Here are the 7 Eagles in the pressure cooker this season

USA Today

6 hours ago

A team this talented always has pressure mounting, and we're identifying seven Philadelphia Eagles under the most scrutiny
The Eagles suffered several losses in early March, but somehow managed to get better in the short term, while amassing potential All-Pro talent in the draft. The first wave of free agency saw Josh Sweat (Cardinals), Milton Williams (Patriots), Kenneth Gainwell (Steelers), Mekhi Becton (Chargers), and Oren Burks (Bengals) all bolt for lucrative contracts. Vic Fangio's defense saw Darius Slay (Steelers), Isaiah Rodgers (Vikings), Avonte Maddox (Lions), and James Bradberry (UFA) also depart a Super Bowl roster.
Philadelphia rebounded throughout the offense, adding a running back, three pass-rushing linebackers, two tight ends, a cornerback, and a new long snapper.
Philadelphia drafted Jihaad Campbell, who'll play multiple positions. Then it doubled back and added former Georgia linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. to a group that already includes Zack Baun, Nakobe Dean, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
With training camp fast approaching, we're looking at seven key Eagles under the most pressure to perform.
OC Kevin Patullo
Keeping Philadelphia's dynamic offense explosive and efficient is the biggest question for Eagles' first-year offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. In his one season with the Eagles, Moore led an explosive Philadelphia offense, which included Saquon Barkley becoming the ninth 2,000-yard rusher in NFL history. Last season, Philadelphia finished eighth in total yards, seventh in points, and second in rushing yards, but it had a league-low in passing attempts. Patullo enters as Jalen Hurts' fourth offensive coordinator under Nick Sirianni and fifth if you include his rookie season spent with Doug Pederson and Press Taylor. Patullo has been the team's passing game coordinator since 2021 and added the title of associate head coach in 2023. Patullo's inheriting an offense with a 2000-yard rusher, an All-Pro wide receiver, a No. 2 wide receiver with All-Pro talent, and a dynamic tight end. The run-pass ratio can be adjusted somewhat, but this Ferrari requires precision treatment and maintenance accordingly.
WR Jahan Dotson
The Eagles acquired Dotson from the Commanders last summer in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick, two seventh-round picks for Dotson, and a fifth-round pick. Dotson caught 19 of 33 targets for 216 yards in 17 regular-season games with the Eagles in 2024 after being acquired in a trade from Washington. He also rushed once for 13 yards. Despite his struggles, Dotson played 649 offensive snaps during the regular season for Philadelphia, working as a No. 3 receiver behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
OL Tyler Steen
The former third-round pick has lost out on the starting right guard job in the last couple of seasons, but the third time can be the charm, mainly while he competes with former first-round pick Kenyon Green.
DT Jordan Davis
Davis has been a solid run-stopper, but he's never played 600 snaps in a season. In 2024, he logged 27 tackles (15 solo), including 1.0 sack and two passes defended, while playing in all 17 regular-season games. His production increased during the postseason, with six tackles (four solo), including two sacks and one pass defense, across four playoff appearances. Davis started every regular-season game for the second year in a row, but he logged 122 fewer defensive snaps and ceded snaps to second-year defensive lineman Moro Ojomo.
LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
After years of vaguely addressing the linebacker position, the Eagles have acquired elite talent and depth at a position that's key to defensive success in the NFL. Once training camp rolls around in mid-July, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is the likely favorite to land the inside linebacker spot alongside Zack Baun. Trotter has reportedly taken all the snaps with the first unit defense, but he'll compete with Campbell, who's expected to be cleared for full contact in August. As a first-round pick and All-American, the former Crimson Tide star will get ample opportunity to earn that role alongside Baun. As a rookie in 2024, Trotter recorded 25 tackles (nine solo), including 0.5 sacks, and one pass defense while appearing in all 17 regular-season games. He added five stops (four solo) across four postseason games.
CB Kelee Ringo
Ringo has worked to become a starter or key contributor and should have the first opportunity to replace Darius Slay in the lineup. He possesses length, physicality, and speed, standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 207 pounds.
Andrew Mukuba
At 6-0, 186 pounds, Mukuba is undersized but makes up for it with excellent ball skills and instincts. He possesses good length and exhibits ball-hawking tendencies, tying the SEC lead with five interceptions in 2024. Over his final 26 games in college, Mukuba recorded 18 pass breakups and committed zero penalties. That's impressive for a player who's aggressive at the catch point. Mukuba allowed just 74 yards and a 12.1 passer rating on 401 coverage snaps last season, per PFF.