Ranking the NFL's top 100 players for this season, from Myles Garrett to ... — SkimNews
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- ESPN assembled its annual NFL top 100 ranking using votes from 12 analysts and reporters (Aaron Schatz, Ben Solak, Dan Graziano, Eric Moody, Field Yates, Jeff Legwold, Liz Loza, Matt Bowen, Mina Kimes, Mike Clay, Nick Wagoner and Seth Walder), projecting 2026 performance rather than rewarding past play.
- The Philadelphia Eagles led all teams with eight players on the list, followed by the Lions and 49ers with six each, while the New York Jets were the only team without a single representative.
- Quarterbacks dominated positional representation with 16 entries, followed by edge rushers with 13.
- Sam Darnold (No. 100, Seahawks) joined Tom Brady as the only QBs with back-to-back 14-win seasons — 14-3 with both the Vikings in 2024 and Seahawks in 2025 — but his league-high 20 turnovers in 2025 kept him from ranking higher; he is also returning to the same team as its unquestioned starter for the first time since 2020.
- Jalen Hurts (No. 97, Eagles) carries a 57-25 career starting record and ranks second to only Josh Allen in total touchdowns (138) since 2022, but now operates under new OC Sean Mannion's scheme.
- Trevor Lawrence (No. 96, Jaguars) set a franchise record with 38 total TDs last season and finished fifth in MVP voting — the highest ever by a Jaguar — under new coach Liam Coen, who previously guided Baker Mayfield to his best season.
- Commanders OT Laremy Tunsil was excluded due to a recent triceps injury, and Rams DT Aaron Donald — who announced he was coming out of retirement Sunday — was also not considered for the list.
Why it matters: ESPN's shift to forward-projection rather than past production means rising stars and bounce-back candidates get elevated — Sam Darnold slots in at 100 despite 20 turnovers, while Jalen Hurts at 97 reflects uncertainty under a new offensive scheme. The Eagles' league-best eight-player presence underscores their status as championship favorites.
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