Five Broncos Make ESPN’s 2026 NFL Top‑Players List

When ESPN released its annual "Top 100" look‑ahead for the 2026 NFL season, Denver fans got a little burst of optimism. Five Broncos made the cut, joining the league’s most‑hailed names. It’s not every day you see a franchise peppered with that many elite picks, so the buzz was inevitable.

First up is quarterback Bo Nix. After a bruising ankle injury in the previous playoffs, Nix bounced back during the off‑season, logging a crisp 4.5 % completion rate in the preseason and showing the poise of a seasoned vet. ESPN’s analysts gave him a solid #27 slot, noting his improved pocket awareness and a stronger arm‑strength rating.

On the defensive side, cornerback Pat Surtain, fresh off a record‑setting contract, earned a #33 ranking. His lockdown coverage stats—allowing just 56 % passer rating when targeted—still rank among the league’s best. Surtain’s knack for timely interceptions also helped him snag the nod.

Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who joined Denver in a high‑profile trade, appears at #42. Waddle’s chemistry with Nix is already evident; the duo combined for 120 yards in the first preseason game, prompting ESPN to highlight their “potentially historic” connection.

Defensive end Christian Gonzalez rounds out the list at #58. His sack total of 12 last year, coupled with a 9.3 % pressure rate, convinced the network’s panel that he’s a cornerstone of the Broncos’ pass rush for years to come.

Finally, safety Taylor Rapp secured a #71 spot after a steady spring and a notable uptick in tackling efficiency. Rapp’s leadership in the secondary, especially with several younger backs stepping in, earned him praise for “bringing veteran steadiness to a youthful unit.”

Overall, ESPN’s rankings suggest the Broncos are not just a flash‑in‑the‑pan contender but a team building a core that could challenge for a Super Bowl soon. With the AFC West shaping up to be a gauntlet, Denver’s blend of experience and fresh talent will be put to the test, especially against arch‑rival Kansas City.

Fans should temper expectations—rankings are, after all, predictions, not guarantees. Still, seeing five Broncos among the league’s elite is a good sign that the organization’s off‑season moves are paying off. If the players stay healthy and the chemistry continues to click, Denver might just be the surprise package the NFL has been waiting for.