The Eagles are a little over 48 hours away from playing a meaningful football game.
The 2023 NFL regular season is upon us, as Philadelphia and New England offer several intriguing storylines, including the return of Tom Brady to Gillette Stadium, and the ‘Philly Dawgs’ debut.
Buy Eagles TicketsNick Sirianni team is an above the radar Super Bowl hopeful and a franchise with a loaded roster has several guys looking for a breakout season.
With Friday’s practice approaching, here are five breakout candidates.
RB Kenneth Gainwell
After averaging just 24.1 during the regular season, Gainwell averaged 97.5 scrimmage yards against the Giants and 49ers, putting his dual-threat abilities on display.
Even with Rashaad Penny signing in free agency, and D’Andre Swift arriving via trade, Gainwell will see his role increase as Philadelphia works to surround Jalen Hurts with elite talent.
TE Jack Stoll
Stoll has a role in this offense and logged 574 snaps (49%) in 2022, taking over as the Eagles’ top tight end when Goedert missed five games with a shoulder injury.
Stoll caught 11 passes for 123 yards in 2022, with seven catches for 74 yards coming with Goedert out of the lineup.
The former Nebraska tight end is an above-average blocker when the Eagles are in their 12-personnel.
DT Jordan Davis
As a rookie, Davis played in 13 games, starting five contest before suffering a high ankle sprain against the Steelers.
Davis was so impactful early-on that he was named the 2022 PFWA All-Rookie Team after producing 18 total tackles, four quarterback pressures, one tackle for loss, and one pass defended.
LB Nakobe Dean
The Eagles drafted the Butkus Award winner in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft, and he’ll replace T.J. Edwards in the middle of Sean Desai’s defense.
Dean saw action in all 17 games last season, finishing with six total tackles (5 solos) in a reserve role.
Dean ranked T-2nd on the team with seven special teams tackles, and he’ll now look to take the next steps as a downhill run stopper capable of making plays in space when forced into pass coverage.
Safety Justin Evans
In 15 games last season with New Orleans, Evans played 40% of the snaps, logging 29 total tackles, one forced fumble, and two passes defended.
Evans appears completely healthy after dealing with a lower body injury for three years prior to last season with the Saints.
