Predicting Eagles' Breakout Players at 2024 OTAs, Minicamp

The Philadelphia Eagles have experienced a lot of roster turnover this offseason, and many new or returning players are expected to have a significant impact.

During free agency, the Eagles added the likes of pass-rusher Bryce Hall, running back Saquon Barkley, linebacker Devin White, receiver Parris Campbell and 2022 starting safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson.

Philadelphia then used its first two draft picks on cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.

While the additions certainly provide reasons for optimism, they're not the only players who could help the Eagles improve in 2024. Breakout campaigns happen every year in the NFL, and if Philly gets one or two out of its returning players, it would be a huge boost.

Here, we'll examine three returning Eagles who could potentially begin their own breakout seasons during organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamps.

CB Kelee Ringo

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 07: Kelee Ringo #22 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on from the field during an NFL football game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on January 7, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

2022 fourth-round pick Kelee Ringo had his fair share of ups and downs as a rookie, but he was also playing in a defense that never really appeared to be in sync under coordinator Sean Desai or under his replacement, Matt Patricia.

Ringo still only allowed an opposing passer rating of 86.2 in coverage. That's respectable, considering the Eagles ranked 31st in passing yards allowed and 26th in total defense.

While Philly's secondary is expected to get its biggest boost from Gardner-Johnson, Mitchell and DeJean, don't be surprised if Ringo manages to make an impact—albeit as a part-time player, if both Mitchell and DeJean earn starting roles.

Ringo was relatively unpolished coming out of college, and he's best suited to excel in a zone-based coverage scheme. Fortunately for him, that's exactly the sort of scheme that new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio prefers.

Fangio has traditionally used disguised zone coverages to create confusion and capitalize with turnovers. Ringo flashed some playmaking ability last season with two passes defended and an interception over just 199 defensive snaps.

Expect Ringo to start generating some buzz in Fangio's defense during OTAs.

Edge Nolan Smith Jr.

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TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 15: Nolan Smith #3 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up prior to an NFL Wild Card playoff football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

Despite being a first-round pick of the Eagles in 2023, pass-rusher Nolan Smith saw limited playing time as a rookie. He played just 16 percent of the defensive snaps during the regular season, finishing with 18 tackles, a sack and four quarterback pressures.

However, Smith was more impactful in Philly's playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played 16 snaps in that game and recorded four tackles, a half-sack and a quarterback hit. Perhaps, he should have seen more significant playing time earlier than he did.

"In retrospect, just seeing him certainly in the playoff game, one of the guys who played well in the playoff game, maybe giving him a little bit more time during the year and experience, we talked about that," general manager Howie Roseman said, per Reuben Frank of NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Expect to see an expanded role for Smith in 2024, or at least, expect to see him get the opportunity to earn one. While the Eagles did add pass-rusher Bryce Huff in free agency, they also traded away Haason Reddick.

Smith should get plenty of work in OTAs and minicamp to see if he can become a prominent member of the Eagles' pass-rushing rotation.

C Cam Jurgens

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 07: Cam Jurgens #51 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on from the field during an NFL football game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on January 7, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Cam Jurgens already had a bit of a breakout in 2023. The 2022 second-round pick didn't start as a rookie but started 11 games at guard last season. Now, he'll be moving over to center to try replacing the retired Jason Kelce.

It's a tall order, and it's one that will firmly put Jurgens in the spotlight during OTAs, minicamp and training camp. However, the Nebraska product is firmly focused on being the best player he can be.

"I'm not trying to be somebody's replacement or somebody's next person," Jurgens said, per NFL.com's Grant Gordon. "I'm just trying to be myself. Can I be the best football player that I can be in whatever position they put me in? That's what I'm going to do."

However, the Eagles need Jurgens to adequately replace Kelce, who was one of the catalysts of their offense.

The good news is that Jurgens, who had 31 career starts at center in college, has both the experience and the physical tools to succeed in the challenge. According to Pro Football Focus, he was not responsible for a single penalty or sack during his 11 games at right guard last season.

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*Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference unless otherwise noted