What would an NFL superteam look like? Assembling league’s meanest, baddest roster feat. Patrick Mahomes, Derrick Henry
Building a superteam in the NFL is likely to be more difficult than in any other league. The hard salary cap in the NFL is the main reason for this, as most other professional team sports either have no salary cap at all or a flexible structure. While many excellent NFL teams have been assembled over the years, they don't necessarily qualify as a superteam like other sports have demonstrated.
The possibility of a true NFL superteam is likely reliant on one of two things happening -- either the league needs to change its current rules about the salary cap, or many superstar players will need to be willing to play on a reduced salary to allow as many stars as possible to join their team. In a hypothetical situation, here's what a potential superteam could look like in the 2023 NFL season.
NFL superteam offense
There's no doubt that an NFL superteam begins with Patrick Mahomes. He is off to the greatest start to his career of any quarterback in NFL history. In just five years as a starter, he's already won two Super Bowl rings, while being named the MVP of the game each time. He also has an additional two NFL MVP awards, along with a third Super Bowl appearance.
Before surrounding Mahomes with elite weapons in the offense, he first needs to be protected. No dominant offense is complete without a solid offensive line. Any quarterback will struggle to produce consistent results if they don't have time to diagnose a defense. A great offensive line does this, while also opening up holes in the rushing game.
The offensive line doesn't necessarily need to be loaded with the absolute best players at each position. Acquiring five players each toward the top of their positional rankings to form a competent and cohesive offensive line should do the job. Once the offensive line is built, Derrick Henry is the next target that makes the most sense.
Henry is capable of doing all the dirty work in the rushing game. He's a true workhorse, leading the NFL in carries and yards multiple times, including a prestigious 2,000 yards season. The only hole in his game is as a receiver. This is where an elite pass-catcher out of the backfield could be paired with Henry. Christian McCaffrey, Austin Ekeler, and Alvin Kamara all make sense.
With Mahomes playing quarterback, why not get him Travis Kelce as his tight end. They are already one of the greatest duos in NFL history, while Kelce continues to climb the all-time tight end rankings. Filling out Mahomes' receiving core can bring another familiar face in Tyreek Hill, his former teammate and the fastest player in the NFL.
The rest of the wide receiver depth chart can be filled out in a variety of ways. Justin Jefferson and Davante Adams fit best as all-around dominant weapons on the outside of the formation. Ja'Marr Chase could also be added as another true threat.
NFL superteam defense
The NFL superteam defense can start with Aaron Donald. No player makes a bigger impact from the interior of a defensive line than he does in the entire NFL and possibly of all-time. The defensive line can then be completed with another solid tackle, such as Chris Jones, and two elite pass rishers on the outside. TJ Watt and Myles Garrett are the top options due to their consistent dominance.
A dynamic group of linebackers is also essential to a superteam defense. Bobby Wagner is an excellent choice to serve as the "quarterback" of the defense, while Fred Warner is another obvious choice for the roster. Micah Parsons can join in, as well, as a hybrid linebacker, who can move all over a defensive formation.
The group of defensive backs can be designed with opportunistic players that have a knack for creating turnovers, while also possessing a well-rounded skillset. Derwin James makes a ton of sense as another hybrid player, while Minkah Fitzpatrick has been a turnover-machine in the safety position. Jalen Ramsey is a necessity at the cornerback position, joining Jaire Alexander on the outside and Marlon Humphrey in the slot.
NFL superteam special teams
Justin Tucker is the most obvious choice for a special teamer to join the NFL superteam. He's arguably the best kicker in NFL history as his efficiency numbers from every distance are in the elite class. Ryan Stonehouse led the NFL in punting average last year, so he will join the unit as well. The roster will be completed with Nyheim Hines serving as the return specialist.