Jalen Hurts Leads Philadelphia Eagles to No. 2 Spot

Jalen Hurts' Philadelphia Eagles secured the No. 2 spot in ESPN's 2026 NFL roster rankings. The Eagles finished second, with only one team ranked above them.

What drove the ranking?

The Eagles' strong roster, particularly their offensive tackle pairing, contributed to their high ranking. Left tackle Jordan Mailata and right tackle Lane Johnson are the biggest reasons behind this view.

The report highlighted Mailata's consistent performance, finishing no lower than sixth among NFL tackles in Pro Football Focus grades over the past three seasons. Johnson, now 36, still ranks well in pass protection and run blocking when healthy.

Areas of concern

The Eagles' safety position lost experience after Reed Blankenship left for Houston. This leaves second-year player Andrew Mukuba and Marcus Epps in larger roles.

Cooper DeJean can also play safety, though his work as the team's main slot corner limits that option. ESPN pointed to cornerback Riq Woolen as a player who could shape the Eagles' season, with advanced tracking numbers showing he has allowed very few yards in coverage over the past four years.

Key players to watch

Wide receiver Hollywood Brown was named the top backup to watch. He caught 49 passes for 587 yards and five touchdowns with Kansas City in 2025. Brown may not start, but ESPN expects him to have a regular role in Philadelphia's passing attack this season.

The Eagles' strong roster and key players like Brown and Woolen will be crucial in their bid for success in the 2026 NFL season. With their No. 2 spot in the rankings, the Eagles remain among the league's strongest contenders entering the new season.