Lamar Jackson has become the biggest name in the early 2026 rankings, with seemingly clashing rankings from NFL Media and ESPN. On the NFL player rankings, Jackson finished No. 69. On the ESPN quarterback rankings, the Ravens quarterback was No. 5. Dan Orlovsky, a member of ESPN with previous ties to the NFL as a Detroit Lions quarterback, gave his reaction to the situation.
In a post on Wednesday on X, Orlovsky expressed a strong level of disagreement with Jackson’s placement on the NFL list.
“We don’t have to overthink this,” he posted. “Lamar being ranked 69 is dumb. Means nothing.”
Jackson’s placement was ranked with every other player in the league, placing him alongside tight ends, wide receivers and other position groups. In 2025, Jackson was ranked No. 2. His placement in 2026 marks a drop of 67 places. With another significant drop of similar size, Jackson would find himself outside the top 100 altogether.
NFL Fans React to Lamar Jackson’s Ranking
NFL fans largely sided with Dan Orlovsky when the original announcement of Lamar Jackson’s ranking was dropped on Monday. Most fans strongly disagreed, and some braced for the quarterback to make the ranking look silly by the end of the season.
More fans reacted. One called out the voting process as less than scientific.
The NFL zeitgeist has spoken, which leaves it on Jackson’s shoulders to prove them right. The quarterback’s first game of the regular season under Jesse Minter will take place on Sept. 13.
Read More News:
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
