5 Rookies That Can Make an Impact for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013
5 Rookies That Could Make an Impact for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013
The 2012 Philadelphia Eagles draft class, influenced heavily by GM Howie Roseman, was by all accounts a pretty impressive one.
Fletcher Cox looks like a star on the defensive line in the making. Mychal Kendricks had a solid rookie season covering the tight end and making tackles at the SAM position. Bryce Brown had a brilliant start to his Eagles career shattering rookie franchise rushing marks and showing great athletic ability. Brandon Boykin flashed ability in the slot corner role and as a kick returner. Finally, the Eagles may have possibly found their future quarterback in Nick Foles, although that remains to be seen.
The haul looks like a good one for Roseman, and it could be even more impressive if a guy like second round pick Vinny Curry could further develop and give the Eagles another feared pass rusher to add to the fold. Roseman took heat in the past for draft busts like Danny Watkins and Jaiquawn Jarrett. He admitted in the past that sometimes the front office forced a few picks based on need when the team figured it was one or two key pieces away. With new personnel man Tom Gamble in the fold coming over from the impressive San Francisco 49ers organization, the Eagles focused more on best available player regardless of position and that way of thinking seems to lead to less critical drafting mistakes. So far, so good for Roseman and company.
2013 was Roseman's first draft where he called the shots as in the past usually former head coach Andy Reid had final say. Roseman ran the show this time, and if he has similar success from this year's draft class it could be a class to remember. Let's take a look at five guys from the Eagles 2013 draft class that could have a major impact this upcoming season.
Earl Wolff
Earl Wolff could make an impact on special teams and in the secondary in year one as a ball hawk who can also lay the wood.
Jordan Poyer
Jordan Poyer's stock slid on draft day as he was once looked at as a day two pick who wasn't selected until the draft's final day. Poyer will use this as motivation, and I look for the kid to make plays in the back end as a rookie. I wouldn't bet against this kid.
Lane Johnson
Lane Johnson will be charged with the task of protecting Michael Vick's blindside if Vick is the starter in Week 1 on Monday Night Football against the Washington Redskins. This is a tall task but one the athletic Johnson has the skills and mental make up to face.
Matt Barkley
Matt Barkley is another prospect whose draft stock slid as he was once thought of as a top 10 pick who the Eagles nabbed in the 4th round. The Eagles look to be the beneficiary as Barkley has all the make up and pedigree of a franchise quarterback.
Zach Ertz
Zach Ertz could make the biggest impact of any Eagles rookie. Chip Kelly loves the tight end, so Ertz should have plenty of snaps and opportunities to make plays in his rookie campaign.
