A host of players on the Philadelphia Eagles are poised to find their names at the top of their respective position rankings as judged by media folks, most recently by ESPN.
Before Tuesday, running back Saquon Barkley was already given the top spot in his ranking in the wake of a 2,000-yard rushing season. Other stars like A.J. Brown, Jordan Mailata, and Lane Johnson should all have top spots when it comes to the receivers list and the offensive line grouping.
And now?
Philadelphia has another player with a top ranking, but at a different position.
Jeremy Fowler ranked Eagles All-Pro defensive tackle Jalen Carter as the No. 3 overall defensive tackle in football.
"A year ago, evaluators around the league projected big things for Carter, who had already shown a knack for beating top-shelf offensive guards at the line," Fowler said. "He validated that faith with All-Pro second-team honors, a Pro Bowl nod, and a Super Bowl ring. Carter's 4.5 sacks and 8.8 percent pass rush win rate are not gaudy, but he's the classic need-to-see-him-in-person player.
"He's as disruptive as they come. The only thing keeping him out of the top two is experience."
Carter is Philadelphia's best defensive player. He was the anchor on a defense considered the best in the league. While he did not put up dominant numbers in Super Bowl LIX, the former Georgia's star impact allowed other players to succeed around him.
He has already shown an ability to stand out at such a young age, which is just further evidence that the Eagles have one of the great players in the league. ... and we must say, we're impressed (and a bit surprised) that the good people of Bristol get all of this.
He is essentially now getting the same sort of recognition that players like Kansas City's Chris Jones and New York's Dexter Lawrence receive, and it is clear that he is "next" on the proverbial list of superstar players at defensive tackle.