Predicting Philadelphia Eagles' Training Camp Standouts

Philadelphia Eagles training camp is right around the corner. Players report on August 1, and the first practice of the summer will finally be under way on Sunday.

We've combed through the position battles. We've been over the top stories. Today, we attempt to predict who the Eagles' standouts will be at this year's camp.

Generally speaking, these are going to be players involved in the passing attack—especially quarterbacks, wide receivers and defensive backs. The offensive and defensive lines don't really engage on the practice field, and the Eagles don't tackle to the ground during camp, so it can be difficult to judge the conclusion of a running play.

Still, plenty of players will make an impression. Here are the Eagles we think have the best chance to grab headlines this summer.

Nelson Agholor

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Last year, second-round draft pick Jordan Matthews dazzled at training camp, instantly grabbing the attention of every reporter in attendance. It's only natural to think fellow wide receiver and 20th overall selection Nelson Agholor could be the camp darling of 2015.

Expectations are already high for Agholor. The USC product will have a chance to start from day one. Some are hoping he can help replace Jeremy Maclin's Pro Bowl production after the wideout fled Philadelphia to join the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency. A few observers, such as ESPN's Todd McShay, are even suggesting Agholor will win Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Agholor was one of the most productive receivers in college football last season, finishing in the top 10 in receptions (No. 7), yards (No. 9) and touchdowns (No. 7). He should be able to make an immediate impact in the Eagles offense, just as Matthews did last season, when he reeled in 67 catches for 872 yards and eight scores.

It all starts at camp, where I predict Agholor will take off.

Sam Bradford

Matt Rourke/Associated Press

The Eagles have been wisely bringing Sam Bradford along slowly in his recovery from a twice-torn ACL. He hasn't even been a full participant at practice yet. However, all indications are that the training wheels are ready to come off once training camp opens.

According to Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com, Bradford is expected to be a full-go once practices resume. That means he'll be participating in 11-on-11 drills for the first time as a member of the Eagles this summer and will finally get to strut his stuff for the media.

Bradford should do quite well. The former No. 1 overall draft pick was never surrounded by much talent while with the St. Louis Rams. In Philadelphia, he has a fleet of Pro Bowl running backs, four receivers and tight ends drafted in the first three rounds in the past three years and a quality offensive line.

Oh, and let's not forget head coach Chip Kelly's prolific offense, which has produced career years for nearly every player who's been in it.

With Bradford, it's a question of health, not ability. As long as his recovery remains on schedule, expect Bradford to shine on the practice field.

Kiko Alonso

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A lot of folks were taken aback when the Eagles traded All-Pro running back LeSean McCoy to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for Kiko Alonso. But if you watch the linebacker on tape for a few minutes, you'll begin to understand why.

Quite simply, Alonso is a beast. According to Football Outsiders Almanac 2014, no defender was in on a higher percentage of his club's run stops than Alonso is 2013. Meanwhile, his instincts in coverage are outstanding. He reads quarterbacks' eyes or receivers' routes and gets into position to make plays on the ball.

Just look at Alonso's rookie season—third in the NFL with 159 tackles, two sacks, four pass breakups, four interceptions and a forced fumble. That line was good enough to earn PFWA Rookie of the Year honors in 2013.

Unfortunately, Alonso missed all of last season with a torn ACL, so reporters will be watching intently to see if he's still feeling the effects of that. Of course, they're in for a treat, because even in shorts and shells, Alonso's presence on the football field commands attention.

Brandon Boykin

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Disclaimer: Brandon Boykin has been one of my favorite Eagles to watch at camp for the past two summers. In 2013 in particular, he looked like the best cornerback on the roster at practice, and it's a wonder why he wasn't in line for a starting job even then.

Defensive coordinator Bill Davis swears Boykin will have every opportunity to start this year, via Geoff Mosher of CSN Philadelphia. I'm not as convinced that will be the case, with veteran Nolan Carroll already with the first-team defense and second-round pick Eric Rowe out of Utah also in the mix. Given that, Boykin will probably wind up back in the slot, where he's been outstanding the past three seasons.

But it will be fun watching Boykin give it his all and chase that starting spot this summer. While only 5'10", Boykin shows outstanding ball skills and the ability to stick with his man. And despite his small stature, he can really climb the ladder and swat passes away from even the biggest receivers with his impressive leaping ability.

You better get a good look at him at camp, because come September, he'll likely be back to a situational role.

Zach Ertz

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There isn't quite as much buzz surrounding Zach Ertz heading into 2015 as there was last year, but maybe there should be. No, he didn't make the Pro Bowl in his second season, although he did finish 12th and 11th among all NFL tight ends with 58 receptions and 702 yards.

It's not just the progression of his numbers that should have people excited, either. In search of more playing time, Ertz has been enlisting the help of some all-time greats, specifically to improve his blocking and preparation.

Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports the 2012 second-round pick worked with famed offensive line coach Hudson Houck this offseason and was mentored by legendary tight end Tony Gonzalez.

Ertz is a matchup nightmare for defenses in the passing attack, and he's ready to put up Pro Bowl numbers this season. However, he still splits the work at tight end with Brent Celek, who is a superior blocker. If Ertz has improved in this facet, he could be much more than a part-time player. If that's the case, 1,000 yards isn't out of the question.

There's no doubt Ertz will tear it up at camp—who's going to guard him? Whether it will translate when the real deal starts in September is the question.