Despite a rocky start, the Philadelphia Eagles have gotten on the right track as we get to midseason in the NFL. They made many new additions last offseason, and some have paid out, while others are still looking for a footing.
Moreover, the Eagles have a young roster filled with exciting prospects who have been on the field a lot this year. It is time to look at some of these new additions and prospects and evaluate what they have done so far.
Philadelphia Eagles Who Met and Have Not Met Expectations
Surpassing Expectations
Zack Baun
Zack Baun has ended up a major steal for the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency. While he was not a very exciting name when he played for the New Orleans Saints, he’s making a name for himself this year. Not only does he lead the team in tackles but he’s a Swiss army knife for this defense. He lines up both as an off-ball linebacker and as an outside linebacker on the line of scrimmage, plays the run well sideline-to-sideline, and is a force as a blitzer and a quarterback spy.
Nolan Smith
Nolan Smith was an exciting draft pick when the Eagles selected him in 2023. He did not produce much in his rookie year, and there were not too high of expectations for Smith going into 2024, especially with the move the Eagles made in acquiring Bryce Huff. However, in the last few weeks, Smith has been finding his groove in the NFL. He’s totaled 2.5 sacks in the last three weeks and has been outplaying Huff thoroughly. It’s an exciting development for Eagles fans, and if Smith is not the starter yet, he will be soon.
Cooper DeJean
Another exciting rookie, many people had high expectations from Cooper DeJean in his rookie year. So far, he’s surpassed those expectations and is playing like one of the better slot corners in the league. Not only has he been good at coverage but he’s an awesome tackler. He consistently makes tackles in open space against every receiver and running back he faces. Against the Cincinnati Bengals, his tackle on Ja’Marr Chase on third down is a play many players in his position cannot make.
Eagles Not Meeting Expectations
Bryce Huff
Bryce Huff was an exciting addition coming over from the New York Jets, however, he’s been poor this season. He has only had one and a half sacks as the starter this season, while also struggling in the run game. He still has time to turn it around, but it might suit him better this season to return to being a team’s third rusher like he was with the Jets.
Jordan Davis
Another one of the Eagles promising prospects, Jordan Davis has not lived up to the expectations of a top 15 pick. He’s an awesome pure nose-tackle who cannot be moved in the run game. However, as a top pick, he needs to do more than just plug up the middle. He hasn’t been an influence in the passing game. Even in the running game, he has not been as disruptive as one would like. He’s still a good player, but he has not lived up to the first-round expectations.
Jahan Dotson
Jahan Dotson was thought to be a big addition when the Philadelphia Eagles traded for him from the Washington Commanders. He was expected to be the clear answer to the Eagles third receiver problem. While he has been on the field, he’s only caught five balls for 35 receiving yards this season. He has not carved out a role in this offense or built an on-field rapport with Jalen Hurts. When Devonta Smith and A.J. Brown were out, he could not make much of an impact either.
Main Photo: [Eric Hartline] – USA Today Sports
