We are into Week 18 of this 2025 NFL season and the Eagles, always working the roster, tweaking it, preparing it for what is ahead, have stretched far beyond 53 players. They have gone to the limit preparing for every scenario and the result? An 11-5 record, a second consecutive NFC East title and holders – at this moment – of the No. 3 seed in the NFC playoff picture.
Along the way, players have thrived in their roles – either as starters, reserves, or role players. All have a purpose. All have importance.
The ones who have shined under-the-radar deserve their flowers as the Eagles turn their attention toward the Washington Commanders on Sunday (4:25 p.m. kickoff) at Lincoln Financial Field. So, a list of some underrated Eagles …
1. Marcus Epps, safety
You've got to give Epps credit: He has bounced around in his career – Minnesota, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, New England (for the 2025 summer) and back to Philadelphia, first on the practice squad and now on the active roster – and whenever he's been an Eagle, he has played really well. The 2025 season is no exception. Epps has added stability to the secondary with Andrew Mukuba sidelined. He has started the last four games and has played very well at safety – solid in coverage, good supporting the run, and a playmaker on Sunday in Buffalo blitzing in run situations.
2. Braden Mann, punter
The gross punting average is 50.4 yards per kick (fifth-best in NFL), with a net of 43 yards (eighth-best in NFL), and that pretty much says it all. What you also have to consider is that Mann has kicked this season in some absolutely awful weather – Sunday's game in Buffalo included – and he has been consistently flipping the field for the Eagles. He has had a great season. Mann already holds the franchise records for gross average (49.8 yards) and net average (43.9 yards), both set in the 2023 season and both in reach for 2025.
3. Moro Ojomo, defensive tackle
A defensive tackle with six quarterback sacks? There are only a handful of them with more than Ojomo's total of six this season, a statistical confirmation of just how good he has been this season. But the naked eye can see the impact Ojomo has had for the Eagles, part of an outstanding defensive tackle room that has helped the Eagles win the line of scrimmage from the inside out this year. Ojomo is a weekly playmaker for this defense.
4. Darius Cooper, wide receiver
He made the roster after a sparkling summer, and Cooper has gradually worked his way into the picture. His six receptions for 59 yards – he has also drawn a couple of pass-interference penalties – are only part of the story as Cooper has blocked very well in the running game and has been a contributor on special teams. He is on the upswing, for sure.
5. Fred Johnson, offensive tackle
Fred Johnson has been valuable both as a sixth offensive lineman in the running game, and also when he has had to step in at right tackle with Lane Johnson's injury. He has seven starts this season and shows his athleticism and toughness every week. It was a tremendous job by Howie Roseman to bring Fred back via an August trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
6. Jalyx Hunt, outside linebacker
Two seasons ago, Jalyx Hunt was playing football collegiately at Houston Christian. Now he has 6.5 quarterback sacks and is a force on the NFL playing field. Hunt has made the big, big, big leap in his second season, and he wins with a great burst off the ball, outstanding technique, and relentlessness and terrific skill. Hunt has worked hard to get here, and there is a lot more upside ahead.
7. Britain Covey, return man
The Eagles have a plus factor in the return game now with Covey returning punts. He has a fearlessness about him, and the Eagles have complete confidence in his decision making. Covey and Will Shipley have also done a solid job returning kickoffs, but it is in the punt return game where Covey makes his biggest impact.
8. Byron Young, defensive tackle
Once he had his chance, Byron Young made the most of it: He recorded 2.5 quarterback sacks with Jalen Carter sidelined, giving the Eagles much-needed production inside against the Chargers and Commanders. Young has played about 26 percent of the defensive snaps, and he has played well – firm inside, good penetration in the passing game, and great effort.
9. Adoree' Jackson, cornerback
The No. 2 cornerback spot has been a point of conversation this season, and Jackson has improved throughout the year. He really has done a good job acclimating to the defense and stepping up in coverage. Jackson has tackled well and has been around the football a lot in the passing game. His improvement has been a big part of the defense's season-long improvement.
10. Reed Blankenship, safety
Hard to believe that he's on any "underrated" list, but here we are. Blankenship just gets the job done – he's smart, physical, gets to the football, and is always in the right position. He plays with emotion and is a good bet to have his hands on the football late in a game. He is, in a sense, the "glue" to what the Eagles are doing in the secondary.
