The 2026 NFL training camps are on the horizon, and ESPN surveyed league executives, coaches, and scouts to rank the top 10 quarterbacks for the upcoming season, as seen in a trending post on r/nfl. This year, Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills takes the top spot, moving up from second place last year.
Why it matters: The rankings provide insight into the current state of the NFL quarterback position, highlighting the competition among elite players. With over 70 voters participating, the results reveal a shift in power dynamics among the league's top quarterbacks.
- Josh Allen, age 30, is ranked No. 1 after averaging a ranking of 2.10 per ballot.
- Patrick Mahomes, also 30, follows closely at No. 2, with an average rank of 2.19.
- Joe Burrow, ranked fourth, has seen his position affected by injury concerns.
- A total of 15 quarterbacks received votes on at least 30% of ballots, indicating a deep talent pool.
Driving the news: The rankings were compiled based on votes from NFL scouts, executives, and coaches, who provided their top 10 players at various positions. This year marks the seventh edition of these annual rankings.
- Voters submitted their ballots, which were then compiled to determine the final rankings.
- This year's voting included extensive interviews and research, enhancing the accuracy of the results.
- The rollout schedule included rankings for other positions leading up to the quarterback announcement on July 13.
State of play: Allen's rise to the top has been attributed to his impressive performance and ability to minimize turnovers, a point highlighted by multiple coaches.
- Allen is the only player in NFL history with at least 200 passing touchdowns and 50 rushing touchdowns.
- He has significantly reduced his turnover rate over the past two seasons, averaging eight interceptions per season since 2024.
- Coaches noted that Allen elevates the performance of his teammates, even when his receiving corps is not elite.
The big picture: Mahomes, who previously led the rankings for three consecutive years, finds himself in a competitive position as he continues to deal with a less effective supporting cast.
- Mahomes has 267 touchdown passes in his first nine seasons, ranking second all-time behind Peyton Manning.
- His average rank slipped due to a higher number of voters omitting him from their top three compared to previous years.
- Concerns about Mahomes' health and durability have been raised, particularly following an ACL injury in December.
What they're saying: Analysts and coaches have weighed in on the rankings, providing insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the top quarterbacks.
- One NFL general manager stated, "He's the most singularly unstoppable player at the position when you get his A-game," referring to Allen.
- A personnel director commented on Mahomes' struggles with a weak supporting cast, stating, "If they don't have him, they win three games, tops [last year]."
- Coaches praised Burrow's pocket movement and decision-making, calling him "the system" for the Bengals.
By the numbers: The rankings reveal the top players and the competitive nature of the quarterback position this year.
- Allen received 41.5% of first-place votes, compared to Mahomes' 34.1%.
- Stafford's impressive MVP campaign earned him a spot in the top three, marking a resurgence in his career.
- Burrow's durability concerns have led some voters to rank him as low as sixth.
What's next: With training camps set to begin, teams will be closely monitoring their quarterbacks' performances as they prepare for the 2026 season.
- The NFL season kicks off in early September, and teams are eager to see how their top quarterbacks perform under pressure.
- Fans will follow closely Allen and Mahomes closely as they continue their rivalry in the AFC.
- Coaches expect Burrow to bounce back and solidify his standing among the league's elite quarterbacks.
As the NFL gears up for another exciting season, the battle for quarterback supremacy continues to captivate fans and analysts alike. The rankings serve as a reminder of the immense talent present in the league today, setting the stage for thrilling matchups ahead.
This article is grounded in a discussion trending on Reddit. Claims from the original post and comments may not reflect independently verified reporting.