It's no secret that the Philadelphia Eagles have long valued trench talent over any other spot on the gridiron. Look no further than their recent Super Bowl LIX performance, where they held a glaring edge on both the defensive and offensive lines, for proof that championships are earned up front.
With that in mind, our final two selections for our most important Eagles player outside of Jalen Hurts ranking make equally seismic impacts in the trenches.
Jalen Carter gets the nod at No. 2, as the man aptly nicknamed 'Baby Rhino' is a wrecking ball for the opposition to contend with.
In a stacked Eagles' defensive trench unit, Jalen Carter spearheads the operation
Fresh off inking a four-year, $152 million contract extension, the expectations surrounding the two-time pro bowler are steep, as the former Georgia Bulldog spearheads an Eagles' defensive line that can go toe-to-toe with any in the game.
Shortly after arriving via trade, veteran edge Jonathan Greenard echoed the notion that this d-line can disrupt and dominate as much as any unit out there. And while Jordan Davis and Moro Ojomo join Carter up front to comprise such a daunting trio, the 'baby rhino' brings the most brute strength and power to the table. And still just 25 years old, Carter has yet to unlock his full potential as he enters his 4th season of action.
Through his first three seasons, Carter has amassed 13.5 sacks, while constantly demanding attention and double teams along the way. Last year's showing was inconsistent by his own standards, as that opening game ejection versus Dallas and ongoing injury woes (shoulder) tarnished his third season a bit. Now back to full health and paid in full, Carter's impact will be paramount to an excellent young defensive group on the cusp of greatness.
No one recognizes the value of Carter more than his defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio, who has reflected on what he's seen from #98 of late.
"He's had a good camp up to this point," Fangio said. "He's doing the little things better, which when you're in good shape, the little things are done better because when you're not in good shape, and you're just kind of getting through practice, the little things suffer. I think he's doing a much, much better job and really excited for what the possibilities are with him."
Carter came into camp in top form, having attacked off-season workouts with a renewed ferocity. And while last season's numbers, which included 12 quarterback hits, five tackles for loss, seven pass deflections, and three sacks in 11 games, led to his second straight Pro Bowl honor, there was definitely meat left on the bone.
With Carter back to feasting on a consistent basis, blowing up plays in training camp and wreaking havoc like only the 'baby rhino' can, it's bad news for offensive units leaguewide.
Meanwhile, it's a sight to behold for his teammates.
"You guys don't understand how scary he can be," Saquon Barkley said.
Read more: Third most important Eagles player not named Jalen Hurts establishes offensive tone
For a defensive group brimming with young talent, Carter stands out as the top game-wrecker in the trenches, making him the 2nd most important Eagles player outside of Jalen Hurts this coming season.
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