A pair of Eagles legends land on an elite list a quarter century in the making
The following statement has been previously written on this platform. Based on the discussion, it bears repeating. The NFL Draft is a crap shoot. The Philadelphia Eagles drafted two offensive linemen and seven players before taking Jason Kelce with the 191st selection.
One of those players was a 26-year-old fireman. Another was a kicker. Jason was a sixth-rounder. Think about that. How might things have turned out had everyone known then what they know now?
Jalen Hurts' selection sparked controversy at the time. Everyone knew he had talent. Few could explain why Philadelphia made him a second-round selection, especially seeing as how they had given a boatload of cash to Carson Wentz.
Those who objected weren't ready to acknowledge that Philadelphia's leadership was exemplary, and they were wrong. Fast forward to the present. Hurts and Kelce are two of the best players this organization has ever seen. And, they recently earned mentions on a list of some very special NFL stars.
Jalen Hurts and Jason Kelce break through on a once-in-a-generation list
How about a hand for two of the most beloved (and talented) Eagles ever? Two Super Bowl champions who have more than earned their wings. Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon pieced together his list ranking the Top 25 NFL Draft picks from the first quarter of the 21st century. Hurts landed at 14.
Gagnon stated the following about Hurts:
"Anytime you can land a bona fide franchise quarterback without using a top-50 pick, you're winning big. That's what Hurts has done in helping the Eagles get to two Super Bowls in four seasons as a starter, winning MVP in the last one."
The take on Kelce was equally satisfying. The G.O.A.T. lands at 11:
"Taken three rounds later than his younger brother two years earlier, Jason was a stalwart six-time first-team All-Pro for the usually competitive Eagles."
Jason and Jalen are shoo-ins for the Eagles Hall of Fame. Jason will also be enshrined in Canton, Ohio, at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Might Jalen join him? It's certainly possible. His career has certainly gotten off to a fantastic start.
After saying all that, there's only one question remaining. How in the heck was Lane Johnson left off of this list?
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