NFL All-Pro Team 2023: 49ers, Cowboys dominate coaches' vote, lead Sporting News' roster

Vinnie Iyer

NFL All-Pro Team 2023: 49ers, Cowboys dominate coaches' vote, lead Sporting News' roster image

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

Lamar Jackson
(Getty Images)

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.

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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.

Penei Sewell
(Getty Images)

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

Myles Garrett 11272023
(Getty Images)

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.

Sauce Gardner
(Getty Images)

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

Brandon Aubrey 11222023
(Getty Images)

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.

Vinnie Iyer

Vinnie Iyer Photo

Vinnie Iyer, has been with TSN since 1999, not long after graduating from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. He has produced NFL content for more than 20 years, turning his attention to full-time writing in 2007. A native of St. Louis, Mo. but now a long-time resident of Charlotte, N.C. Vinnie’s top two professional sports teams are Cardinals and Blues, but he also carries purple pride for all things Northwestern Wildcats. He covers every aspect of the NFL for TSN including player evaluations, gambling and fantasy football, where he is a key contributor. Vinnie represents TSN as host of the “Locked On Fantasy Football” podcast on the Locked On network. Over his many years at TSN, he’s also written about MLB, NBA, NASCAR, college football, tennis, horse racing, film and television. His can’t-miss program remains “Jeopardy!”, where he was once a three-day champion and he is still avid about crossword puzzles and trivia games. When not watching sports or his favorite game show, Vinnie is probably watching a DC, Marvel or Star Wars-related TV or movie.