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The 2020 NFL season kicks off a week from tomorrow and that means ESPN’s top-100 players of 2020 list is set to be released.
The Eagles have five players make the list this season, including all-world cornerback Darius Slay.
39. Carson Wentz
QB | Eagles
Age: 27
2019 rank: 31Wentz has added 13 pounds of muscle, is as agile as ever and seems perfectly comfortable and in command of Doug Pederson’s system. He earned a good deal of respect in the locker room by carrying a depleted offense into the playoffs last season. Wentz should enjoy a statistical surge with an improved supporting cast around him. — Tim McManus
Signature stat: Last season, Wentz became the first 4,000-yard passer in NFL history to do so without a 500-yard wide receiver, per Elias Sports Bureau.
What they are saying: “I’ve been thoroughly impressed. He has come into camp in tremendous shape. He’s the leader of our football team. He is coaching up the young players, which is great to see.” — Doug Pederson, Eagles coach
2020 projection: 3,798 passing yards, 27 TDs, 9 INT (213 rushing yards)
48. Zach Ertz
TE | Eagles
Age: 29
2019 rank: 23Ertz has more catches through the first seven seasons of his career (525) than any other tight end in NFL history, set the single-season record for most catches by a tight end in 2018 (116) and has led his team in receptions and receiving yards in each of the past four seasons. Yet he still doesn’t get the same respect offered to Travis Kelce and George Kittle. Ertz was double- and triple-teamed for much of last season due to Philly’s lack of weapons but should have a lot more room to work now that there are more playmakers on the outside to attract attention. — Tim McManus
49. Fletcher Cox
DT | Eagles
Age: 29
2019 rank: 29Coming off foot surgery, Cox was not himself for much of last season. Now healthy, he should be back to his game-wrecking ways. It will help to have Javon Hargrave and Malik Jackson by his side — two gifted players in their own right. Their presence should drop the amount Cox is double-teamed at least a little bit. — Tim McManus
61. Darius Slay
CB | Eagles
Age: 29
2019 rank: 100Since 2017, 36 defensive backs have seen at least 200 targets as the nearest defender in coverage. Only Marlon Humphrey and Stephon Gilmore (both 49.2%) have allowed a lower completion percentage than Slay (51.8%), per NFL Next Gen Stats. His efficiency dipped a bit last season, but he was often asked to play straight-up man against the opponent’s best receiver. The Eagles’ scheme should be easier on him, and he’ll get a boost from being in a new environment following a rocky relationship with Detroit coach Matt Patricia. — Tim McManus
71. Lane Johnson
OT | Eagles
Age: 30
2019 rank: 95Johnson has battled through some injuries in recent seasons but remains arguably the best right tackle in the game. Since 2016, when Doug Pederson became head coach, the Eagles are 36-17 with Johnson and 6-11 without him in the starting lineup. — Tim McManus
Eagles center Jason Kelce landed on the list of snubs after a 2019 first-team All-Pro selection.
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