Myles Garrett named No. 1 NFL player in 2026 Top 100 rankings

Myles Garrett tops the 2026 NFL Top 100 Players list

On 16 July 2026, the annual NFL Top 100 Players rankings placed **Myles Garrett** at No. 1, making him the league’s top player for the season. The Cleveland Browns defensive end edged out a crowded field that included three Los Angeles Rams in the top 10, a rare feat for any franchise.

What happened in the 2026 Top 100?

The rankings, released by NFL Media on 16 July 2026, placed Garrett ahead of perennial favorites like Patrick Mahomes and Christian McCaffrey. The Browns led all teams with two players in the top 10-Garrett and Myles Baker, a rookie cornerback-while the Rams matched that total with three spots inside the top 10. The Rams’ trio included Cooper Kupp, Aaron Donald, and rookie sensation Jalen Carter.

Garrett’s rise to the top spot reflects a dominant season on the field. He led the NFL in sacks with 18.5, set a career-high in forced fumbles (six), and anchored a Browns defense that finished second in the league in points allowed. His performance in Week 17 against the Pittsburgh Steelers-three sacks and two forced fumbles-sealed his MVP-level résumé.

Why this matters for Myles Garrett

For Garrett, the No. 1 ranking is more than a personal milestone. It cements his status as the face of the NFL’s defensive elite and gives Cleveland a franchise cornerstone through 2030. The Browns, long overlooked in the playoff conversation, now have two players in the top 10 for the first time in franchise history.

The ranking also shifts the narrative around Garrett’s legacy. At 28, he’s in his prime, and the timing couldn’t be better. The Browns enter 2026 as legitimate Super Bowl contenders, with Garrett leading a unit that forced 32 turnovers in 2025. His presence alone changes how opponents game-plan every week.

What comes next for Garrett and the Browns

Garrett’s next challenge is the playoffs. The Browns, seeded third in the AFC, open their postseason run on 10 January 2027 at home against the Cincinnati Bengals. A deep run would validate Garrett’s No. 1 ranking and silence critics who question Cleveland’s ability to win big games.

Off the field, Garrett’s influence grows. He’s the Browns’ most visible star, and his leadership is credited for the team’s culture shift under new head coach Vic Fangio. The franchise has already extended Garrett’s contract through 2030, a move that now looks like a bargain at $200 million.

For now, Garrett tops the list. But the real test begins in January.