The Eagles have completely revamped their roster this offseason. Compared to the team that they had after the departure of Carson Wentz and Doug Pederson, it looks like the organization has fast-tracked the “rebuild”. While there are plenty of new faces on the team, only a select few will truly make an impact on the outcome of the season, but the question is who will those individuals be. Here are the players that I believe will have the biggest impact on the team this season:
The Eagles Linebackers
Two out of my five are coming from the linebacker group. The team finally invested in actual linebackers. Instead of chasing a veteran that just doesn’t fit or a young player that can’t do it, they went ahead and signed Kyzir White of the LA Chargers.
White spent his four seasons with the Chargers and made a big impact in his final season with them. Many were shocked that they would let him walk but somehow, someway, White found his way home and is going to be a huge factor on defense.
Then there’s my second pick who just so happened to be the steal of the draft for the Eagles. Nakobe Dean will set Philadelphia on fire. This kid is just different. Not to mention, he’s also the most well-rounded linebacker in the entire group. Expectations are high for good reasons and I feel he can meet them as long as he can stay healthy.
Finally, a true CB2!
It still amazes me that the Giants let Bradberry go for nothing. It amazes me that the Eagles were able to sign Bradberry and keep him within the division. If you look at the tape then you’ll understand that the Giants weren’t using Bradberry to his strengths. Instead, they tried to turn him into a type of cornerback that he wasn’t fit to be.
James Bradberry has found the right home in Philly and it wouldn’t surprise me if they sign him to an extension in the middle of the season. He’s the perfect compliment to Darius Slay and he fits Jonathan Gannon’s scheme so well. Bradberry can turn this defense around if he’s able to hold his own this season.
Not one, but two Wide Receivers…
The Eagles made it a priority to get playmakers for their offense this offseason. They did just that. Howie Roseman brought in a Sirianni favorite in Zach Pascal through free agency. Pascal will have a significant impact on this offense this season. He’s going to be the third-best receiver without question.
Now that isn’t a shot at Quez Watkins at all. Pascal is just a more well-rounded receiver. He’s also very familiar with the scheme that Sirianni has in place. The only fear with Pascal is if he can stay healthy for an entire season. If he is able to do so then the Eagles will have a great group of wide receivers to help Hurts hit that next level of play.
Now we can’t forget about the most important addition even though I’d argue that Pascal is very close to being just as important. Howie Roseman pulled off the trade of the decade for the Eagles as he was able to land a stud wide receiver who is only in his fourth season in the NFL.
AJ Brown will be called upon to the guy when the Eagles need a change in momentum. He’ll be the one that Hurts relies on the most due to their off-the-field relationship as well. I can’t imagine what it means to Hurts to know that his number one weapon is his best friend. Brown will also be playing with a chip on his shoulder after how things ended in Tennessee.
That’s my five in no particular order but if I had to choose one that would have the biggest impact it would be James Bradberry. Last season wasn’t a bright spot for the Eagles’ cornerbacks and to have a veteran like him paired with Darius Slay will be a sight to see.
Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire
