Predicting Eagles' Top NFL Training Camp Breakout Players
The time Philadelphia Eagles fans have been waiting for is nearly upon us. The Eagles experienced a disappointing end to the 2023 season but made several key changes over the following months.
After an early offseason of hope and hype, the process of putting it all together is about to begin. Rookies and veterans will both report to training camp on Tuesday, July 23.
Several new faces will be on the field to open camp including Bryce Huff, Devin White, Saquon Barkley and rookie first-round pick Quinyon Mitchell. Returning stars like Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith will be on hand as well.
Ideally, this mix of old and new players will help get Philadelphia back in the title hunt. For that to happen, though, the Eagles may need a few unexpected stars to emerge. Even with a roster loaded with established standouts, there will be opportunities.
With this in mind, let's examine three players who appear poised to break out during Eagles camp.
WR Parris Campbell
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Wide receiver Parris Campbell is new to the Eagles but has been in the NFL since 2019. Originally a second-round pick by the Indianapolis Colts, Campbell is still searching for his breakout season.
Injuries hampered the 27-year-old in Indianapolis, and he barely saw the field with the New York Giants last season. However, the speedy Ohio State product has flashed potential—he tallied 623 yards in his lone full season of 2022.
In Philadelphia, Campbell will get an opportunity to fill the longstanding need for a reliable third receiver. Olamide Zaccheaus ranked third behind Brown and Smith among Eagles wideouts with just 164 yards last season.
Campbell will face competition from John Ross and rookies Ainias Smith and Johnny Wilson, but his experience and willingness to be a role player should allow him to stand out.
"Obviously, the number of opportunities where ever you are might be limited, so that's why I say you have to make the most of them," Campbell said in May, per Ed Kracz of SI.com.
While Campbell is far from the most notable addition to the Eagles' offense—Barkley will be training camp's headline-grabber—he should generate his fair share of buzz.
Edge Nolan Smith Jr.
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While the Eagles added Huff to their pass-rushing rotation, they also traded Haason Reddick this offseason. This should leave 2023 first-round pick Nolan Smith Jr. on track for an increased role in 2024.
Smith saw limited playing time as a rookie during the regular season but managed to make an impact during 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.
Though it came in a losing effort, Smith flashed his impact potential against Tampa. He certainly caused the Eagles to second-guess their plan for his rookie development.
"Maybe giving him a little bit more time during the year and experience, we talked about that," general manager Howie Roseman said back in March, per Reuben Frank of NBC Sports Philadelphia.
Smith will get plenty of chances to earn playing time during camp and the preseason, and according to one teammate, has already shown growth during the offseason.
"He looks a lot different this year," cornerback Darius Slay told the Green Light with Chris Long podcast (h/t NFL.com's Kevin Patra. "...It's going to be a special year for him."
Smith's "special" year is likely to kick off with a strong training camp.
DT Jordan Davis
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2022 first-round pick Jordan Davis experienced a slow start to his career, playing just 26 percent of the defensive snaps as a rookie. However, he appeared set for a breakout season in 2023 after tallying 2.5 sacks, five quarterback hits, 19 tackles and a forced fumble in his first seven games. Like the rest of the Eagles defense, unfortunately, Davis' production waned in the second half of the season.
"I fell off in the half end of the year. I can admit that, but at the end of the day, we're human, Davis said in January, per Kracz. "We have the ability to change that, the ability to work and get to different platforms we haven't reached yet."
There's no denying that Davis wore down as the 2023 season progressed, and he was largely out-shined by rookie defensive tackle Jalen Carter. However, Davis is sporting a leaner physique this offseason and should be better positioned to maintain consistency.
Carter, who had six sacks and 18 quarterback pressures as a rookie, isn't likely to disappear in Year 2. Following Fletcher Cox's retirement, though, there's room for both Carter and Davis to stand out in Philly's defensive interior.
Expect a slimmer and more focused Davis to begin turning heads in training camp.
*Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference.
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