The NFL regular season is around the corner, and there are many reasons to be excited about the new Philadelphia Eagles players in 2024. In a new era, the Eagles’ young core is intact and will take on a larger role. However, besides the headliners like A.J. Brown, Devonta Smith, and others, there are crucial players on the team who will need to perform.
The Eagles needed a bit of a reset after 2023. Besides the collapse that they had, it was a year of rough patches and struggles even when they were winning. With some added pressure onto them now, they need to hit the ground running in the early part of the season. To do that, a few key guys will be depended on. They might not all be the best players on the team, but they are the most important to the Eagles’ success in 2024.
Most Important Philadelphia Eagles Players Entering 2024 Season
Bryce Huff, Edge
In early hindsight, the Eagles dealing Haason Reddick to the New York Jets seems like a good move. The situation with Reddick has turned sour very quickly in recent months. However, they will still be depending heavily on his replacement Bryce Huff. Last year, Reddick accounted for 11 of the Eagles’ 43 sacks in 2023. He had nearly double the total of the next-highest player in sacks. Replacing a guy who was that crucial for a team’s pass rush is typically challenging, but Huff could be the guy to do it.
Last year for the Jets, Huff had his career high in sacks with 10, in a rotational role on the edge of the defense. According to Prp Football Focus, Huff in his limited playtime had the third-highest pass-rush win rate in the entire league. The concern with Huff is how he can adapt to taking on a larger role.
He will not only be a full-time starter, but he must be the number one pass rusher on the team. If he can’t live up to the hype, it’s hard to foresee the Eagles pass rush to stay towards the top of the league.
Quinyon Mitchell, Cornerback
Eagles first-round rookie Quinyon Mitchell is in line for a major role in Vic Fangio’s defense. While the Eagles have seemingly found lots of depth at corner this year, there are a few reasons why he’s so important. Mitchell’s importance is mostly about the rest of the cornerback room. Darius Slay turns 34 in January and has had injury issues through camp and in the past.
Isiah Rodgers is currently missing practice, and fellow rookie Cooper DeJean has dealt with injuries through the preseason.
The Eagles are going to need Mitchell not only to be a star but be the guy in this Eagles secondary, He likely will see plenty of time in the slot but on the outside as well. That is a tough challenge for a rookie, but Mitchell’s talent has been evident throughout training camp. The hope is that by the midseason mark, Mitchell will establish himself as the best corner on the team. If he struggles in either role on the defense, it could mean the Eagles’ secondary falls apart again in 2024.
Jalen Hurts, Quarterback
It’s a bit of a cop-out to pick a team’s quarterback as one of the most important players for a team. However, Hurts will have a lot to prove this season. Not only is he learning a new offense under Kellen Moore, but he’s also taking on the responsibilities of Jason Kelce.
The biggest improvement that Hurts will need to make in 2024 is his ability to read the defense before the snap. With Kelce gone, it seems like the role of calling out the protections and who’s blitzing will fall on Hurts. Hurts made big plays in 2023, but he struggled with turnovers. Adding more to his plate may be a little worrying, but that’s the job of a quarterback. With the talent around him and the new coaching staff, there aren’t any excuses for Hurts in 2024. He must have a great season and cement himself as a top-ten quarterback in the league.
There’s a lot on Hurts’ shoulders, but he should be ready for the challenge.
Main Photo: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
