The Philadelphia Eagles have long built their championship-contending roster from the trenches, and their dominance on the offensive line reached new heights in 2025 with left tackle Jordan Mailata earning the No. 1 spot in Pro Football Focus (PFF) rankings for the NFL’s top offensive linemen. Surpassing San Francisco’s Trent Williams, Mailata’s rise to the top is a testament to Philadelphia’s exceptional development system and the unparalleled coaching of Jeff Stoutland, who has molded the former Australian rugby star into a cornerstone of the Eagles’ success.
Mailata’s journey from the rugby fields of Bankstown, Sydney, to the pinnacle of American football is nothing short of extraordinary. Born in Australia, he played rugby league for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs before transitioning to the NFL through the International Player Pathway Program. Standing at an imposing 6-foot-8 and 365 pounds, Mailata caught the Eagles’ attention with his raw athleticism. However, it was Stoutland’s expert guidance that transformed this potential into elite performance, making Mailata the most complete offensive tackle in the NFL.
PFF analyst Zoltan Buday highlighted Mailata’s dominance, noting, “Only two offensive tackles earned PFF pass-blocking grades above 90.0, and only two earned PFF run-blocking grades above 90.0. Philadelphia’s left tackle was the only one to achieve both feats.” His remarkable 95.2 overall PFF grade led all offensive tackles, cementing his status as the league’s premier lineman. This rare combination of elite pass protection and run-blocking prowess sets Mailata apart as a generational talent.
Paired with teammate Lane Johnson, ranked No. 5 by PFF, Mailata helps form the NFL’s most formidable tackle tandem. Together, they anchored an offensive line that powered Saquon Barkley’s historic 2,500-yard rushing season (including playoffs) in 2024, showcasing the cohesive unit that Stoutland has meticulously crafted. This system not only maximizes individual talent but elevates the entire offense, laying the foundation for Philadelphia’s championship aspirations.
At just 28 years old, Mailata earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2024, though he was surprisingly overlooked for the Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro selections. With his PFF dominance now undeniable, 2025 could be the year he receives the widespread recognition he deserves. In an NFL where pass rushers continue to evolve, having elite protection on both edges is invaluable, and Mailata’s performance raises the bar for what an offensive tackle can achieve.
From the rugby pitches of Sydney to the summit of professional football, Jordan Mailata’s ascent is a remarkable story of perseverance, talent, and world-class coaching. As the crown jewel of Jeff Stoutland’s storied legacy, Mailata isn’t just good—he’s setting a whole new standard for the Eagles, anchoring their line and fueling their pursuit of a championship.