The Eagles keep stacking ESPN’s positional rankings, and this time the spotlight lands squarely on the middle of their defense. Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis both cracked ESPN’s Top 10 defensive tackles for 2026, giving Philadelphia two more elite interior defenders to add to a growing list of recognized talent.
Carter came in at No. 3, while Davis checked in at No. 10.
That follows ESPN’s earlier nods to Saquon Barkley among running backs and Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean among cornerbacks, with votes also going to Riq Woolen. The Eagles did not place an edge rusher in the Top 10, and Dallas Goedert received some tight end votes but not enough to earn a ranking.
Carter’s placement came with plenty of praise, but not without some hesitation from evaluators. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted that some voters pointed to uneven play and a drop in production in 2025. Still, one veteran NFL defensive coach didn’t hesitate to describe the kind of impact Carter can have.
“He’s a problem,” a veteran NFL defensive coach said. “A game-wrecker. You feel his presence out there consistently.”
Not everyone saw that level of disruption every snap, though. A few evaluators even argued Carter wasn’t the top defensive lineman on his own team, choosing Davis instead.
“He flashes 10 times a game but gets dragged far too often by average players,” an NFL coordinator said.
Davis’ rise to No. 10 was built on what evaluators viewed as his stronger 2025 season. One veteran defensive coach said Carter may still be the better talent, but Davis had the better year, and that was enough to sway several voters. The 2022 first-round pick turned into a force in his fourth season, using his 336-pound frame to overwhelm guards and centers.
Multiple voters placed Davis ahead of Carter, and one NFL coordinator was blunt about why.
“He’s just so f‐‐‐ing strong and consistent,” an NFL coordinator said. “And he’s gotten better as he’s gotten older and in better shape.”
ESPN’s full Top 10 defensive tackle list also included Leonard Williams, Jeffrey Simmons, Chris Jones, Derrick Brown, Quinnen Williams, Dexter Lawrence II, Zach Allen, Milton Williams and Davis. Former Eagles DT Milton Williams also made the list.
In Other News...
Jets Suddenly Linked To A Quarterback Move That Could Matter
The quarterback picture behind Andy Dalton has become a little more interesting for Philadelphia, with Tanner McKee now drawing trade speculation as teams look around for depth help. McKee is in the final year of his rookie deal, which gives the Eagles a straightforward decision point: keep developing him as a young reserve or see whether another club is willing to part with a draft pick to get him.
One team that could fit the bill is the Jets, who have been mentioned as a possible landing spot if they decide they want another arm in the room. For Philadelphia, the appeal is obvious because even a modest return would add value, and the market for backup quarterbacks can move quickly once a team starts looking for stability behind its starter. [Read more 🡒]
Saquon Barkleys Eagles Future Suddenly Feels Less Secure
Saquon Barkleys first season in Philadelphia looked like the kind of addition that could anchor the offense for years, with the veteran running back delivering a strong 2024 and helping justify the investment the Eagles made to bring him in. But the conversation around his future has shifted after a quieter 2025, and now his contract structure is starting to matter as much as his production.
The Eagles already have a backup in Tank Bigsby, and they are juggling other major financial choices as several key players move toward extension talks. Barkley still has guaranteed money ahead of him, along with an option bonus later in the deal, which means Philadelphia has to decide whether the next chapter is a continuation of the partnership or a harder business decision than anyone expected when he arrived. [Read more 🡒]
These Eagles Camp Names Could Shake Up The 53-Man Race
Training camp has a way of turning practice-field buzz into real roster pressure, and this Eagles group has several names worth watching once the pads come on. Na Brown flashed speed in minicamp and could keep pushing in the WR2 conversation on deep concepts, while Bigsby looks like the kind of back who can give the offense a physical changeup behind Saquon Barkley. Add in Young, who is trying to carve out a bigger role on the defensive line, and Kendall, who could get a long look in the interior mix, and there are already a few jobs that feel far less settled than they did in the spring.
Pulley is another player who could make things interesting if he keeps showing up around the ball, because undrafted safeties can force their way onto a roster fast when they create turnovers. Even the depth chart questions at guard and wide receiver have a little extra edge here, since the Eagles have a history of camp standouts who turn heads before the real decisions arrive. The names are lining up, the opportunities are there, and camp should tell us which of these players are just interesting bodies and which ones can actually change the 53-man race. [Read more 🡒]