Matthew Judon remained a bright spot for the struggling New England Patriots team last season and is being recognized for his efforts. 

ESPN released rankings for different positions across the league, surveying "league executives, coaches, scouts, and players," along with looking at interviews and reviewing film. 

And after all that, Matthew Judon received a spot on the list, being placed as the No. 8 edge rusher in the league. 

Judon was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2016 and remained with the team for five years. However, the linebacker was said to have "underachieved a bit in Baltimore," averaging 6.9 sacks per season with the Ravens. 

He joined the Patriots in 2021 and has not disappointed. Judon has recorded 28 sacks and 120 total tackles since coming to New England. He has also made the Pro Bowl for the last two seasons. 

"But since pairing with coach Bill Belichick in New England, he's been one of the game's most productive edge rushers, with 28 sacks since 2021. Judon also had seven pass breakups last year," Fowler wrote. 

Going unranked last season, Judon received mixed votes during this years list, earning as high a placement as No. 3, while also going unranked once again on some experts' rankings. 

And with this list, Judon earned the highest placement across players in the AFC East, with Buffalo Bills' Von Miller being placed at No. 9. 

Here are the full rankings of the NFL's top 10 edge rushers: 

1. Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers 

2. Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns

3. Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys 

4. T.J. Watts, Pittsburgh Steelers

5. Haason Reddick, Philadelphia Eagles

6. Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders

7. Brian Burns, Carolina Panthers

8. Matthew Judon, New England Patriots

9. Von Millers, Buffalo Bills

10. Joey Bosa, Los Angeles Chargers

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Featured Image via Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports