In ESPN’s sixth annual NFL player rankings, League executives, coaches and scouts voted CB Sauce Gardner, DL Quinnen Williams and WR Garrett Wilson among the league's best at their respective positions
Gardner was voted the No. 5 cornerback after recording 9 pass defenses on 51 targets last season.
"Gardner had a respectable 2024 season, holding quarterbacks to an 83.3 passer rating when targeted," senior NFL national reporter Jeremy Fowler wrote.
Williams also earned the No. 5 slot on the list of top defensive tackles after his third consecutive Pro Bowl selection in 2024.
"Williams has been one of the constants amid persistent Jets changes," Fowler wrote.
In 2024, Williams recorded 6 sacks and 18 QB hits, and he has recorded 23.5 sacks over the course of the past three seasons.
"True three-down player -- talented inside rusher who is fully capable against the run," an NFL personnel staffer.
"He's a guy you have to dedicate a game plan to," an NFL coordinator added. "One of the most complete interior guys in the game."
Wilson, who landed at No. 10 on the wide receivers list, made his top-10 debut after recording three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. His strong rookie and sophomore campaigns earned him an honorable mention in last year's ranking, and he has continued to ascend.
"On talent, he's unquestionably a top-10 player," Fowler wrote. "The way he slithers in and out of routes with elite flexibility is Justin Jefferson lite."
During the 2024 season, Wilson logged career highs in receptions (101), receiving yards (1104) and touchdowns (7).
"He's one of the best separators in the league," an AFC executive said.
