**A different kind of Top 100**
Twelve months ago — shoot, six months ago! — any hierarchical player list without Jefferson in the Top 10 would be null and void as soon as it was published. That's not hyperbole, just an honest assessment.
And so it's natural to wonder where Jefferson stands in the eyes of others after barely cracking the PFF 101 for instance. In other words, how much of a hit did his future stock take and what's his new outlook?
Jefferson is on the cusp of the Top 10 for 2026 player projections, according to _Sports Illustrated_.
Gilberto Manzano of _SI_ recently unveiled his Top 100 ranking for next season, and he nestled "Jets" into the No. 14 spot with voting help from some of his colleagues at Monday Morning Quarterback (MMQB)_._
Manzano wrote the following:
_Voters didn't seem too concerned about the Vikings quarterback issues after McCarthy struggled with durability and improvement. Still, it's difficult to not view Jefferson as a top 20 player because of his elite skill set. Even in a down season, Jefferson produced his sixth consecutive 1,000-yard season. Expect the Vikings to correct their mistakes and make the obvious decision to give Jefferson the ball more in 2026._
Jefferson collected 51 points from voters (who combined heads to decide the Top 20), which was slightly more than 2025 NFL MVP Matthew Stafford, who celebrated his 38th birthday 10 days ago, and two-time MVP Lamar Jackson. In order, Packers edge Micah Parsons, Patriots QB Drake Maye, Cardinals TE Trey McBride and Buccaneers tackle Tristan Wirfs followed them as vote-getters and Top 20 choices for 2026.