Time to Shine: Nate Allen Has Golden Opportunity to Start for Eagles

When the Eagles drafted Nate Allen, they had high expectations. Those expectations may have increased even more now.

With safety Marlin Jackson suffering a bad achilles injury, someone is going to have to step up—big time—to fill the free safety spot. Allen will be one of the candidates to step up and make an immediate impact for the Birds.

It’s a lot to ask of a rookie to come in and be an opening day starter—however, Allen might be the best option the Eagles have at the moment.

The other players that will look to fill the spot have already had a chance to do so and failed.

I’m sure these players have improved over the offseason, but I’m not certain that any of them are good enough to be a consistent starter.

The safety position was something everyone knew the Eagles would draft, and would draft high.

When they moved up to the 13th overall selection, many assumed Earl Thomas would be the guy. The Eagles decided to pass and picked up Allen early in the second round.

It seemed as though he could see significant playing time in 2010, but now it seems like he could be an opening day starter.

The Eagles may move Macho Harris back to free safety, or they might let Quintin Demps run with the ones for a while because he knows the system.

However, Allen has been presented with a great opportunity and needs to step up to the plate.

We all witnessed the woes the Eagles had at the free safety position last year, so I’m sure the whole city of Philadelphia is hoping Nate Allen is the long-term solution.