The NFL Top 100 list is on its way to concluding this week, as we're now down to the final 10 players who've yet to receive their official designations heading into 2026.
In alphabetical order, the final contestants are:
- Josh Allen
- Myles Garrett
- Jahmyr Gibbs
- Christian McCaffrey
- Puka Nacua
- Micah Parsons
- Bijan Robinson
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba
- Matthew Stafford
- Patrick Surtain II
Except, the absence of Houston Texans All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr. to these final competitors has caught the eye of many around the Texans fan base since he was revealed at 12th-overall yesterday. While all of these men are deserving of admiration and acknowledgement in their own way, there are at least three spots that I would contend should have had an Anderson present to occupy them.
Thus, here's my projection of what order the final 10 will appear in, along with the three aforementioned spots where I think Anderson could've (and should've) had ahead of the 2026 season.
Myles Garrett, Defensive end, Cleveland Browns | Projected rank: 1
After breaking the NFL record for most sacks in a single season last year (23), Garrett also ended his campaign as the NFL Defensive Player of the Year for the second time in his career (2023, 2025). By the strength of that kind of historic accomplishment, Garrett is rightfully the best in the NFL as per this projection.
Verdict: Safe, perfect location
Josh Allen, Quarterback, Buffalo Bills | Projected rank: 2
Allen finished with 3,668 passing yards (11th) and 25 touchdown passes (tied for ninth-most) in 2026. Additionally, his 14 rushing touchdowns as a quarterback was good for third-most among all ball carriers in the NFL. As a result, Allen led his team to a 12-5 record and yet another playoff berth after receiving his first career NFL MVP award in 2024. With that, I could see Allen land in the top-two.
Verdict: Safe, could see top-two placement.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Wide receiver, Seattle Seahawks | Projected rank: 3
Smith Njigba's 119 receptions (fourth-most), 1,793 receiving yards (most) and 10 receiving touchdowns (tied for sixth-most) helped power the Seahawks to top seed in the NFC, and ultimately their second Super Bowl in team history. Along with that, Smith-Njigbe earned NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors after the season. Thus, top-three is a pretty safe bet for the former Ohio State Buckeye.
Verdict: Safe, top-three caliber
Matthew Stafford, Quarterback, Los Angeles Rams | Projected rank: 4
At age 37, Stafford led the league in passing yards (4,707), yards per game average (276.9), was tied for third in completions (388) and also led the NFL in touchdown passes by 12 more than the next guy (Stafford: 46, Jared Goff's 34). It led to a 12-5 record and an eventual trip to the NFC Championship game. Though Stafford didn't make it to his second career Super Bowl, he still at least walked away with his first NFL MVP award.
Not bad for someone who's pushing 40 years old. His excellent season has him top-four.
Verdict: Safe, top-four certified
Bijan Robinson, Running back, Atlanta Falcons | Projected rank: 5
Simply put, Robinson was the most prolific in yards from scrimmage in 2026, taking home the title to the tune of 2,298 yards (1,478 rush [fourth-most]/820 receiving yards [32nd]). Along with adding seven touchdowns on the ground, Robinson was the complete package for the Falcons' offense. Therefore, Robinson is a top-10 player in the NFL, no question about it.
Verdict: Safe, top-five finisher
Puka Nacua, Wide receiver, Los Angeles Rams | Projected rank: 6
Last season, Nacua had the second-most receiving yards (1,715), the most receptions (129), was tied for the sixth-most receiving touchdowns (10) and averaged the most yards per game (107.2) (along with having the third-most yards after catch with 666).
He's undeniably one of the most dominant receivers in the NFL today, and he's a huge reason why the Rams are still considered a Super Bowl favorite. Thus, I see him sitting at sixth-overall.
Verdict: Safe, right outside of the top-five
Jahmyr Gibbs, Running back, Detroit Lions | Projected rank: 7
Along with having the seventh-most rushing yards in the league (1,223), Gibbs was also tied with Green Bay Packers rusher Josh Jacobs for the third-most rushing touchdowns among running backs with 13. What further proved Gibbs' nuclear productivity was seen in the fact that he led the league with six plays of 40-plus yards or more. Thus, outside of the top-five is where I'd see Gibbs landing here.
Verdict: Safe, though he might be closer to top-10 than top-five.
Micah Parsons, Defensive end, Green Bay Packers | Projected rank: 8*
(*Will Anderson appearance suggested)
Even though Parsons set a record for the most consecutive seasons with 12-plus sacks to start a career in NFL history, I think it's odd to see him ranked higher than Anderson considering that a torn ACL cut his season short late last year. Then, Anderson came in second to Garrett for NFL Defensive Players of the Year after his own rampage of a defensive year in Houston. If nothing else, I just consider the runner up finish for Anderson as perhaps warranting a swap of the two on this list.
Verdict: While Parsons was having a great season prior to his injury, I think Anderson has a better case for top-10 this year than Parsons.
Christian McCaffrey, Running back, San Francisco 49ers |
Projected rank: 9*
(*Will Anderson appearance suggested)
McCaffrey finished 2025 with the second-most yards from scrimmage in the NFL with 2,126, which included 1,202 rushing yards (eighth-most) and 924 receiving yards (24th). He also contributed seven receiving touchdowns (tied for 15th) and 10 rushing touchdowns (tied for ninth-most). Even with concerns for a periodic absence due to various bruises and bumps, McCaffrey's prolific dual-threat status is still felt in every game he plays in.
However, I do find myself wondering how much his selection for the top-10 has to do with reputation at this stage in his career. Personally, McCaffrey is top-10 worthy, but I'd give the edge to Anderson for last year specifically.
Verdict: Top-10 worthy, but edge goes to Anderson
Patrick Surtain II, Cornerback, Denver Broncos | Projected rank: 10*
(*Will Anderson appearance suggested)
Even though Surtain II finished the 2025 season with his fourth-consecutive Pro Bowl selection and third All-Pro designation in four seasons, it's still a mystery how he made the top-10 while his counterpart in Derek Stingley jr. fell seven spots even after completing back-to-back First Team All-Pro campaigns. With a concern for consistency in mind, if Stingley can slide a few spots, then certainly Surtain can follow suit.
Thus, I would say that an argument could be made for Anderson taking over this spot.
Verdict: Highly accomplished, but Anderson had a more accolade-laden season
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