Who are the top 5 players in the XFL in 2023?

XFL football has returned. Exciting combinations of former NFL players, springtime football experts, and eager newcomers pursuing their professional ambitions make up the league. Before the league's debut games, every one of the eight XFL sides completed their 51-man squads, and a number of teams include former NFL players, coordinators, and draft selections in their squads.

Let's analyze the top athletes scheduled to compete as the XFL season gets underway, including some well-known figures that football fans will no doubt be familiar with.

#5 - Abram Smith - RB - DC Defenders

Abram Smith was a surprise cut during spring training by the New Orleans Saints last year following an All-Conference campaign at Baylor. Smith isn't the most dynamic or quick rusher, but he is capable of reading blocks naturally, has good vision, and has excellent agility to find large gains. Smith should be among the top five runners in the XFL in 2023.

#4 - Marquette King - P - Arlington Renegades

Marquette King, who led the NFL in gross yards per punt in 2013, was once among the NFL's top punters. He was also renowned for his post-punt antics and for performing his duties differently from most other punters.

He received a five-year agreement with the Las Vegas Raiders because of his performance. After being released in 2018, he briefly played for the Denver Broncos before being placed on injured reserve and dismissed shortly after.

Even though he hasn't kicked a ball in the NFL for five years, he will still be among the finest and most seasoned players to don an XFL uniform in 2023.

#3 - Donald Payne – LB - Arlington Renegades

Donald Payne of the Jacksonville Jaguars prepares for the start of the game against the Atlanta Falcons

Although Donald Payne has been away from the NFL for a while, he was an excellent prospect for the Jacksonville Jaguars during his last season there in 2019. He recorded 61 tackles and a sack in nine outings during that season.

He failed to make an impression on NFL clubs in the following season, but in 2022 he took his skills to the USFL and was brilliant. In the USFL last year, he had the most tackles. In 2023, he intends to try to accomplish similar things for the Arlington Renegades.

#2 - AJ McCarron – QB – St. Louis Battlehawks

AJ McCarron earned more than $15 million while playing in the NFL with the Houston Texans, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals. After taking a year off from the game, McCarron is back playing as a passer in the XFL.

With more league experience than anyone else in a crucial position, McCarron is one of the top stars in the NFL this season.

#1 - Josh Gordon – WR – Seattle Sea Dragons

Josh Gordon is ranked first on this list for obvious reasons. Although it has been a long time since he last played in the NFL, the guy nonetheless topped the league in receiving yards in 2013 and earned first-team All-Pro recognition. Nobody else in the XFL has a reputation like that.