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Eagles Given 'Unfair' And Unsurprising Grades For Tackle Duo
Eagles Given 'Unfair' And Unsurprising Grades For Tackle Duo originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Having an elite offensive tackle on a roster can transform an offense. Having two elite stars on either side of the line seems - to an opponent, anyway - almost unfair.
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But that, much to the chagrin of other NFL teams, is what the Philadelphia Eagles can unharness upfront.
Left tackle Jordan Mailata and right tackle Lane Johnson have each become among the best players in their position group. They also have garnered the respect around the league. And in ESPN's latest series announcement, the Eagles' tackle duo is shown just how respected it is.
Writer Jeremy Fowler detailed his polling results on the best offensive tackles this weekend with Johnson coming in as the third best player, and Mailata coming in at fifth.
Two Eagles players, and both in the top-five for their respective positions. ... almost unfair.
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Of course, none of this is surprising. Philadelphia has been able to build itself into one of the best teams in the league - as Super Bowl champs, the best team in the league in 2025 - due in large part to their offensive line. Johnson has been a stalwart on the team since being taken with the fourth overall pick in the 2013 draft. He has gone from athletic prospect to All-Pro throughout his career.
Mailata's career started much differently. The Australian-born athlete had never played a down of football before the Eagles took him in the seventh-round of the 2018 draft. The former rugby star blossomed from being a project into one of the best players at his position.
And going forward along the offensive line?
So long as both stay healthy for the 2025 season, the Eagles have the inside track on a continuation of their dominance featuring the best of the best upfront ... with this tandem that is "unfair'' to foes.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
