Eagles' D-Line Coach Issues Challenge to Jordan Davis Ahead of Pivotal Season

Just like the other 31 NFL teams, the Philadelphia Eagles dealt with some key departures this offseason. One of the biggest losses came back in March when long-time starting defensive tackle Fletcher Cox announced his retirement following an illustrious 12-year career with the Eagles.

With Cox enjoying the retired life, the Eagles are expecting big things from Jordan Davis, who they drafted 13th overall two years ago. While there's no denying the 24-year-old's immense potential, Philadelphia fans are concerned if Davis' lackluster conditioning will cause him to struggle to fill Cox's void.

Fortunately, it looks like the Eagles and Davis have been doing what they can to help prepare the latter to take that next big step.

Eagles News: Jordan Davis Challenged to Improve Conditioning

Eagles defensive line coach Clint Hurtt spoke to the media following Monday's offseason activities (OTAs) and was asked about Davis' development. Hurtt, who was hired by Philadelphia in January, said that the ex-Georgia Bulldog's conditioning is the main thing that must be improved to reach the next level.

Hurtt went on to praise Davis, mentioning how "he's taken huge strides" to improve his conditioning and that "he's off to a really, really good start." The DL guru added that as long as Davis is in "great condition," opposing offensive lines are going to struggle to block him.

Eagles fans caught a glimpse of Davis' noticeably slimmed-down look during this year's OTAs. Despite still weighing in the neighborhood of around 350 pounds, he's opting to do it in a leaner way that's easier on his body.

"I’m stepping into a much larger role than I was last year, and I know what’s expected of me. In terms of being in my best shape, I’m getting in the best condition of my life."

- Jordan Davis

The Charlotte, NC native told the Philly media that he wants to be "in the best condition in my life" and that he's been making an effort to be more active away from the gridiron, which includes taking up activities like backpacking and embracing nature more often.

Davis played well at times for the Eagles last year, but his conditioning came into question as the season went on. Despite starting in all 17 regular-season games, the ex-Bulldog only played 45% of defensive snaps, resulting in 18 solo tackles (3 missed attempts), 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and a broken-up pass.

Newly hired Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio doesn't often rotate his defensive pieces, meaning Davis improving his conditioning is crucial to any future success. Hopefully, the improvements that he made this spring pay off when the regular season begins because Philadelphia needs Davis to successfully take over for Cox in the trenches.

Besides, Davis will be eligible for his first extension once the 2024 campaign wraps up. If he can't turn his physical improvements into on-field results, his odds of a big-time payday will go down.

Having said that, Davis taking his game to an elite level could be the difference-maker regarding Philly's championship aspirations in 2024. For now, the Eagles head into the remainder of the NFL offseason with the seventh-best Super Bowl LIX odds (+1400) on FanDuel Sportsbook.

More Eagles news and rumors: