Eagles All-Pro linemen's list inclusion once again proves what every fan knows

While the Eagles have been quiet on the transaction wire, their players continue to garner accolades as the NFL season begins.

Last week, Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson were both ranked in the top four in Protector of the Year candidates for the 2025 season. This comes after Johnson was named in Madden's "99 Club".

The award is in its first year of circulation, much to the efforts of Dion Dawkins and Andrew Whitworth. The Protector of the Year Award is set to mimic how College Football has honored top Offensive Linemen with awards like the Rimington Trophy (won by Eagles center Landon Dickerson in 2020).

According to NFL.com writer Nick Shook, Johnson and Mailata were placed third and fourth, respectively, on his list. Here is Shook's complete top 10

1. Penai Sewell, Detroit Lions
2. Trent Williams, San Francisco 49ers
3. Lane Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles
4. Jordan Mailata, Philadelphia Eagles
5. Creed Humphrey, Kansas City Chiefs
6. Dominic Puni, San Francisco 49ers
7. Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis Colts
8. Joe Thuney, Chicago Bears
9. Tyler Lunderbaum, Baltimore Ravens
10. Chris Lindstrom, Atlanta Falcons

Johnson and Mailata's place in Protector of the Year candidate list is justified

Johnson has been one of the NFL's best tackles since 2017, earning six Pro Bowls in that span. In addition to being named to the "99 Club" in Madden last week, Johnson awaits a ranking on the NFL Top-100 list, where he should improve from his #41 ranking in 2024. Johnson's previous year allowed just 14 pressures in 574 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus, and was ranked by the Associated Press as the number one offensive tackle.

Mailata's path to dominance has been somewhat less linear than that of others on Shook's list. Mailata was a seventh-round pick by the Eagles in 2018 through the International Player Pathway. With no college football experience, Mailata didn't make his NFL debut until 2020. By Week 4 that same year, Mailata earned his first start and has been a pillar of the offensive line since. In 2024, Mailata earned second-team All-Pro honors and was named to the NFL's Top 100 list.

With two members of the offensive line on the watchlist for Protector of the Year, the Eagles' big men are primed to spring Saquon Barkley and the rest of the Eagles offense for another stellar campaign. The Eagles rushed for over 3,000 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2024 and should be on pace for a similar season in 2025.