how well you can hit the ball and what direction it will go in. 

Improve Your Base Running Skills – Lead Offs, Steals, Tags 

Whether you're a seasoned baseball player or just starting to learn the game, base running has room for improvement. 

The ability to properly execute lead-offs, steals, and tags can significantly impact a game's outcome and enhance your performance on the field. 

Leading off the base correctly can give you a head start in stealing bases while perfecting your technique for stealing can help you avoid getting tagged out. 

And speaking of tags, knowing when and how to execute them can be the difference between an out or a safe call. 

Develop Mental Strategies for Enhancing Performance in the Field 

It takes more than just physical abilities to succeed on the field. 

Developing strong mental strategies is essential for enhancing performance and achieving your goals. 

One way to do this is by practicing visualization techniques, allowing you to mentally prepare for a game or practice beforehand. 

Another effective strategy is developing a routine that helps you get in the right mindset before stepping onto the field. 

Learning to manage stress and stay focused during high-pressure situations can also greatly improve performance. 

No matter what mental strategies you choose to implement, remember that they require practice and consistency to truly impact your performance.

Participate in Regular Games and Drills to Enhance your Skill Set

By participating regularly, you'll have the chance to work on everything from your batting technique to your fielding skills. 

Drills are an especially valuable tool in this regard, as they allow you to hone in on specific skills and improve them in a targeted way. 

The more you practice, the more confident you'll become in your abilities, and the better you'll be able to contribute to your team's success. 

Take Care of Your Body – Stretching & Nutrition Habits for Athletes

As a baseball athlete, caring for your body is crucial to performing at your best on the field. 

Incorporating stretching and nutrition habits can significantly impact your overall health and performance. 

Stretching helps to prevent injuries and improve flexibility, allowing you to make quick, explosive movements on the diamond. 

In addition, fueling your body with the right nutrients can provide you with the energy and stamina you need to power through practices and games. 

By prioritizing stretching and nutrition, you can give yourself an edge on the field and set yourself up for success in baseball and beyond.

Have Fun and Enjoy The Game.

Last but not least, it's important to remember that baseball should be enjoyable. You don't have to take the game too seriously – focus on having fun and enjoying every moment. 

Take time between innings to chat with teammates or opponents, use every practice to learn something new, and find ways to make the most of each game. 

The beauty of baseball is that it brings people together. Whether you're playing in a Little League, high school, or college game, the shared enjoyment of the sport will surely make every experience special and unforgettable. 

At its core, baseball should be enjoyable and rewarding – so don't forget to have fun.

Conclusion 

Baseball is an exciting and challenging sport that requires dedication, skill, and a strong commitment to the game. 

You can become a highly skilled player by mastering the beginner's fundamentals – such as field layout, throwing and catching with partners, batting mechanics, base running skills, mental strategies, drills, stretching, and nutrition habits. 

2023: Pre-Season Rank: #143.  Peak Period 2018-22.

Jonathan Allen has played seven seasons to date, all with Washington, and obtained two Pro Bowls over that time.  The versatile Defensive End had an off year by his standards in 2023 and will need to rebound for any serious Hall of Fame consideration.

2023: Pre-Season Rank: #136.  Peak Period: 2018-23*

After a spectacular rookie year (2018) where he was the runner-up for the Defensive Rookie of the Year, James missed 11 Games in 2019 with a foot injury and the entirety of 2020 with a torn meniscus. James defied the odds, and the Safety had a two-year run in the Pro Bowls afterward. Can James make a run for the Hall despite his early injury bug?

*Missed the entire 2020 Season.