The Philadelphia Eagles have been ranked second in ESPN's first roster rankings for the 2026 NFL season, positioning them as a top contender behind only one unnamed franchise.
The evaluation, reported by ESPN and Bleeding Green Nation on July 6, 2026, highlights the Eagles' exceptional depth across multiple position groups, making them one of the most complete teams in the league.
Offensive Line Leads the Way
Analysts identified the offensive tackle duo of Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson as the roster's definitive strength, outperforming all other position groups.
Mailata has consistently ranked in the top six among league tackles in Pro Football Focus grades over the past three seasons, while the 36-year-old Johnson maintains elite efficiency in both run blocking and pass protection.
Roster Adjustments and Key Additions
The assessment noted changes following the departure of safety Reed Blankenship to Houston, elevating second-year player Andrew Mukuba and Marcus Epps into prominent roles.
Cooper DeJean offers additional coverage capability but is primarily assigned as the main slot cornerback.
Cornerback Riq Woolen is considered a pivotal factor for the upcoming season, with a strong spring performance despite a previous temporary benching in Seattle.
Wide receiver Hollywood Brown, who recorded 49 receptions for 587 yards and five touchdowns with Kansas City in 2025, is projected as a significant offensive rotation asset.
Eight Eagles players appeared in CBS Sports' annual Top 100 list by Pete Prisco: Mailata (No. 30), Quinyon Mitchell (No. 36), Lane Johnson (41), Saquon Barkley (47), Jalen Carter (73), Cooper DeJean (74), Jalen Hurts (84), and Zack Baun (85).
Former Eagles wideout A. J.
Brown dropped 33 spots to No. 64 after his transfer to the New England Patriots.
Roster evaluation data from Blogging the Boys on June 27, 2026, compared snap-adjusted PFF metrics across the NFC East, showing a concentrated battle between Philadelphia and Dallas.
The Eagles' snap-adjusted score shifted from 68.0 in 2025 to 67.0 in 2026, a minor decline amid strategic coaching changes.
The team appointed Sean Mannion as offensive coordinator, making him Nick Sirianni's sixth play-caller in six seasons.
Mannion is implementing a wide zone running scheme that requires the quarterback to operate under center more frequently.
Quarterbacks Coach Parks Frazier praised Jalen Hurts after spring training: "He is dedicated to winning and wants to do whatever it takes to win more than any quarterback that I’ve been around."
Former Eagles receiver Jordan Matthews, now a Vanderbilt coach, compared the offensive roster's route-running to Travis Kelce's understanding of defensive structures, emphasizing the need for athleticism to exploit zone coverage.
The Eagles enter training camp with new acquisitions Saquon Barkley and Hollywood Brown integrating into Mannion's revised offensive system.
