Seven offensive players and two defensive Eagles make up nine percent of the top 100 players.
The Eagles have one of the most talented and complete rosters in the NFL, and nine of those players landed on Top 100 NFL Players in 2023 list released by Pete Prisco of CBS. Nine percent of the league’s top talent being in Philly is both no surprise and incredibly exciting. While there was some turnover at guard during free agency, many of the key players on both offense and defense will return to the Eagles in 2023.
Here’s where the Eagles landed on the list:
No. 18: Lane Johnson
For years, Johnson was underrated, but that’s no longer the case. The offensive tackle is the highest-rated Eagles player on this list, and the second-highest-rated offensive lineman — behind only Trent Williams.
After the last few seasons, there is no question that Johnson is the best right tackle in the league, and is such a critical part of the Eagles’ dominant offensive line. He played through a torn adductor under the team Super Bowl run, but OT had surgery right after the season and was cleared to return in mid-May.
No. 31: Jalen Hurts
“He has quickly developed into a top-level quarterback who took the Eagles to the Super Bowl last season. He is a threat as both a runner and a thrower, which is why the Eagles signed him to a long-term extension this year.” — Pete Prisco
The Eagles put all their trust (deservedly) in the hands of Jalen Hurts when they signed him to a league-high, $255 million deal ahead of OTAs. Getting the deal done was a priority throughout the organization, with CEO Jeffrey Lurie, GM Howie Roseman and head coach Nick Sirianni all talking about it at some point after the 2022 season.
Still, Hurts was the fourth quarterback on Prisco’s Top 100 list, joining Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen and Joe Burrow at Nos. 1, 2 and 3. If Hurts is able to replicate and build on the offense, he helped develop last season – with all indications that this will be the case – and stay healthy, QB ought to join that group of elite quarterbacks.
No. 42: Jason Kelce
Any year that Jason Kelce is on the Eagles’ roster is a good year. The fact that he’s coming back for another season was a huge deal — Jalen Hurts pointed to his return as one of the moves that stood out for him. He chose to return for several reasons, including having the confidence to still be able to play effectively at a high level. Kelce mentioned this offseason that as he’s gotten older, he’s had to play more technically sound, and his attention to the small details is evident on game day.
No. 47: AJ Brown
“In his first season with the Eagles, he had a career-high 88 catches and averaged 17 yards per catch. He also tied for second in the league with six catches of 40 yards or more.” — Pete Prisco
Brown is such a big part of the Eagles offense and will continue to make big plays downfield and in coverage. His friendship with Hurts before they were teammates helped him set records in 2022, and with the many more reps under his belt, 2023 has the potential to be special.
No. 60: Jordan Mailata
“This former Australian rugby player has transformed himself into a top left tackle. He is a massive man who can overpower in the running game but has really progressed in pass protection.” — Pete Prisco
Mailata went from great story to great player in a matter of seasons, and coach Jeff Stoutland deserves a lot of credit along with the offensive group. Speaking to reporters during minicamp, Mailata talked about the culture in the Olympic space when he was drafted and how guys like Kelce and Johnson have set a standard that they’re trying to live up to.
For someone who had never played football before, Mailata has been surrounded by plenty of people to help develop him, but to land on Top 100 lists and be named a Pro Bowl alternative means that LT puts to work every day.
No. 64: Haason Reddick
“He tied with Myles Garrett for second in the league in sacks with 16. In his first season with the Eagles after signing as a free agent, he showed he can be a big problem as a disruptor off the edge.” — Pete Prisco
Easily one of the best offseason additions heading into the 2022 NFL season, Reddick was a big reason why the defense set several franchise records last year. He’ll have to adjust with a new defensive coordinator heading into this season, but Reddick is so versatile that he’ll be a big contributor no matter how he’s used under DC Sean Desai.
None. 69: DeVonta Smith
“He’s coming off a 95-catch season, the best by any Eagles receiver in team history. He also had seven touchdown catches.” — Pete Prisco
Smith is the perfect compliment to AJ Brown, and the pair were both able to thrive in the Eagles’ offense in 2022. There was no shortage of targets for either receiver, and they were both able to draw in coverage to help with to leave the other open. Brown said he and Smith are now a year together and have become closer friends on and off the field this offseason, which will translate into another big season for both.
No. 77: Landon Dickerson
“He was a Pro Bowl guard last season, in large part because he’s good in pass protection. With more experience, he’ll be higher on this list.” — Pete Prisco
The Eagles got such a steal when they drafted Dickerson, and after having to wait for him to fully come back from injury and gain some experience his rookie season, he thrived in Year 2. He and Mailata are best friends, which sure, both help out on the left side, but Dickerson has filled some pretty big shoes of some Philly alumni.
No. 96: Darius Slay
“He continues to be a playmaker in the Eagles defense. He’s not big in the run game, but he’s an important part of their coverage team.” — Pete Prisco
Slay is still considered a Top 100 player, and having another season with James Bradberry, the secondary as a whole should be playing at a high level. There wasn’t a whole lot of drama for the Eagles this offseason, but Slay planning to leave the team before finally deciding to stay was definitely a small blip that put him and his game under scrutiny. Still, the Eagles defense is better with the veteran on the field.
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