Eagles rookie profiles: Jalyx Hunt's continued progression earns passing grades

In a league where the average player is a freak of nature, Brandon Graham has silenced doubters over a workmanlike career. The Philadelphia Eagles legend has become a cut above. B.G. is a a six-foot-two and 265-pound veteran who before injury was enjoying year 15.

A team captain and cornerstone, he unfortunately went down in week 12 with a season- and most likely a career-ending injury. On a team with Super Bowl hopes, any injuries hurt, but losing a captain makes the pain sting more intense.

Graham, in one of his best games of the season, climbed passed Clyde Simmons in the Eagles record books for career sacks. That placed the former third behind only Trent Cole and Reggie White.

While Graham cemented himself even further in the lore of this team's history, unfortunate news of a torn tricep ruined the celebration. Fear not! Despite being down, Graham continues to lead, stepping up as a player-coach. He looks to pass the torch to the next generation of great Eagles edge rushers.

We hope Nolan Smith will be in that number, but there's another star in the making, third-round rookie draftee Jalyx Hunt.

The film doesn't lie. Eagles rookie Jalyx Hunt has the potential to be special.

Jalyx Hunt was the 94th overall pick of this year’s NFL Draft. He enters knowing he certainly has some big shoes to fill. While nobody expects him to come out firing, he must hold his own when called upon. Patience may be key. Remember, it paid off with the development of Brandon Graham.

So far, Hunt has been up to the task. His first start against the Baltimore Ravens yielded two tackles and one half-sack. One week later, he logged four tackles against the Carolina Panthers.

The latter showing doubled as Philly's sixth-highest tackle total in that one. Versus the Steelers, his numbers dipped, but in a game where the Steelers only gained 163 yards and ten first downs, it's hard to gauge him fairly. He simply didn't get the work, but we won't complain about Philly's smothering defense or its offense winning the time-of-possession battle.

Following the Ravens game, Eagles Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio was asked about Hunt's performance. He said he saw "some good, some not so good" from Hunt, but he seemed optimistic that with more reps and opportunities, he would improve.

We agree.

There is a lot of talent on the Eagles' D-line. The competition for playing time will be fierce, but so far, Josh Sweat and Milton Williams haven't been given an extension that will keep them in Philly past this season.

Hunt is a young. Two of his first three starts have come vs. top NFL teams. That's the way it works in this profession sometimes. He has held his own, impressing fans and coaches. His numbers won't win any awards or inspire any awe. Trust us on this one though. He'll eventually be needed to permanently fill a Brandon Graham-sized hole that may widen come the offseason.

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