Greg McElroy, Cole Cubelic debate their Top 8 returning SEC players entering 2023 season

As you can tell from every NFL Draft, there is plenty of talent inside the SEC. Teams from across the conference sport some of the best players in the country at nearly every position. The 2023 season is going to be no different, with the conference oozing with quality players.

When looking at all 14 rosters though, it’s hard to recognize exactly who the best guys are. Even so, ESPN’s Cole Cubelic and Greg McElroy gave their best attempt at it, naming their top eight SEC players. The lists came out nearly identical, with there being plenty of overlap.

Georgia tight end Brock Bowers, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins, LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers, LSU linebacker Harold Perkins, Arkansas running back Raheim ‘Rocket’ Sanders, Alabama EDGE Dallas Turner, and South Carolina wide receiver Antwane ‘Juice’ Wells were all named by the duo.

McElroy did accidentally name an extra player, having Kentucky quarterback Devin Leary at the bottom of his list.

“Guy’s a player,” McElroy said. “If he can stay healthy, keep an eye on him.”

Another thing both Cubelic and McElroy recognized — there were a ton of offensive players within the top eight. Turner and Perkins were the only two on the defensive side. The SEC might be known for producing elite talent on defense but the conference has shifted to an offensive one.

Brock Bowers, Harold Perkins among top players in SEC

When the annual freaks list eventually comes out, there is a good chance both Bowers and Perkins make an appearance. Considering their two positions, they are unlike anything we see around college football.

Bowers will enter the season as the consensus best tight end in the country and arguably the top player on Georgia’s insane roster. He led the Bulldogs in most receiving stats a year ago, having 63 receptions for 942 yards and seven touchdowns. Even with a new quarterback being broken in, Bowers is on track to have another excellent year.

And then there is Perkins, who is still learning how to play the linebacker position. Head coach Brian Kelly let the true freshman run loose last year, really breaking out in the latter half. Now, with a full spring under his belt, Perkins is surely to become the SEC’s top defensive player.

Cubelic and McElroy both had their opinions on the top eight players but both Bowers and Perkins found themselves near the top.