​Each offseason, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler polls NFL executives, coaches and scouts to create one of the league’s most interesting player-ranking projects. The annual series asks decision-makers from around the NFL to identify the top 10 players at every major position group, giving fans a look at how players are viewed by people inside the league. This year, the Denver Broncos were well represented across the rankings, with five players landing in the top 10 at their respective positions.
That total tied the Broncos for the fifth-most top-10 players on any NFL roster. The Detroit Lions led the league with nine players included in the rankings, but Denver’s strong showing reflects the high-end talent the team has built on both sides of the ball. After a season in which the Broncos had several standout performers earn national recognition, it is no surprise to see multiple Denver players receive praise from executives, coaches and scouts.
Cornerback Pat Surtain II headlined the Broncos’ group by earning the No. 1 spot among all NFL cornerbacks. Surtain has established himself as one of the league’s premier defensive backs, and his combination of coverage ability, technique, athleticism and consistency has made him a cornerstone of Denver’s defense. Being ranked as the top cornerback in the NFL further confirms his status as one of the best overall defensive players in football.
Offensive guard Quinn Meinerz also earned a prominent place in ESPN’s rankings, coming in as the No. 4 interior offensive lineman in the league. Meinerz has developed into a key piece of Denver’s offensive front, bringing physicality, power and reliability to the Broncos’ run game and pass protection. His rise into the top five at his position shows how much respect he has gained around the NFL.
Defensive lineman Zach Allen was ranked as the No. 8 defensive tackle, giving the Broncos another top-10 player in the trenches. Allen has become an important part of Denver’s defensive front, providing disruption against both the run and the pass. His ability to create pressure from the interior and consistently impact games helped him earn recognition among the league’s best defensive tackles.
Veteran left tackle Garett Bolles was also included in the top 10, ranking as the No. 10 offensive tackle. Bolles has been a steady presence on Denver’s offensive line and remains one of the team’s most important blockers. His inclusion in the rankings highlights the respect he continues to command from people around the NFL, especially at one of the sport’s most valuable positions.
Edge rusher Nik Bonitto rounded out the Broncos’ top-10 selections, ranking as the No. 10 pass rusher. Bonitto’s speed, bend and ability to pressure quarterbacks helped him take a major step forward, and his appearance on the list shows that his breakout performance did not go unnoticed. As Denver looks to continue building a strong defense, Bonitto’s development gives the Broncos another dynamic playmaker off the edge.
All five of Denver’s ranked players were selected to the Pro Bowl, underscoring the quality of the group. Surtain, Meinerz, Allen and Bolles were also named All-Pros last season, while Bonitto’s Pro Bowl nod reflected his growing impact as one of the Broncos’ top defenders. Having five players recognized among the NFL’s best is a strong sign for a Denver roster looking to compete at a higher level.
The Broncos’ top-ranked players in ESPN’s offseason survey were: Pat Surtain II as the No. 1 cornerback, Quinn Meinerz as the No. 4 interior offensive lineman, Zach Allen as the No. 8 defensive tackle, Garett Bolles as the No. 10 offensive tackle and Nik Bonitto as the No. 10 edge rusher.
Quarterback Bo Nix did not crack the top 10 at his position, but he did receive votes from NFL evaluators. Nix landed in the “also received votes” category behind the 10 ranked quarterbacks and seven honorable mentions. That recognition is still notable for a young quarterback working to establish himself in the league, and it suggests that some evaluators are already intrigued by his potential.
Jaylen Waddle also received votes at wide receiver, while Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones received votes at safety. Those mentions show how deep the ESPN rankings process goes beyond the official top-10 lists, with several additional players earning consideration from NFL coaches, scouts and executives.
For the Broncos, the biggest takeaway is clear: Denver has multiple players viewed as elite or near-elite at their positions. With Surtain leading the way as the NFL’s top cornerback and several other Broncos earning top-10 recognition, the team’s roster features a strong foundation of proven talent. If Denver can continue developing its young players and get consistent production from its core veterans, the Broncos could be positioned for an even stronger season ahead.