The Sporting News along with RealScouts.com has been writing up various lists of their top 20 NFL players at every position. Most lists have Eagles on them. Here's what they've got so far.
Donovan McNabb is the 7th ranked QB
7. Donovan McNabb, Eagles. Contrary to those who think McNabb is on the decline, he set a personal career high in passing yards last year and the 23 touchdowns were his most since 2004. McNabb still has a strong, accurate arm, so this season looks promising. The line has been upgraded significantly, and potential impact players have been added at the skill positions.
Jamaal Jackson is the 5th ranked center
5. Jamaal Jackson, Eagles. As Eagles' coach Andy Reid shuffled the line in the offseason, he certainly didn't even think of moving away from Jackson. He's an immovable object in the middle of the line at 330 pounds, but he also has impressive athleticism. He gets off the snap and reaches the defensive tackle quickly, and he can pull and seal the corner for perimeter runs. He'll be even better in '09, leading an improved line that added Jason Peters and Stacy Andrews.
Brent Celek sneaks in as the 19th ranked TE
19. Brent Celek, Eagles. After spending time in Smith's shadow, Celek takes over as the starter. Celek has soft hands and is athletic and fast enough to be a threat down the seam. This offense still runs through RB Brian Westbrook. An improved line, a healthy Westbrook and dangerous perimeter threats should allow Celek opportunities to make an impact in '09.
Jason Peters is ranked as the #3 offensive tackle in the NFL
3. Jason Peters, Eagles. Peters got some bad advice on his contract issues last year in Buffalo. As a result, he missed a lot of practice time and it showed in his play. Now that he has a long-term deal in Philly, all that is behind him and he can focus on returning to the form that made him one of the top young linemen in the league.
The Eagles have two guards amongst the sites' top 20 and it's the Andrews brothers
4. Shawn Andrews, Eagles: Right now the Eagles are trying Andrews at right tackle. He has the athleticism to pull off that move, but he is a three-time Pro Bowl selection as a guard. He has tremendous size and athletic ability. He can dominate as a straight-ahead run blocker, but he also has the lateral movement skills to play in space. It seems he is over his injuries and bout with depression and could see a return to form playing with an improved unit this year.
20. Stacy Andrews, Eagles. We're putting him in here. Though he played right tackle in Cincinnati and got paid tackle money to come to Philly, he's been moved to right guard in the early going, and that's probably not a bad move. Though he played well outside, his 345-pound frame will serve him well on the interior. Everything about him is big, from his body, to his hands, to his height and long arms. He plays with power and can dominate as a short area blocker.
No Eagles managed to make TSN's top 20 WRs in the NFL. Yet...