Execs, coaches, scouts rank top NFL quarterbacks for 2026

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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?

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Overall, the position is much deeper than it was a year ago. Fifteen passers appeared on at least 30% of the ballots. "[Ranking Nos.] 10-20 is getting harder to decide on -- that means we're getting to a good place with QBs," an NFL head coach said.

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1. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 4
Age: 30 | Last year's ranking: 2

2. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs

Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 9
Age: 30 | Last year's ranking: 1

3. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams

Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 5
Age: 38 | Last year's ranking: 6

4. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals

Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 6
Age: 29 | Last year's ranking: 3

"Best pocket movement in the league, accelerated vision best in the league," said an NFL personnel evaluator, the latter point referencing Burrow's processing speed at the line of scrimmage or post-snap. "Not big or fast, slightly above-average arm, but the other stuff makes him go."

An NFL coordinator took it a step further: "Burrow doesn't play in a system. He is the system," the coordinator said. "He's the whole thing."

5. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: Unranked
Age: 29 | Last year's ranking: 4

6. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

Highest ranking: 3 | Lowest ranking: Unranked
Age: 32 | Last year's ranking: Unranked

7. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers

Highest ranking: 5 | Lowest ranking: Unranked
Age: 28 | Last year's ranking: 7

"He plays young," an NFL coordinator said. "He's incredibly talented and has made progress, but he doesn't have the maturity level of the other guys as far as how he runs the overall operation and mastery of the position."

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