Each team in the NFL has a breakout star for that particular season. This player is one who comes into the season with low expectations. At the end of the season, this player has exceeded expectations and had a great season for the team. For example, Jordan Hicks. Last season Hicks was the Eagles third round draft pick, no one even expected him to play. In fact, a lot of people hated the pick when it was made. When Kiko Alonso went down injured, it was Hicks time to shine, and boy did he shine. Jordan Hicks was arguably the Eagles best player last season before he went down injured. Hicks exceeded the fans expectations last season, and because of that this season he is expected to be the Eagles defensive leader. That is what a breakout performance does. It lifts a player to new standards. Who will be this season’s offensive and defensive breakout player for the Eagles? Let’s Ask the Beats.
- Liam Jenkins – Founder and writer for http://phillysportsnetwork.com
Offensive Player – Trey Burton
I think his build and skill set make him one of the most versatile weapons on the roster. He has WR and FB experience at college and now is in an offense where Pederson favours guys built like him…I think whether it’s as a TE, FB or WR or even a combination of the three..Burton could be primed for a big year
Defensive Player – Jalen Mills
Mills will have an exceptional rookie year. His versatility and chip on the shoulder mentality partnered with his unquestionable talent make him a perfect weapon to play in such an aggressive defense
- Brandon Lee Gowton – Manager & Editor-in-chief of @BleedingGreen. Co-founder: @BGN_Radio.
Offensive Player – Nelson Agholor
Obvious choice. Agholor struggled so much last year that he has nowhere to go but up. The former first round pick should benefit from being healthy and having a full offseason in the team’s program. I don’t expect Agholor to suddenly become a star, but he has the talent to become a significant contributor in the passing game. The Eagles really need him to step up because their wide receiver corps isn’t very talented as a whole.
Defensive Player – Eric Rowe
Rowe showed glimpses of starting potential late last season after Nolan Carroll went down to injury. He was especially good against the Bills and Patriots. He basically kept the receivers he was covering quiet for the entire game. The Eagles’ coaching staff is very high on Rowe. Defensive backs coach Cory Undlin said Rowe has the potential to be a top-level starter in the NFL.
- Conor Myles – Eagles writer for http://cover32.com , @PhiladelphiaSN & @ViewsFromLinc.
Offensive Player – Nelson Agholor:
He’s coming from a USC team that ran a somewhat a pro-style system with west coast concepts. He’s more suited for this offense with his route running ability. Ankle injury slowed him down more than we realize & he didn’t grasp Chip’s offense at all last season.
Defensive Player – Vinny Curry:
Curry is a prototypical Jim Schwartz DE. He has speed (4.69 in his pro-day 40) to thrive in the wide-nine system, originally what he was drafted for. 11 of Schwartz’s 14 seasons as DC/HC a DE led his team in sacks. I expect that to happen with Curry.
- Jonny Page – Writer for eyeoftheeagles.wordpress.com
Offensive Player – Nelson Agholor:
Doug should use him much better than Chip did. Hopefully he’ll be used in the slot more and they will get him the ball in space. I think his injury last year hurt him more than people realized. He has the talent to take advantage of a good situation.
Defensive Player – Vinny Curry:
Should have a monster year in the wide 9. He can win with speed and power. Don’t be surprised if a lot of his sacks come from him playing as the defensive tackle in obvious passing downs with Barrwin and Graham as the defensive ends.
- Stephen Lee – Writer for eyeoftheeagles.wordpress.com
Offensive Player: Nelson Agholor.
While it’d be nearly impossible to have a worse season than his rookie campaign, I really expect to see tremendous growth from him this year. I think Pederson’s offense, coupled with the addition of (WR coach) Greg Lewis, will allow him to maximize his potential and turn into the receiver we all thought he could be last year.
Defensive Player: Fletcher Cox
The easy answer would be Fletcher Cox because he’s no longer in a 3-4 but I’ll go with Vinny Curry. The national media subtly questioned whether a player like Curry, that played limited snaps, was worth what we paid him this offseason but I think by the end of this year people will be saying that was a steal. Curry is tailor made for Schwartz’s scheme and I could easily see him eclipsing 12-13 sacks.
- Ed Kracz – Philadelphia Eagles beat writer: Calkins Media (Bucks County Courier Times, Burlington County Times
Offensive Player – Wendell Smallwood.
I know he’s a rookie but I like what I have seen from him so far. Real instinctive and has good hands out of backfield. Only thing I question is his blocking. That is something won’t know til pads come on. But I think he could be starting sooner rather than later.
Defensive Player – DE Vinny Curry.
I believe he will post the first double digit sack season of his career. Had 9 in 2014 and would’ve had double digits then but a couple Cary Williams penalties negated two. In Schwartz’s 4-3, I think sky is limit for him.
- Tyler Steege – Writer for eyeoftheeagles.wordpress.com
Offensive Player – Nelson Agholor.
He is the most talented WR on the team, hindered by shaky QB situation and a bad ankle injury in rookie season. Think he kills it this season.
Defensive Player – Vinny Curry.
Finally a starter in a wide 9 scheme that will give him one on one matchups all day. 10+ sacks coming
- Tom Aresco – Founder and Writer for @ViewsFromLinc
Offensive Player – Zach Ertz:
He’s going to be the focal point of the Eagles passing game. Play action will free him into the middle of defenses. Moving him around the formation like Travis Kelce will help him, too.
Defensive Player – Bennie Logan:
The guy nobody talks about will emerge as a top playmaker while guys like Cox, Curry and Kendricks gain most attention from offensive line.
- Max Burka – Writer and draft guy for @PHLEaglesNation.
Offensive Player – Jordan Matthews:
Matthews was on the verge of breaking out last season , more complex routes and better field spacing should allow him to eclipse 1000 yards, and 10+ TD’s.
Defensive Player – Eric Rowe:
Rowe showed promise last season, but a better scheme and safety help over the top will allow him to be a little less conservative in coverage, give him the freedom to make plays on the ball.
My Reaction
Trey Burton- I think Trey is an intriguing player for the Eagles in this upcoming 2016 season. As Liam said, Trey can play three different positions; those being TE, WR, and FB. He has a lot of versatility, he brings a lot to the table. I think at the end of the day Trey will have an important role on the team, (including special teams) but will not be our breakout star.
Eric Rowe- Eric Rowe has the potential to be our breakout star in my opinion, I really like this pick by the beats. At the end of last season we saw glimmers of what he can do. Brandon pointed out the two games against Buffalo and New England where Rowe was pretty much lock down. If Rowe plays at that level all season, he will be not only our best corner, but maybe even our best defensive player. He is definitely one to watch this season.
Jalen Mills- the rookie steal in the 7th round. Many projected him to get picked in the second round, however he fell. I guess we can thank the football gods for that one. Jalen Mills has tremendous skill and versatility. We are yet to see where he will play for the Eagles, but I am sure he will be a big contender for breakout star. Whether he is playing nickel cornerback or safety, I think he will play well and help this defense out a lot.
Nelson Agholor- five of the nine beats have labeled Nelson Agholor as their offensive breakout star and I agree with them, he is mine as well. I thought last season he was underused, and his injury did not help him. This season I expect him to be the go to wide receiver on this team. His production will go up a lot from last season, solidifying himself as our true number one wide receiver.
Vinny Curry- this was the most popular pick among the beats with 4 of the nine labeling him as their defensive breakout star. Again, this is my pick as well. When Vinny Curry played last season we saw a legit pass rusher and that was in a 3-4 scheme. Now Vinny Curry is expected to start at defensive end in our new 4-3 scheme. With a mixture of new scheme, Jim Schwartz, and his snap rate going up, I expect Vinny Curry to rack up the sacks.
Fletcher Cox- the only reason I would not label him a breakout star is because I already consider him our best player. However, I can see why this pick was made. Fletcher looks to be transitioning to a defensive tackle role in our new scheme. This scheme still suits him just as well as the 3-4. He will flourish once again for the Eagles. I always expect great things from Fletcher Cox.
Wendell Smallwood- the Eagles need a RB to play at a high level this year. I agree with everything Ed said about Wendell. I would consider him a real contender to breakout this season, however, I do not know what the RB situation will look like. I do believe if he does have a solid role with this team this season, he will be a breakout contender.
Jordan Matthews- I honestly expect Jordan Matthews production to be about the same as it has been. I think he finally get over 1,000 yards for the Eagles. I also expect him to keep playing the slot. I think it will be a more sharper Jordan Matthews this season for the Eagles.
Bennie Logan- Bennie is one of my favorite players on this team. If I did not think our defense had a lot of younger players about to breakout, he would be my pick. I think he has been very underrated at this point in his career. Bennie is a tremendous football player, and add Jim Schwartz to that equation, Bennie is set to impress. This year he will finally get recognition from the rest of the league.
Zach Ertz- Zach is the other offensive player besides Agholor who I think will breakout. He has been pretty productive the last few seasons, but I think it is time he breaks out. After this season, I think Ertz will be considered an elite tight end in the NFL.
Now it is your turn. Who do you think will be the offensive and defensive breakout stars for the Philadelphia Eagles? Comment below and let us know.
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