The Philadelphia Eagles were just ranked by ESPN as having the second-best roster in the NFL, a testament to how deep and athletic their roster is.
Every team is the sum of its parts, but there is a hierarchy, and not all parts carry the same weight.
Here are my top Eagles of the 2026 season.
The entire offense starts with Jalen Hurts. He controls the passing game and the rushing attack and is the team's leader. His ability to make plays under pressure and out of structure makes him one of the more dangerous QBs in the league. He also delivers in big moments, which is what has separated Philadelphia from its NFC competitors. When Hurts is playing at an MVP level, the Eagles are a legitimate Super Bowl threat. His performance ultimately sets the ceiling for the entire offense. He is being asked to make significant changes in 2026, including more under center and attacking the middle of the field more frequently. He has the potential to have his best season as a passer and lead the Eagles to their third Lombardi.
DeVonta Smith is one of the more polished receivers in the game, and he has been a model of consistency since he arrived in Philadelphia. In addition to his elite route-running, he offers big-play ability and is Jalen Hurts' most trusted deep-ball target, capable of winning over the top. The Slim Reaper has been a model of consistency, and in 2026, he is expected to be featured as a true WR1. The new scheme has many expecting a Jaxon Smith-Njigba-type of breakout. It is hard to imagine him not delivering.
Even at age 36, Lane Johnson remains the physical identity of the Eagles’ offensive line and its foundation. His ability to dominate the trenches while on an island over the last few years has defined the Eagles' brand of football. There will be schematic changes in 2026 that new OC Sean Mannion is bringing to town, but Lane seems energized and excited for the challenge. There is a reason the Eagles have struggled to win without him on the field since he was drafted in 2013. He is their anchor.
Barkley is the explosive weapon who changes how defenses have to prepare for Philadelphia. His ability to turn a routine play into a game-changing, home-run-explosive 20+ yard play forces defenses to respect the run. His big-play ability is an element few NFL offenses have. When he and the O-line are in sync, it creates opportunities for everyone in the passing game.
Mailata is one of the NFL's best left tackles in the game, giving the Eagles one of the most dominant tackle duos in football alongside Lane Johnson. His power, size, athleticism, and consistency have made the offense one of the more feared units in the NFL. He protects Hurts’ blindside and allows Philadelphia to stay committed to its physical style. His dominance on the left side helps everything else operate. 2026 may have him using his athletic traits in the run game more than they have since he became a starter.
Jalen Carter has the highest game-changing ability on the Eagles defense. Period. He is a game-wrecker, and the player every offensive coordinator who faces him has to scheme for. His ability to destroy plays from the interior dictates how offenses attack Philadelphia. When Carter takes over games, every player on his side of the ball benefits. His development is one of the biggest factors in determining the defense’s ceiling. If he evolves into who the Eagles think he can be, they could have the NFL's top defensive unit.
Quinyon is a true lockdown corner whose coverage ability allows the Philadelphia front to be more aggressive with its pass rush, and affords Fangio the ability to employ a multitude of defensive schemes. Mitchell has the talent to become one of the top corners in the NFL. The only element of his game that has kept him off top 5 lists at his position is a lack of interceptions. I coined Mitchell a YAC killer during his time in Toledo, and he continues that at the highest level by allowing a league-low 1.8 yards after the catch per reception. (per ESPN stats)
Cooper DeJean is one of the most versatile defenders on the roster; sometimes that leads to a lower ranking for him on national lists trying to determine his value at slot corner or safety. Not mine. He is a top talent, and his versatility lends to their ability to disguise many coverages. Eagles DC Vic Fangio is one of the best at his craft, and Cooper is a chess piece who can cover, blitz, and line up in different roles. He makes the defense harder to predict.
Zack is the heartbeat and stabilizing force of the Eagles defense. Baun is tough, instinctive, a great communicator, and the leader of the middle of the field. He keeps everyone around him organized and brings a discipline and consistency to the defense. His growth over the last two seasons is one of the more fascinating developments in the NFL.
Davis is obviously a big-bodied, massive presence who makes the Eagles stronger against the run, clogs up the middle, and frees up everyone behind him to make plays. His impact does not always show up on a stat sheet, but when he dominates the interior, the entire front feels almost immovable. He is a game-changer.
Who would be on your top-ten?
As always, thank you for reading!
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