Saquon Barkley Tops NFL Peers’ 2026 Rankings-Lamar Jackson’s Shocking 67-Spot Drop

**Saquon Barkley has been voted the NFL’s top player by his peers for the 2026 season**, according to the league’s annual Top 100 list released July 13. The Philadelphia Eagles running back held the No. 2 spot in 2025, but his dominance in 2026 has cemented him as the clear leader-while Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson’s ranking collapsed by 67 places to No. 69.**

Jackson’s 2025 season was defined by injuries: a hamstring issue cost him four games, and a late-season back contusion limited his rushing. His carries (67), rushing yards (349), and rushing touchdowns (2) hit career lows, despite 2,549 passing yards and 21 TDs. The Ravens went 6-7 in his 13 starts, missing the playoffs despite preseason Super Bowl expectations.

The NFL Network’s player-voted list, released July 13, shows Barkley’s stock hasn’t dipped. His 2025 No. 2 ranking followed a breakout year (1,350 rushing yards, 12 TDs), and 2026 projections suggest he’ll stay elite. Meanwhile, Jackson’s drop is the steepest among the 32 players named so far-even steeper than A.J. Brown’s 51-spot fall.

Executives, coaches, and scouts see Jackson differently. ESPN’s recent poll ranked him No. 5 overall among QBs, trailing only Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Matthew Stafford, and Joe Burrow. The disconnect hints at lingering skepticism after Jackson’s injury-plagued 2023 (No. 72 ranking) and 2019 (unranked rookie year).

At 29, Jackson has a chance to rebound. If he posts another MVP-caliber season, the player vote might correct course. But for now, Barkley’s 2026 crown stands as a testament to consistency-while Jackson’s ranking reflects a year of missed expectations.

- **2018**: Not ranked

- **2019**: Not ranked

- **2020**: 1

- **2021**: 24

- **2022**: 36

- **2023**: 72

- **2024**: 2

- **2025**: 2

- **2026**: 69