Ahead of training camp, the Eagles roster will look slightly different than it has the past few years. Long-time staples of the team have retired, moved on, or possibly taken on a lesser role in 2024. However, there’s a ton of youth on the Eagles and a ton to be excited about. On paper, this team is just as talented as in years past, but several players will have to back up that notion in 2024. These players will need to break out and become household names for the Eagles if they want to get where they want to be this season.
3 Players That Need To Breakout
Cam Jurgens
Every Eagles fan felt the impact of Jason Kelce’s retirement this past offseason. While the Eagles still boast some top players on the offensive line, there are some question marks for the first time in a while. Cam Jurgens started at right guard for the Eagles last season and performed well. He’s expected to move to his more natural position this season as the new Eagles center. It’s unrealistic to expect Jurgens to seamlessly fill in Kelce’s shoes. Yet, the Eagles will expect a big leap in play from him. He was good at guard last year, but If the Eagles want to retain their dominance in the trenches, he will need to be a great center. There will be a lot of expectations for Jurgens, as he was the chosen successor to Kelce some years ago. He will be key to keeping the Eagles roster dominant in the trenches.
Bryce Huff
Huff is another player who has some big shoes to fill this upcoming season. After signing him in free agency, he will need to replace Haason Reddick who was traded to the New York Jets. One could argue that Huff’s breakout came last year, hence the big contract he was able to sign. Though, while with the Jets, Huff was still in somewhat of a limited role. It’s impressive that he totaled ten sacks and ten tackles for loss in a limited role. However, he will need to prove other aspects of his game. Not only proving that he’s capable and effective in a full-time role but also proving consistency in the run game. He will likely take on the Von Miller role in Vic Fangio’s defense, and if that’s the case, he will need to be a constant threat on all three downs.
Quinyon Mitchell
Yeah, it’s pretty boring to pick the Eagles’ first-round pick to be someone the Eagles need to break out, but it’s true. The Eagles’ corners struggled last year, and the team made plenty of moves to fix that. The offense, while struggling a bit, scored plenty of points. Yet, the defense routinely let them down in many games. In 2024, the Eagles will need the secondary to improve severely. Mitchell’s talent and potential should have fans most excited about what he can be with the Eagles roster. Pre-draft analysis saw Mitchell as someone who could be a true number-one corner and a game-changer. If the Eagles could get that out of Mitchell, the defense would take a huge leap. With depth and talent on the defensive line, the secondary will be the x-factor to how far the Eagles can go. Mitchell will play a big part, whichever way it goes.
Eagles Roster Honorable Mentions
Isiah Rodgers is an interesting name who already had a breakout year per PFF with the Indianapolis Colts. After serving his gambling suspension, he will need to come back and show that he hasn’t missed a beat in the slot or on the outside. Milton Williams is another interesting name who could be in for a big year. He’s a powerful and explosive lineman who might be perfect for Fangio’s scheme. Overall, there’s plenty to be excited about with the Eagles this year. Not only in proven stars or superstars but also players who could become household names in 2024.
Main Image: Eric Hartline – USA Today Sports
