The Philadelphia Eagles are up and coming with a franchise quarterback in town in the form of Carson Wentz. Eagles fans have to love what they saw from Wentz as the team also added some playmakers in the offseason. In come, Alshon Jeffery, Torrey Smith, and LeGarrette Blount. Philly’s defense also appears to be emerging with Greg Schwartz has this team moving in the right direction. What should you pay attention to heading into Philadelphia Eagles training camp in 2017?
3 Position Battles To Watch:
- Guard: Isaac Seumalo, Chance Warmack
Seumalo had a decent year started 4 games for the Eagles a year ago. Big offseason addition Chance Warmack comes in to steal his job. Warmack never produced the way he should have with the Titans but still has a ton of potential. Warmack, a former Alabama stud, was a top 10 pick for a reason.
2. Defensive End: Vinny Curry, Chris Long, Derek Barnett
Brandon Graham is locked in on one spot after a double digit season. Curry likely is as well who had has 6 sacks the past two years. Barnett does come in as a first-round pick who is Tennesee’s all-time leading sack leader. Long comes in as a defection from that Patriots Super Bowl team who figures to play a role.
3. Cornerback: Jalen Mills, Patrick Robinson, Ron Brooks, Rasul Douglas, Sidney Jones
Philly is missing a true number one corner but the hope is Sidney Jones can be that guy. Jones was the number one cornerback on my draft board prior to the Achilles injury. Douglas also comes in as a rookie who had 7 picks at West Virginia. Mills had a decent year as a rookie from LSU and should improve in year 2. Robinson and Brooks are veterans that fill as depth. Both could start, however.
Ready To Breakout: Timmy Jernigan
Howie Roseman should win executive of the year for stealing Jernigan from the Ravens. Playing next to stud Fletcher Cox can only help his cause. Jernigan, 24, recorded 5 sacks in his third season and appears ready to burst onto the scene. heading into a contract year and working with defensive line guru Greg Schwartz is why Jernigan is my breakout candidate.
Rookie To Watch: Mack Hollins
Special Teams. Many people don’t pay attention to it but it’s something Hollins will provide immediately. He also has a chance to be a nice slot receiver for the Eagles. With Nelson Agholor having hands of stone, I expect Hollins to win the 4th receiver role. He is more of a polished route runner compared to fellow rookie Shelton Gibson.
Fantasy Sleeper: Jordan Matthews
For the first time, Matthews is a complimentary wide out. With Alshon Jeffery in Philly, Matthews no longer has to be the number one option. Facing less double teams, I expect his production to sky rocket. The same can be said coming from the receiving end of a constantly improving Carson Wentz.
