Analysis: Debating Seahawks’ Rankings on ESPN Top 10 Lists

During the agonizing buffer period between the conclusion of offseason programs and the start of training camp during June and July, the annual arrival of NFL ranking season comes full force to help fill the gap for football fans.

Among the most notable rankings to be revealed each year, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler unleashes a top-10 list for 11 positional groups on offense and defense, using polls of select executives, coaches, and scouts to compile the rankings. The changes from year-to-year can be a fascinating case study in itself, seeing how opinions of certain players change over time with the rankings being predicated on the best players at each position in the present.

Interestingly, after winning Super Bowl LX, the Seattle Seahawks only had four players who landed top-10 spots at their respective positions. In contrast, nine other teams had five or more players who received such distinction, including the Lions with a league-high nine players who made the annual lists and the NFC West rival 49ers and Rams each having five apiece.

Looking at this year’s top-10 rankings provided courtesy of Fowler and ESPN, did those who placed votes get it right with the defending champions? Or did they miss the mark with several deserving players?

Corbin Smith

After teaching and coaching high school football for five years, Smith transitioned into sports reporting in 2017 and spent seven years with Sports Illustrated as a Seahawks beat reporter before launching the Emerald City Spectrum in February 2025. He also has hosted the Locked On Seahawks podcast since 2019.

Sign up to read this post
Join Now
Previous
Previous

Instant Takeaways: Storm Nearly Spoil Clark’s Career Night in Shootout Loss vs. Fever

Next
Next

WATCH: Sounders Unravel for Worst Loss to Timbers in MLS Era