Fresh off a record-breaking season and a blockbuster trade to the Los Angeles Rams, Myles Garrett has been named the NFL's No. 1 player for 2026 by ESPN. The network's panel of experts unveiled their annual top 100 list, and for the first time since Aaron Donald in 2019, a defensive player sits atop the throne.
Garrett, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, shattered the single-season sack record with 23 sacks in 2025. Now, he's set to join a Rams defense that already ranked in the top 10, and the expectations are sky-high.
ESPN's Sarah Barshop highlighted the impact Garrett has already made on his new teammates. Rams safety Kam Curl didn't mince words: "He's an alien. He can do whatever he wants to do, and the offense can't do anything about it." Quarterback Matthew Stafford, who now faces Garrett in practice daily, called it a "chess match" because "he affects every time you drop back to throw the football."
The ranking is a prediction for the upcoming season, not a reflection of past performance, but fans still had plenty to say. Some questioned the placement of quarterback Drake Maye at No. 30, while others wondered why wide receiver Malik Nabers or cornerback Byron Murphy didn't make the cut. One fan joked, "Predicting 2026 when half of us can't plan past Tuesday."
Garrett's ascent to No. 1 is hardly a shock. He's joining a Rams squad that has been aggressive this offseason, and the potential return of Aaron Donald—who has been linked to a comeback since the trade—could make Los Angeles a defensive juggernaut. If Donald returns, even in a limited role, Garrett would have the best supporting cast of his career.
ESPN's list was compiled by a dozen analysts, including Aaron Schatz, Mina Kimes, and Field Yates. The inclusion of Garrett at the top signals a shift in how defenders are valued in a quarterback-driven league.
For Rams fans, the excitement is palpable. The team's coach has fueled speculation about Donald's return, and the possibility of pairing him with Garrett is a nightmare for opposing offenses. Meanwhile, Browns general manager Andrew Berry has defended the trade, calling it a "too great" opportunity to pass up, but Cleveland fans are left wondering what could have been.
Garrett's move to Los Angeles also comes with financial implications. The California tax bill means he's technically taking a pay cut compared to what he'd earn in Texas, but the chance to compete for a title clearly outweighed the financial hit.
As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Garrett to see if he can live up to the hype. If his past performance is any indication, the "alien" is ready to dominate once again.
