Who fell out of the NFL top-10 positional rankings in 2026? - ESPN

Over the course of 11 days, we unveiled rankings of the top 10 NFL players at every offensive and defensive position group. Just as teams rise and fall, so do players, and every group had at least one player who fell from last year's charts, whether because of performance, injury or the strength of the rankings. Those players are represented here.

A reminder of the rankings process: Voters ranked 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).

Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers (6): Jacobs couldn't duplicate his 2024 Pro Bowl form. He averaged 4.0 yards per carry (down from 4.4) and his yards after contact plunged from third in the NFL to 17th. The 28-year-old is entering the third year of a four-year, $48 million contract.

Joe Mixon (9): Mixon's 2024 debut season with the Texans was one of the best of his career. However, he missed all of 2025 with a foot injury and was released by