Ranking the 15 Best Eagles Players Heading into the 2023 Season
5. Haason Reddick
Up until the 2022 NFL season, Haason Reddick had made a name for himself as a reliable defender across five seasons between the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers.
However, joining Philly’s elite defensive system last year helped take his game to the next level.
Reddick was disruptive more often than not throughout his sixth campaign, racking up 49 tackles (11.0 for lost yardage), a team-leading 16.0 sacks, and an NFL-best five forced fumbles. Even when he was targeted in the passing game, he only allowed a 58.3% completion rate and an 80.9 pass rating.
Reddick’s career year was tough for even his biggest doubters to ignore, as he was named to the Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro while also finishing fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
The former Temple product could easily rank higher on the list, but I want to see another dominant season from him first. Replicating that elite level of play will be difficult, especially when he never even came close it it before.
Having said that, it could all come down to whether or not newly-minted defensive coordinator Sean Desai can play to Reddick’s strengths. If he can successfully do that, brace for another career year.
4. Jason Kelce
You’d be hard-pressed to find a current Eagle that the Philly faithful loves more than Jason Kelce.
On the field, Kelce is one of the most dominant centers that the NFL has ever seen. The former 2011 sixth-rounder has been named first-team All-Pro in five of the last six seasons while racking up six Pro Bowl appearances since 2014.
His 88.3 PFF grade in 2023 further proves how head-and-shoulders he is above his fellow centers around the sport.
He anchors the offensive line while providing elite pass protection, only giving up 1 sack over the last two seasons. The Eagles would be lost if he were to ever miss significant time, however, thankfully, he hasn’t missed a game since the 2014 campaign.
Off the field, Kelce is one of the most beloved teammates that the Philadelphia locker room has ever seen. Whether it’s his post-game interviews or the New Heights podcast with his brother, it’s easy to fall in love with his personality just after hearing him talk for a few minutes.
Kelce’s upbeat personality has been crucial to establishing the Eagles’ locker room culture. Without his leading the charge on and off the field, Philadelphia might not be in its current situation.