The Philadelphia Eagles have experienced highs and lows. In the last two coaching eras under Doug Pederson and Nick Sirianni, we have seen both stellar and challenging moments. Both coaches led the Birds to the Super Bowl, with Doug Pederson’s staff handling business and the outcome of Super Bowl LVII etched in our memories.
As outstanding as both coaches were, there is one area of concern for both regimes. Both of their staff relied too much on free-agent signings and neglected to develop some of their clubs’ hidden gems.
If the Eagles are to establish themselves as one of the most consistent and exemplary clubs, these young players must stand up. They need to capitalise on their draft picks and have their coaches teach them.
They’ve got some apparent building blocks. Our fingers are crossed. Here are a half-dozen that we believe are up to the challenge.
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Tyler Steen
Tyler Steen’s lone start in 2023 against the Dallas Cowboys, one of Philadelphia’s toughest rivals. He did well and even recovered a fumble that could have been bad if he didn’t.
If Jason Kelce decides to retire, which might happen, and if Cam Jurgens takes over as Philadelphia’s center (also possible), there’s a chance Steen could become the right guard.
Don’t worry if that’s how things happen. Watch out for this young man. Keep an eye on the other players on this list too.
Britain Covey
A crash-test dummy is no more. Britain Covey has done an excellent job at understanding the intricacies of being an NFL punt returner (as well as how to identify wide routes to avoid those nasty shots). Thank goodness. Some of those crashes shook our souls.
Here is the thing. Covey has been so adept at playing in open space that some may question why he has not had more opportunity as a wide receiver. Heaven knows the Eagles require one.
This past season, six targets yielded four receptions, two first downs, and an average of 10.5 yards per reception. He hasn’t been used much in the passing game, but that could change with Kellen Moore.
Nolan Smith
You might have doubts about Nolan Smith. Yes, there are worries about his shoulder. And true, we expected more from a first-round pick, but sometimes Philly treated him like a highly-rated freshman who didn’t play much.
But things have changed now. Last season, the team struggled to tackle the opposing quarterback, and they need help from players like Smith.
Philly isn’t just wishing for Nolan Smith to succeed. It’s crucial that he does. He got more playing time towards the end of last season, and he’ll play even more in his second year. Unlike some doubters, we think he’ll do just fine.
Isaiah Rodgers and Kelee Ringo
Before the recent Eagles season, many people wondered if it was smart for Philly to have two starting outside cornerbacks who were over 30 years old. Darius Slay and James Bradberry were both injured at times. Slay played well for the most part, but Bradberry, who was an All-Pro in 2022, didn’t perform as expected.
James only missed one game, but both of them sometimes looked like they needed a break when they were on the field. We won’t even talk about all the issues with injuries at the slot cornerback position.
But here is some good news. Philly kept Isaiah Rodgers on the team, and if he plays like he did before his suspension when he was with the Indianapolis Colts, he’ll have a big impact right away. He’s also a great kick returner who can help on special teams.
Kelee Ringo showed that he can play at the NFL level when he got his chance (after that facemask/pass interference penalty on national TV). He’s still developing and needs coaching, but Philly has something they can work with here.
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Tristin McCollum
We like Reed Blankenship, but he struggles with coverage. We were excited about Kevin Byard joining the team, but he’s not as good as he used to be. Plus, it makes sense for Philly to let him go for contractual reasons.
Sydney Brown, like Reed, shows promise, but he also has trouble covering. He’s expected to miss some games next season due to a torn ACL he got in the regular-season finale against the New York Giants. That’s where Tristin McCollum comes in. He’s a tall and athletic defensive back at six-foot-three. He had a good training camp but got released during the final roster cuts and was put on the Eagles practice squad. He got moved up to the active roster and played in four games, including Philly’s playoff game.
He mostly played on special teams, but he also got 29 defensive snaps and 59 more on Michael Clay’s unit. He made six tackles. Don’t be surprised if you see him more next season, especially while the team is waiting for Brown to come back.
