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Jeremy Fowler
Multiple Authors
The NFL Rank project celebrates 100 players expected to have a terrific season. One problem: More than 100 qualify.
ESPN’s NFL experts rated players based on performance expectations for the 2026 season. Though the players who made the cut are deserving, at least nine marquee players could be classified as snubs — the most important part of any list, right?
This project arrives about a month after we finalized our annual positional top 10s project, in which NFL executives, coaches and scouts rank the top players at each position. A review of both rankings shows plenty of similarities in order — but also a bunch of differences. So, we asked league personnel evaluators to peek at our rankings and nominate players who deserved to be included — but weren’t.
Note: Commanders offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil was not considered for this exercise due to his recent triceps injury — again, this is predicting 2026 play. Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who came out of retirement Sunday, was also not considered.
See the full NFL Rank list
Sixteen quarterbacks made this year’s top 100, and Mayfield was not one.
Mayfield ranks third in passing yards (12,237) and second in touchdown passes (95) since 2023. He has had some success in Tampa Bay, so much so that he turned down a two-year extension of over $100 million in hopes of more long-term security with his team. Mayfield is poised for another big year, which should help his standing on the list.
“When he’s healthy, he’s a top-10 quarterback,” an NFL personnel evaluator said. “I don’t think he was healthy last year. He should have a big season.”
Ward is, quite comfortably, a top-seven cornerback. This list pushes him out of the top 10.
“I think durability and the fact he plays in Cleveland keeps him out of the top cornerback discussion, but he’s so good,” an AFC executive said. “One of the smoothest athletes in all of football.”
Ward typically misses a few games per season because of injury, but his production is undeniable. He has 18 interceptions and 74 pass deflections over eight seasons.
Recovery from a torn ACL affects Nabers’ standing. He was limited to 18 catches for 271 yards in four games last season. But when he’s healthy, the 23-year-old is easily a top-10 receiver. The top-100 list featured 12 receivers, with Nabers noticeably absent.
Nabers is one of 10 players all time to record 1,200-plus receiving yards as a rookie (2024).
“He completely changes the [Giants’] offense if he’s healthy this year,” an NFC executive said. “It might take him some time, but he moves differently than most receivers when he’s full tilt.”
Walker is squarely in his prime (25 years old) without much wear and tear (821 carries in four seasons). He’s coming off a dominant three-game playoff stretch, including 313 rushing yards with four touchdowns and a Super Bowl MVP award. And Walker tied for third last season with 10 rushes of at least 20 yards. The other three backs with at least that many — Jahmyr Gibbs, Derrick Henry and De’Von Achane — ranked in the top 65 of this list.
“If Andy Reid commits to running the ball, [Walker] is in a position to be a true bell cow who can use his vision to dictate the line of scrimmage,” an AFC scout said.
Often an underappreciated position, five safeties were featured in this year’s NFL Rank. Left off the ballot was Branch, who has established himself as a premier player over the past two seasons with a 1.9% pass breakup percentage that ranks third among safeties. In 2025, Branch was one of two defensive backs with at least five passes defended, five tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
His Achilles tear late last season doesn’t help his cause. But the 24-year-old’s skill set is undeniable.
“Really versatile, can put him in the slot or in open space, physical,” an AFC personnel evaluator said. “Definitely a top-100 player.”
The game is loaded with star defensive tackles — many of whom make more than $30 million per year. Williams makes $26 million a year, which is a relative bargain for his ability to change games.
Nine defensive tackles made the top 100 here, and Williams should have been in that group. New England’s run defense was drastically improved with Williams in the lineup. And he had 3.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss over 12 games in 2025.
“He’s a player that’s gotten better every year, and he was clearly comfortable being a focal point for the defense,” an NFC scout said.
Skoronski is the NFL’s highest-paid guard at $25 million annually. But according to NFL Rank, he’s not a top-five guard. Chicago’s Joe Thuney, Denver’s Quinn Meinerz, Indianapolis’ Quenton Nelson, Atlanta’s Chris Lindstrom and Dallas’ Tyler Smith round out the top 100 at that position.
Skoronski has played his way into this conversation and should be on the list next year. He ranked fourth among guards with a 96.0% pass block win rate in 2025.
“He wasn’t a finished product when he came into the league, but he’s probably Tennessee’s best player on offense, a guy you can build around up front,” an NFC exec said. “He’s gotten more powerful.”
Kansas City’s Trey Smith was another notable snub at guard.
Baun became an All-Pro and consensus top-five linebacker over the past two seasons in Philadelphia. San Francisco’s Fred Warner was the only off-ball linebacker to crack the top 75, and only four made the top 100. Baun has 273 tackles over the past two seasons, along with seven sacks and three interceptions.
“He’s got range. He can play the run close to the box or can cover in space, has great awareness,” an NFC executive said. “One of the best at his position.”
Several young tight ends deserve consideration, from Detroit’s Sam LaPorta to Indianapolis’ Tyler Warren. Let’s go with Kraft here because of his upside after ACL surgery.
He’s a vertical threat who can also block. And by Week 1, he might be the NFL’s first $20 million-per-year tight end; the Packers and Kraft are discussing a contract extension.
“He gives that offense so much juice, and Jordan Love obviously trusts him,” an AFC scout said. “If he’s healthy, he’s primed for a big year.”
