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.**

Why Did Jackson Fall So Hard?

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.

Barkley’s Unmatched Peer Respect

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.

The Player vs. Executive Divide

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).

What’s Next for Jackson?

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.

Jackson’s NFL Top 100 Rankings by Year

• 2018: Not ranked
• 2019: Not ranked
• 2020: 1
• 2021: 24
• 2022: 36
• 2023: 72
• 2024: 2
• 2025: 2
• 2026: 69