ESPN's NFL Rank project celebrates 100 players expected to have a terrific season, but more than 100 qualify. ESPN's NFL experts rated players based on performance expectations for the 2026 season, leaving at least nine marquee players as snubs. We asked league personnel evaluators to nominate players who deserved inclusion but were not.

Baker Mayfield, QB for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, ranks third in passing yards (12,237) and second in touchdown passes (95) since 2023, yet missed the list. An NFL personnel evaluator said, "When he's healthy, he's a top-10 quarterback." Denzel Ward, CB for the Cleveland Browns, is comfortably a top-seven cornerback but was pushed out of the top 10. An AFC executive noted his durability and playing in Cleveland keep him out of top cornerback discussions.

Malik Nabers, WR for the New York Giants, was limited by a torn ACL last season but is easily a top-10 receiver when healthy. Kenneth Walker III, RB for the Kansas City Chiefs, is in his prime at 25 years old, coming off a Super Bowl MVP with 313 rushing yards in the playoffs. Brian Branch, S for the Detroit Lions, has established himself as a premier player over the past two seasons but was left off the ballot.