The 2026 NFL training camps are on the horizon, and with that in mind, ESPN surveyed league executives, coaches and scouts to help us rank the top 10 players at 11 different positions. This is the seventh edition of these annual rankings.
Here's how it works: Voters gave their own top 10 players at a position, then we compiled the results and ranked candidates based on the number of top-10 votes, composite average and dozens of interviews, with research and film study help from ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen as well as ESPN Research. More than 70 voters submitted a ballot on at least one position, and in many cases all positions. Additional voting and follow-up calls with those surveyed contributed to placements.
This was not a five-year projection or a career achievement award, but meant to answer a simple question: Who are the best players right now?
Our rollout schedule: running backs (July 6), cornerbacks (July 7), edge rushers (July 8), defensive tackles (July 9), tight ends (July 10), offensive tackles (July 11), interior offensive linemen (July 12), quarterbacks (July 13), off-ball linebackers (July 14), wide receivers (July 15) and safeties (July 16).
How do Micah Parsons, Will Anderson Jr., Maxx Crosby and Aidan Hutchinson stack up among the NFL's best edge rushers? ESPN Illustration The NFL is enjoying a golden era for pass rushers. The game is flooded with surefire Hall of Famers as well as young stars eyeing that distinction.
In some ways, ranking the top 10 edge rushers is the easiest exercise of all the positions because the names are so clear-cut. Nine players appeared on at least 70% of the ballots, with six appearing on 90%. While every first-place vote went to one particular player who just switched jerseys, five different players garnered at least one second-place placement. The group features mostly familiar faces -- including one who rose four spots this year and another who fell by five.
Here are the top 10 edge rushers as voted by league scouts, executives and coaches.
1. Myles Garrett, Los Angeles Rams
Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 1 Age: 30 | Last year's ranking: 1
It's a clean sweep for Garrett, who was No. 1 on every ballot. That's rare for this exercise, which usually features at least one detractor. But Garrett is undeniable after a season for the ages that included an NFL-record 23 sacks -- and perhaps an even more impressive 33 tackles for loss.
Garrett had a stronghold on the voting last year too, well before his banner season.