Following a disastrous end to last season, Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman made several notable additions this NFL offseason. The Eagles will have several new, important starters on both sides of the ball this upcoming season.
As Philadelphia begins to turn the page towards a fresh start during mandatory minicamp, there are numerous breakout candidates to keep an eye on in 2024.
Philadelphia Eagles Breakout Candidates
Philadelphia’s coaching staff isn’t the only area that changed this offseason. Roseman and the front office were hard at work, adding plenty of talent to the team’s roster.
While the Eagles will continue to rely on plenty of familiar faces this upcoming season, there are a few new faces to watch for as breakout candidates, as well as a former starter who is making the switch back to his natural position.
Let’s look at five potential breakout candidates for the Eagles in 2024!
EDGE Bryce Huff
Although edge rusher Bryce Huff was one of Philadelphia’s biggest signings this offseason, he’s far from a household name. Huff has worked his way from a depth player who barely saw the field to one of the most underrated edge rushers in the NFL.
He’s appreciated by those who enjoy advanced analytics, but Huff doesn’t receive the attention that he truly deserves. Thus, he’s a breakout candidate for the Eagles this upcoming season and is likely surpass his previous career-high of 10 sacks in 2024.
C Cam Jurgens
After spending last season as Philadelphia’s starting right guard, Cam Jurgens will return to his natural position in 2024 following the retirement of legendary center Jason Kelce.
Jurgens was essentially handpicked to be Kelce’s replacement by the legend himself in the 2022 NFL Draft and will now attempt to fill his shoes. Now Jurgens will be able to showcase his athleticism and untapped potential at the position he was initially selected to play.
CB Isaiah Rodgers
Following several years of mediocre depth at cornerback, Philadelphia has plenty of talent in that room in 2024. While Darius Slay is the clear leader at cornerback, Isaiah Rodgers is competing to start on the outside opposite him this upcoming season.
Isaiah Rodgers explains how he stayed sharp during his suspension #Eagles pic.twitter.com/ozPSVvWn60
— John McMullen (@JFMcMullen) May 31, 2024
Rodgers missed all of last season after being suspended for gambling but is eager to return to action on the field. Following a strong performance during voluntary practices, he continues to impress Philadelphia’s coaching staff with his speed and ability to make plays in coverage.
WR Parris Campbell
One of the Eagles’ underrated issues over the last two seasons is their lack of consistency at the third WR spot. Thanks to his relationship with head coach Nick Sirianni, however, Parris Campbell could be the solution to that problem.
Campbell and Sirianni spent two years together with the Indianapolis Colts. While Campbell has certainly underwhelmed in the NFL, he could benefit from a fresh start with the Eagles. Given his speed and versatility, he could be exactly what Philadelphia has been searching for between A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
LB Zack Baun
Although Saquon Barkley and Huff received most of the attention this past free agency, Zack Baun was also one of Philadelphia’s initial signings this offseason. Although Baun has primarily played edge rusher throughout college and the NFL, he’s apparently switching to inside linebacker for the Eagles.
It’s no secret that Philadelphia has been searching for linebacker help for several years, and Baun certainly possesses an intriguing skill set. Despite the addition of Devin White and the presence of Nakobe Dean, Baun appears to be in line to start at inside linebacker in Vic Fangio’s defense.