sports
ESPN Publishes 2026 NFL Position Rankings After 11-Day Rollout
ESPN released its top-10 rankings for every offensive and defensive position group on July 16, 2026. More than 70 voters evaluated players strictly on 2025 performance. Several running backs and defensive standouts dropped due to injuries and reduced production.
Jul 17, 5:21 PM·1m read2 sources
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ESPN completed its 2026 NFL position rankings on July 16 after an 11-day series that covered every offensive and defensive group. More than 70 voters submitted ballots that ranked the top 10 players at each spot based solely on current performance. Josh Jacobs of the Green Bay Packers placed sixth among running backs.
The 28-year-old averaged 4.0 yards per carry in 2025, down from 4.4 the prior year, and fell from third to 17th in yards after contact. He enters the third year of a four-year, $48 million contract. Joe Mixon ranked ninth at running back.
He missed the entire 2025 season with a foot injury, was released by the Houston Texans in March 2026, and remained unsigned as of July 17. Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints finished 10th among running backs. He recorded 182 receiving yards in 2025, well below his career average of 595, and averaged 3.6 yards per carry compared with a career mark of 4.3.
Jaylon Johnson of the Chicago Bears ranked eighth among cornerbacks after missing 10 games in 2025. Trey Hendrickson of the Baltimore Ravens placed sixth among edge rushers after leading the league with 17.5 sacks in 2024 and missing 10 games the following season.
