Recently, ESPN ranked the top 100 NFL players of the upcoming 2018 season, and seven Philadelphia Eagles made the cut.
There’s always an added dimension that comes with success, and that’s more attention. Sure some guys can fly under the radar, particularly in a league like the NFL, where 53 men are on any given roster and 22 men are on the field at one time. Still, the Philadelphia Eagles are receiving a lot of attention these days, and a magical run they made through the 2017 season probably has a lot to do with it.
Winning in the NFL has normally produced certain types of results. Those team sells more jerseys. They’re on television more. They send more players to the Pro Bowl.
Recently, ESPN ranked the top 100 players in the league for the 2018 season, and seven members of Philly’s roster found their way onto the list.
The folks over at ‘The Worldwide Leader in Sports’ asked a panel of experts to rank players on how good they thought they’d be for the coming season. Then, they averaged everything out, and when it was all said and done, the champs were pretty well represented. Yep, the victory tour has yet to slow down in Philadelphia.
Here’s who made the cut.
1. Jason Kelce (98)
It’s funny now, but once upon a time, Jason Kelce was called too small and some fans were trying to run out of the city. He’s getting his proper due now, and it’s good to see.
2. Brandon Graham (94)
Here’s one of the guys who’s, without question, been one of the most important players on this roster for a while. Eagles fans have known that for a while, but people are paying attention nationally now, and it’s good to see.
3. Zach Ertz (79)
Last season, Eagles fans asked if Ertz could step up all season long and become one of the best tight ends in football, and he did just that. No Eagles fan will ever forget him diving into the end zone in Super Bowl LII to put ‘The Birds’ ahead for good. Look for more highlight reel catches in 2018.
4. Malcolm Jenkins (56)
You can disagree with his stance on social issues, but you have to respect him. Regardless of what he stands for off of the field, he stands head and shoulders over the majority of the league when he’s on one.
5. Lane Johnson (54)
PED talk and suspensions appear to be behind him. Jonson’s value to Philly has been discussed in great detail. When he’s on the field, the Eagles win. When he isn’t, more often than not, they don’t.
6. Fletcher Cox (29)
‘Fletch’ is the only person on this year’s list who made the list a season ago. As hard as that is to believe, it’s true. Many view him as the second-best defensive tackle in all of football behind Aaron Donald, and one of the best players in all of football, regardless of position.
7. Carson Wentz (17)
You kind of knew he’d be at the top of this list after seeing the title, didn’t you? Wentz isn’t just one of the best young quarterbacks in the league. He’s one of the best players in the league, regardless of position. Who knows when he’ll be back? All we know is when he does return, look out.