With 2024 NFL training camps on the horizon, the league's true insiders made their voices heard. ESPN surveyed league executives, coaches and scouts to help us rank the top 10 players at 11 different positions, from quarterback to cornerback and all positions in between. This was the fifth edition of these rankings, and as usual, several players moved up or fell off last year's lists.
A reminder of the rankings process: Voters gave us their best 10 players at a position, then we compiled the results and ranked candidates based on number of top-10 votes, composite average and dozens of interviews, with research and film study help from ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen. In total, nearly 80 voters submitted a ballot on at least one position, and in many cases all positions. Additional voting and follow-up calls with those surveyed helped us break any ties.
Each section included quotes and nuggets from the voters on every ranked player -- even the honorable mentions. The objective was to identify the best players for 2024. This was not a five-year projection or a career achievement award. Who are the best players today?
We rolled out a position per day over 11 days. The schedule: running backs (7/8), defensive tackles (7/9), edge rushers (7/10), safeties (7/11), tight ends (7/12), interior offensive linemen (7/13), offensive tackles (7/14), quarterbacks (7/15), off-ball linebackers (7/16), wide receivers (7/17), cornerbacks (7/18).
No position saw more turbulence year-over-year than cornerback.
Five corners entered the top 10 for the first time, with the 2022 and 2023 draft classes showing up big.
The honorable mention list reads like an All-Pro list, several former top-five corners were left out, and a veteran out of the AFC North makes a surprise jump into the top two.
No player truly dominated the voting, with one star in particular taking a surprise hit among some reputable voters.
"For a few years now, I don't think there's [been] an elite shutdown corner," an NFC executive said. "Obviously everything favors the passing game so it's probably a tougher task than ever before, so it's about placing a strong value on the guys that can add to the game as a blitzer, in run support or have knacks to make plays vs. perimeter screens."
Let's look at some of the game's top corners as ranked by execs, coaches and scouts around the NFL.
1. Pat Surtain II, Denver Broncos
Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 10
Age: 24 | Last year's ranking: 1
More than 50% of voters consider Surtain to be the best cornerback the game has to offer.
"Complete corner that can play in any coverage and has size, instincts, ball skills and will tackle," an NFL personnel director said. "I like the corners that can do it all."
But several evaluators saw slippage in his play in 2023, and his grip on the top spot wasn't overwhelming.
Surtain allowed 58 receptions for 790 yards, 4 touchdowns and 1 interception on 90 targets as the nearest defender, good enough for a 102.5 passer rating for opposing quarterbacks.
The context, according to multiple coaches who prepped for Surtain, is Denver sometimes played in softer zones that attached Surtain as the 'nearest defender' quite loosely at times. And random plays such as a 68-yard double-move score from Robbie Chosen late in a blowout loss to Miami affected the bottom line.
Surtain played 535 coverage snaps, which is a high volume.
"He did not have the best year," an NFL coordinator said. "But he's still the best pure talent, he moves the best, and you can do the most with him as far as coverage, so if I'm starting a team, I'm probably picking him."
2. Denzel Ward, Cleveland Browns
Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 10
Age: 27 | Last year's ranking: 9
Ward makes the biggest jump in the rankings in what feels like long-overdue recognition. Part of what held him back is durability, as he misses at least a few games every year.
But not many receivers are smoother. On 63 targets, Ward allowed 31 receptions for 290 yards, 0 touchdowns and 2 interceptions along with a 17.5% ball-hawk rate (the percentage of targets where the nearest defender made a play on the football, either a pass defensed or an interception, according to NFL Next Gen Stats,).
"Fast, fluid, with upper-tier coverage skills and high football IQ," an NFL personnel evaluator said. "Can create ball production in man or zone but can match up against just about any No. 1 receiver due to his size and speed. And he has the elite movement skills to cover in the slot when asked."
Over six seasons, Ward has 15 interceptions, 99 pass breakups and three Pro Bowls.
Cleveland's top-five defensive breakthrough under coordinator Jim Schwartz has enhanced the profile for Ward and others on that defense.
3. Sauce Gardner, New York Jets
Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: Unranked
Age: 23 | Last year's ranking: 2
Gardner gathered fewer top votes than he did after his rookie year when he pushed Surtain for the top spot.
He's a polarizing figure.
"Who else with his length and size (6-foot-3) can cover like him?" a veteran AFC scout said. "He's the best."
"One of the most overrated players in the league," a high-ranking NFL personnel evaluator said. "You could call holding on him every play."
Supporters say Gardner is so good that quarterbacks stay away from his side.
Gardner was targeted 57 times last year and allowed 366 yards and two touchdowns. He has the coverage production -- with 31 pass breakups and two touchdowns allowed over his first two seasons -- but hasn't shown a knack for turnovers, with two career picks.
His 19.3% ball-hawk rate is among the best. But the handsy rep is becoming a thing, and a few established personnel executives left him off the top 10 altogether.
"He doesn't get a lot of balls thrown at him," a scouting director with an NFL team said. "He locks down and has been that good where teams throw away and don't test him. That alone tells me something."
4. L'Jarius Sneed, Tennessee Titans
Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 10
Age: 27 | Last year's ranking: Honorable mention
The 2024 postseason featured a signature moment from Sneed, then a Kansas City Chief, nearly every week. He manhandled Tyreek Hill on a blocking play. He Superman-dove across the goal line to pop the ball out of Zay Flowers' grasp. And he helped clamp down Brandon Aiyuk in the Super Bowl.
"He's such a pain in the ass," an NFC offensive coach said. "You're in for a long day when you play him."
He's handsy in coverage, committing an NFL-high 17 penalties last year, mostly for holding.
But coaches swear by him. And his 13 pass deflections on 90 targets and zero touchdowns allowed speak for him.
"He can struggle with the quick, shiftier players, but with the bigger body receivers, he can dominate as a physical press corner because of his physicality, and he's always up for the challenge," an AFC defensive coach said. "Excels in man or zone. And he has a knack for timely playmaking, and he will come up in run support and tackle."
One thing to watch is how Sneed's knee holds up. He battled through a knee issue in 2023, and the lingering issue was a consideration when Tennessee traded for him.
5. Jalen Ramsey, Miami Dolphins
Highest ranking: 2 | Lowest ranking: Unranked
Age: 29 | Last year's ranking: 3
One personnel director with an NFL team perfectly summarized Ramsey, who has a Hall of Fame case as the best corner for a stretch of the past decade.
"Outstanding when he wants to be," he said.
Opposing quarterbacks recorded a 66.2 passer rating against Ramsey, who allowed 269 yards and two touchdowns in coverage. His three interceptions in 10 games played last season were impressive, and he has earned a Pro Bowl nod in nine straight seasons.
Ramsey's rep the past few years is that he's not always motivated to dominate.
"He might be declining a little at this stage, but he can still impose his will on a game," a veteran NFL offensive coach said.
6. Trent McDuffie, Kansas City Chiefs
Highest ranking: 3 | Lowest ranking: Unranked
Age: 23 | Last year's ranking: Unranked
McDuffie has made a quick impression in two NFL seasons, earning first-team All-Pro honors with 80 tackles, 3 sacks and 5 forced fumbles last season.
His coverage numbers aren't great. On 77 targets with McDuffie as the nearest defender, quarterbacks completed 51 passes for 573 yards, 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions, good for a 101.3 passer rating.
But those on the sidelines aren't fooled. McDuffie can play.
"He's such a good player -- he lacks unique physical skills but he's about as good as they come with technique, footwork, quickness and feel," an NFC executive said. "He continually shows up with big plays in key moments."
An NFL coordinator added: "Pure, more fluid corner in space than Sneed. Might not be as physical as him but that's coming with experience -- he has that gear. He's going to be a great one."
7. Jaire Alexander, Green Bay Packers
Highest ranking: 4 | Lowest ranking: Unranked
Age: 27 | Last year's ranking: 4
Once a top-three corner, Alexander could use a bounce-back season.
He missed 10 games in 2023, one via suspension for anointing himself a game captain against the Carolina Panthers and nearly botching the coin toss. This comes two years after he missed 13 games.
"He's been up and down, but he's always good against Justin Jefferson," an NFC executive said. "The guys who match up well with the top guys will always be on the list."
Last season, Alexander allowed a 114.5 passer rating to opposing quarterbacks as the nearest defender.
8. Jaylon Johnson, Chicago Bears
Highest ranking: 4 | Lowest ranking: Unranked
Age: 25 | Last year's ranking: Unranked
Everything came together for Johnson, who earned a four-year, $76 million contract off the strength of a banner 2023.
On 57 targets, Johnson allowed 33 receptions, 286 yards and one touchdown while making four interceptions, producing a 17.5% ball-hawk rate.
No cornerback was hotter in the second half of the season. He was probably Chicago's best overall player. It was a good thing the Bears didn't trade him at the deadline as he requested.
"Competitive corner with man traits and excellent zone vision," an NFL personnel evaluator said. "Physical in press and fluid at the break point. Showed more ball production last year. Only thing he lacks is top-end recovery speed."
9. Devon Witherspoon, Seattle Seahawks
Highest ranking: 4 | Lowest ranking: Unranked
Age: 23 | Last year's ranking: N/A
Witherspoon wasted little time becoming a top player in the competitive NFC West.
Seattle deployed him in a variety of ways, from instinctive cover man (16 pass deflections) to effective blitzer (3 sacks, 8 tackles for loss).
"Witherspoon is a baller," an AFC scout said. "He's the most physical corner in the NFL, and he's hyper competitive."
Witherspoon's play earned him a Pro Bowl nod and a fourth-place finish in the Defensive Rookie of the Year race.
10. Derek Stingley Jr., Houston Texans
Highest ranking: 2 | Lowest ranking: Unranked
Age: 23 | Last year's ranking: Unranked
Stingley went one pick ahead of Gardner in the 2022 draft -- Nos. 3 and 4, respectively -- and while Gardner captivated earlier, Stingley is validating his status, too.
Stingley had major ball production in 2023, with five interceptions and 13 pass breakups in 11 games. His 31% ball-hawk rate led the league.
This is a case where the stats and the eye-test skills match.
"So smooth and athletic," an AFC scout said. "No physical limitations. Really strong with good ball skills."
Honorable mentions
Marlon Humphrey, Baltimore Ravens: Over seven seasons, Humphrey has 13 interceptions and 58 pass breakups. "He's still one of the best, to me. He can do a little bit of everything. He hasn't made the impact plays in recent years," an NFC offensive coach said.
Trevon Diggs, Dallas Cowboys: Diggs has been steady for the Cowboys' defense. In four seasons, he has racked up 18 interceptions and two forced fumbles. "He was hard to place because of the health issue [ACL tear in September] but he's still one of the best ball hawks and he's tried to play more disciplined in recent years," an AFC executive said.
A.J. Terrell, Atlanta Falcons: Over four seasons with the Falcons, Terrell has 36 pass breakups and four interceptions. "I love the player, the size and coverage ability, but where's the ball production?" an NFL personnel evaluator said.
Charvarius Ward, San Francisco 49ers: Ward had a big role in the 49ers' defensive success in 2023; he played 878 snaps and collected five interceptions. "Probably the most underrated corner in the league. Doesn't get a lot of credit, but he's a problem for the top receivers," an NFC coordinator said.
Christian Gonzalez, New England Patriots: Before his season came to an early end due to a shoulder injury, Gonzalez impressed with one interception, two pass breakups and one quarterback hit in four games. "I'd have him really high had he not gotten hurt [last season]. A stud," an AFC executive said.
Marshon Lattimore, New Orleans Saints: Across 90 games, Lattimore has recorded 66 pass breakups, 15 interceptions and 5 forced fumbles. "Still love the physicality and the man-coverage traits but he's no longer an ascending player and he's missed a lot of time in recent years," an NFL personnel evaluator said.
Also receiving votes: DaRon Bland (Dallas Cowboys), Riq Woolen (Seattle Seahawks), Jaycee Horn (Carolina Panthers), D.J. Reed (New York Jets), Darius Slay Jr. (Philadelphia Eagles), Jack Jones (Las Vegas Raiders), Joey Porter Jr. (Pittsburgh Steelers), Martin Emerson Jr. (Cleveland Browns)