Eagles deserving mention on everyone's top 100 NFL players ranking

As fans of the NFL game, we love lists, and we love power rankings. We just can't help ourselves. Sure, they can be exhausting at times, like mock drafts. Still, each time one is published, we can't help but tap the story and see where the Philadelphia Eagles rank versus the rest of the NFL's elite and how many players earned a tip of the cap when we stack players versus one another, even if we disagree with the ranking.

Tis the season. As we near the opening of training camp and eventually the preseason, we can expect to see a few attempts at stacking the teams and players we cheer for. Here's what we can promise. All of these guys won't make everyone's ranking. Regardless of how some rankings unfold, we'll complain about there being 'snubs'. It's commonplace. In a league with 32 teams, there will be noticeable absences. We have come to correct the issue.

Sure, we're biased. We won't apologize for that. If we were responsible for putting a power ranking together, there would probably be more Eagles on the list than normal. That isn't our problem or our issue. Everyone on our list is deserving.

Regardless of which news outlets publish an NFL player ranking, all of these Eagles are deserving of a spot on the list.

The first half of June is in our rearview mirror. By virtue of the Eagles canceling mandatory minicamp for a second consecutive offseason, we won't see the Birds until July 25th. To keep us busy (and talking), CBS Sports released its first top 100 ranking of the summer. Nine Birds made the cut. James Bradberry earned an honorable mention.

Lane Johnson (18), Jalen Hurts (31), Jason Kelce (42), A.J. Brown (47), Jordan Mailata (60), Haason Reddick (64), DeVonta Smith (69), Landon Dickerson (77), Darius Slay (96)

That's a nice list. All those guys are worthy, Here are thoughts about each one and some random observations about the guys that should have been named.

Whether we're discussing the annual player's ranking on NFL Network or a power ranking by position done on Pro Football Focus, each of these guys deserves mention. We'll see how things turn out when any such item is released, but in the meantime, here's what we were thinking.

Lane Johnson, right tackle

Seriously, at this point, what can we say about Lane Johnson that hasn't already been said? Any ranking of the NFL's best players that doesn't have his name on it needs to be thrown out.

Jalen Hurts, quarterback

This time last year, some were asking if Jalen Hurts can get the job done. More than 365 days later, all of those concerns have evaporated.

Jason Kelce, center

In order to discuss Jason Kelce's brilliance, if you're looking to be original, we have almost reached an area where we need to make up words. Everything he does going forward simply adds to his Pro Football Hall of Fame resume.

A.J. Brown, wide receiver

A.J. Brown and Jalen Hurts have the potential to be the best QB/wide receiver duo in franchise history. We'll see how long they are together and where the journey takes them.

DeVonta Smith, wide receiver

Time flies. It's already year three for DeVonta Smith. We're predicting the first Pro Bowl nomination in what will be a long and fantastic career.

Jordan Mailata, left tackle

From seventh-round draft choice that didn't know how to put a helmet on to one of the best young tackles in the NFL, Jordan Mailata has had quite the journey. It most certainly has been fun to watch. Jeff Stoutland University did us a solid here.

Haason Reddick, EDGE

We knew Haason Reddick was good. We just didn't know he was THIS good. Is the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year trophy too much to ask for? Who doesn't think he can't win it?

Landon Dickerson, left guard

His sophomore season yielded the first Pro Bowl nomination of his young career, the first of many. The Birds have something special here. Sit back and enjoy the show.

Darius Slay, cornerback

He started hot last season and cooled down the stretch, but he's one of the best in the game at his position. Now, well into his thirties, the questions are about how long he'll perform at an elite level.

Dallas Goedert, tight end

Dallas Goedert has proven himself to be one of the best tight ends in the game. This year, we're expecting a breakout and for him to take his place among the game's elite.

Josh Sweat, EDGE/defensive end

Josh Sweat has gotten better in each of his five NFL seasons. Coming off an 11-sack campaign during the 2023-2024 NFL campaign, the door is open for him to be even better this time around.

Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith (defensive tackle/EDGE)

It seems disrespectful to place two rookies on a list of the top NFL players, but heck, it happens often. Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith may not make anyone's top 100 player ranking, but we expect both of them to become Defensive Rookie of the Year candidates and land on a few power rankings next offseason.