There are many NFL All-Pro teams revealed at the end of every season, but those star-studded rosters have a little more significance when NFL head coaches — not the media — have total control of deciding which 26 players across the league belong on the first team.
For the 2023 NFL regular season, Sporting News continued its annual tradition of polling head coaches for their opinions on the best of the best players in the league.
Not surprisingly, the Super Bowl-bound 49ers have four selections. That puts them just behind the Cowboys, who had five players on the team after they finished as the NFC's No. 2 seed. The AFC champion Chiefs have two players making the list.
Including offense, defense, and special teams, below is the full Sporting News NFL All-Pro Team for 2023.
Sporting News NFL All-Pro Team 2023
Offense
QB: Lamar Jackson, Ravens
Jackson had a transcendent season as a passer in Todd Monken's offense while also maintaining his dynamic rushing and staying healthy for an entire season. He's headed toward his second AP MVP award, so there was little doubt he'd lead our All-Pro Team.
RB: Christian McCaffrey, 49ers
McCaffrey racked up an appropriate 2,023 yards from scrimmage in the 2023 season to lead the league. He also led the league in touchdowns (21).
RB: Raheem Mostert, Dolphins
Mostert rushed for a career-high 1,012 yards and scored 18 touchdowns while wearing No. 31 at age 31 to become the ultimate "late bloomer" at the position.
WR: Tyreek Hill, Dolphins
Hill led the league with 1,799 receiving yards and 13 receiving TDs, showing off his dazzling downfield play and further building his Hall-of-Fame case.
WR: CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys
Lamb was right there on Hill's heels, leading the league with 135 receptions while also adding 1,749 yards and 12 TDs, falling just short of the receiving triple crown.
TE: George Kittle, 49ers
Kittle broke the 1,000-yard barrier for the third time in his career with 1,020 yards to go along with 65 catches and six TDs on 90 targets. He averaged a robust, career-high 15.7 yards per catch.
T: Trent Williams, 49ers
Williams continued to dominate with his pass protection on the left side, and his absence was immediately felt by Brock Purdy in the games that Williams missed.
T: Penei Sewell, Lions
Sewell locked down right tackle in Detroit with his strong blend of power and athleticism.
G: Zack Martin, Cowboys
Martin continues to plug away as a reliable, future Hall-of-Fame interior blocker.
G: Joe Thuney, Chiefs
Thuney's athletic anchoring for Kansas City remains a great complement and boost for strong interior mates Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith.
C: Jason Kelce, Eagles
He's a lock for the Hall of Fame with his long-time domination, but the big question now is whether the 36-year-old will retire.
Defense
DE: Myles Garrett, Browns
Garrett exploded for 14 sacks to make 46 over the past three seasons, and he continued to dominate with big plays and run-stopping, too.
DE: Maxx Crosby, Raiders
Crosby had 14.5 sacks, as he remained the relentless, ferocious leader of Antonio Pierce's defense.
DT: Chris Jones, Chiefs
Jones delivered another monster season of ripping apart blockers inside with 10.5 sacks, run-stopping, and plenty more disruptive plays. He will cash in big-time as the top pending free agent.
DT: Aaron Donald, Rams
Donald hasn't dropped off much behind Jones ahead of his age-33 season. The future Hall-of-Famer could play a few more top seasons if he chooses.
LB: T.J. Watt, Steelers
Watt rebounded from his injury-marred 2023 to play a full regular season and produce 19 sacks — ho-hum for his usual edge production and disruption.
LB: Fred Warner, 49ers
Warner is the most complete linebacker in the game with his rangy run cleanup, great plays in pass coverage, and solid pressure when needed.
LB: Micah Parsons, Cowboys
Parsons is the premier second-level pass rusher, and he didn't fall off that status with 14 more sacks.
CB: DaRon Bland, Cowboys
Bland was the best corner in the league with his nine interceptions, offering shutdown coverage and even some upfield pop vs. the run and in the pass rush.
CB: Sauce Gardner, Jets
Gardner lived up to his shutdown reputation in Year 2 after winning Sporting News Rookie of the Year last season, and he was right up there with Bland in erasing receivers.
S: Jessie Bates III, Falcons
Bates turned out to be one of the league's best free-agent signings, as the former Bengal had his best-ever season with 132 total tackles and six interceptions, stamping the fact he's equally elite vs. the run and pass.
S: Antoine Winfield Jr., Buccaneers
Winfield arguably could edge Bates as the league's best safety with 122 tackles, six sacks, and three interceptions, stuffing the stat sheet all-around in his own right.
Special Teams
K: Brandon Aubrey, Cowboys
The former Notre Dame soccer player was awesome as a 28-year-old "rookie," converting 36-of-38 field-goal attempts with terrific range. He also nailed 49-of-52 extra-point attempts.
P: A.J. Cole, Raiders
Cole smashed the ball for another season, with an average of 50.4 yards per punt with a 45.1 net. He also dropped 34 of his 75 punts inside the 20.
KR: Marvin Mims Jr., Broncos
Mims averaged 26.4 yards per kickoff return on 15 chances, including a 99-yard TD.
PR: Derius Davis, Chargers
Davis averaged 11.3 yards per punt return while racking up 385 yards, including a touchdown.
