Reed Blankenship dubbed most underrated player on Eagles roster by PFF

Philadelphia Eagles' Reed Blankenship is finally getting the recognition he’s earned.

Pro Football Focus recently highlighted the most underrated player from each of the 32 NFL teams, and the Eagles’ fourth-year veteran safety was their pick for Philadelphia.

On a Super Bowl-winning roster, there will always be some unsung heroes whose contributions might get overlooked, and Blankenship stands out.

As a former undrafted free agent, Blankenship has assumed a locked-in starter over the past two seasons and delivered an 87.2 PFF coverage grade, which ranks eighth among 129 qualifying safeties since 2022.

Reed Blankenship Went Undrafted in 2022

Blankenship has a compelling underdog story, having joined the Eagles as an undrafted free agent out of Middle Tennessee State in 2022. After a standout training camp, he was one of only three UDFAs to make the Eagles’ roster as a rookie that year.

By 2023, Blankenship had earned a full-time starting role in the secondary. He started 15 of 17 games, leading the team with 108 total tackles, while also recording 11 passes defended, three interceptions, and a fumble recovery.

In 2024, he remained a steady presence on defense, tallying 78 tackles, four interceptions, six pass breakups, and another fumble recovery during the regular season. He elevated his play in the postseason, adding 27 tackles, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery as the Eagles marched to a Super Bowl victory.

Recognizing his consistent performance, the team rewarded Blankenship with a one-year extension worth up to $5.2 million last April, keeping him in Philadelphia through the 2025 season.

Blankenship is anticipated to step into a significantly larger leadership role within the Eagles' secondary, especially with veterans Darius Slay and C.J. Gardner-Johnson no longer on the roster. As one of the more experienced players remaining in the defensive backfield, he'll be counted on not only for his on-field performance but also for his ability to help guide younger teammates.

If he continues to develop and delivers a strong season, there’s a good chance he could earn another contract extension as a result.