With training camp starting today for the Philadelphia Eagles, the NFC title defense now begins. Last year’s Eagles team was able to rally around one another to push for an incredible run to appear in the Super Bowl. Although they came up short against the Kansas City Chiefs, they’re still expected to make another run in a very weak NFC.
Along the way, they’re going to need all hands on deck to avoid the Super Bowl hangover and the impact of that loss. Here are five underdogs who I feel can make a significant impact on the team this season.
K’Von Wallace
The lack of depth in the safety group has been a concern for the Eagles for quite some time. Even though they found a diamond in the rough with Reed Blankenship and even in their new prospect, Sidney Brown, the unit as a whole isn’t one to be 100% confident in. Terrell Edmunds came on board as a free agent and could be a difference maker but we won’t know until the start of the season.
There’s one player that has withstood the times of change but could be on his last life with the Eagles. K’Von Wallace was expected to be a huge part of this defense’s future but has yet to get the chance that many feel he deserves. With the Eagles needing all hands on deck at the safety position, I would expect Wallace to get a real shot at a more impactful role and succeed in it with his future in doubt.
Quez Watkins
The often spoke about wide receiver as an uphill battle to climb this season. It’s no secret that the Eagles brought in Olamide Zaccheaus to come in and challenge Quez for the WR3 spot. It’s also no secret that Quez is feeling the pressure as seen in his social media posts.
Watkins is the latest wide receiver to be on the wrong end of the Eagles fanbase. While we witnessed Agholor turn his career around for the better, many Eagles fans are well aware of what has happened with their other first-round pick, Jalen Reagor. The latest question lingering over Quez is which receiver will be in 2023. The 2017 Nelson Agholor or the 2022 Jalen Reagor?
Kenny Gainwell
Even though the Eagles signed Rashaad Penny and traded for D’Andre Swift, it would be terrible for people to forget about Kenny Gainwell. Especially after how he performed in the playoffs. Gainwell was able to expand the offense with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and was elusive with the ball in his hands.
He’s also coming into his own behind this powerful offensive line. His ability to hit the hole and accelerate past the second level of defense is a very underrated part of his game. He’s a well-rounded running back for an offense that needs a player with his abilities. I wouldn’t be surprised if Swift and Gainwell become the RB1-RB2 combo that the Eagles need.
Greedy Williams
A very underrated signing this offseason was that of Greedy Williams. The former second-round pick of the Browns found himself on the outskirts of Cleveland over the last couple of seasons. Especially due to several injuries that hindered his progression.
Looking for a fresh start, Williams landed in the best possible position that he could have asked for. He’s lined up behind both Darius Slay and James Bradberry which means that the Eagles are not expecting the world from him just yet and that they are also interested in grooming Williams to possibly be one of their older corners replacements in the future.
Tying that thought process to a one-year deal is a win-win for both the Eagles and Williams. If he overproduces in his role then the Eagles can extend him with a team-friendly deal but if he underperforms then Philly can move on in 2024.
Jordan Davis
While the whole world focuses on the newest Georgia Bulldog in Jalen Carter, it will be a second-year dog turned Eagle that will steal the spotlight. Jordan Davis is coming off of a rookie season where he produced efficiently during the limited snaps that he received. He was one of the better defensive tackles in the league at stopping the run last season.
So much so that the Eagles had to sign two veteran DTs to fill his role when he went down with an injury. Davis is expected to see a more expanded role with his former teammate by his side. The impact that he can make in year two can’t be overstated. The Eagles will allow Davis to run wild and that should terrify opposing offenses.
Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire
