Ranking the NFL’s elite has never been more contentious. Traditional stats crowned one MVP while advanced analytics screamed for another. A pass rusher shattered a record that stood for over two decades. A cornerback earned near-unanimous consensus from league insiders. And a half-billion-dollar quarterback? He’s not even the best at his own position anymore. Here are the 9 players who define the NFL right now—counted down from solid to shocking.
9. Pat Surtain II Earned a Consensus That Almost Never Happens
Jan 4, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) reacts with safety Devon Key (26) after a play in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
When NFL executives, coaches, and scouts were surveyed by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Pat Surtain II was again voted the league’s top cornerback. That kind of consensus is almost unheard of in positional rankings. His coverage skills anchored a Denver Broncos defense that was among the best in the NFL. Surtain remains the gold standard at the position heading into 2026.
8. Christian McCaffrey Proved Versatility Still Wins
Feb 1, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey during NFC practice at the Flag Fieldhouse Moscone Center South Building. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Christian McCaffrey returned to elite dual-threat form for the 2025 San Francisco 49ers, contributing as both a runner and high-volume receiver. In an era where the running back position’s value is constantly debated, McCaffrey’s pass-catching production sets him apart. His ability to function as both a runner and pass-catcher makes him nearly impossible to scheme against consistently. That versatility keeps him firmly in any top-10 conversation.
7. Brian Burns Joined an Elite Edge-Rusher Tier
Jan 4, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns (0) greets New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) after the game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Brian Burns delivered a high-impact 2025 season for the New York Giants, cementing his status among the NFL’s premier edge rushers. He earned All-Pro recognition for a campaign that placed him alongside the league’s most disruptive defenders. While Garrett grabbed the headlines, Burns posted a year worthy of franchise legend conversation. His pressure profile made him one of the most valuable defenders in the NFC.
6. T.J. Watt Remains Just Outside the Conversation
Jan 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt warms up for a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
T.J. Watt was ranked No. 11 in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2025—just one spot outside the top 10. His previous co-ownership of the single-season sack record at 22.5 was eclipsed by Garrett’s 23, shifting the narrative around elite pass rushers. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers signed with Pittsburgh, where Watt’s defensive pressure remains the franchise’s most valuable asset heading into 2026. Watt’s consistency keeps him in the elite tier even as the spotlight moves to Cleveland.
5. Lamar Jackson Still Sits Atop the Preseason Mountain
Jan 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) practices before the game at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
FOX Sports NFL Staff ranked Lamar Jackson as the No. 1 overall player heading into the 2025 season, ahead of every quarterback, pass rusher, and receiver in the league. His dual-threat dominance continues to rewrite what’s possible at the position. Josh Allen landed at No. 2, but Jackson’s combination of rushing ability and passing efficiency gave him the edge. Even in a league full of superstars, Jackson entered the year as the consensus pick at the summit.
4. Matthew Stafford’s MVP Season Defied the Analytics
Jan 25, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) passes against Seattle Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) during the first half in the 2026 NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
Matthew Stafford won the 2025 NFL MVP after leading the league in passing yards (4,707) and touchdowns (46), with just 8 interceptions. His Rams offense was among the NFL’s most productive units. Yet Stafford ranked just fourth in QBR at 71.2—behind Drake Maye’s league-leading mark, as well as Brock Purdy and Jordan Love. Voters chose volume over efficiency in one of the closest MVP races in recent memory.
3. Drake Maye Made History—and Still Lost the MVP
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) against the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Drake Maye led the NFL in QBR at 77.1 in 2025, topping every other starting quarterback in ESPN’s signature efficiency metric. Analysts noted “the numbers solidly back Maye for MVP.” He even led the Patriots to their first AFC East title since 2019, ending Buffalo’s five-year reign. Yet traditional stats still won the vote, and Maye lost the award to Stafford in a stunningly tight finish.
2. Patrick Mahomes’ $503 Million Contract Tells a Complicated Story
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid pre game against the Jets at MetLife Stadium.
Patrick Mahomes holds the largest contract in NFL history at $503 million, yet multiple credible rankings no longer place him as the league’s best quarterback. Colin Cowherd ranked Josh Allen first and Mahomes second. ESPN’s 2025 quarterback rankings also slotted others ahead of him. Mahomes remains elite, but the most expensive player in football history is no longer the consensus best at his own position.
1. Myles Garrett Broke a Record That Seemed Untouchable
Jan 4, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) kneels on the field during a first half timeout against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
Myles Garrett shattered the NFL single-season sack record with 23 sacks in 2025, surpassing the 22.5 mark shared by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt. His record-setting campaign produced one of the most dominant pass-rushing seasons in league history. Garrett’s performance made the Browns franchise the unlikely centerpiece of the 2025 defensive conversation. He set a new bar for what an edge defender can accomplish in a single season—the most surprising headline of the entire NFL year.
The Real Ranking System Nobody Talks About
May 20, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cameron McGrone (57), linebacker Segun Olubi (50), linebacker Chris Thomas (59), linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55), linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) and linebacker Xavian Sorey Jr. (53) practice during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images
What this list ultimately reveals is a league at war with itself over how to measure greatness. Stafford won MVP with volume stats while Maye dominated efficiency metrics. Garrett broke records on a franchise that never produced his equal. Mahomes holds a half-billion-dollar contract but no longer holds the top quarterback ranking. The NFL’s evaluation ecosystem—statistical output, contract leverage, media narratives, and team needs—creates contradictions that make every “best players” list an argument waiting to happen. So tell us in the comments: who got robbed on this list, and which name should never have made it? Lamar over Garrett? Mahomes over Maye? The floor is yours.
