Jalen Hurts, Jordan Mailata land on rankings that is clearly obvious to Eagles fans

The Philadelphia Eagles' offense is going to be on a solid foundation for a long time, thanks to guys like quarterback Jalen Hurts and left tackle Jordan Mailata there to hold it down.

Bleacher Report writer Kristopher Knox ranked the top 15 players in the NFL who he considers to be "true franchise players for teams to build around" as the league enters the 2025 season. Mailata was first on the Eagles' list, ranked 13th.

"Mailata has never made a Pro Bowl. However, it would almost be disrespectful to leave him off our list based on his recent production alone. Pro Football Focus ranked him first overall among all offensive tackles for the 2024 season.

If Mailata can maintain his high level of play or even improve moving forward, he should soon begin earning the recognition that other top offensive tackles regularly command."

As surprising as it might be for Eagles fans to read this, since he is getting a lot of criticism for not being "elite", Knox ranked Hurts third on the list.

"As is the case with Brock Purdy, some fans are always likely to view Jalen Hurts as a system quarterback. However, the two-time Pro Bowler and reigning Super Bowl MVP deserves more credit than that.

Yes, Hurts doesn't always produce jaw-dropping numbers. He's supported by a terrific supporting cast, headlined by skill-position stars like A.J. Brown, Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith. His career stat line, which includes 55 rushing touchdowns, is buoyed by a terrific offensive line and Philly's infamous "Tush Push."

However, Hurts has played consistently well and has often been at his best in the brightest moments. He's guided the Eagles to the postseason in all four years as a full-time starter and has appeared in two Super Bowls, winning one."

Hurts and Mailata are special pieces, but are they the top ones on the Eagles to build around?

The unquestioned one is Hurts, as he should be one of the top pieces to a franchise to build around. All quarterbacks should be high on the list, but what Hurts can do from an offensive perspective is what makes him more valuable.

Saquon Barkley gets all the credit for last year's success of the Eagles' Super Bowl run, but Hurts is the one making the calls and audibles at the line. Hurts is the one who is running more than most quarterbacks in the league and throwing the ball. He does a lot more than just hand the ball off to Barkley.

Left tackle is always another position to build a franchise around. Mailata has been quite the surprise after being a seventh-round pick, but companies like Pro Football Focus have been giving him the love he deserves. He's been ranked as their top tackle in the NFL after being named to the second-team All-Pro for the first time in his career.

Eagles fans know how great Mailata is, but it certainly feels like not many people outside of Philly know that. This offseason has changed the narrative, and Mailata should be on his way to earning a Pro Bowl selection finally in 2025.

In terms of building a franchise around Mailata and Hurts, it absolutely makes all the sense. Maybe the only other player to consider for the Eagles is defensive lineman Jalen Carter. At age 24 and already collecting All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections, Carter is another guy to build the team around.

Philadelphia will continue to focus on building the roster around Hurts and Mailata as they are the future of the franchise.