NFL Rank Snubs: Mayfield’s 95 TDs and Walker’s MVP Title Miss Top 100

Baker Mayfield ranks second in touchdown passes since 2023, yet he is one of nine major NFL Rank snubs identified by league insiders.

Baker Mayfield has recorded 12,237 passing yards and 95 touchdown passes since 2023, ranking third and second in the NFL respectively across those categories. Despite these statistics, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback was excluded from the 2026 NFL Rank top 100 list, which featured 16 other players at his position. Mayfield previously declined a two-year extension worth more than $100 million in pursuit of long-term security. League personnel evaluators noted that while he struggled with health last year, he remains a top-10 talent when physically fit.

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III also missed the cut despite winning the Super Bowl MVP award. The 25-year-old produced 313 rushing yards and four touchdowns during a three-game postseason stretch. Last season, Walker tied for third in the league with 10 rushes of at least 20 yards, matching the explosive play production of Jahmyr Gibbs, Derrick Henry, and De’Von Achane. Walker has logged 821 carries over four seasons and is viewed by AFC scouts as a potential bell-cow runner under Andy Reid.

Defensive Omissions and Statistical Leaders

Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward was omitted from the top 100 despite being identified by executives as a top-seven player at his position. Over eight seasons, Ward has accumulated 18 interceptions and 74 pass deflections. Though he typically misses several games annually due to injury, AFC executives describe him as one of the smoothest athletes in the sport. Similarly, Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch was left off the ballot despite a 1.9% pass breakup percentage that ranks third among all safeties. In 2025, Branch became one of only two defensive backs to record at least five passes defended, five tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks, though an Achilles tear late in the season impacted his standing.

New England Patriots defensive tackle Milton Williams represents another significant omission. Williams earns $26 million annually and provided 3.5 sacks along with eight tackles for loss across 12 games in 2025. His presence drastically improved the Patriots' run defense, yet he was not among the nine defensive tackles selected for the list. In Philadelphia, Zack Baun earned All-Pro honors and is considered a top-five linebacker by league personnel. Baun has totaled 273 tackles, seven sacks, and three interceptions over the last two seasons, yet he was excluded while only four off-ball linebackers made the final rankings.

Offensive Line and Skill Position Absences

Tennessee Titans guard Peter Skoronski is the highest-paid player at his position with a $25 million annual salary, yet he did not rank among the top five guards. Skoronski finished the 2025 season ranked fourth among guards with a 96.0% pass block win rate. Other guards who made the list instead of Skoronski include Joe Thuney, Quinn Meinerz, Quenton Nelson, Chris Lindstrom, and Tyler Smith. Kansas City’s Trey Smith was also noted as a prominent snub on the interior offensive line.

New York Giants receiver Malik Nabers was absent from the 12 wideouts selected for the top 100. The 23-year-old is one of only 10 players in NFL history to record over 1,200 receiving yards as a rookie, a feat he achieved in 2024. His 2025 production was limited to 18 catches for 271 yards in four games due to a torn ACL. At tight end, Green Bay’s Tucker Kraft was highlighted for his vertical threat and blocking ability. Kraft is currently in discussions for a contract extension that could make him the first $20 million-per-year tight end in the NFL by Week 1.

Laremy Tunsil of the Commanders and Aaron Donald of the Rams were not considered for the 2026 projections due to a triceps injury and a late return from retirement, respectively.