Ranking the 15 Best Eagles Players Heading into the 2023 Season
![Oct 30, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) on the field after game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports Oct 30, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) on the field after game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/074919096553af47dbd120fc9a2532be522d3c226280a21c67f3e98a37e25f84.jpg)
The arrival of the 2023 NFL season means that Philadelphia Eagles fans can finally put February’s Super Bowl loss in the rearview. Now, it’s time for the players to prove they learned from that loss when they open the fresh campaign against the New England Patriots on Sunday.
There’s a ton of optimism surrounding the upcoming campaign due to the Eagles being one of the most talent-rich teams on both sides of the ball. Several Philadelphia players are among the best at their position and will be relied upon to be difference-makers this fall.
But when it comes to one of the most stacked 53-man rosters in the league, which players stand out above their teammates?
Here’s a look at the top 15 Eagles players ahead of the 2023 NFL season.
15 Best Eagles Players Ranked for 2023
15. Jalen Carter
Philadelphia fans couldn’t believe their luck when Georgia’s Jalen Carter fell to the team at No. 9 during the 2023 NFL Draft. After all, the 22-year-old physical specimen was seen by many experts as the best defender in this year’s class.
I know some people might have an issue with my ranking Carter as the 15th-best Eagle before even playing a game, but he deserves it and could be ranked much higher by the time his rookie season ends.
Carter was a beast during his time at Georgia, racking up 83 total tackles, 18.5 sacks, 4 defended passes and 2 forced fumbles over three seasons. He earned a reputation as one of the best collegiate defenders in the nation, receiving first-team All-SEC and unanimous All-American honors in 2022.
Carter shouldn’t have an issue thriving on a Philadelphia defensive line that’s loaded with talent. With so much talent on the frontline, opponents won’t be able to stop everyone, meaning I expect the rookie to make his presence felt more often than not.
Besides, oddsmakers are also expecting big things from Carter. His +550 odds to be named the 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year rank second-best on FanDuel Sportsbook, only trailing the Houston Texans’ Will Anderson (+430).
14. D’Andre Swift
The second Eagle on this list is another who’s yet to suit up for a game with the organization. Having said that, it’s hard to deny D’Andre Swift’s talent.
Acquired from the Detroit Lions in April, Swift — along with Rashaad Penny — was needed to fill the void created by former running back Miles Sanders’ departure.
Injury concerns have followed Swift throughout his NFL career, but it’s important to remember how good he is when the ball is in his hands. He’s racked up 2,878 total yards from scrimmage with 25 touchdowns over the last three seasons and just recorded a career-high 6.3 yards per touch last year.
There’s also the possibility that we’ve yet to see Swift’s best. It’s easy to forget that he won’t even be 25 years old until January, meaning Eagles fans could be in for a treat this year. I won’t be surprised if the Philly native has another career year — especially behind one of the league’s best offensive lines and with Jalen Hurts throwing him the ball on passing downs.
As long as he stays healthy and plays 15+ games, Swift will prove that he’s deserving of this ranking.