The Eagles have one of the vital gifted and full rosters within the NFL, and 9 of these gamers landed on the High 100 NFL gamers of 2023 listing put out by Pete Prisco of CBS. 9 p.c of the league’s high expertise being in Philly is each no shock and extremely thrilling. Whereas there was fairly a little bit of roster turnover throughout free company, lots of the key gamers on each offense and protection will return for the Eagles in 2023.
Right here’s the place the Eagles landed on the listing:
No. 18: Lane Johnson
For years, Johnson was underappreciated, however that’s not the case anymore. The offensive deal with is the best ranked Eagles participant on this listing, and the second highest ranked offensive lineman — behind solely Trent Williams.
After the previous couple of seasons there’s little query that Johnson is the perfect proper deal with within the league, and is such a crucial piece of the Eagles’ dominant offensive line. He performed by a torn adductor in the course of the staff’s Tremendous Bowl run, however the OT had surgical procedure proper after the season and was cleared to return in mid-Could.
No. 31: Jalen Hurts
“He has shortly developed right into a top-level quarterback, taking the Eagles to the Tremendous Bowl final season. He’s a menace as each a runner and thrower, which is why the Eagles signed him to a long-term extension this yr.” — Pete Prisco
The Eagles put all their belief (deservedly) within the palms of Jalen Hurts after they signed him to a league-high, $255 million deal forward of OTAs. Getting the deal performed was a precedence all through the group, with CEO Jeffrey Lurie, GM Howie Roseman, and head coach Nick Sirianni all speaking about it in some unspecified time in the future after the 2022 season.
Nonetheless, Hurts was the fourth quarterback on Prisco’s High 100 listing, with Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow going No. 1, 2 and three. If Hurts is ready to replicate and construct on the offense he helped develop final season — with all indications that this would be the case —, and keep wholesome, the QB ought to be included in that group of elite quarterbacks.
No. 42: Jason Kelce
Yearly that Jason Kelce is on the Eagles’ roster, is an efficient yr. The truth that he’s coming again for one more season was an enormous deal — Jalen Hurts pointed to his return as one of many roster strikes that stood out to him. He selected to come back again for quite a few causes, together with having confidence in nonetheless having the ability to play successfully at a excessive degree. Kelce talked about this offseason that as he’s gotten older, he’s needed to play extra technically sound, and his consideration to these little particulars is obvious on recreation day.
No. 47: A.J. Brown
“In his first season with the Eagles, he had a career-high 88 catches and averaged 17 yards per catch. He additionally tied for second within the league with six catches of 40 yards or extra.” — Pete Prisco
Brown is such an enormous a part of the Eagles offense, and can proceed to make huge performs downfield and in protection. His friendship with Hurts earlier than they had been teammates helped him set information in 2022, and with that many extra reps underneath their belts, 2023 has the potential to be particular.
No. 60: Jordan Mailata
“This former Australian rugby participant has turned himself right into a high left deal with. He’s an enormous man who can overpower within the run recreation, however has actually made strides in cross safety.” — Pete Prisco
Mailata went from good story to good participant in a matter of only a few seasons, and coach Jeff Stoutland deserves a number of credit score, together with the offensive line group. Mailata spoke to reporters throughout minicamp and talked in regards to the tradition of the OL room when he was drafted, and the way guys like Kelce and Johnson have set a normal that they attempt to meet.
For somebody who had by no means performed soccer earlier than, Mailata has been surrounded by loads of individuals to assist develop him, however to land on High 100 lists and be named a Professional Bowl alternate means the LT is placing within the work on a regular basis.
No. 64: Haason Reddick
“He tied with Myles Garrett for second within the league in sacks with 16. In his first season with the Eagles after signing as a free agent, he confirmed he generally is a main drawback as a disrupter off the sting.” — Pete Prisco
Simply among the finest offseason additions heading into the 2022 NFL season, Reddick was an enormous cause the protection set a number of franchise information final yr. He’ll have to regulate with a brand new defensive coordinator heading into this season, however Reddick is so versatile, he’ll be a giant contributor irrespective of how he’s used underneath DC Sean Desai.
No. 69: DeVonta Smith
“He’s coming off a 95-catch season, the perfect catch quantity for any Eagles receiver in staff historical past. He additionally had seven landing catches.” — Pete Prisco
Smith is the proper praise to A.J. Brown, and the pair had been each in a position to thrive within the Eagles’ 2022 offense. There was no lack of targets to both receiver, they usually each had been in a position to attract protection to assist depart the opposite open. Brown mentioned that he and Smith now have a yr collectively, and are nearer mates on and off the sector this offseason, which is able to translate to a different huge season for each.
No. 77: Landon Dickerson
“He turned a Professional Bowl guard final season largely as a result of he’s good in cross safety. With extra expertise, he shall be greater on this listing.” — Pete Prisco
The Eagles acquired such a steal after they drafted Dickerson, and after having to attend for him to get absolutely again after harm, and get some expertise, his rookie season, he thrived in Yr 2. He and Mailata are finest mates, which actually helps each of them on the left aspect, however Dickerson has stuffed some fairly huge footwear by some Philly alumni.
No. 96: Darius Slay
“He continues to be a playmaker on the Eagles protection. He isn’t nice within the run recreation, however he is a crucial a part of their protection groups.” — Pete Prisco
Slay continues to be thought of a High 100 participant, and having a second season with James Bradberry, the secondary as a complete ought to play at a excessive degree. There wasn’t a complete lot of drama for the Eagles this offseason, however Slay planning to go away the staff earlier than finally deciding to remain was actually a bit of blip that drew him and his play underneath the microscope. Nonetheless, the Eagles protection is best with the veteran on the sector.
