Potential Eagles breakout candidates who could shine in camp
· Yahoo Sports
Every NFL training camp has them. The Philadelphia Eagles are no different. They are the players everyone seems to be talking about by the end of July. The youngsters who are making highlight plays during practice... The veterans who remind everyone why they shouldn't be counted out. The rookies who quickly convince fans they deserve a larger role.
Some of those players become legitimate contributors once the regular season begins. Others simply become training camp legends.
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The Eagles have no shortage of candidates to generate excitement this summer. Here are six who should have fans talking throughout camp.
Jihaad Campbell, linebacker
Campbell's rookie season offered flashes of what made him such an intriguing prospect. He looked comfortable while filling in as Nakobe Dean recovered from injury, only to see his opportunities decrease once Dean returned to the lineup.
Now enters Year 2. He and Baun are the unquestioned leaders at the second level, but Campbell appears poised to take another significant step. His athleticism, versatility, and growing comfort in Vic Fangio's defense should allow him to make plenty of splash plays during practices. Don't be surprised if Campbell becomes one of the stars of camp. As a matter of fact, many are banking on it.
Andrew Mukuba, safety
No one has ever questioned Mukuba's instincts or ability to find the football. It isn't about big-play ability. It's about durability here.
The biggest question has always been health. Availability is a skill. It remains one of the most valuable traits any player can possess.
Assuming Mukuba stays on the field, training camp provides the perfect setting for him to showcase his playmaking ability. 'Pajama practices' often favor defensive backs willing to gamble, and Mukuba has never been shy about making a play on the football.
Eli Stowers, tight end
The spring wasn't perfect. Like most rookie tight ends, Stowers experienced expected growing pains while adjusting to the NFL. Training camp and the preseason offer an opportunity to change the narrative.
Dallas Goedert is unlikely to play much during exhibition games, creating additional opportunities for the rookie to showcase the receiving ability that made him one of the Eagles' favorite offensive additions during the draft. If Stowers strings together a few impressive practices, his name could become one of the most discussed of the summer.
Fred Johnson and Tyler Steen, offensive line
The spotlight has recently shifted toward Markel Bell as one of Philadelphia's more intriguing developmental linemen. That's understandable. It also shouldn't overshadow two veterans who have already proven they can play.
Fred Johnson remains one of the Eagles' most dependable reserve offensive linemen, while Tyler Steen enters a pivotal contract season after establishing himself as the starting right guard.
Steen, in particular, feels poised for another leap. He quietly delivered one of the more consistent seasons among NFL guards last year and now has an opportunity to solidify himself as a long-term piece of Philadelphia's offensive line under offensive line coach Chris Kuper.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr., linebacker
Few names resonate with Eagles fans quite like 'Trotter.' Junior spent the spring building momentum while continuing to develop behind an experienced linebacker group.
He's still carving out his role, but every report suggests he's becoming increasingly comfortable within Fangio's defense. Training camp often rewards instinctive linebackers, and Trotter has those instincts in abundance. If he continues trending upward, Eagles fans may find themselves believing another "Ax Man" is beginning to emerge in Philadelphia.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Potential Eagles breakout candidates who could shine in camp