Philadelphia Eagles: 3 Bubble players to watch vs. the Jets

2. Kyron Johnson 

Kyron Johnson seems like an ideal fit to compete for playing time in Johnathan Gannon’s modified 4-3 defense as a SAM linebacker. For those unfamiliar, the SAM is used as a pseudo-edge rusher in Gannon’s defense.

After a woeful year getting after the QB, ranking 31st in the league according to Statmuse, Howie Roseman went out and signed Temple product Haason Reddick to help bring some heat off the edge. With the departure of last year’s SAM, Genard Avery, the Eagles had a hole to fill behind Reddick.

Johnson, the Eagles’ 2022 sixth-round draft pick, brings a special skill set to the football field. He is an incredible athlete, reportedly running a sub-4.4 40-yard dash at his pro day. He displays incredible bend coming off the edge and is stronger than his 6-foot 230-pound frame would suggest. With those athletic traits and a motor that doesn’t quit, he is the closest thing to a carbon copy of Reddick on the Eagles roster.

He may have to find a home on special teams to improve his chance at cracking the 53-man roster, but he is certainly a player to keep an eye on.