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USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
7 Philadelphia Eagles who might earn their first Pro Bowl selection in 2025
Cooper DeJean and DeVonta Smith are among seven Philadelphia Eagles who could earn their first Pro Bowl nods in 2025 The Eagles have one of the best rosters in the NFL with few holes or personnel deficits. Philadelphia suffered several losses in the secondary and defensive line, but managed to improve in the short term, while accumulating potential All-Pro talent in the draft. The first wave of free agency saw Josh Sweat (Cardinals), Milton Williams (Patriots), Kenneth Gainwell (Steelers), Mekhi Becton (Chargers), and Oren Burks (Bengals) all depart. On defense, Vic Fangio was forced to replace Darius Slay (Steelers), Isaiah Rodgers (Vikings), Avonte Maddox (Lions), and James Bradberry (UFA), all of whom departed following the Super Bowl roster. New seasons offer new opportunities for greatness, and with training camp fast approaching, we're looking at seven Eagles who could earn their first Pro Bowl nod in 2025. OL Jordan Mailata Mailata was a Pro Bowl snub last season, but he's arguably the best left tackle in the NFL from an analytical basis. According to Pro Football Focus, Mailata (96.9) led the entire NFL in offensive grade and run-blocking grade (94.9). In addition, Mailata ranked 2nd in the NFL with a 91.7 pass-blocking grade, behind Tristan Wirfs (93.7). DB Cooper DeJean After missing most of training camp with a hamstring injury, DeJean got a late start but more than made up for it after the bye. Last season, after entering the lineup in Week 6, DeJean proved to be the top slot corner in the NFL. According to when targeted (28.3%), his EPA was the best mark among all nickel backs and the second-best among all defensive backs. His -0.46 EPA per target ranks second among all corners (minimum of 300 coverage snaps), behind only Pat Surtain II. At one point last season, DeJean allowed a league-low 4.8 yards per target when aligned in the slot (minimum of 20 targets) and hadn't given up a score as a slot defender, with five passes defended. Entering Week 18 of last season, the Eagles' defense allowed over one fewer yard per pass attempt with DeJean on the field (5.6) than when he was off it (7.0). DeJean, who did not allow a TD in coverage in 2024, became the youngest player (22) to record an INT-TD in a Super Bowl when he had a 38-yard INT-TD against Patrick Mahomes in Super Bowl LIX. TE Dallas Goedert Goedert (team-record 52 career playoff catches) led the Eagles in receptions (17) and receiving yards (215) in the postseason. After reworking his deal, the talented tight end could earn his first out-right Pro Bowl nod. CB Quinyon Mitchell The No. 22 in the 2024 NFL draft played a significant role in the Eagles' defensive turnaround. As a rookie, Mitchell ranked 2nd among NFL CBs with 16 forced incompletions, trailing only Denzel Ward (17). He also ranked 3rd among CBs in yards allowed per coverage snap (0.77) (min. 600 coverage snaps). DT Jordan Davis Davis has been a solid run-stopper, but he's never played 600 snaps in a season. In 2024, he logged 27 tackles (15 solo), including 1.0 sack and two passes defended, while playing in all 17 regular-season games. His production increased during the postseason, with six tackles (four solo), including two sacks and one pass defense, across four playoff appearances. According to PFF, Davis has produced a sub-8.0% pass-rush win rate in the past two years, and his ten pressures are ranked 90th out of 219 eligible defensive tackles. During the playoffs, the production increased (two sacks, two tackles for loss in four playoff games). Improved production on passing downs could enable Davis to become a three-down player, potentially earning a more lucrative contract. WR DeVonta Smith Last season, Smith posted a career-high eight touchdowns in the regular season and hauled in a 46-yard touchdown in Super Bowl LIX. Adding more accolades to his resume, he became the franchise's all-time leader in postseason receiving yards (595). DB Reed Blankenship Helping Philadelphia own the NFL's No. 1-ranked total defense, Blankenship logged 78 tackles (52 solo), six pass defenses (including four interceptions), and one fumble recovery in 15 regular-season games in 2024. Blankenship improved during the playoffs, logging 27 tackles (18 solo), one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery during the Eagles ' four-game run to the Super Bowl.
USA Today
12-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Stories of Jordan Mailata's minicamp struggles should be taken with a grain of salt
Stories of Jordan Mailata's minicamp struggles should be taken with a grain of salt The story alone is enough to make one of those Disney-produced sports dramas (or get the writer kicked out of the executive producer's office). A kid from Australia lands in the City of Brotherly Love to play for the beloved Philadelphia Eagles. He eventually wins a Super Bowl. Here's the catch. He has never played American football before. That sounds hard to believe. What makes everything about that so special is that the Birds fans were fortunate enough to witness the journey firsthand. Jordan Mailata is Jeff Stoutland University's valedictorian and one of its most prized pupils. That's why no one should be fazed by reports of a bad day he had at Eagles minicamp. Rumors of Jordan Mailata's demise have been grossly exaggerated Philadelphia's single-day minicamp workout won't be remembered as Jordan Mailata's finest. To put things bluntly. He's ten times better than what he put on tape. Credit second-year star Jalyx Hunt for making the most of his opportunity as he fights for a starting job. Unfortunately, however, for Philadelphia's starting left tackle, one of Hunt's highlight-reel moments came at the expense of the Eagles' starting left tackle. Per CBS Sports' Jeff Kerr: "Mailata is one of the best tackles in football, yet had a hard time blocking Jalyx Hunt in team drills during the workout. Hunt beat Mailata on a "sack," as the Eagles All-Pro left tackle was clearly frustrated with himself for allowing the "sack" to happen (remember, the Eagles are in shells and shorts)." That isn't so bad. You win some, and you lose some, right? Unfortunately, Mailata may have still had Hunt on his mind as he was again beaten on the next play. This time, Jordan Davis won on the rep. Jalen Hurts was forced right as Davis was successful in breaking up the play. That led to some visible frustration and a well-written take on the events. Again, Kerr provides the details: "Mailata and the Eagles' first-team offense made way for the second-team offense, as Mailata looked at the video board that replays the previous play in practice. A frustrated Mailata yelled a few obscenities while reviewing the play and asked himself what he was doing." Kerr's following statement sums everything up perfectly. "Iron sharpens iron, and Mailata is clearly a perfectionist at his craft. This also showcased how good of a practice Hunt and Davis had." Kerr is right. That's precisely why no one should be bothered or even worried. Pro Football Focus released its list of the top 32 offensive tackles ahead of the 2025 NFL season. Jordan Mailata was ranked first, and rightfully so. He was lights out during the most recent NFL season. Per PFF: "Mailata was the most complete offensive lineman in the NFL in 2024... Only two offensive tackles earned PFF pass-blocking grades above 90.0, and only two earned PFF run-blocking grades above 90.0. Philadelphia's left tackle was the only one to achieve both feats. His 95.2 PFF overall grade also led the position." It's hard to believe that when this guy landed in Philadelphia as a 2018 seventh-round selection, he didn't even know how to put his helmet on. He has come a long way, from rugby to a Second-Team All-Pro nod in 2025. Mailata is just getting started, and it's going to be fun to watch the continued maturation of another Eagles franchise legend. And, with that, we close the book on rumors of Jordan Mailata's 'struggles'. The game's best offensive line coach coaches him. He's the best in the business. He'll be ready to go once the lights are on and games count against Philadelphia's win and loss total.
USA Today
11-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Second-year Eagles' pass rusher is quietly making a name for himself
Second-year Eagles' pass rusher is quietly making a name for himself Eagles pass rusher Jalxy Hunt had a breakout offseason and appears ready for an impactful second season. OTAs and another Philadelphia Eagles mandatory minicamp have flown by. Most won't have a problem with that because it means opening night and the expected pummeling of the hated Dallas Cowboys is one day closer than it was yesterday. Every summer brings new and familiar feelings. There's the hope that this team's journey will carry it deep into the postseason. Then, there are the players to talk about. Each summer brings discussions of potential breakout stars and lesser-mentioned underdogs who will challenge for a roster spot. Jalyx Hunt's place on the roster is certain, but he's certainly worth a conversation. He impressed as a rookie. He has also impressed this summer, fueling conversations that he may catapult himself into a starting role and, dare we say, enjoy a possible breakout season. Jalyx Hunt has been one of the stars of the Eagles' summer so far Nolan Smith tore his triceps during the Eagles' march to Super Bowl glory and, so far this season, has been on a quest to work his way back to 100% health. That has opened the door for Hunt to work out with the first-team defense at the summertime workout sessions, and to his credit, he has looked like he belongs. CBS Sports' Jeff Kerr reports that Hunt registered a 'sack' by beating 2024 Second-Team All-Pro Jordan Mailata off the edge. Contact isn't allowed at this point in the offseason, but you get the idea. Mailata was seen shouting obscenities at himself while watching the video board that replays the previous play in practice. Please make no mistake, the second-year star has the attention and respect of his teammates. Kerr offered a little more about Hunt in his mandatory minicamp takeaways: "Hunt was pretty active in the team periods, notching two sacks on the afternoon and being a disruptor in the backfield. Hunt got to Hurts on a miscommunication amongst the offensive line for the first sack, but the second sack was him beating Mailata (and frustrating the All-Pro left tackle in the process). Hunt looks primed to have a good summer and a breakout year, which would ease a lot of doubts regarding how to fill the voids left by Josh Sweat and Milton Williams." Inside The Birds' staff reporter Andrew DiCecco offered his theories about how impressive Hunt has been. He also gave Hunt a passing grade: "* I always say it's difficult to gauge the trenches during spring practices, but it was evident throughout practice that second-year EDGEJalyx Hunt was a force, often slipping into the backfield and disrupting plays. On this day, Hunt got the better ofJordan Mailata. The 24-year-old looks to be rushing and playing with more confidence and urgency, making him the player I'm most interested to see when the pads come on in late July." Hunt sat behind some veteran Eagles on the depth chart last season, most notably Josh Sweat. He spent some time staring up at Bryce Huff on the ladder, but kept his head down and worked. He eventually earned more trust from defensive coordinator Vic Fangio as a result and secured more playing time as the season progressed. Huff was a healthy scratch in Super Bowl LIX, paving the way for Hunt's Super Bowl debut. The rookie responded as everyone hoped, notching two tackles, one half-sack, and an additional hit on Patrick Mahomes. Look for the second-year star to continue his incline in year two. Sure, no one has thrown on any pads yet. Everyone is wearing shorts, but Jalyx deserves a passing grade based on what he has done so far.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jordan Mailata Ranked NFL's Best Tackle as Eagles' Dominance Reaches New Peak
Jordan Mailata Ranked NFL's Best Tackle as Eagles' Dominance Reaches New Peak originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Philadelphia Eagles have built their championship foundation from the trenches, and their dominance was showcased when left tackle Jordan Mailata was recognized as the NFL's premier offensive lineman heading into 2025 according to Pro Football Focus rankings. Advertisement PFF's evaluation of the league's top 32 offensive tackles for the 2025 season placed Mailata at No. 1, surpassing San Francisco's Trent Williams. The former Australian rugby star's ascension represents validation of Philadelphia's development system and the exceptional coaching of Jeff Stoutland, who transformed Mailata into one of his most important success stories. Mailata's journey from the rugby pitches of Bankstown, Sydney, to the NFL's summit remains remarkable. Born in Australia, he played rugby league for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs before pursuing NFL dreams through the International Player Pathway Program. His 6-foot-8, 365-pound frame caught the Eagles' attention, but Stoutland's masterful development turned potential into elite production. Under Stoutland's wing, Mailata became the most complete offensive tackle in football. As PFF analyst Zoltan Buday noted, "Only two offensive tackles earned PFF pass-blocking grades above 90.0, and only two earned PFF run-blocking grades above 90.0. Philadelphia's left tackle was the only one to achieve both feats." His 95.2 overall PFF grade led all offensive tackles. Mailata's excellence pairs with teammate Lane Johnson (No. 5 ranking) to give Philadelphia the NFL's best tackle tandem. This duo anchored the line that enabled Saquon Barkley's historic 2,500-yard rushing season (regular season and postseason), showcasing how Stoutland's systematic approach creates cohesive units that maximize collective performance. Advertisement At 28, Mailata earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2024. Despite his PFF dominance, he was surprisingly omitted from the Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro selections, suggesting 2025 could bring overdue recognition. In a league where pass rush continues evolving, having elite protection on both edges becomes increasingly valuable. Jordan Mailata's recognition validates his remarkable journey from Bankstown rugby fields to American football's pinnacle, serving as the crown jewel in Jeff Stoutland's impressive coaching legacy while anchoring Philadelphia's championship aspirations. Related: Eagles Sound Off On 'Crazy' Fans Expectations for Another Super Bowl Related: Eagles Ex First-Rounder Projected as 'X-Factor' in 2025 This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Philadelphia Eagles' Jordan Mailata Serenades Chris Stapleton with 'Tennessee Whiskey' Cover — Watch!
Jordan Mailata has range. The Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle sang "Tennessee Whiskey" for Chris Stapleton backstage during a George Strait concert on Saturday, May 10 at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field. Mailata, 28, rocked a cowboy hat when hitting the high notes of the song's chorus. Mailata's former Eagles teammate Jason Kelce proudly watched on as well in a video shared to TikTok. "You're as smooth as Tennessee whiskey/You're as sweet as strawberry wine/You're as warm as a glass of brandy/And honey, I stay stoned on your love all the time," the football star crooned, which earned a round of applause from bystanders as well as a handshake from Stapleton, 47. Fans online were also thoroughly impressed by Mailata's singing. "Sings like an angel. Blocks like Superman. What can't he do?" one fan said. "I could listen to Mailata sing for hours and never get tired of it!" another wrote on TikTok. "Omg I'd be soooo nervous! He did so good," a third said. "Tennessee Whiskey" was originally recorded in 1981 by David Allan Coe but was popularized in 2015 thanks to Stapleton's cover of the song. This isn't the first time Mailata showed off his singing skills. In 2023, Mailata surprised guests at his Maui wedding, singing Stevie Wonder's' "Isn't She Lovely" to his wife Niki Ikahihifo in front of their guests. is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! Mailata is part of the group The Philly Specials with fellow Eagles Kelce, 37, and Lane Johnson. The trio put out three Christmas albums annually starting in 2022, with singers such as Patti LaBelle and Stevie Nicks making appearances on the holiday tunes. The proceeds from the album go towards causes that the football players care about, such as the Children's Crisis Treatment Center's Holiday Toy Drive, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's Snowflake Station and the Fund For The School District of Philadelphia for Operation Snowball. The 2025 Super Bowl Champion also appeared on the seventh season of The Masked Singer. Before he was eliminated as Thingamabob, Mailata wowed judges with his covers of "Classic" by MKTO, Ed Sheeran's "Perfect" and "Wanted Dead or Alive" by Jon Bon Jovi. "I was a singer first before any sort of athlete," he said at the time. "This has been an incredible experience for me," Mailata added about his reality singing competition appearance. "I want to say if you want to do something, just do it." Read the original article on People
