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The Philadelphia Eagles have a roster filled with former first-round picks, but their résumés vary widely.
Some arrived in Philadelphia as franchise cornerstones and have already built Hall of Fame or Pro Bowl-level careers. Others are still early in their development, carrying the draft pedigree and long-term upside that made them first-round selections, but not yet having enough time to build complete NFL résumés. With training camp fast approaching, we're highlighting first-round picks on the roster. This ranking focuses on career accomplishments, not 2026 upside, job security, or long-term projection.
The first-round-only rule matters. That means Jalen Hurts, Dallas Goedert, Cooper DeJean, Riq Woolen, Jonathan Greenard, and Arnold Ebiketie are not included because they were not first-round picks, even though several of them are among the most important players on the roster. The list is limited to current Eagles who were selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.
1. Lane Johnson, offensive tackle
Johnson is the clear No. 1. The future Hall of Fame right tackle has built one of the best careers by an offensive lineman in Eagles history, with six Pro Bowl selections, two first-team All-Pro honors, and two Super Bowl championships. His résumé includes elite longevity, postseason success, positional dominance, and leadership on one of the NFL's most consistently strong offensive lines.
Johnson's value has also been evident in Philadelphia's record, both with and without him. The Eagles have long been a different team when Johnson is healthy, and his ability to erase elite edge rushers has helped shape the offense for more than a decade. Among current Eagles who were drafted in the first round, no player has a stronger career case.
2. Saquon Barkley, running back
Barkley ranks second because of his individual production, star power, and standing as one of the most accomplished running backs of his generation. The former No. 2 overall pick entered the league as a franchise back, earned Pro Bowl recognition, and became one of the NFL's most dangerous dual-threat runners when healthy.
His arrival in Philadelphia gave the Eagles another elite offensive weapon behind one of the league's best offensive lines. Barkley does not have Johnson's longevity with the Eagles, but this ranking is based on total career accomplishments, and his résumé as a former first-round pick places him near the top of the roster.
3. DeVonta Smith, wide receiver
Smith has already built one of the strongest résumés among Philadelphia's young core. The former Heisman Trophy winner was selected in the first round in 2021 and quickly became one of the most productive receivers in franchise history, setting the Eagles' rookie receiving record and later posting multiple 1,000-yard seasons.
Smith has spent much of his career sharing targets in a loaded offense, but his production, consistency, and route-running precision give him a strong case as one of the best first-round picks currently on the roster. With Brown departing, Smith has a chance to add clear No. 1 receiver production to an already impressive start.
4. Jalen Carter, defensive tackle
Carter may be the most talented young player on the roster, and his résumé is already growing quickly. The former Georgia star became a foundational defensive tackle almost immediately and was the Eagles' lone Pro Bowl starter despite playing through two injured shoulders.
In 12 games last season, Carter had 33 tackles, 41 quarterback pressures, 11 quarterback hits, and three sacks. Those numbers only capture part of his value because his ability to disrupt protections and collapse the pocket changes how offenses must account for Philadelphia's defensive front. Carter's peak may eventually push him much higher on this list, but career-accomplishment rankings reward time, and he is still early in his NFL career.
5. Quinyon Mitchell, cornerback
Mitchell is already one of Philadelphia's most important young defensive players, but his résumé is still developing. The former first-round cornerback quickly became a foundational piece in the secondary, and his coverage ability gives the Eagles one of the NFL's better young defensive building blocks.
His placement this low is not a criticism of his talent, as he's now an All-Pro. It is a reflection of the format. Career accomplishments require time, and Mitchell is still in the early stages of building his NFL résumé. If he continues on his current trajectory, he could climb this list quickly.
6. Hollywood Brown, wide receiver
Brown was a first-round pick by the Ravens in 2019 and brings a proven NFL résumé to Philadelphia's reshaped wide receiver room. He has been a productive vertical threat, has topped 1,000 receiving yards in a season, and has shown the ability to create explosive plays in multiple offensive systems.
Brown does not rank ahead of Smith because Smith's production and value in Philadelphia have been more consistent, but he belongs near the top of this list because he has already proven he can be a major NFL passing-game piece. His role with the Eagles will depend on how the receiver competition develops, but his career accomplishments are stronger than most of the younger first-rounders on the roster.
7. Jordan Davis, defensive tackle
Davis ranks here because he has already moved beyond projection and into established value. The former first-round pick has become an important piece of Philadelphia's defensive front, and his three-year, $78 million contract reflects how much the organization values his role.
Davis is not asked to produce the same type of pass-rush numbers as Carter, but his size, power, and ability to control the interior matter to the defense's structure. His second contract gives him a stronger career-accomplishment case than several younger first-round picks who are still trying to prove themselves.
8. Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, edge rusher
Tryon-Shoyinka was a first-round pick by the Buccaneers in 2021, making him eligible for this list. His career accomplishments are modest compared with the top names, but he has logged meaningful NFL snaps, provided edge depth, and shown enough ability against the run and as a rotational pass rusher to remain a useful player.
He has not produced more than five sacks in a season, and his 2025 role was limited, but he still has more NFL experience than some of Philadelphia's younger first-rounders. His ranking reflects that he has established himself as an NFL contributor, even if he has not become the high-end edge rusher teams hope to find in Round 1.
9. Nolan Smith, edge rusher
Smith enters 2026 as one of the most important first-rounders on the roster, but his career résumé remains incomplete. The former Georgia standout has flashed the athletic traits, speed, and effort that made him a first-round pick, but injuries and uneven production have kept him from fully separating as a long-term starting edge rusher.
He missed seven games in 2025 and finished with 31 tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble, 33 quarterback pressures, and 24 quarterback hurries in 12 games. Those numbers show value, but 2026 is a pivotal season because Philadelphia must evaluate its fifth-year option for 2027. Smith's upside is significant, but this ranking is based on what has already been accomplished.
10. Jihaad Campbell, linebacker
Campbell was drafted to become a major part of Philadelphia's defense, and his opportunity increased after Nakobe Dean's departure. His range, athleticism, and versatility give him the traits to become an impact linebacker, but shoulder surgery slowed his offseason and delayed his path toward a full-time role.
Campbell's long-term outlook remains strong. In a career-accomplishment ranking, however, he is still near the bottom because he has not had enough NFL time to build a résumé. His next step is turning draft status into consistent production.
11. Makai Lemon, wide receiver
Lemon is the newest first-round pick in the group, which makes him the easiest player to rank at the bottom for now. His talent and opportunity are obvious, especially with Brown expected to be traded and Smith moving into the unquestioned No. 1 role, but Lemon has not yet had the chance to produce in the NFL.
That is the nature of a career-accomplishment ranking. Lemon could become one of the most important players on the roster, but he begins behind veterans and established young contributors who have already built NFL résumés.
Final ranking
The most difficult part of this ranking was balancing career production against trajectory. Carter and Mitchell could eventually move much higher, Smith has a pivotal season ahead, and Lemon has the opportunity to grow quickly in a receiver room being rebuilt around DeVonta Smith. For now, Lane Johnson's career stands alone, Saquon Barkley’s star-level production gives him the second spot, and Smith's early receiving résumé makes him the most accomplished homegrown skill-position first-rounder on the current roster.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Ranking every former first-round pick on Eagles roster by resume
Continue reading...
Some arrived in Philadelphia as franchise cornerstones and have already built Hall of Fame or Pro Bowl-level careers. Others are still early in their development, carrying the draft pedigree and long-term upside that made them first-round selections, but not yet having enough time to build complete NFL résumés. With training camp fast approaching, we're highlighting first-round picks on the roster. This ranking focuses on career accomplishments, not 2026 upside, job security, or long-term projection.
The first-round-only rule matters. That means Jalen Hurts, Dallas Goedert, Cooper DeJean, Riq Woolen, Jonathan Greenard, and Arnold Ebiketie are not included because they were not first-round picks, even though several of them are among the most important players on the roster. The list is limited to current Eagles who were selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.
1. Lane Johnson, offensive tackle
Johnson is the clear No. 1. The future Hall of Fame right tackle has built one of the best careers by an offensive lineman in Eagles history, with six Pro Bowl selections, two first-team All-Pro honors, and two Super Bowl championships. His résumé includes elite longevity, postseason success, positional dominance, and leadership on one of the NFL's most consistently strong offensive lines.
Johnson's value has also been evident in Philadelphia's record, both with and without him. The Eagles have long been a different team when Johnson is healthy, and his ability to erase elite edge rushers has helped shape the offense for more than a decade. Among current Eagles who were drafted in the first round, no player has a stronger career case.
2. Saquon Barkley, running back
Barkley ranks second because of his individual production, star power, and standing as one of the most accomplished running backs of his generation. The former No. 2 overall pick entered the league as a franchise back, earned Pro Bowl recognition, and became one of the NFL's most dangerous dual-threat runners when healthy.
His arrival in Philadelphia gave the Eagles another elite offensive weapon behind one of the league's best offensive lines. Barkley does not have Johnson's longevity with the Eagles, but this ranking is based on total career accomplishments, and his résumé as a former first-round pick places him near the top of the roster.
3. DeVonta Smith, wide receiver
Smith has already built one of the strongest résumés among Philadelphia's young core. The former Heisman Trophy winner was selected in the first round in 2021 and quickly became one of the most productive receivers in franchise history, setting the Eagles' rookie receiving record and later posting multiple 1,000-yard seasons.
Smith has spent much of his career sharing targets in a loaded offense, but his production, consistency, and route-running precision give him a strong case as one of the best first-round picks currently on the roster. With Brown departing, Smith has a chance to add clear No. 1 receiver production to an already impressive start.
4. Jalen Carter, defensive tackle
Carter may be the most talented young player on the roster, and his résumé is already growing quickly. The former Georgia star became a foundational defensive tackle almost immediately and was the Eagles' lone Pro Bowl starter despite playing through two injured shoulders.
In 12 games last season, Carter had 33 tackles, 41 quarterback pressures, 11 quarterback hits, and three sacks. Those numbers only capture part of his value because his ability to disrupt protections and collapse the pocket changes how offenses must account for Philadelphia's defensive front. Carter's peak may eventually push him much higher on this list, but career-accomplishment rankings reward time, and he is still early in his NFL career.
5. Quinyon Mitchell, cornerback
Mitchell is already one of Philadelphia's most important young defensive players, but his résumé is still developing. The former first-round cornerback quickly became a foundational piece in the secondary, and his coverage ability gives the Eagles one of the NFL's better young defensive building blocks.
His placement this low is not a criticism of his talent, as he's now an All-Pro. It is a reflection of the format. Career accomplishments require time, and Mitchell is still in the early stages of building his NFL résumé. If he continues on his current trajectory, he could climb this list quickly.
6. Hollywood Brown, wide receiver
Brown was a first-round pick by the Ravens in 2019 and brings a proven NFL résumé to Philadelphia's reshaped wide receiver room. He has been a productive vertical threat, has topped 1,000 receiving yards in a season, and has shown the ability to create explosive plays in multiple offensive systems.
Brown does not rank ahead of Smith because Smith's production and value in Philadelphia have been more consistent, but he belongs near the top of this list because he has already proven he can be a major NFL passing-game piece. His role with the Eagles will depend on how the receiver competition develops, but his career accomplishments are stronger than most of the younger first-rounders on the roster.
7. Jordan Davis, defensive tackle
Davis ranks here because he has already moved beyond projection and into established value. The former first-round pick has become an important piece of Philadelphia's defensive front, and his three-year, $78 million contract reflects how much the organization values his role.
Davis is not asked to produce the same type of pass-rush numbers as Carter, but his size, power, and ability to control the interior matter to the defense's structure. His second contract gives him a stronger career-accomplishment case than several younger first-round picks who are still trying to prove themselves.
8. Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, edge rusher
Tryon-Shoyinka was a first-round pick by the Buccaneers in 2021, making him eligible for this list. His career accomplishments are modest compared with the top names, but he has logged meaningful NFL snaps, provided edge depth, and shown enough ability against the run and as a rotational pass rusher to remain a useful player.
He has not produced more than five sacks in a season, and his 2025 role was limited, but he still has more NFL experience than some of Philadelphia's younger first-rounders. His ranking reflects that he has established himself as an NFL contributor, even if he has not become the high-end edge rusher teams hope to find in Round 1.
9. Nolan Smith, edge rusher
Smith enters 2026 as one of the most important first-rounders on the roster, but his career résumé remains incomplete. The former Georgia standout has flashed the athletic traits, speed, and effort that made him a first-round pick, but injuries and uneven production have kept him from fully separating as a long-term starting edge rusher.
He missed seven games in 2025 and finished with 31 tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble, 33 quarterback pressures, and 24 quarterback hurries in 12 games. Those numbers show value, but 2026 is a pivotal season because Philadelphia must evaluate its fifth-year option for 2027. Smith's upside is significant, but this ranking is based on what has already been accomplished.
10. Jihaad Campbell, linebacker
Campbell was drafted to become a major part of Philadelphia's defense, and his opportunity increased after Nakobe Dean's departure. His range, athleticism, and versatility give him the traits to become an impact linebacker, but shoulder surgery slowed his offseason and delayed his path toward a full-time role.
Campbell's long-term outlook remains strong. In a career-accomplishment ranking, however, he is still near the bottom because he has not had enough NFL time to build a résumé. His next step is turning draft status into consistent production.
11. Makai Lemon, wide receiver
Lemon is the newest first-round pick in the group, which makes him the easiest player to rank at the bottom for now. His talent and opportunity are obvious, especially with Brown expected to be traded and Smith moving into the unquestioned No. 1 role, but Lemon has not yet had the chance to produce in the NFL.
That is the nature of a career-accomplishment ranking. Lemon could become one of the most important players on the roster, but he begins behind veterans and established young contributors who have already built NFL résumés.
Final ranking
- Lane Johnson
- Saquon Barkley
- DeVonta Smith
- Jalen Carter
- Quinyon Mitchell
- Hollywood Brown
- Jordan Davis
- Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
- Nolan Smith
- Jihaad Campbell
- Makai Lemon
Final analysis
The most difficult part of this ranking was balancing career production against trajectory. Carter and Mitchell could eventually move much higher, Smith has a pivotal season ahead, and Lemon has the opportunity to grow quickly in a receiver room being rebuilt around DeVonta Smith. For now, Lane Johnson's career stands alone, Saquon Barkley’s star-level production gives him the second spot, and Smith's early receiving résumé makes him the most accomplished homegrown skill-position first-rounder on the current roster.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Ranking every former first-round pick on Eagles roster by resume
Continue reading...
