Following its Top 10 quarterback rankings, ESPN has released its annual list of the NFL’s best wide receivers. Unsurprisingly, the Dallas Cowboys are well represented, with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens both earning spots in the top 10.
The rankings weren’t based on fan voting or media opinion alone. ESPN compiled the list using ballots from more than 70 NFL executives, coaches and scouts, with the final order determined by the overall voting results.
Lamb finished No. 6, while Pickens came in at No. 7. Topping the list was Cincinnati Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase, who retained the No. 1 spot after another outstanding season. He was followed by Justin Jefferson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Puka Nacua, and Amon-Ra St. Brown.
The top 10 wide receivers in the NFL, per ESPN:
- Ja’Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals)
- Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings)
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seattle Seahawks)
- Puka Nacua (Los Angeles Rams)
- Amon-Ra St. Brown (Detroit Lions)
- CeeDee Lamb (Dallas Cowboys)
- George Pickens (Dallas Cowboys)
- Nico Collins (Houston Texans)
- A.J. Brown (New England Patriots)
- Davante Adams (Los Angeles Rams)
The honorable mentions of the list were:
- Malik Nabers (New York Giants)
- Mike Evans (San Francisco 49ers)
- Zay Flowers (Baltimore Ravens)
- Tyreek Hill (Free Agent)
- Drake London (Atlanta Falcons)
- Jameson Williams (Detroit Lions)
A day ago, Dak Prescott was ranked 6th in ESPN’s quarterback list (though there is dispute over his calibre in the NFL), which was topped by the Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen. And now, not only one but two Cowboys stars are in the top 10.
According to ESPN’s survey, Lamb remained highly respected around the league despite an injury-affected 2025 season. He finished the 2025 season after catching 75 throws for 1,077 receiving yards while scoring three touchdowns.
But evaluators still viewed him as one of the NFL’s most difficult receivers to defend because of his route running and ability to create separation. “With his ability to separate and make big plays, the attention he demands creates opportunities for others in the offense. He’s still on the short list of guys who give you problems consistently,” one NFC scout said.
Pickens, meanwhile, made one of the biggest jumps in this year’s rankings after recording 93 receptions, 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns last season. In his first season a Cowboy, the former Pittsburgh Steeler’s emergence impressed league evaluators, with one NFL coordinator saying,”It’s Pickens. He has emerged.”
A veteran offensive coach also praised Pickens’ contested-catch ability, calling him “one of the best I’ve ever seen” in those situations while noting that consistency remains the next step in his development.
The latest rankings mean the Cowboys now have three offensive stars recognized among the NFL’s elite by ESPN’s panel, with Prescott ranked sixth among quarterbacks and both Lamb and Pickens earning top 10 honors at wide receiver.
As training camp approaches, the trio is expected to form the foundation of Dallas’ offense as the Cowboys look to build on the momentum entering the 2026 NFL season.
