Philadelphia Eagles: 3 players due for an increased role in 2021
By David Esser
Since the moment the Philadelphia Eagles drafted DeVonta Smith, a lot of the talk has been on the likelihood of him and Jalen Hurts establishing an elite connection in 2021. Along with some other young offensive pieces like Jalen Reagor, all the noise has been in regards to who can “break out” for the Eagles this season.
While there’s plenty of merit to the idea that the Eagles are going to be turning things over to rookies, and second-year players this season, there’s still a handful of veterans in line for an increased role this season. Guys who have been waiting for an opportunity to operate as full-time starters.
Looking at some Philadelphia Eagles due for a bigger role this season:
Josh Sweat, DE
The first player worth highlighting on a list like this, Josh Sweat could very well receive starting reps this season on the Eagles’ defensive line.
A player who has consistently gotten better and better with each passing season, Sweat has skills that are comparable to some of the league’s best defensive ends.
Sweat saw a career-high 421 defensive snaps last season, and he made sure to make good use of them, finishing 2020 with 6.0 sacks (also a career-high). With that said, there’s plenty of room to illicit even further production, as Sweat was still a rotational edge behind the likes of Brandon Graham and Derek Barnett.
With Graham getting up there in age, and Barnett potentially on the way out after this season, I’d expect Sweat to receive yet another bump up in snaps – potentially into a starting role by year’s end.