It’s what you’ve all been waiting for ain’t it what people paid paper for ain’t it? They can’t stand it they want something new, and here we are to give it to you.
That’s right, the inaugural Section 215 list of the top 25 athletes in Philadelphia Sports is now live. Votes from the staff were compiled to gather a 30 person short list that included some of the best athletes from both pro and college squads. After that, the list was released to the general public to vote on our final rankings. Within the ranks, you’ll find contributions from multiple members of the staff.
They’ll go through a multitude of things including if the athlete was overrated or underrated, best performances and much more. As with any list of this nature, there will be disagreements and we welcome those disagreements. Just let us know in the comments and we’ll be sure to respond with our reasoning on why someone landed where they did. Just remember that outside of my personal vote on the order of the list, I had no influence on where someone is ranked. That was a product of the voting so if you don’t like where your favorite Philadelphia Athlete is ranked, please make sure to vote in the next installment of the list. But without further ado, let’s dive into the rankings with…
Number 25: Keegan Rosenberry – Right Back, Philadelphia Union
To wrap up our esteemed Top 25, the reigning MLS All-Star Keegan Rosenberry takes his cuts on the list. A local guy from Ronks, Pennsylvania, Rosenberry was selected 3rd overall in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft out of Georgetown University. Rosenberry was nothing short of phenomenal in his first MLS season, as he played every minute of every game at right back while earning a spot as an All-Star starter against Arsenal FC in July. If it weren’t for the flashy play of Jordan Morris in Seattle, Rosenberry would have also won MLS Rookie of the Year.
Now entering his second season with the Union, Rosenberry has had plenty of momentum to build off of. In addition to his rookie year accolades, Keegan was called up to the United States National Team winter camp in Carson, California, where he trained with 31 of the best American players from MLS for 2-3 weeks. Union coach Jim Curtin had his thoughts regarding Rosenberry’s rookie campaign:
“I think Keegan is the best rookie in our league right now; I think he’s established himself as such, He’s going to have to score goals because that’s what everyone loves to vote for — a goal-scorer. But he’s played every minute for us; he’s a warrior.”
Holding on to the 23-year-old will be a top priority for the Union in the coming seasons, but for now, this team has a defender capable of holding his own against anyone in the league. Look for Rosenberry to build on his rookie season for an exceptional sophomore season in MLS.
Number 24: Chris Pontius – Left Wing, Philadelphia Union
While perhaps lower rated than he should be, as most Union players seem to be on this list. Chris Pontius has been one of the biggest reasons why the Philadelphia Union went from being a team in the cellar of MLS to a team competing in the middle of the pack. On the field, Pontius is a great example of the grit many expect from a Philadelphia sports team’s players. He works hard, he is not a fancy player and embodies the defensive spirit that the Philadelphia Union under Earnie Stewart seems to strive for.
Pontius had many injury laden seasons before he moved in 2016 to the Union and seems to have found his form with the team. He went from just another player to one of the league’s best wide midfielders in the span of one season. He also earned his way into a January call-up to the United States national team. He marked his first full season in MLS in years by also being the leading American goal-scorer in the league at the end of the season.
Pontius deserves to be on the list as he has worked hard to become one of the first 5 or so players on the Union starting XI each week, and has pushed himself to be one of the best players for the team and has helped them reach levels they had not seen in recent years or perhaps ever. With a young corps of players, he also serves as an example of veteran leadership and will be a big piece in the success of the Philadelphia Union moving forward.
Number 23: Josh Hart – Gaurd, Villanova Wildcats
Josh Hart. Big East Player of the Year. First-Team All-American. Two-time Big East Tournament champion. NCAA Champion. Yet he’s just 23rd in the Philadelphia sports top 25 athletes list. It could be because he’s a college athlete, although that didn’t hurt Hasaan Reddick. Or maybe it’s the debate of Villanova being a “Philly” school. But either way, Hart is drastically underrated on this list.
He brought Philadelphia sport’s first NCAA championship since 1985, and the first non-Soul championship since the Phillies in 2008. Hart has been the main reason Villanova has succeeded for the past two seasons, this year even more than last. Hart is the underdog in a two-man battle with Kansas guard Frank Mason for the AP Player of the Year award. He’s been one of the nation’s top players, even with the numbers seeming somewhat underwhelming in comparison to other winners of the esteemed award.
But Hart’s importance to Villanova comes in all aspects of the game, none more than late in close matchups. Hart has consistently taken over games in the second half, showing his star-power on lesser talents when the games mean the most. If he leads Villanova to another deep tourney run, this positioning will sure to look foolish. Hart is a top 15-athlete in Philadelphia right now, and he’ll have to prove to doubters his talent. At least he made this list, but being behind the likes of some underperforming athletes should get Hart heated.
Number 22: Freddy Galvis – Shortstop, Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Freddy Galvis was supposed to be a placeholder, a bridge between the Jimmy Rollins era and the reign of J.P. Crawford. In his two seasons as the Phillies’ starting shortstop, Galvis has proven himself to be much more than a stopgap option.
Galvis has never been an outstanding hitter. His .241 career batting average is about what you can expect from him at the plate. Galvis strikes out too much for a guy who profiles as a contact hitter; he was fanned 136 times in 2016. His home run total jumped to 20 last season, an unexpected burst of power that is either an anomaly or an exciting realization of potential.
Galvis has not found his way on this list of Top Philadelphia athletes because of his ability with a bat, however. Instead, Galvis has asserted his presence in the Philadelphia sports scene with his glove and impressive arm strength. He is simply a defensive force on the baseball diamond, a veritable vacuum whose value in the field is difficult to overstate.
While there is likely some convoluted sabermetric statistic that can precisely evaluate Galvis’ defensive impact, sometimes one just has to appreciate what his eyes tell him. And the eyes tell the fan that Freddy Galvis plays an exceptional shortstop.
Going forward, Galvis’ defensive versatility and ability to switch hit can make him a valuable bench player. He could also play every day anywhere in the infield. In other words, Crawford’s potential ascendance does not need to push Galvis out of the lineup or force a trade.
Number 21: Jerad Eickhoff – Pitcher, Philadelphia Phillies
Consistency isn’t sexy. That’s why despite Eickhoff having an argument for being the best pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies last season he finds himself in the 20’s on this list rather than being in the teens where he belongs. Eickhoff didn’t do anything to wow anyone last year but he also limited his mistakes which lead to him racking up a 3.65 ERA while also coming close to pitching 200 innings. While he started the season off on the wrong foot once Eickhoff learned to control his curveball he was off and running for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Eickhoff may not have the highest ceiling of Phillies pitchers but thanks to injury concerns, he likely has the highest floor thanks to injury concerns. The fact that Aaron Nola is ranked higher than him on this list doesn’t make sense to me because Nola has to prove that he’s healthy but that’s how the votes fell. If Eickhoff is able to go out and repeat his performances from last year, however, expect him to be higher in our next installment of the Philadelphia sports top 25 athletes.
Number 20: Andre Blake – Keeper, Philadelphia Union
Coming off of a year in which he won MLS Keeper of the year, Blake’s stock is at an all-time high. While the Philadelphia Union’s defense wasn’t particularly good last year, without Blake it would have been significantly worse. In his first full season in action for the Union, Blake showed that the hype surrounding him when he was the first pick in the MLS SuperDraft was real and then some.
#SavesByDre became a normal thing and Blake’s inhumane reflexes meant that he made regular apperances on MLS save of the week lists and then some. Blake may be rated lowly on this list coming in at only 20 but he is also the only member of the Philadelphia Union that the average Philadelphia sports fan can name. In a city where football is king and everything else comes secondary, that is an accomplishment by itself. The Union may be in a rough patch right now but if they can turn it around for their second consecutive playoff berth, expect Blake to make quite a climb up this list next time around.
Number 19: Travis Konecny – Winger, Philadelphia Flyers
Coming in at No. 19 on the countdown is a player who is barely older than his ranking. Rookie Travis Konecny has burst onto the scene for the Flyers this season, two years after he was selected with the 24th overall pick in the NHL Draft.
Konecny’s debut was much anticipated after he made headlines when his junior hockey team traded him for two players and a ridiculous ten draft picks, before leading his new team to the franchise record in wins and points. He scored for Canada in the World Junior Championship, further heightening fans’ excitement.
Konecny has not disappointed in his inaugural campaign with the Flyers. Despite missing 12 games earlier in the season, Konecny is sixth on the team with 26 points and fifth on the team with 10 goals. The slight winger has been one of the most dangerous options on the Flyers attack.
There have been some bumps along the way for Konecny – he was a healthy scratch for two midseason games, missed several more a leg injury and has at times let his emotions get the best of him. His talent, production, and potential have been on full display this season, and it is impossible to say that his first season in the NHL has been anything but a success.
The first of many Flyers forward prospects to emerge from the minor league ranks, Konecny has a bright future in a Flyers uniform. Just 20 years old, Konecny should be a young stalwart in the Flyers attack for years to come.
Number 18: Shayne Gostisbehere – Defender, Philadelphia Flyers
Shayne Gostisbehere is one of the brightest young hockey talents in the NHL. The young Floridian is in his second year with the Philadelphia Flyers and was one of the best rookies in his maiden season. Through his 17 goals and 29 assists in that season, he was not only named to the All-Rookie team but finished second in the Calder Memorial or rookie of the year vote. The 23-year-old has proven to not only be a solid defenseman but a solid asset in the Flyers attack as well.
Shayne is part of the young corps of Flyers players recently breaking into the ranks of the elite young players in the NHL. With Ivan Provorov and Travis Konecny, he is really a sign of the great future that the Flyers are looking to have moving forward. He is also a strong contender as a young American defender and has not only won a World Junior championships in 2013 but was also one of the Americans chosen as part of Team North America, an Under 23 team at the most recent World Cup, beating out many other young American and Canadian players.
Gostisbehere, or Ghost as he is commonly called, is on this list because he is one of the best players and most recognizable Flyers even at such a young age. He is a start for the future, but also the present and is a big reason many see good things happening for the team as they move forward. He may not have the glitz of the top Eagles, 76ers, or Phillies, but he is definitely worthy of the top 25 and is in strong contention to quickly rise up the ranks as the years move on.
Number 17: Ivan Provorov – Defenseman, Philadelphia Flyers
The future of the Philadelphia Flyers defense has arrived in the form of a Russian wonderboy. His name is Ivan Provorov, and he has made his presence known in the National Hockey League. Provorov is the youngest of the future Flyer’s defense core, and it seems likely he will be the best. I ranked Provorov in my top 15 for Philadelphia athletes based on his current skill but also looking at his limitless potential. At just 20 years old Provorov has become one of, if not the best defenseman on the Flyers roster.
While his plus-minus may not look that way, being a minus 9 player. But for the majority of the season, Provorov has been paired with the human traffic cone, Andrew MacDonald, which would impair the growth of almost any other prospect. But Provorov has taken the challenge of being paired with a 30-year-old AHLer in stride, often making up for the mental lapses that AMac often has.
Despite the limit in talent around him, Provorov is making a case to be considered for the Calder Memorial Trophy. The trophy is locked to go to one of Auston Matthews or Patrik Laine, Provorov could still be a finalist. The defenseman ranks 10th for all rookies in assists and is second for all rookies for average time on ice per game. Finishing 17th on the list should be the lowest Provorov is ranked for a while, next season when the Flyers have added some more depth on defense with potential call-ups like Sam Morin, Travis Sanheim, or Robert Hagg, and with the added offseason of training Provorov could be showing more of his elite potential.
Number 16: Haason Reddick – Linebacker, Temple University
I dare you to try and convince me Philadelphia isn’t a football town. You want some proof? Of this list of the top 25 Philadelphia athletes, there are just two collegiate representatives. Villanova’s Josh Hart, ranked 23rd on this list, is a national champion and was on the short list to win college basketball’s prestigious Wooden Award. Ranked seven spots high is none other than Temple’s standout linebacker and soon-to-be rookie Hasaan Reddick.
Reddick is a Camden, NJ native and was a form high school running back and safety. After joining the Temple Owls, under former coach Matt Rhule, Roddick blossomed as a defensive end. In his senior year, he led the team in sacks (10.5) and finished third in the country in tackles for loss (22.5). Since Temple’s season ended, his draft stock has risen in meteoric fashion. Following a standout performance at the Senior Bowl, his combine performance and Pro Day have the NFL buzzing with first round speculation. He may not be the national champion Josh Hart is, but football is America’s sport and Reddick is an NFL darling at present.
Number 15: Aaron Nola – Pitcher, Philadelphia Phillies
Aaron Nola, former first round pick, a potential savior for this young team.
The Philadelphia Phillies spent a first round draft pick, seventh overall, on Aaron Nola back in 2014. In his first game, July 2015, Nola lost a 1-0 heartbreaker to the Tampa Bay Rays. The only run allowed was a solo shot to the Rays pitcher. I was at that game, it was a great time watching the future appear in front of me. The first thing I thought leaving the game, “This kid’s gonna be just like Cole Hamels”. Granted, one of those players is a former World Series MVP and the other just lost his first start, but the kid showed poise and pitched a great game. Just like Cole Hamels, despite his efforts on the mound, the team couldn’t get any offense going.
Aaron Nola finished his first year pretty strong, strong enough to have high expectations heading into the 2016 season. He started 2016 pretty well too. Towards the middle and end of his season, he was going through a serious rough patch, he was having chronic elbow problems and it was affecting his performance. He eventually ended the season on IR.
Aaron Nola would be higher on the list had he finished last season strong and didn’t have a lingering elbow injury. If his elbow is fine he will skyrocket up the top 25 list. Coming into the season all eyes are on Nola and his elbow. He decided to forego surgery and just rest for the past 6-7 months. If his elbow holds up the Phillies will have one of the most promising young pitchers in baseball.
Number 14: T.J. McConnell – Gaurd, Philadelphia 76ers
If this were a list going off pure talent, TJ McConnell would be nowhere near this conversation. But McConnell’s unthinkable rise puts him at 14th on the Top 25 Philadelphia Sports athletes. There was every sport obstacle in the way of the scrappy point guard reaching the game’s best pro sports league, but he found a way. This led him to become one of the most beloved figures in the city.
After transferring from Duquesne before his junior year, McConnell made a name for himself under Sean Miller at Arizona. McConnell and touted prospect Stanley Johnson made a Final Four run, just before Johnson fell in the top ten and McConnell went undrafted.
McConnell’s first summer league stint with the Sixers was decent. But many thought he’d be one of those left off the preseason roster in favor of Scottie Wilbekin. McConnell prevailed and had himself a very good first half of the season, leading all rookies in steals. As he tailed off in the second half with the return of Ish Smith, many questioned whether he’d make the team again.
But again, McConnell found a way to succeed. He is now the clear starter and an important driving force in the Sixers offense. He plays the floor general role perfectly and pesters opposing point guards. TJ McConnell is the underdog. And for this season, he’s taken his chip on his shoulder and used it towards becoming a competent NBA starter.
Number 13: Jakub Voracek – Winger, Philadelphia Flyers
Voracek is one of the fan favorites here in Philadelphia, I’m happy to see him ranked in the top 15. Jake came to Philly in the (in)famous trade that sent Jeff Carter to the Columbus Blue Jackets for himself, a 2011 first round pick (Sean Couturier), and a 2011 third round pick (Nick Cousins). He was welcomed with open arms.
Jake is a super-fast skater. He plays the game with great vision and isn’t afraid of putting the puck on net. For the past few years he has been near the top of the team in scoring. For what it’s worth, in his lone all-star game appearance he managed to tie Mario Lemieux’s point record at six.
In addition to being a good offensive player for this team, Jake Voracek is an overall good guy. A month or so ago Wayne Simmonds fired a shot on net that Voracek deflected past the goaltender for the goal. Good, right? Wrong, kinda. Hats poured onto the ice as everyone in the audience thought that was Simmonds’ third goal of the night. Turns out it was just a regular goal for Jake. After the game, Voracek said he was going to donate roughly 3000 hats to a Children’s Hospital for the hats that were thrown onto the ice for the hat trick that never happened.
Being ranked 13 is accurate for my second favorite ginger on the Flyers. He isn’t the best player on the team, but he is one of the best Philly has to offer. He wears Orange and Black proud and leaves it all on the ice, that’s all you can ask for in this city.
Number 12: Robert Covington – Forward, Philadelphia 76ers
Ah, Robert Covington. The most underappreciated man in Philadelphia sports finally gets his due. Covington was once set to have a career of a journeyman before Sam Hinkie and the Sixers discovered him. In his first year immersed into the Philadelphia sports world, Cov led the Sixers in scoring for the 2014-15 season. He had himself a down year to follow up, but regained his shooting stroke and raised his defensive prowess this season.
Covington is the type of defender the team can put on the opponents best player. He’s not Kawhi Leonard. He’s not Draymond Green. But he is Robert Covington. He gives trouble to almost any wing player in the league, and can provide spacing on the outside. He’s become a must-have player as the roster grows, which would have seemed laughable two seasons ago.
Covington is the third Sixer named on this list. Being named the 12th best athlete in Philadelphia sports seems just right. He isn’t above Joel Embiid or Dario Saric, but he’s one of the more important players the team has. He will always be remembered as the “gem” of Sam Hinkie’s Process. A player destined for the D-League, but instead took a great opportunity and ran with it. He embodies Philly in a way. He’s by no means the most talented player, but the effort he displays on both sides of the ball is the exact blue collar work the city embraces. I’m glad Covington’s efforts are being noticed, and he can continue to prove his NBA value with a team set for an upswing.
Number 11: Dario Saric – Forward, Philadelphia 76ers
After acquiring his rights via trade in the 2014 NBA Draft, Dario Saric was nothing more than a promising European player with clouds of uncertainty as to when he would come state-side. Now almost at the conclusion of his rookie NBA season, any doubts regarding Dario have been wiped away. The pretty clear front-runner for NBA Rookie of the Year after Joel Embiid’s injury, Saric has taken his increased role in stride to close his first season. Averaging 12 points and 6 rebounds while shooting 41% from the floor has met, if not exceeded even the wildest ambitions of Sixers fans from the rookie forward.
At number 11 in our Philadelphia Athlete ranking, Saric seems to be ranked pretty fairly. This puts him firmly as the Sixers second best player, and with Ben Simmons lack of NBA minutes thus far, that reiterates the fair assessment of Dario. Saric has shown he can do a little bit of everything on the floor. His shooting, versatility, willingness to scrap down low for points and rebounds and his improved defensive play has shown his maturity beyond his years. A further underrated aspect of Saric has been his willingness to learn and be a team player. Brett Brown further echoed this:
"“I love Dario Saric. The whole thing, just everything about him. He just does so much and cares so much and represents everything that I’m trying to get to grow our program and have the city be proud of us. He brings a pride, a spirit, a toughness that you want your culture to represent”."
Certainly high praise from Brown for his probable Rookie of the Year. This city will be in for a treat watching this young man grow into a perennial All-Star in Philadelphia for years to come.
Number 10: Maikel Franco – Third Baseman, Philadelphia Phillies
2017 is the year for Maikel Franco. For the last two seasons, his power potential has been described fully, and he has been talked about as a future building block for the Phillies future. 2017 is the year where Franco needs to cement his status as a cornerstone for the franchise. Franco jumped into the spotlight in 2015 with 14 home runs in 80 games, before his season was cut short by future Phillie Jeremy Hellickson.
2016 was the year Franco was primed to break out. His bat was on fire from the beginning of spring training, dropping bombs left and right. Everyone bought into the Franco hype-train, including himself. Franco got in his own head, trying to kill a baseball every time that he could, he was overly aggressive at times at the plate. This combination of pressure he put on himself with the extra aggressiveness led to Franco not having the season that all of Philadelphia envisioned. His average dropped .025 points, from .280 to .255, he hit only 9 more homers despite playing in almost twice as many games. All in
All in all, it was a productive season for an average third baseman, but that is not what we thought of Franco to be. That is why 2017 is such an important year for Maikel. Is it the year where he proves his doubters wrong, he becomes the all-star caliber third baseman that can produce 30+ home runs and 100+ RBIs that the Phillies have lacked in their lineup since Scott Rolen. Or is Franco going to just be another cog in the ever-changing third base landscape for the Phillies, while they continue to search for a franchise bat. Being ranked 10th for Franco is mostly based on the optimism that Franco can be the third or fourth batter in a playoff lineup, but off all the players on the list, Franco could be one to fall faster than others.
Number nine: Odubel Herrera – Outfielder, Philadelphia Phillies
The man known as El Torito asserted himself as a building block for the Philadelphia Phillies future last year as he led the team in almost every offensive category. In his second season in the big leagues, Herrera took massive steps forward making his first all-star team, hopefully, the first of many, and being nominated for a gold glove in center field. The gold glove nomination is especially impressive since Herrera couldn’t cut it as a second basemen with the Rangers.
The improvement earned Herrera a five-year extension with the Phillies that includes 30 million dollars of guaranteed cash. The Phillies have shown that Hererra is part of the future and Philadelphia sports fans also have brought into the Herrera hype. Je’s the highest ranked Phillie on this list by a long shot. Let’s hope that Herrera can also be the catalyst behind a Phillies playoff run sooner rather than later.
Number eight: Jordan Hicks – Linebacker, Philadelphia Eagles
Jordan “Simba” Hicks comes in seventh on the list, which is a great position for him (there’s a chance I may have voted for him, I dunno, first or something) overall. Let’s snag that fancy-dancy chart that football players get and other sports don’t.
I mean, there’s nothing not to love here, but I want to show you something else that’s rad. I knew Hicks was an athlete, but when I scrolled to MockDraftable’s comparisons…
Sheesh.
Not only is Simba’s predecessor and Philly favorite DeMeco “Mufasa” Ryans on that list, but Clay Matthews and Ryan Shazier are his 1st and 3rd most comparable?! Can you honestly tell me, when you think of Jordan Hicks, you think “Yeah, he’s basically as athletic as Clay Matthews and Ryan Shazier”? Cause I’m as big of a Jordan Hicks truther as they come, and I sure didn’t realize in what elite of company he really was.
When you watch Hicks’ film, you see an instinctive, rangy player. His mental game has drastically improved since his time as a Longhorn, but the physical tools that we saw in Texas transferred to Philly. He’s fast to flow sideline-to-sideline and regularly blows up plays by undercutting angle blocks that would have been successful on a less agile ‘backer. He can carry running backs and tight ends into space and has the closing speed to secure open-field tackles.
Most underrated aspect of Hicks’ athleticism? The explosiveness in his thick lower body allows him to stack-and-shed real nicely. I love the way he plays off of the block and still impedes the path of the runner. That’s a sign of an attentive, disciplined, and physical beast.
Hicks was a Pro Bowl snub this year by anyone’s evaluation—by mine, him receiving no All-Pro votes is downright disrespectful. If the national fan base and media start seeing what Philadelphia sports fans have watched and enjoyed for all of Hicks’ young career, those storylines will start changing.
Number seven: Malcolm Jenkins – Saftey, Philadelphia Eagles
It was March 2014. The Philadelphia Eagles had just completed their first season with Chip Kelly, which surprisingly ended with an NFC East crown and a trip to the postseason.
In order to compete with the NFL elite, the Eagles needed to address their defense. The defense had failed to keep pace with Kelly’s fast-paced offense. The departure of Brian Dawkins five years prior had left a playmaking and leadership void in the secondary that had never been filled.
The denizens of the Philadelphia sports scene felt they had the answer. The talk radio cognoscenti wanted Jairus Byrd. T.J. Ward was Plan B. One intrepid writer even suggested the Birds ought to pursue both free agent targets.
Instead, the Eagles inked second-tier free agent Malcolm Jenkins to a three-year, $16.25 million contract. The rationalization from Howie Roseman and the front office brass was something about Jenkins possessing the versatility that made him a fit for then-defensive coordinator Billy Davis’ scheme. To Eagles fans, the signing was another example of the team rummaging through the bargain bin.
Well, the fans and the narrative drivers on sports talk radio were wrong. Jenkins has emerged as an indispensable talent in Philadelphia. Meanwhile, Jairus Byrd has struggled with injuries and floundered in New Orleans. In fact, the Saints have recently cut ties with the one-time diamond of the 2014 free agent class.
Jenkins’ aforementioned versatility allows him to play as a classic safety or shift into coverage. His physicality can neutralize a playmaking tight end or a speedy slot receiver. His intelligence and instincts reveal themselves in his disciplined play in the defensive backfield. He has proven to be a sound tackler who prevents big plays from turning into bigger plays.
Jenkins also has a knack for forcing turnovers. In three seasons patrolling the secondary, Jenkins boasts 8 interceptions and four forced fumbles. He has also never missed a game. In a league in which “the best ability is availability,” the importance of this fact cannot be understated. For three seasons, the Eagles have been able to depend on Malcolm Jenkins to perform at a high level. For three seasons, Jenkins has delivered.
Number six: Lane Johnson – Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles
If anyone was doubting Lane Johnson’s importance to the Eagles, just go ahead and watch the games they had him last year, and compare them to the games without him. The Eagles went 5-1 with Johnson in the lineup, while going a horrid 2-8 without him. After picking up his initial 4-game suspension in 2014, Johnson closed out the remaining 12 games in 2014 with only one allowed sack good enough to put him among the best RT’s in the NFL. He knew another suspension would be up to 10 games and unfortunately found himself in that position last season after an alleged misunderstanding regarding a banned substance in a supplement he had taken.
Thankfully, the suspension has come and gone and the Eagles and the rest of Philadelphia will have to pray Johnson double and triple checks what’s entering his body. Johnson comes in as our 6th ranked Philly athlete, and arguably the most important to the success of the Eagles offense. He will be 27 in May and will be likely hitting the prime of his career over the next 2-3 seasons. With Jason Peters time in Philly looking to be on its latter stage, Doug Pederson will be reliant on Johnson to eventually switch to Left Tackle to protect Carson Wentz’s blind side for years to come.
When all is said and done, even after the two suspensions and some strong animosity from some Eagle fans, this team is miles better with Lane on the field. A number four overall draft selection in 2013 was used on him for a reason, and there will be plenty of people willing to put the past behind if Johnson can play all 16 games effectively next season as he did in 2015.
Number five: Claude Giroux – Center, Philadelphia Flyers
Claude Giroux is not only the longest tenured player on the Philadelphia Flyers, he is the longest tenured athlete in the city of Philadelphia. He has been around since 2008, one year longer than Jason Peters.
His longevity in the city of brotherly love can be chalked up to one thing: his work ethic. Claude Giroux is the best player on the Flyers. He is constantly racing around and playing his heart out shift after shift, night after night. He’s not the biggest guy on the ice, but you wouldn’t know that based on his play. Another thing I like about his game is that he’s very unselfish and smart. He won’t fire a shot at the net if one of his teammates might have a better shot than he does. His team first mentality pairs well with his hustle, making him a fan favorite for sure.
Giroux is perennially among the top scorers in the league but doesn’t get the love that Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, or even Jonathan Toews get.
Giroux deserves to be in the top 5 of this list because of his history with the city. He’s a homegrown captain of this franchise. He was one of the lightning rods that brought the Flyers to the Stanley Cup Final in 2010. He is the heart and soul of the Flyers organization, something that tends to be overlooked when the team isn’t performing well.
The only thing keeping him from being higher is his production as of late. If Giroux can find his 2010-2014 form he would be even higher on the list. At the end of the day, Claude is one of the best athletes we have in Philly. He is a great captain for our hockey team and a better representation of Philly.
Number four: Wayne Simmonds – Winger, Philadelphia Flyers
In June 2011, the Philadelphia Flyers made two trades that would alter the trajectory of the franchise. The first transaction sent Jeff Carter to the Columbus Blue Jackets and returned Jakub Voracek and two draft picks, which turned into Sean Couturier and Nick Cousins. The second move shipped captain Mike Richards to the Los Angeles Kings for blue-chip prospect Brayden Schenn and a third-line winger by the name of Wayne Simmonds.
It was a confusing series of moves for Flyers fans. The team was one year removed from a miraculous run to the Stanley Cup Finals. In 2011, the team had largely been done in by its lackluster goaltending. However, the promising Sergei Bobrovsky had shown flashes of brilliance between the pipes. The Flyers simply needed to stay the course…
Nope. Then-general manager Paul Holmgren decided a foundational shake-up of the franchise was in order.
Mike Richards had been the heart and soul of the Orange and Black. Who could forget “The Shift?” Needless to say, it was not a trade met with universal approval among Flyers fans.
Wayne Simmonds immediately changed any negative perception of the swap. In his first season on the Philadelphia sports scene, “Simmer” scored 28 goals and established himself as a force on the power play. His physical presence on the ice complements the finesse of frequent linemate Claude Giroux. His willingness to drop the gloves to protect his teammates deters the opposition from taking liberties with the Flyers’ skill players.
But make no mistake about it. Simmonds is a tremendously skilled player in his own right. He has a gifted set of hands that he uses to score a number of nifty goals from in close. He’s fast enough to keep up with the likes of Giroux and big enough to dig the puck from the corner boards.
Simmonds dons the #17 jersey, which was once the number of legendary Flyer Rod Brind’Amour. The link between the two extends beyond the numerical realm. Like Brind’Amour, Simmonds possesses an unusual mixture of grit and talent. Both are natural leaders. And both will forever hold a cherished place in the history of the Philadelphia Flyers franchise.
Number three: Carson Wentz – Quarterback, Philadelphia Eagles
In Philadelphia sports, it is the Eagles and then everyone else. It always has been It always will be. Is it a surprise that three of the top five and five of the top 10 spots in this ranking belong to Birds athletes? Even in 2008, when the Phillies were toast of the town, the Eagles were there: dominating the majority of sports talk. Remember that adorable 76ers talk of the playoffs that resonated for all of six weeks? That was fun times. It’s even notable that Joel Embiid is at the top of these rankings. (I wonder if he would have landed there had the voting taken place after he was shelved for the remainder of the season…but I digress.)
Carson Wentz is currently, without a compelling argument to the contrary, the most important athlete in Philadelphia sports. Is he the third best Philadelphia athlete right now? Absolutely not. If you want to make this the debate, that is entirely reasonable. For example, Fletcher Cox is both an Eagle and an established, elite talent. Frankly, it’s surprising he isn’t first on this list. But it’s ultimately irrelevant. Wentz is the quarterback of your Eagles. He is the guy the franchise traded up to draft and will be either the GOAT (in a good way) or goat (in a bad way) of the most widely beloved franchise in the city. And, not for nothing, he was very good for a rookie playing more snaps than he had in his cumulative collegiate career. Wentz may be ranked this high because it’s a popularity contest…but it is also a no-brainer.
Number two: Fletcher Cox – Defensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles
Fletcher “Man Dog” Cox brings home the silver medal for the Philadelphia Sports 25 Top Athletes competition—tough to argue with Embiid in that top slot. However, I’ve got this pretty little spider chart right here to show you just what a beast Fletcher Cox is:
While he isn’t much of a jumper, boy oh boy is he quick. A 7.07 3-cone time? Let’s look at some other NFL 3-cones:
Mike Evans, WR, TB: 7.08s
Trae Waynes, CB, MIN: 7.06s
Jeremy Maclin, WR, KC: 7.06s
Zach Ertz, TE, PHI: 7.08s
Khalil Mack, OLB, OAK: 7.08s
Randall Cobb, WR, GB: 7.08s
I could go on, but I’ll leave the numbers at that. With a mind-boggling 4.79 40-yard dash at 298 lbs, Fletcher Cox is a ton of mass moving at an incredible speed.
What does that mean for his game? Well, whenever you see Cox slicing into the backfield and disrupting a run play before it even begins, or pushing the quarterback’s pocket and forcing him into Brandon Graham or Vinny Curry, now you know why. Cox’s initial explosiveness off the snap helps him generate considerable power before offensive linemen reach their set points. That’s what makes him such a talented penetrator.
Remember when folks spoke about how Jim Schwartz’s scheme would help Fletcher Cox? This athleticism is precisely why. As a 2-gapper in Billy Davis’ (ugh) scheme, Cox’s explosiveness and lateral agility weren’t nearly as useful. His job was to control the linemen in front of him and shed at the last possible second, not to attack the backfield.
In Schwartz’s scheme, Cox has the freedom to 1-gap. He knows where he’s attacking on each play, and he can get there quicker than most others. On twists, stunts, and exchanges, his lateral quickness exposes plodding offensive linemen, creating ideal angles to attack the quarterback. Voted the most athletic Eagle by you, Philadelphia sports fans, Cox will be the centerpiece of a rising defense for years to come.
Number one: Joel Embiid, Center Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid tops our list of the Top 25 Philly Athletes.
Before we continue, let’s make one thing perfectly clear. On merit alone, Embiid does not belong in this spot. He’s simply played too few games. In three seasons, Embiid has suited up for a grand total of 31 contests. Put another way, the Philadelphia 76ers’ franchise cornerstone has played in just north of 12.5% of the team’s games.
More from Section 215
- 4 Eagles on the Bubble Who Have Clinched Their 53-Man Roster Spots
- Best Pennsylvania Sportsbook Promos: Win $650 GUARANTEED Bonus PLUS $100 off NFL Sunday Ticket
- 3 Punters the Eagles Must Target to Replace Arryn Siposs
- Cowboys Trey Lance Trade Proves How Screwed They Are With Dak Prescott
- Devon Allen Took Britain Covey’s Job on Eagles
Yet, his unearned placement says more about the fan base than it does about Embiid’s talents. For better or worse, we have evolved to embrace the art of the possible. We have abandoned immediate gratification in favor of placing our confidence in long-term plans. Though we are as expectant and demanding as ever, we are more patient.
On Embiid’s shoulders rests not only the fate of this new fan approach but also the outcome of the much-ballyhooed Process.
Embiid certainly has the ability to reward the fans’ tolerance for strategic losing and validate Sam Hinkie’s aggressive tanking strategy. In limited action this season, Embiid asserted himself as a force in the NBA. His style of play is a perfect fit for the space-and-pace revolution that has overtaken basketball. Embiid can protect the rim on defense and score from anywhere on the floor on offense. He possesses the foot speed and eye discipline to defend quick guards on the perimeter. On offense, he can handle the basketball and create his own shot. His post game is continuing to develop, while his ability to shoot from the three-point line presents an incredible challenge for opposing defenses.
Next: B.J. Johnson declares for the NBA Draft
In the aforementioned 31 games, Embiid averaged 20.2 points per game and boasted an impressive player efficiency rating of 24.2. If not for injury, he would have easily secured the Rookie of the Year award and likely would have been honored with an All-NBA Team selection.
Again, Joel Embiid has the talent. He is unquestionably a phenomenal athlete who has captivated this town with his exceptional play and engaging personality. But can he stay healthy?
We’ll just have to “trust the process” and hope for the best.