The Philadelphia Eagles are legit Super Bowl contenders and loaded at just about every position. With such huge expectations, comes the need for a player not named Carson Wentz, Fletcher Cox or others, to take his game to the next level.
With every great team needing a role player to ascend to stardom at times, here are five breakout candidates that could have seasons to remember:
Derek Barnett
Michael Bennett’s trade to New England put the onus squarely on Barnett to replace his productivity as a pass rusher. Bennett graded out among the NFL’s best at providing pressure off the edge. Barnett was disruptive before injuring his shoulder and missing the remainder of the season, and he has the opportunity to put his name on the map when it comes to the premier pass rushers in the NFL.
Dallas Goedert
Goedert has star potential, and will certainly improve on the 33 catches for 334 yards and four touchdowns that he amassed as a rookie in 2018. Goedert was lights out this spring and has developed so rapidly that Zach Ertz could see less time at the true tight end position. Goedert will be featured frequently in the Eagles 12 personnel and will definitely play more than the 48 percent of the snaps that he saw as a rookie.
Rasul Douglas
Douglas had a big 2018 season, coming up huge for the Eagles down the stretch while providing a physical presence at cornerback. Douglas worked on his body this offseason and could snatch playing time away from Sidney Jones or Ronald Darby if they don’t have really good training camps. This spring, Douglas got first-team reps with Mills and Darby out and has earned the opportunity to play.
Halapoulivaati Vaitai
Vaitai had a great spring and it’s been even more beneficial for him because it’s happening at a different position. Vaitai logging first-team reps at right guard, in place of Brandon Brooks, who is rehabbing from a torn Achilles. Vaitai could be called on to play in place of Isaac Seumalo and former starting left guard Stefen Wisniewski.
Avonte Maddox
Maddox very well could be the best corner on the team currently and is a versatile jack of all trades defensive back who has increased his value by being able to play several positions. He’s likely to start in the slot based on matchups, can play safety based on injury and could be the reason Sidney Jones or Jalen Mills are traded. Maddox could find himself on several lists of top slot corners by seasons end.
