OTA’s are now underway and that means the defending NFC champions will be under the microscope. The Eagles have had a terrific offseason where they were able to replace players that left with some much-needed youth. Now with the Super Bowl far behind them, here are four players to keep an eye on for the upcoming season.
DT Jordan Davis
With all of the hype around Jalen Carter, it seems as if many people have forgotten that the Eagles have Jordan Davis entering his second year in the league. Davis didn’t play as much last season due to the presence of Javon Hargrave but that should change this season.
As the Eagles limit Carter throughout the season this should open the door for a big breakout year from Davis. He was as efficient as can be against the run last season but can he do more now? When he went down due to an injury the Eagles had to sign not one but two players to help replace him. That speaks volumes to the impact he had on the defensive line.
TE Dallas Goedert
Goedert started the season with a bang and was the Eagles’ number-one target until an injury cost him to miss 5 games during the regular season. He was well on his way to his first 1,000-yard season until the injury and still finished the season with 702 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns.
Dallas Goedert was a huge focal point for the offense as it took some time for Brown and the other receivers to get up to speed. He’s going to be a big part of the team’s offense once again this season and could be in line for a career year if he stays healthy. But mot importantly, his consistent presence can help provide the offense with stability down the stretch. It will be interesting to see how his role grows from last season.
WR A.J. Brown
Brown was everything the Eagles could’ve asked for last season. He led the team in receiving yards as he broke a franchise record that was once held by Mike Quick. Brown finished the season with 1,496 reviving yards which was a career high and 11 touchdowns.
His impact on the offense was second to only Jalen Hurts. His presence allowed DeVonta Smith to come into his own and flourish. The duo both crossed the 1,000 receiving yards mark and both finished with 5+ touchdowns. Now he enters year two in Philadelphia and a lot will be expected from him. Can he reach another level in his game? Will he able to help Quez and his hame as he did with DeVonta?
LB Nakobe Dean
Dean was pretty much a role player last season as the Eagles brought him along slowly. Now with both Edwards and White leaving the nest, it will be on Nakobe Dean to lead the charge. Dean was a superb LB in college and showed flashes of brilliance throughout his first NFL season as well.
After getting a taste of what the NFL is like, I would be surprised if he didn’t flourish under Sean Desai. It also helps that the two players in front of Nakobe Dean will be his two former college teammates in Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis. Dean can bring back the glory days of great LB play in Philly but the question is how long will you have to wait to see him blossom?
Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire
