Biggest Snubs from ESPN’s NFL Positional Rankings

The period between the end of minicamp and the start of training camp is a quiet time in the NFL offseason. A highlight during this time is ESPN’s annual poll of coaches, general managers, and executives to rank the top 10 players at each position. These rankings fuel sports talk and reveal league opinions on players. Naturally, some players get left out, causing debate and disagreement. Here are some notable players excluded from this summer’s rankings:

Jared Verse, DE, Cleveland Browns

Being a Cleveland Brown, Jared Verse knows the competition among NFL edge-rushers is stiff. However, players like Nik Bonitto and Danielle Hunter made the rankings over him. At just 25, Verse recorded 189 pressures, 130 hurries, 42 QB hits, 12.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and two recoveries in his early seasons. Last season, he had 100 pressures, trailing only Houston’s Will Anderson, and ranked third in hurries.

Jayden Daniels, QB, Washington Commanders

Choosing the top quarterbacks in the NFL is challenging due to the high level of play. Jayden Daniels being left out feels incorrect considering his rookie performance, leading Washington to a 12-5 record and an NFC Championship Game appearance. Despite being injured last year, Daniels is regarded as a top-ten talent when healthy.

Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers

Brock Purdy also missed the cut. His record as a starter is 30-15, with a 104 passer rating and 67.9% completion rate. Purdy reached the Pro Bowl in his first full season, leading the NFL in passer rating, and guided the 49ers to consecutive NFC Championships and a Super Bowl appearance.

Malik Nabers, WR, New York Giants

Despite his injury last season and uncertain return in 2026, Malik Nabers arguably deserves a top-10 spot when healthy. Players like Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson are undeniable, but Nabers rivals others like Jaxson Smith-Njigba and CeeDee Lamb. His skills, when healthy, are tough to overlook.

Trey Hendrickson, DE, Baltimore Ravens

Trey Hendrickson’s exclusion might be due to injuries that limited him to seven games last year. A fit Hendrickson is a top-five edge-rusher, having achieved 17.5 sacks in consecutive seasons and double-digit sack totals in four out of five seasons from 2020 to 2024. Playing for Baltimore, he is expected to return to form with around 15 sacks.

Bobby Wagner, LB, Free Agent

Bobby Wagner’s omission as a free agent might spark debate. Nonetheless, he remains one of the top linebackers. He ranked fifth in tackles last season with 162 and has posted consistent defensive stats over his career. Wagner is well-decorated with 11 All-Pro selections, 10 Pro Bowls, and membership in the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. His accomplishments include leading in tackles thrice and winning a Super Bowl.