Jeremy Fowler’s latest league survey put a few AFC names in some pretty familiar company, and the praise came with plenty of conviction.
In Denver, Garett Bolles drew strong marks from an anonymous NFL coordinator, who pointed to his steadiness in pass protection and the way he held up on his own. Quinn Meinerz also landed on Fowler’s interior linemen list, with another coordinator calling him a force in the run game and a more complete player than he used to be.
“Pass protection, he’s one of the most consistent. He can handle his own without help. He was a big part of the Broncos’ success on offense last year.”
“Mauler in the run game at the point of attack, good at the second level getting to linebackers, and solid in one-on-one pass pro. I know he was known for the gut and for run blocking, but he’s become more of a complete player.
He belongs in the top group. Much better in pass pro, occasional lapse where he’s overly physical and misses, but he’s generally more in control.”
Patrick Mahomes came in at No. 2 in Fowler’s quarterback rankings, and the comments around him were a mix of respect and concern. One quarterbacks coach said Mahomes still scares defenses like nobody else, while an NFL coordinator said the punishment he’s taken may already have started to show.
“He still puts fear in people like no other quarterback - gives you a shot in every game,” an NFL quarterbacks coach said. “His skill set combined with his will to win puts him at the top.”
“I think the hits were taking a toll even before the injury,” an NFL coordinator said of Mahomes. “He’s not the biggest guy. He’s such a stud, but the violent hits he’s taken, the big-time shots, are a thing.”
A veteran NFL defensive coach was even harsher about Mahomes’ play, saying the issues were there before the injury and arguing the Chiefs would have been in real trouble without him.
“Mahomes struggled even before the injury last year - held the ball too long and forced throws when it wasn’t necessary. Still tends to chase the big play instead of keeping the offense on schedule. If they don’t have him, they win three games, tops [last year].”
Chris Jones also showed up near the top of Fowler’s defensive tackle rankings, with one NFL coordinator still viewing him as a player offenses have to account for every week.
“He’s still a guy you have to game-plan for, but you don’t feel him as much as you used to,” an NFL coordinator said. “He’s been one of the best for a long time.”
In Las Vegas, Brock Bowers was the clear No. 1 in Fowler’s tight end rankings heading into 2026. An anonymous NFL defensive coordinator said Bowers stands out because of the full package he brings as a receiver.
“As far as route running, separation, zone instincts, yards-after-catch ability combination - he’s better than the field in those areas. A down year won’t change that.”
Tyler Linderbaum, now in his first season with the Raiders after leaving Baltimore, also made Fowler’s top interior linemen list. A veteran NFL defensive coach praised his power, movement, and ability to handle the operation up front.
“A heavy-handed center that can get to the second level. There aren’t many of those at the center position who can do that at a high level. And he can run the show from a communication standpoint.”
Maxx Crosby rounded out the Raiders presence on Fowler’s lists, landing among the league’s best pass rushers and drawing especially blunt praise from both an NFC executive and an AFC executive.
“He’s a bad motherf-er,” an NFC exec said. “Versus the run, the pass, whatever. He’s a pain in the ass all game.”
“You’re getting a complete body of work with Maxx; he does everything well,” an AFC executive added. “Pass rush, splash plays, great against the run, high motor, tackles in the backfield.”
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