In a league that prides itself on parity, it’s easy for teams to pick themselves up after challenging or disappointing seasons. Every March, a new league year begins, and we enter the NFL’s free-agency period. Once April arrives, the Philadelphia Eagles and each of pro football’s other franchises set their sights on another draft.

The Eagles have hit the jackpot recently, mastering the art of redefining the word, value. They have consistently hit the bullseye during the past three drafts by landing talent most thought would hear their names called by teams several picks earlier.

In 2023, during the first round alone, they grabbed Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith. Quinyon Mitchell was the prize in Round 1 in 2024.

Philadelphia wasn’t done after shocking everyone with Mitchell’s selection. They still landed Cooper DeJean. In April, Jihaad Campbell, the man Daniel Jeremiah ranked 12th on his draft board, slid to the Eagles at pick 31. Then, they added Andrew Mukuba in Round 2. Throw in guys like Jalyx Hunt, and it feels like this team is stacked, but it seems as though ESPN is unimpressed.

Eagles earn middle-of-the-pack grades in recent NFL youth ranking

ESPN’s Aaron Schatz recently ranked every NFL team based on its players under 25. Philadelphia lands at 14, three spots ahead of the Dallas Cowboys. The Birds were placed behind the Washington Commanders and New York Giants, who ranked third and fourth, respectively.

Okay, this is confusing. Washington and New York wouldn’t keep losing to Philadelphia if they had better talent, right? The eyeball test alone says Philadelphia is better. Okay, let’s check the methodology.

Scahtz ranking is based on a combination of determining factors: number of starts made by players under 25 years old and the number of snaps they played, quality of those players’ efforts, value and length of contracts, relative importance of positions, draft values added in 2025, expected key starters, and significant injuries or suspensions.

Okay, we’re still confused. Starters and snap count may be causing some issues, but the Eagles more than make up for that in quality play and draft value. Then, there’s the eyeball test.

We’ve digested this and dissected it. We’ve re-read this and shared it with others. We’re baffled. There can’t be 13 NFL teams with better and younger talent than the Philadelphia Eagles have. The Giants and Commanders certainly don’t belong on that list.

Everyone’s opinion is respected, even if there is disagreement. We respectfully appeal the ranking.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles see shockingly low praise in an NFL youth talent evaluation