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 Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Matthew Stafford and Caleb Williams stack up among the NFL's top QBs? ESPN Illustration In the 2000s, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning drove a relentless debate around who deserved the title of the NFL's best quarterback. Today, it's Patrick Mahomes vs. Josh Allen -- two AFC rivals squarely in their primes at age 30 -- according to votes from league scouts, executives and coaches.
While last year's top-10 voting represented a Big Four of sorts in Mahomes, Allen, Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson, the former two separated themselves a bit this year, creating a clear top tier. (However, reigning MVP Matthew Stafford crashed the party and stole a bunch of top votes, shaking up Tier 2 in a big way.) And here's something for symmetry's sake in the top QB discussion: Allen doesn't have a Super Bowl ring and enters Year 9... the same point at which Manning broke through with his first championship. Mahomes -- just like Brady at that stage -- already has three titles.
Overall, the position is much deeper than it was a year ago. Fifteen passers appeared on at least 30% of the ballots. "[Ranking Nos.] 10-20 is getting harder to decide on -- that means we're getting to a good place with QBs," an NFL head coach said.
Let's get to the list. Here are the league's top 10 quarterbacks for 2026.