ESPN's top 10 NFL rankings are complete. Here's where each Eagles player landed.
by Ethan Kopelman
Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
ESPN recently concluded its annual series of NFL positional rankings — as voted by NFL executives, coaches, and scouts. Ten members of the Super Bowl champion Eagles made the cut — while another was an honorable mention — but not everyone was happy with where their favorite players landed. Here’s where they ranked …
Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer
ESPN recently concluded its annual series of NFL positional rankings — as voted by NFL executives, coaches, and scouts. Ten members of the Super Bowl champion Eagles made the cut — while another was an honorable mention — but not everyone was happy with where their favorite players landed. Here’s where they ranked …
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Quarterback: Jalen Hurts, 9th
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ESPN justified its ranking by saying Hurts “needs a steady running game around him and wouldn’t necessarily thrive in a pass-heavy system,” and pointed to his career-high 15 interceptions in 2023, when the team asked him to throw more.
Quarterback: Jalen Hurts, 9th
ESPN justified its ranking by saying Hurts “needs a steady running game around him and wouldn’t necessarily thrive in a pass-heavy system,” and pointed to his career-high 15 interceptions in 2023, when the team asked him to throw more.
“When I think of the quarterback position, I think of winning,” he added. “The winningest quarterback right now is Jalen Hurts."
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Running back: Saquon Barkley, 1st
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Barkley enjoyed a career year playing under the Eagles’ offensive line. The Penn State alum demolished his career high in rushing yards, backward hurdling his way to the ninth 2,000 rushing yard season of all time with a game to spare.
Running back: Saquon Barkley, 1st
Barkley enjoyed a career year playing under the Eagles’ offensive line. The Penn State alum demolished his career high in rushing yards, backward hurdling his way to the ninth 2,000 rushing yard season of all time with a game to spare.
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Wide receiver: A.J. Brown, 5th
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Despite lower numbers than some near him — due to the team’s reliance on the run and playing alongside DeVonta Smith, who also got votes — Brown was highly ranked. ESPN noted the team averaged 13 more points per game with him on the field.
Wide receiver: A.J. Brown, 5th
Despite lower numbers than some near him — due to the team’s reliance on the run and playing alongside DeVonta Smith, who also got votes — Brown was highly ranked. ESPN noted the team averaged 13 more points per game with him on the field.
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Tight end: Dallas Goedert, 9th
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Early this offseason, Godert and his almost $11 million cap hit was rumored to be on the move to give the Eagles financial flexibility. But in May, Goedert restructured his deal to ensure he’d be back with the Birds for an eighth season.
Tight end: Dallas Goedert, 9th
Early this offseason, Godert and his almost $11 million cap hit was rumored to be on the move to give the Eagles financial flexibility. But in May, Goedert restructured his deal to ensure he’d be back with the Birds for an eighth season.
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Offensive tackle: Lane Johnson, 3rd
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With Brandon Graham’s retirement, Johnson is now the team’s longest tenured player, donning the midnight green since 2013. During his 12-year career, he has consistently been ranked inside the top 10 for both pass blocking and run blocking.
Offensive tackle: Lane Johnson, 3rd
With Brandon Graham’s retirement, Johnson is now the team’s longest tenured player, donning the midnight green since 2013. During his 12-year career, he has consistently been ranked inside the top 10 for both pass blocking and run blocking.
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Offensive tackle: Jordan Mailata, 5th
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The Eagles took a flier late in the 2018 draft, selecting Mailata, who had never played football before. The Australian soared in the NFL — and ESPN notes his 1.5 sacks allowed last season is tied for fewest among qualified tackles.
Offensive tackle: Jordan Mailata, 5th
The Eagles took a flier late in the 2018 draft, selecting Mailata, who had never played football before. The Australian soared in the NFL — and ESPN notes his 1.5 sacks allowed last season is tied for fewest among qualified tackles.
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Interior Offensive lineman: Landon Dickerson, 5th
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Not only has Dickerson been one of the best guards in the NFL since his arrival, he’s only missed two total games due to injury throughout his career after struggling with injuries throughout college. Honorable mention: Center Cam Jurgens.
Interior Offensive lineman: Landon Dickerson, 5th
Not only has Dickerson been one of the best guards in the NFL since his arrival, he’s only missed two total games due to injury throughout his career after struggling with injuries throughout college. Honorable mention: Center Cam Jurgens.
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Off-ball linebacker: Zack Baun, 3rd
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After four unspectacular seasons with New Orleans, Baun signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Eagles last offseason. Baun turned himself into a superstar, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors — and a brand new $51 million contract.
Off-ball linebacker: Zack Baun, 3rd
After four unspectacular seasons with New Orleans, Baun signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Eagles last offseason. Baun turned himself into a superstar, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors — and a brand new $51 million contract.
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Defensive tackle: Jalen Carter, 3rd
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Carter fell into Philly’s lap in 2023, after legal issues caused him to slide down draft boards. He’s been a steal for the Birds, and ESPN described Carter as “the classic need-to-see-him-in-person player. He’s as disruptive as they come."
Defensive tackle: Jalen Carter, 3rd
Carter fell into Philly’s lap in 2023, after legal issues caused him to slide down draft boards. He’s been a steal for the Birds, and ESPN described Carter as “the classic need-to-see-him-in-person player. He’s as disruptive as they come."
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Cornerback: Quinyon Mitchell, 9th
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Mitchell led the NFL in defensive yards-after-catch and earned the nickname “Quinyanamo Bay.” The young corner often lined up against opponents’ No. 1 receivers while playing alongside fellow rookie Cooper DeJean, who also received votes.
Cornerback: Quinyon Mitchell, 9th
Mitchell led the NFL in defensive yards-after-catch and earned the nickname “Quinyanamo Bay.” The young corner often lined up against opponents’ No. 1 receivers while playing alongside fellow rookie Cooper DeJean, who also received votes.