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ESPN's annual quarterback rankings always generate debate and this year is no exception as Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott checked in at No. 6 on the outlet's latest list.
While some may view the placement as a slight, it ultimately reinforces Prescott's standing as one of the NFL's most consistent and productive quarterbacks heading into the 2026 season. His ranking comes on the heels of a strong 2025 campaign in which he threw for 4,552 yards - good for third-most throughout the league.
His 30 touchdown passes were fourth-most in the NFL and he finished with a 70.2 QBR that ranked fifth-best overall. His ability to command the offense, distribute the ball to multiple playmakers, and limit mistakes continues to be a defining trait in his game.
The voters gave Bills quarterback Josh Allen the top spot, followed by Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes. In third place came L.A.'s Matthew Stafford, while the fourth spot was taken by Cincinnati's Joe Burrow. Baltimore's Lamar Jackson rounds out the top five, sparking what will undoubtedly be the debate.
As a reminder, ESPN's rankings are compiled from a collection of league executives, coaches, and scouts about who is the best right now, not a legacy award nor a five-year future projection.
Prescott's highest ranking was third while some left him unranked altogether, but he did appear on "nearly 75%" of ballots. In last season's compilation, Prescott came in unranked, so his placement here marks a significant jump in recognition.
Compared to the top five, Prescott threw for more yards and more touchdowns than everyone except Stafford. While Burrow and Jackson both missed multiple games lowering their final totals, Prescott threw fewer interceptions than Mahomes and the same amount as Josh Allen (10).
Prescott has long shouldered the expectations that come with being the face of the league's most visible franchise. If he can translate his regular-season production into the postseason, there's little doubt he could climb higher on future lists.
As Dallas eyes a deep playoff run in 2026, Prescott's No. 6 ranking may ultimately be less about where he stands now — and more about how high he can still rise.
You can follow Angel on X @ArmyChiefW3 and be sure to follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: ESPN ranks Cowboys QB Dak Prescott lower than 2025 stats would suggest
Continue reading...
While some may view the placement as a slight, it ultimately reinforces Prescott's standing as one of the NFL's most consistent and productive quarterbacks heading into the 2026 season. His ranking comes on the heels of a strong 2025 campaign in which he threw for 4,552 yards - good for third-most throughout the league.
His 30 touchdown passes were fourth-most in the NFL and he finished with a 70.2 QBR that ranked fifth-best overall. His ability to command the offense, distribute the ball to multiple playmakers, and limit mistakes continues to be a defining trait in his game.
"He's a true, acute progression passer," an NFL coordinator said. "There are only so many of those types. He can read the whole field, from pre- to post-snap. He's just really a good commander of the offense." — ESPN
The voters gave Bills quarterback Josh Allen the top spot, followed by Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes. In third place came L.A.'s Matthew Stafford, while the fourth spot was taken by Cincinnati's Joe Burrow. Baltimore's Lamar Jackson rounds out the top five, sparking what will undoubtedly be the debate.
As a reminder, ESPN's rankings are compiled from a collection of league executives, coaches, and scouts about who is the best right now, not a legacy award nor a five-year future projection.
Prescott's highest ranking was third while some left him unranked altogether, but he did appear on "nearly 75%" of ballots. In last season's compilation, Prescott came in unranked, so his placement here marks a significant jump in recognition.
Compared to the top five, Prescott threw for more yards and more touchdowns than everyone except Stafford. While Burrow and Jackson both missed multiple games lowering their final totals, Prescott threw fewer interceptions than Mahomes and the same amount as Josh Allen (10).
Prescott has long shouldered the expectations that come with being the face of the league's most visible franchise. If he can translate his regular-season production into the postseason, there's little doubt he could climb higher on future lists.
As Dallas eyes a deep playoff run in 2026, Prescott's No. 6 ranking may ultimately be less about where he stands now — and more about how high he can still rise.
You can follow Angel on X @ArmyChiefW3 and be sure to follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: ESPN ranks Cowboys QB Dak Prescott lower than 2025 stats would suggest
Continue reading...