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).
Offensive tackle is seen as a premium position, but you wouldn't know it by the pay scale. Five positions -- quarterback, wide receiver, edge rusher, cornerback and defensive tackle -- have at least one player making $31 million per year or more. Offensive tackle is just short of that, with Washington's Laremy Tunsil leading the group at $30.1 million and several others in the $28 million area.
Part of the issue is age. Many top-shelf players, some well above 30, are years out from their last contract. It will take young stars to change that.
Two of our top 10 offensive tackles here are still on rookie deals. In all, three players debuted on the list this cycle. The battle for supremacy once again featured two NFC stars in their primes, though a 37-year-old is also keeping himself in the conversation.
Here are the top 10 offensive tackles based on votes and input from league scouts, executives and coaches.
1. Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions
Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 4 Age: 25 | Last year's ranking: 2
"He's still the most complete player at this stage -- physical, powerful, smart," a veteran NFL defensive coach said of Sewell.
Sewell took the top spot with consistency in the voting. Though he didn't dominate the first-place voting, he was living in the second- and third-place range, which improved his average in the composite total. And one NFC executive was blunt when describing Sewell's strengths as a player.