On Monday night, the NFL Network revealed 20 names on the debut of the annual Top 100 Players of 2017 series and two Eagles made the initial cut - defensive end Brandon Graham at No. 93 and safety Malcolm Jenkins at No. 90. The show will reveal the top 80 players over the next two months.
The longest-tenured member of the Eagles' defense, Graham started all 16 games for the first time in his seven-year career and was a relentless force. Graham accounted for an NFL-best 78 disruptions (sacks, hurries, and QB knockdowns). He had a personal-best 64 tackles and 14 tackles for loss to go along with 5.5 sacks.
In addition to being recognized by his peers tonight, Graham was a second-team All-Pro selection as well as a first alternate to the Pro Bowl. This is his first NFL Top 100 honor.
Malcolm Jenkins was one of the players who barely missed the NFL Top 100 list a year ago. With another outstanding season, one that was Pro Bowl-worthy, Jenkins ensured his spot for 2017 with 114 tackles, three interceptions, and two touchdowns. He is a valuable chess piece as he can play centerfield or line up in the slot, which is where he was moved to in the middle of the season after Ron Brooks went down with a quad injury. Jenkins' second pick-six of the year helped the Eagles knock off the New York Giants in Week 16. With multiple interceptions against Eli Manning in that game, Jenkins was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week.
Since Jenkins joined the Eagles in 2014, he has returned four interceptions for touchdowns. Only Eagles Hall of Famer Eric Allen has more in franchise history with six.
