2023 Philadelphia Eagles Training Camp Preview
The Philadelphia Eagles lost in heartbreaking fashion to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl this past year, but seem poised for another great season in 2023. Philadelphia returns most of their team from that run and just CRUSHED the draft adding more young talent. Let’s not waste any more time and get right into things. Here is your 2023 Philadelphia Eagles training camp preview!
Position Battles:
1: Running Back: D’Andre Swift, Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott, Rashad Penny, Trey Sermon, Kennedy Brooks
The Eagles are loaded at running back. Swift takes the Miles Sanders role. Rashad Penny was signed to take what used to be the Jordan Howard spot. I’m still very much a Kenneth Gainwell believer too. You also have Boston Scott for the two games out of the year you play the New York Giants, so that’s cool!
Just really quick on Swift. I think he’s in for a banger year. Too many things on his side for this year. Chip on his shoulder, got traded for peanuts, and is in a contract year. Being in dysfunctional Detroit builds character. Also, Swift is from the Philly area and gets to return home. I haven’t even mentioned that he now runs behind the best offensive line in football.
2: Linebacker: Nicholas Morrow vs. Shaun Bradley
TJ Edwards is gone. Nakobe Dean, who we will get to later, will take one of the linebacker spots. Nicholas Morrow and Shaun Bradley will fight for the other. That linebacker/pass rusher hybrid role will be taken by Nolan Smith and Haason Reddick.
Morrow was brought over from Chicago and is coming off a career-best season where he notched 116 tackles. That was the first time in his career Morrow eclipsed that 100-tackle mark. Don’t count out the pride of Mount Holly New Jersey’s Shaun Bradley. He’s a former 6th-round pick that’s been in the organization for a while now. Good speed for the linebacker spot. This could be his year.
3: Safety: Reed Blankenship vs. K’Von Wallace AND Terrell Edmunds vs. Sydney Brown
Both safety spots are up for grabs here. CJ Gardner-Johnson is off to Detroit. Is K’Von Wallace finally going to prove he’s not a bust? Can undrafted Blankenship prove he actually belongs?
Don’t forget about the other Edmunds. He’s gotten better over the years and is no longer a total bust. It’s stiff competition holding off Sydney Brown who the Eagles traded up to go get. Jack of all trades type of safety too.
Philly needs to find a way to replace what Gardner-Johnson gave them last year. Both of these battles will be intriguing to watch during the preseason.
Ready To Breakout: Nakobe Dean
I’ve been saying this for the last five years and finally, one general manager was smart enough to listen to me. Nakobe Dean is the truth and you better figure it out before it’s too late. I had Dean as my number-one linebacker in the draft a year ago. He’s a total piss missle and was the leader of that first National Championship Georgia defense. He’s going to be a stud and it’s going to look so stupid that teams let this dude fall to the third round.
Rookie To Watch: Georgia
I couldn’t pick just one. Jalen Carter at nine was a steal. Kelee Ringo going in the 4th round is a total joke. Nolan Smith at 30 was another great pick. Let’s just keep tabs on all of them. It was a masterclass by Howie during the draft. I’m just glad someone listened.
Fantasy Sleeper: Olamide Zaccheaus
The WR3 spot in Philly is totally up for grabs. Chad is still having nightmares over the Quez Watkins drop in the Super Bowl. Greg Ward is still on the roster but we know there is a clear ceiling there. Devon Allen is a track guy that maybe factors in down the road. Joseph Ngata out of Clemson may even become that guy.
However, Olamide Zaccheaus is probably the best bet to make an impact this upcoming year. Zaccheaus, 25, had an underrated year in Atlanta in 2022 posting 40 receptions for 533 yards and three scores. That was while playing in a super run-heavy offense with garbage quarterback play. Maybe there is some juice here in a better situation?
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