Josh Allen, Matthew Stafford Top Dan Orlovsky's Rankings of Top QB Traits for 2026 NFL Season

NFL player rankings are all the rage in the weeks leading up to the start of the regular season, and one expert took a unique look at the quarterback position.

ESPN's Dan Orlovsky released the third edition of his annual ranking of the best quarterbacks in the NFL at specific individual skills. He ranked the top 10 signal-callers by seven different traits: arm strength, ball placement, mechanics, decision-making, pocket presence, second-reaction creativity and rushing ability, with two stars dominating the field.

Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen was ranked No. 1 in arm strength, decision-making and second-reaction creativity. Los Angeles Rams star and 2025 NFL MVP Matthew Stafford took the top spot in ball placement and mechanics.

"His ability to get zip on his throws from uncomfortable positions really stands out. He just flicks his wrist, and the ball is suddenly in his receiver's hands on a rope," Orlovsky stated of Allen. "Not every QB1 can do that, and yet he does it with consistency."

While he noted that Stafford faced some competition from Cincinnati Bengals star Joe Burrow, he praised the 38-year-old's immaculate mechanics.

"Defenses don't know what's coming because every throw looks exactly the same coming out. It's amazing consistency. The tight connection between Stafford's upper and lower body allows him to pull off all those no-look throws," Orlovsky stated. "Defenses can't tell the difference until his release, and bam, the ball is going somewhere unexpected."

The No. 1 pocket presence went to New England Patriots star Drake Maye, while Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson maintained his top spot in rushing ability.

The 2026 NFL season will start on Sept. 6 with the Patriots meeting the reigning champion Seattle Seahawks in a Super Bowl LX rematch.