Nakobe Dean’s Starting LB Job in Doubt? 5 More Eagles in a Job Battle
The Philadelphia Eagles’ defense has been a force to be reckoned with in recent years, but with the addition of several key players during the offseason, some positions are up for grabs. Among those is the starting linebacker spot alongside T.J. Edwards.
1. Nakobe Dean
Last year’s first-round pick, Nakobe Dean, was expected to be the anchor of the Eagles’ defense. However, a nagging pectoral injury has kept him out of action for much of the offseason. His status for Week 1 remains uncertain, putting his starting job in jeopardy.
2. Kyzir White
Kyzir White, who was acquired in a trade with the Chargers, has impressed in Dean’s absence. He’s a versatile linebacker with a knack for making plays. If Dean is not ready for Week 1, White is likely to take his place.
3. Davion Taylor
Davion Taylor has shown flashes of brilliance in his young career. He’s a physical presence who can disrupt the opponent’s offense. However, consistency has been an issue for him.
4. Patrick Johnson
Patrick Johnson, a sixth-round pick in 2021, has made a strong case for himself during camp. He’s a special teams standout who has also shown promise as a linebacker.
5. Eric Wilson
Eric Wilson, another veteran addition, has the experience and versatility to fill multiple roles in the defense. He could be a valuable asset as a rotational linebacker or on special teams. Other players who could be in the mix for playing time at linebacker include rookie Cameron Young and veteran T.J. Edwards. With the Eagles’ defense expected to be one of the league’s best, competition for starting jobs is fierce. Nakobe Dean’s injury has opened the door for other players to make their mark, creating an intriguing battle for snaps.Nakobe Dean’s starting linebacker job in doubt? 5 more Eagles in a job battle Nakobe Dean, the Eagles’ first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has been one of the most impressive rookies in the league this season. He has started all 10 games for the Eagles and has recorded 53 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and two interceptions. However, Dean’s starting job could be in jeopardy after he struggled in the Eagles’ Week 10 loss to the Washington Commanders. Dean was responsible for several missed tackles and was also beaten in coverage on a few occasions. After the game, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said that Dean “needs to play better.” Dean is not the only Eagles player who is in a job battle. Here are five other Eagles who could be fighting for their starting jobs: *
Jordan Davis:
The Eagles signed Davis to a massive contract extension in the offseason, but he has not lived up to expectations this season. Davis has started all 10 games for the Eagles, but he has only recorded 17 tackles and 1.5 sacks. The Eagles could decide to bench Davis in favor of Milton Williams or Marlon Tuipulotu. *
Jalen Hurts:
Hurts has been the Eagles’ starting quarterback for the past two seasons, but he has not been able to consistently lead the team to wins. Hurts has thrown for 2,211 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions this season. The Eagles could decide to bench Hurts in favor of Gardner Minshew. *
A.J. Brown:
Brown has been one of the Eagles’ best players this season, but he has been slowed down by injuries in recent weeks. Brown has missed the Eagles’ last two games with a foot injury. The Eagles could decide to rest Brown for the rest of the season in order to get him healthy for the playoffs. *
DeVonta Smith:
Smith has also been one of the Eagles’ best players this season, but he has also been slowed down by injuries in recent weeks. Smith has missed the Eagles’ last two games with a groin injury. The Eagles could decide to rest Smith for the rest of the season in order to get him healthy for the playoffs. *
Darius Slay:
Slay has been the Eagles’ starting cornerback for the past three seasons, but he has not played well this season. Slay has allowed several big plays this season and has been penalized frequently. The Eagles could decide to bench Slay in favor of Avonte Maddox or Zech McPhearson.
