While there were some inconsistencies with the Philadelphia Eagles' pass rush early in the season, edge rusher Jaelan Phillips helped make it one of the best by the end of the season, but one other edge rusher did not nearly get enough credit for his play.
All the attention on the defensive line has been on Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Nolan Smith, and new acquisition Jonathan Greenard going into 2026. Bleacher Report writer Brent Sobleski gave another player on that Eagles line respect, with edge rusher Jalyx Hunt being named as the team's best-kept secret going into OTAs.
"Among a Philadelphia Eagles defensive front that featured Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Jaelan Phillips, Nolan Smith, Josh Uche and Brandon Graham, another name led the team in sacks and total pressures. Jalyx Hunt certainly found his footing during his second season after being a third-round pick from Houston Christian. He won't be handed anything, though. Hunt opened last season as a starter before moving toward a more rotational role. But that's where he can continue to excel. The Eagles brought in Jonathan Greenard, Arnold Ebiketie and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka this offseason. Those additions shouldn't take away from Hunt getting after opposing quarterbacks, because the Eagles love building their front so it can attack opponents in waves. Hunt can continue in his development, while providing a potent option working off the edge."
Jalyx Hunt is getting love from one NFL writer as he's due for breakout season
As mentioned before, Hunt led the Eagles with six sacks and 55 pressures last season, but it's his versatility that separates him from the rest of the edge rushers. He also led the team in interceptions with three, becoming the first player in franchise history to lead the Eagles in sacks and interceptions in a season.
Hunt is as special a prospect as the Eagles have had over the last two seasons, as he broke out in a big way. He might have lost his starting job to Phillips when the team traded for him, but it was still clear that Hunt was one of the best defensive players on that team, and no one talked about it.
Most of the attention was on Davis, Carter, Phillips, Zack Baun, Quinyon Mitchell, and Cooper DeJean. In reality, Hunt was just as important, if not more important, since Smith had an up-and-down year on defense, and the Eagles didn't get too much consistency from the edge rusher position.
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It's refreshing to see Hunt finally get people's respect, but it's not happening often enough. Once 2026 rolls on, the NFL will see how good he truly is.
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