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 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 is 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). This is a position group without consensus at the top.
Seven guards or centers earned at least one first-place vote. Most of last year's top options were factors in the voting yet again.
The Chiefs -- despite a down 2025 season -- still have the league's premier interior tandem. But the Cowboys appear on their way toward competing in that area.
Two second-year players made a spirited run at the top 10, while a few players in their 30s made the top five. And the best story of them all comes from a former undrafted free agent who made his top-10 debut.
Here are the game's top interior offensive linemen. 1.
Tyler Smith , G, Dallas Cowboys Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: Unranked Age: 25 | Last year's ranking: 2 Smith is the league's highest-paid guard, and for good reason. The 2022 first-round pick has worked his way from offensive tackle prospect to elite guard with three consecutive Pro Bowls.
His win rates of 72.1% in the running game and 95.2% in the passing game are quality but not elite numbers. But to watch him is to value him.
In a very close race with several others, Smith wins on raw ability. "Rare combination of size, athleticism, strength and finish," an AFC exec said.
"He's like prime Jason Peters playing guard." One knock on Smith: He could stand to play under more control and more technically sound. But his switch from tackle to guard is a factor there.
"He has more flash plays than anybody," an AFC exec said. 2.
Quenton Nelson , G, Indianapolis Colts Highest ranking: 2 | Lowest ranking: 10 Age: 30 | Last year's ranking: 3 Nelson, a former No. 1 on this list, has been a beacon of consistency for the Colts.
He hasn't missed a game in seven of his eight NFL seasons, and he helped the Colts rank ninth in total offense last season. He is coming off a strong season, and Indy believes he's still very much an anchor at age 30.
Most voters agreed. "Some drop-off but still elite," an NFC executive said.
"[He] was No. 1 for a long time, but the Smiths (Tyler and Trey) and [Quinn] Meinerz are on his heels." Added an AFC exec: "Can anchor, bend, wide.
Not as dominant as before but better than he was in 2024." 3. Creed Humphrey , C, Kansas City Chiefs Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 10 Age: 27 | Last year's ranking : 1 Last year's No.
1 interior offensive lineman still garnered several first-place votes but slipped slightly in the overall voting. "He's got an unorthodox style of play, but once he gets ahold of you, it's really hard to shake," a personnel executive with an NFL team said.
"He's been really consistent and consistently the best center in the league. He runs the show well and is ultra physical and athletic." Humphrey was tops among centers in pass block win rate (98.5).
However, he did not rank among the top 10 interior offensive linemen in run block win rate. "We didn't game-plan much for him, if at all," said a veteran NFL defensive coach.
"We were more worried about Trey Smith ." In five NFL seasons, Humphrey has four Pro Bowls and back-to-back first-team All-Pros. 4.
Quinn Meinerz , G, Denver Broncos Highest ranking : 1 | Lowest ranking: Unranked Age: 27 | Last year's ranking: 8 Meinerz belongs in the elite category after another consistent season as the anchor of Denver's interior attack. His 75.7% run block win rate ranks seventh among guards.
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