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). The NFL's receiver renaissance continues, as the sheer depth of elite pass catchers in recent years has elevated the overall game.
In fact, this is arguably the league's deepest position overall. Each year in our top-10 series, wide receiver typically features the most players who receive at least one vote.
This year, 26 players made that cut. Teams now consider this a premier position, and they pay for it, too.
Receiver trails only quarterback and edge rusher in pay scale, with the position representing four of the top-12 highest-paid non-quarterbacks. Unlike last year, when 15 players earned enough votes for top-10 consideration, this year's results were more clear-cut.
And two first-time recipients are pushing toward the top after massive performances last season. But some things don't change -- like two former LSU pass catchers battling for supremacy.
Here's the full top 10, as voted on by league executives, coaches and scouts. 1.
Ja'Marr Chase , Cincinnati Bengals Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 3 Age: 26 | Last year's ranking: 1 Chase dominated the voting like it was an unprepared rookie cornerback on an island, earning around 70% of the first-place votes despite finishing third in catches (125) and fourth in receiving yards (1,412) last season. The reason: He looks different than everybody else with the ball in his hands.
"He's the best I've gone against," an NFL head coach said. "He can break it for 80 [yards] at any time." Chase's 6,837 receiving yards are the second-most by any player within his first five seasons in NFL history, trailing only former LSU teammate Justin Jefferson (more on him in a moment).
Since debuting in 2021, Chase's 19 touchdowns of 40-plus yards are the most in the NFL -- six more than the next-closest player ( Tyreek Hill ). And his 29 receptions against press coverage topped the NFL in 2025, highlighting his response when challenged at the line.
"He showed over the past two years or so that he can play inside and outside," a veteran NFL coach said. "[The Bengals] moved him around more, and he's gotten better as the ultimate chess piece." 2.
Justin Jefferson , Minnesota Vikings Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 5 Age: 27 | Last year's ranking: 2 Jefferson, a past No. 1 on this list with a historic six-year start to his career, did not vie for the top spot as strongly as he has in years past.
But he registered No. 1 or No.
2 votes on around 70% of the ballots, with several voters considering him a cut above the rest. "I go by who I'd want on my team in a game or a season, and I still think he's super talented," an AFC executive said.
"He's a proven commodity that can do everything you need and can adapt to any defensive look." Jefferson's 8,480 receiving yards are the most for any player in his first six seasons in NFL history. His six straight 1,000-yard campaigns ties Randy Moss for second in franchise history (Cris Carter is first with eight).
Jefferson's career-low 1,048 yards in 2025 hurt his vote share slightly, but most voters gave him a pass due to poor quarterback play. And several voters noted how professionally Jefferson handled the offense stalling.
His 53.4% double-team percentage ranked first among receivers, and he eclipsed 1,500 yards the previous season with Sam Darnold . "Chase vs.
Jefferson is still kind o