1.Zach Ertz
Zach Ertz was one of the players on pace for a breakout year this past year. After being drafted in 2013, he was a player to look out for. He had a subpar year during his rookie campaign, finishing with 36 receptions for 469 yards and 4 touchdowns. Following the end of the season, Ertz was projected to leap into the starting lineup and improve his performance. This past season Ertz totalled 58 catches for 702 yards and 3 touchdowns, while also showing an improved blocking ability.
Although these numbers are not nearing his potential, Ertz was still a key player in each and every win last year. With a new face under center, Ertz needs to provide the reliable third down target quarterbacks love while learning a new offense. During Nick Foles’ first year, he often relied on Ertz as a key redzone and third down target. If Ertz can improve his route running, he will be able to get open more often and create space for Sam Bradford and Demarco Murray. In order for the Eagles to see success in the future, Ertz has to have the breakout year Eagles fans are expecting.
2) Josh Huff
The Eagles’ third round draft pick last year was thought to have success playing for his former college coach Chip Kelly, due to his familiarity with the system and past success in it. While playing limited snaps due to injury, Huff had only 8 receptions for 98 yards and one crucial lost fumble against the Cardinals. Nearly half of Huff’s yards were off of a 44 yard screen, where he showed his potential in the NFL with his speed, hands, and agility.
Although Huff was sidelined throughout the year with injuries, he managed to find a role on the team as a returner. This year, with the departure of Jeremy Maclin, Huff needs to step up. He has the talent to be able to line up anywhere for the Eagles, preferably in the slot. If he can manage to stay on the field, Huff should be the fourth, even third, receiver on the Eagles’ depth chart. If he can continue his success returning kicks, and catch around 30 passes for 500 yards, the Eagles can make a deep playoff run.
3) Brandon Graham
While playing limited snaps behind Trent Cole and Connor Barwin, Graham still shined while he had the chance. He forced four fumbles, along with five and a half sacks and 47 total tackles, being a key role in the improvement of the Eagles’ run defense. During the offseason, Graham was awarded a four year contract for $26 million, and $14 million guaranteed, while also receiving a starting role with the release of Trent Cole.
During his first year as a starter, if Graham can continue his ability to get to the quarterback, the Eagles defense will not be nearly as bad as said to be. He and Connor Barwin will be a dynamic force that will take pressure of of the shaky secondary. The only question is if Graham can play well for the whole game and for each game in the year, and not just a once or twice a game. If Graham is able to do so, the Eagles will make the playoffs, and push the cowboys for the NFC East winners.
4) Walter Thurmond
New reports suggest that Thurmond will start alongside Malcolm Jenkins in the starting safety position. Thurmond, who has played cornerback his whole career, is coming off of an injury plagued season. If Thurmond is able to fill the gap at safety, the Eagles shaky secondary from a year ago will have multiple new pieces put together, creating a solid defense.
If all goes well, players like Dez Bryant, Desean Jackson, and Odell Beckham JR will not have the usual success against the Eagles. Thurmond should make the transition to safety well and be the final piece to fix a shaky secondary. If he can see success at a new position, expect the Eagles to make the playoffs.
If all four of these players live up to their expectations, it does not automatically mean a playoff birth is in in the near future; it means that if these four players are able to play well, and other core players like Sam Bradford and Byron Maxwell succeed, then the Eagles’ playoffs hopes should become a reality. What will likely occur is that one or two players listed will have remarkable years, while maybe another could struggle and lose a starting job. These are just predictions, and it is still way too early in the year to tell who will start, but no matter the circumstances if all four of these player perform well, the Eagles will definitely be a team to watch in the 2015 season.
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