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). Modern safeties are versatile, and teams are deploying them in different parts of the field with frequency.
The latest trend in the NFL is utilizing a safety with size as a "big nickel," putting them in the slot to disrupt closer to the line of scrimmage. That has worked for Baltimore thanks to the No.
1-ranked player at the position, and Seattle perfected it with a rookie who is almost a hybrid linebacker/safety. This dynamic affected the voting in multiple spots -- sometimes causing confusion about a player's true position.
For example, the Eagles' Cooper DeJean is largely considered a corner but will play a mix of safety and slot cornerback in 2026. His votes came in the cornerback pool, where he closed out the list.
This year's safety group features at least two dozen quality players worth consideration but not many truly elite players. And while several well-established veterans maintained their standing in the top 10, this year's list features two debuts.
Here are the league's top 10 safeties as voted on by executives, coaches and scouts. 1.
Kyle Hamilton , Baltimore Ravens Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 4 Age: 25 | Last year's ranking: 1 Hamilton remains a bright spot on what was a disjointed Ravens defense in 2025. He dominated the first-place votes for the second consecutive year after helping Baltimore hold opposing quarterbacks to a 49 QBR when he's on the field versus a 90 QBR when he's off it.
Through his first three years (2022-24), Hamilton was the only defensive back to produce at least 15 tackles for loss, five sacks and five interceptions. That body of work earned him a four-year, $104 million extension .
He followed that up with a first-team All-Pro performance. "His size and physicality stand out," an AFC offensive coach said.
"He's that big-bodied DB who can play nickel or safety that teams are looking for. He's a talented cover player, but his ability to play the run at the point of attack and his effectiveness as a blitzer make him somebody you really have to account for in game planning." Hamilton played more coverage snaps in the slot (249) than as a traditional safety (228).
Being close to the line of scrimmage helped him penetrate the backfield for seven tackles for loss. "He's an average safety but he's an elite big nickel, which he's in most of the time," an NFL offensive coach said.
"He's only in safety in base. That's why teams try to keep [the Ravens] in base.
He's a big nickel vs. 11 personnel." 2.
Derwin James Jr ., Los Angeles Chargers Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 5 Age: 29 | Last year's ranking: 6 James was a clear No. 2 in the voting, making an impressive four-spot jump from the previous year.
That the Chargers gave James a three-year, $75.6 million extension weeks before voting started could have helped his cause. Money equals respect, validating the body of work.
But the deal was a culmination of James' strong two years under head coach Jim Harbaugh. Since 2024, James has a combined 7.5 sacks, four interceptions, 16 tackles for loss and 14 pass deflections.
"I thought Derwin had his best, most complete year," an NFL secondary coach said. "Blitzing, coverage, tackling, just overall was really good.
... He can really do it all.
And he's been healthy for a long stretch, which is good to see." After missing most of t