INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 16: Parris Campbell #1 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates a win against the Jacksonville Jaguars as he runs off the field at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
After fielding one of the NFL’s most veteran starting lineups in 2023, the Philadelphia Eagles are returning to the NovaCare Center this summer with a roster packed with experienced talent. This includes free agent additions like Saquon Barkley and Bryce Huff, as well as in-house risers like Jordan Davis and Tyler Steen, who aim to establish themselves as long-term assets for the team.
Despite their strong veteran core, the Eagles also have promising young players who could challenge established pros for playing time. This includes members of their rookie class, who bring significant talent regardless of their draft position. Notable rookies include a high-profile defensive back looking to prove his capabilities and a super-sized slot option with a unique playing style.
These rookies could become key players for the Eagles in 2024.
**2. Quinyon Mitchell Will Challenge James Bradberry**
James Bradberry has served as the Eagles’ CB2 for the past two years, but he is not expected to return to Philadelphia’s starting lineup this fall. In fact, he has been moved to safety during camp due to an influx of promising options, including second-year pro Kelee Ringo, recently unsuspended ex-Colt Isaiah Rodgers, and rookie draftees Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.
It’s uncertain who will earn the starting spot for Week 1, but long-term, Quinyon Mitchell is expected to be the Eagles’ CB1, a role he was drafted to fulfill. Standing at 6-foot and 195 pounds with massive 10-inch hands and a blazing 4.33 40-yard dash, Mitchell embodies the modern lock-down cornerback. He likely would have been a higher first-round pick if he had accepted Nick Saban’s offer to transfer to Alabama in 2023. Nevertheless, the Eagles saw enough potential in Mitchell during his time at Toledo and the Senior Bowl to select him with the 22nd pick. They reportedly even considered trading up to secure him. For the long-term success of Vic Fangio’s secondary, the Eagles need Mitchell to excel, and if he can secure the starting spot in 2024, it will be very positive for the team’s future.
CB Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean working together pic.twitter.com/SR4ymWJ54h
— Chris Franklin (@cfranklinnews) June 6, 2024
### 1. Johnny Wilson Will Challenge Parris Campbell
While the Eagles’ starting lineup is largely set from last season, with positions left vacant by players like Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox expected to be filled by internal successors such as Cam Jurgens and Jalen Carter, the biggest question mark is at WR3. Last year’s main contributors to that spot—Quez Watkins, Julio Jones, and Olamide Zaccheaus—are no longer with the team.
In March, it appeared that the Eagles’ third wide receiver would be DeVante Parker, the former Miami Dolphin-turned-New England Patriot who signed with the team at the start of free agency. However, his retirement has opened the door for Parris Campbell to be penciled into that role.
If Johnny Wilson can play at the level many expected from him coming out of Florida State, he could claim that spot before Halloween.
Standing just over 6-foot-6 and weighing 231 pounds, Wilson is one of the largest wide receivers in the NFL. His measurements rank in the 99th and 97th percentiles according to Mockdraftable, and he boasts one of the largest wingspans for an NFL wide receiver at 84.5 inches. Wilson uses his length to catch nearly anything thrown his way, serving as a reliable target for quarterbacks like Jayden Daniels at ASU and Jordan Travis at Florida State. While he may not have 4.3 speed like Green Bay Packers’ Christian Watson, he has the potential to be a solid X receiver who can match up against bigger cornerbacks and an intriguing option inside, capable of playing a hybrid role between a big slot receiver and a move tight end.
Typically, a sixth-round receiver rarely becomes a starter or a significant contributor as a rookie. However, despite being the second receiver selected by the Eagles on Day 3, Wilson has the potential to be a standout player from the start and an ideal long-term third option for Philadelphia. This could hold true even if the Eagles still seek to add a speedy option like John Ross to their depth chart for more versatility.
More WR drills.
John Ross, Johnny Wilson included. #Eagles pic.twitter.com/yZOGAhd6zE
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) June 6, 2024
