By Matt Lombardo | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
The Eagles will have plenty of new faces in 2017, and plenty of players who could be on the cusp of a breakout season including quarterback Carson Wentz, wide receiver Nelson Agholor, and first-round pick Derek Barnett.
Who is most likely to breakout this season? After a spring's worth of OTA and minicamp practices, here's a look at the most likely candidates:
10. Tim Jernigan, DT
Lori M. Nichols | For NJ.com
Prior to being traded to the Eagles prior to April's NFL Draft, Tim Jernigan's previous career-best sack total was 5.0. Playing on a defensive line alongside the likes of Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham, Vinny Curry and first-round pick Derek Barnett in a scheme predicated on front-four pressure and with the motivation of a contract year, it isn't out of the question that Jernigan could set a new career best and approach between 8.0 and 10.0 sacks.
Who stepped up at Eagles minicamp?
Did Nelson Agholor, Carson Wentz finish spring strong?
9. Lane Johnson, RT
Bill Streicher | USA TODAY Sports
The Eagles opened the season 3-0 and Carson Wentz earned Rookie of The Month honors in September prior to right tackle Lane Johnson being suspended for 10 games in 2016, and upon his return, Johnson had a tangible impact on an offense that sputtered in his absence.
Already one of the most dominant right tackles in the game, if Johnson stays healthy and clean this season he could emerge as a legitimate candidate to make first-team All-Pro.
Tim Hawk | For NJ.com
8. Fletcher Cox, DT
Fletcher Cox has made two consecutive Pro Bowls and been named to the last two All-Pro second-teams, but has yet to post a double-digit sack season. While sacks aren't the only measure of success for a defensive tackle, given the upgrade of talent around him this could be the year that Cox exceeds 80 tackles and 10 sacks for the first time.
Eagles full training camp schedule
When can fans see the Eagles this summer?
7. Derek Barnett, DE
Bill Streicher | USA TODAY Sports
After seeing time with the first-team defense and waging (and even at times winning) some impressive battles with Lane Johnson this spring, the stage seems set for Derek Barnett to play meaningful snaps this season, including in a 'NASCAR' package on a line that features Brandon Graham and Barnett at defensive end with Vinny Curry and Fletcher Cox inside.
Given Barnett's talent and the supporting cast that he will be playing with, it doesn't seem too unreasonable to think he could push for 5.0 to 6.0 sacks as a rookie while playing an immediate impact on a pass rush that only generated 35 sacks last season.
Bill Streicher | USA TODAY Sports
6. Donnel Pumphrey, RB
Throughout the spring, Donnel Pumphrey took snaps in the backfield as well as in the slot with the first-team offense when Darren Sproles was in the backfield. It seems as though head coach Doug Pederson and the coaching staff are making a concerted effort to get Pumphrey not only on the field, but in space where his speed can create a mismatch against opposing linebackers.
If Pumphrey winds up splitting time between being a slot receiver and traditional running back, not only will he see opportunities but he could quickly develop into the kind of weapon that opposing defensive coordinators lose sleep over trying to contain.
Tim Hawk | For NJ.com
5. Trey Burton, TE
Last season, Trey Burton caught 37 passes for 327 yards and one touchdown, setting career highs in all three categories.
Look for Burton to take on an even bigger role in the Eagles offense this season.
Throughout the spring, Burton lined up as a tight end and in goal-line and short-yardage situations as a fullback. Given the amount of packages that are likely to include Zach Ertz in the slot, Burton could see increased snaps as a tight end which added together should produce an uptick in production.
4. Zach Ertz, TE
Lori M. Nichols | For NJ.com
Zach Ertz finished as the Eagles' receiving leader with 78 catches for 816 yards and four touchdowns, despite missing two games with a displaced rib.
Given the space created by attention given to offseason additions Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith over the top, as well as opportunities to line up as a slot receiver and a pre-existing rapport with Carson Wentz, the table seems set for Ertz to make his first Pro Bowl and fight for All-Pro honors this season.
Bill Streicher | USA TODAY Sports
3. Jalen Mills, CB
As a rookie, Jalen Mills spent time both in the slot and on the outside, but this spring the Eagles seem to be expanding his role.
Mills took all of the first-team snaps either as an outside cornerback in base or in the slot in nickel and dime packages.
Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz repeatedly has said that Mills had both good and bad moments in his rookie season, but Mills did hold his own against Alshon Jeffery and Antonio Brown last season.
The Eagles are expecting Mills to hold down a starting job. If he improves over last season, it will have a tremendous trickle-down impact on the rest of the defense.
Did Eagles do enough to upgrade the CB position?
Here's what DB coach Corey Undlin said about every Eagles cornerback
2. Carson Wentz, QB
Bill Streicher | USA TODAY Sports
There was plenty to like about Carson Wentz's rookie season, and also more than enough reason for concern amid a production and mechanical regression over the second half of the season.
After an offseason's worth of work on improving his throwing motion, footwork and overall passing mechanics, the onus is now on Wentz to overcome some of his mistakes that he made over the second half of 2016. Likewise, a dramatically improved supporting cast that includes offseason pickups Alshon Jeffery, Torrey Smith and LeGarrette Blount have set the stage for Wentz to take a dramatic leap forward.
If Wentz improves and leads the Eagles to the playoffs or an NFC East title, there's little doubt he could build a strong case to make his first Pro Bowl in his second NFL season.
Matt Lombardo | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Carson Wentz's development compared to Super Bowl champion
What does Wentz have in common with 2-time Super Bowl winner?
1. Nelson Agholor, WR
Tim Hawk | For NJ.com
Along with Jeffery, Nelson Agholor was one of the most impressive wide receivers and players on the field throughout the course of this spring's OTA and minicamp practices.
One year removed from being benched late last season amid a crisis of confidence, Agholor seems clear-headed, stronger, faster and with much more reliable hands than he has shown in his first two NFL seasons.
In Jordan Matthews' absence while dealing with knee tendinitis, Agholor took a lion's share of the first-team reps as the slot receiver.
Given the space likely to be created by Jeffery and Smith in the passing game, the stage seems set for Agholor not only to thrive but also finally potentially live up to his potential as a 2015 first-round draft choice.
Matt Lombardo | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
THE NO HUDDLE SHOW:
MORE COVERAGE:
Lori M. Nichols | For NJ.com
For the latest Eagles news, head back over to our Eagles homepage.
HOW TO REACH ME:
Matt Lombardo may be reached at MLombardo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattLombardoPHL.
Ad Choices