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NFL Network has recently been running their annual Top 100 players in the NFL series and revealed on Wednesday night that Eagles' offensive guard Evan Mathis made the list at No. 88. Watch the NFL Network clip by clicking here. The selection of Mathis was presented by Gerald McCoy, Adrian Wilson, Jeremy Maclin, and Mike Daniels. Wilson specifically said Mathis has the "strongest grip he's ever felt."
Mathis, notable Pro Football Focus grade superstar, has consistently been a solid force on the Eagles' offensive line ever since he signed with team in 2011. However, it seems like it took until last year for him to finally get the recognition he deserves. Mathis picked up a number of accolades for his 2013 season performance including: 2014 NFL Pro Bowl second alternate, 2013 AP NFL First-Team All-Pro, and 2013 PFWA All-NFL honors.
There were some reports that popped up earlier this offseason that the Eagles were open to trading Mathis. The issue was that Mathis asked for a new deal and the Eagles weren't willing to give one to him. Then it was reported Mathis wouldn't be attending voluntary offseason workouts, but as it turns out Mathis did report and he was just pranking reporters. (It's not unlike Mathis to be a prankster. As BGN has previously noted, he is quite the Twitter genius.) Mathis later spoke to the media and confirmed he will not be holding out for a new deal.
Mathis is just the first Eagles player to appear on the NFL Top 100 list as the countdown continues. Which Eagles player will be next?