Predicting Eagles' Top NFL Training Camp Breakout Players

A big week is on the horizon for the Philadelphia Eagles as they begin preparations for the 2022 NFL season.

Tuesday marks the mandatory report date for all Eagles players at NovaCare Complex in Philadelphia ahead of training camp.

And it could be the start of a big year for the team, which is looking to build off the 9-8 record that earned it an NFC wild-card berth last season.

There will be plenty of storylines to monitor in the Eagles camp after an eventful offseason in which they greatly improved their roster. It will be intriguing to see how players such as wide receiver A.J. Brown, linebacker Haason Reddick and others fit in with their new teammates.

But there are sure to be some names who will either put themselves on the team's radar or boost their stock with strong performances in camp.

Here's a look at several players who could be the breakout performers of the Eagles training camp.

Kenneth Gainwell, RB

AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio

Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during the first half of an NFL wild-card football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)

After getting drafted by Philadelphia in the fifth round in 2021, Kenneth Gainwell flashed his potential at times during his rookie season.

The 23-year-old didn't put up huge rushing numbers (291 yards and five touchdowns), but he did become a factor in the team's passing attack by notching 33 catches for 253 yards and one touchdown.

There's a good chance Gainwell will contribute even more as a receiving back this upcoming season. But if he has a strong showing during training camp and the preseason, he could start to get more carries out of the backfield, too.

Miles Sanders had a bit of a down year in 2021 (754 rushing yards and no touchdowns), so the Eagles may look to spread touches around to more backs. Gainwell is in a prime position to have an increased role, as he should only get better with more experience.

With one year in the NFL under his belt, the Memphis product will have a better idea of what to expect in camp this summer. That should set him up to perform well enough to earn even more opportunities in 2022.

Quez Watkins, WR

AP Photo/Laurence Kesterson

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Quez Watkins runs with the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Laurence Kesterson)

A lot of hype will be surrounding Brown, who gives the Eagles the true No. 1 wide receiver they had been lacking. DeVonta Smith will also be an interesting watch as he looks to build off a solid rookie campaign.

But don't forget about Quez Watkins. He took a big step forward during his second season in 2021 and may be poised to continue to improve heading into 2022.

Last year, the 24-year-old played in all 17 games and made 12 starts for Philadelphia, recording 43 catches for 647 yards and one touchdown. Now, he's in a good spot to be an impactful No. 3 receiver this season, a role he could secure with a strong performance throughout training camp and the preseason.

Don't be surprised if Watkins stands out early in camp and keeps that momentum going into the regular season.

The prediction here is that the Southern Miss product will end up above Zach Pascal, Jalen Reagor and Greg Ward on the depth chart and be a starter alongside Brown and Smith.

Zech McPhearson, CB

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 08: Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Zech McPhearson (27) participates in a drill during OTA offseason workouts on June 8, 2022 at Novacare Complex in Philadelphia, PA (Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Philadelphia did a solid job of improving its secondary over the offseason. A big reason for that was the free-agent signing of James Bradberry, who will be a strong starter alongside Darius Slay and Avonte Maddox.

While Slay and Bradberry will be on the outside, and Maddox likely to start in the slot, there will still be opportunities for other corners to get on the field. It can never hurt to have good depth at the position.

One cornerback who could solidify himself as the top backup is Zech McPhearson, a fourth-round pick in the 2021 draft who is now entering his second NFL season.

The 24-year-old had some growing pains during his rookie season, when he had 16 tackles in 16 games and didn't get a ton of playing time, but he now has the experience to take a sizable step forward in his sophomore campaign.

McPhearson has plenty of talent, which he showed during his college career, particularly in his senior season at Texas Tech in 2020. Now that he has a year of NFL experience, he should start to showcase more of his skills while preparing for the upcoming season.