Eagles Training Camp: Jordan Mailata compares budding star to Cowboys All-Pro pass rusher

Let’s get something straight, the Eagles don’t throw around superstar comparisons lightly, especially when it involves the name Micah Parsons. But here we are, two days into training camp, and Jordan Mailata is already sounding the alarm on second-year pass rusher Jalyx Hunt, saying he has the burst and bend to make life hell for offensive linemen… just like No. 11 down in Dallas.

Who needs to lure Parsons away from Dallas when you have a younger version of him already in the building? Even though Parsons yearns to wear midnight green, the team may not even need him at this point.

Mailata didn’t hesitate. “He’s gonna be special,” he said. “Just his burst. He has tendencies like Micah Parsons.” And this wasn’t some one-off camp compliment. This was borderline prophecy.

Eagles Could Have a Monster in Jalyx Hunt

The Eagles’ defensive edge room has seen a total facelift. Brandon Graham’s retired. Josh Sweat took the bag elsewhere. Bryce Huff? Already sent packing to San Francisco after a flop of a season. And yet, there’s zero panic in the building. Why? Because Jalyx Hunt is making it real hard to doubt him.

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The guy went from Ivy League safety at Cornell to edge rusher at Houston Christian, to now getting comped to Micah Parsons by the starting left tackle on one of the best offensive lines in football. That’s not a small leap, that’s outer space.

Oh, and it’s not just Mailata. Nolan Smith called Hunt “the best thing since sliced bread.” We’re one more compliment away from this turning into a cult following.

From Sleeper to Stud?

Let’s not forget: Hunt wasn’t even supposed to play much last year. But injuries to Graham and Huff forced him into the rotation, and he made the most of it. He racked up 1.5 sacks in the regular season and another 1.5 in the playoffs, including a big-time moment in the Super Bowl. Now, with a full offseason in the weight room and an actual role carved out, the Eagles are expecting a big leap.

And even Vic Fangio — Mr. No-Nonsense himself — acknowledged Hunt’s late-season impact and admitted expectations are high. Of course, he added a classic Fangio line: “Anything beyond that, to say right now, would be reckless.” Translation: I like the kid, but don’t get me fired in July.

The Eagles Might’ve Found Their Next Defensive Star

It’s early. No pads. No preseason. But the signs are there. Jalyx Hunt isn’t just holding his own, he’s becoming a problem. If he continues on this trajectory, we’re not just talking about him filling a gap. We’re talking about him redefining what the Eagles’ edge room looks like.

And for a fanbase that’s watched Micah Parsons wreak havoc twice a year, hearing Hunt’s name in the same sentence — unprompted — is worth paying attention to.

Eagles fans might just be watching the birth of the next great pass rusher in midnight green.