Josh Jacobs and Joe Mixon slide out of ESPN’s NFL top 10 lists
ESPN’s 2026 positional rankings dropped several familiar names, with injuries, production dips and tougher fields reshaping the ballot.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
3 min read
Josh Jacobs, Joe Mixon and Alvin Kamara are among the familiar names who fell out of ESPN’s 2026 NFL top-10 positional rankings, according to the network’s latest survey of league figures.
ESPN said its rankings were built from ballots submitted by more than 70 voters, including executives, coaches and scouts. Voters picked their top 10 players at each position, with ESPN then weighing top-10 votes, average ranking, interviews, research and film study.
The network said the exercise was meant to identify the best players in the league right now, rather than reward career résumés or project several seasons ahead.
Running backs take a hit
Jacobs, who was ranked sixth among running backs last year, missed the cut after what ESPN described as a step back from his 2024 Pro Bowl season with the Green Bay Packers.
According to ESPN, Jacobs averaged 4.0 yards per carry, down from 4.4 the previous year. The network also cited data from SumerSports showing his yards after contact ranking fell from third in the NFL to 17th.
ESPN noted that Jacobs, 28, is entering the third season of a four-year, $48 million contract with Green Bay.
Mixon’s fall came with a different problem: he did not play in 2025. ESPN said the former Houston Texans back missed the entire season because of a foot injury after a strong 2024 debut campaign with the team.
Houston released Mixon in March, according to ESPN, and he remained unsigned as of July 17 while rookies were beginning to report to some training camps.
Kamara also dropped out after ranking 10th last year. ESPN pointed to a decline in his receiving production with the New Orleans Saints, reporting that he had 182 receiving yards in 2025, compared with a 595-yard average over the rest of his career.
ESPN also said Kamara’s yards per carry fell to 3.6, below his career average of 4.3.
Injuries shake up defense
Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson, ranked eighth last year, was another player to slip out after missing 10 games in 2025, according to ESPN.
An NFL personnel evaluator told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that missed practice and game time had hurt Johnson’s standing, while adding that the 27-year-old still has the ability to return to top form.
On the edge rusher list, ESPN said Trey Hendrickson dropped out after missing 10 games in 2025. Hendrickson had previously led the league with 17.5 sacks.
One NFL personnel evaluator told ESPN that Hendrickson has been productive, but age and injuries could make it harder for him to stay near the top without the same dominant physical traits as some other players at the position.
Jared Verse, who ranked 10th last year, also missed the 2026 edge rusher top 10. ESPN said Verse came close to keeping a spot and was in the mix with Nik Bonitto for the final place.
ESPN identified Verse as a key piece in the Los Angeles Rams’ trade for Myles Garrett. Verse is now listed with the Cleveland Browns in the rankings rundown.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.