The Eagles have a lot of big names at the top of their depth chart. Guys like AJ Brown, Fletcher Cox, and Jason Kelce are sure to be huge factors in the birds’ success this season. Barring injuries, we know what we’ll get from the big money guys, but what about the x-factors? Who could step up in the big moments when the time comes? Before I start, I want to mention a guy who won’t be talked about simply because he has stepped up many times before. Boston Scott is almost a sure thing for an “unexpected hero” year in and year out. Every time Miles Sanders goes down, or Scott is used in a red zone play, he seems to live up to the pressure. Now for the list:
Quez Watkins
Watkins had a superb 2021 season and will continue to impress in 2022. The Eagles’ speed threat was on the receiving end of the longest play in football last year at 91 yards. Quez is also the team’s fastest runner by a landslide. Guys like Brown and Pascal can surely run, but Watkins can fly. He can also catch the ball when he gets downfield, something the Eagles have lacked in years past. Watkins had just a 1.6% drop rate in 2021. When it’s time to cut down leads or keep momentum in a green jersey, Quez is your guy.
Marcus Epps
In 2021, Eagles safety Marcus Epps was efficient and extremely productive in increased playing time. After Rodney McCleod went down, Epps stepped up and made minimal mistakes en route to a stable season. With a new and improved secondary, adding James Bradberry, Epps should be much more prepared for a breakout 2022 season.
Nakobe Dean
Arguably the biggest steal of the draft, Dean landed in Philadelphia in the 3rd round back in April. Earlier in the mock draft season, most analysts had the Georgia linebacker going in the top 20, sometimes even 10 picks. For some reasons brought about by the media, Dean fell into the Eagles’ lap. Surely, Dean is ready to prove all the other 31 teams wrong and solidify himself as the biggest regret of their lives. Having Haason Reddick in the same room can’t help either.
The Eagles have a lot of playmakers on their roster going into training camp. Who else could we see step up? Who else could be another Nick Foles or Big V? Leave comments below and check out other articles on this topic by clicking here.