Latest news with #JeffStoutland
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Eagles Bet on Breakout Potential of Kenyon Green and Azeez Ojulari
Eagles Bet on Breakout Potential of Kenyon Green and Azeez Ojulari originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles have made headlines with their offseason acquisitions of guard Kenyon Green and outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari. According to ESPN's Bill Barnwell in his latest breakout candidates analysis, both players are positioned to have career-defining seasons in 2025. Advertisement The Eagles acquired Green from the Houston Texans in exchange for safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, representing a classic change-of-scenery gamble. Green's NFL journey has been marked by adversity since being selected 15th overall in 2022. After struggling as a rookie, he missed all of 2023 with a shoulder injury and was benched in October 2024, allowing five sacks and 28 total pressures in 582 snaps. But Barnwell sees significant upside in Green's move to Philadelphia, writing that legendary offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland could unlock the former Texas A&M star's potential. The two-time consensus All-American will work under Stoutland, who transformed Mekhi Becton from struggling project to capable contributor. At 23, Green moves from Houston's struggling line to Philadelphia's dominant unit with minimal pressure, earning just $1.4 million in 2025. Meanwhile, the Eagles signed Ojulari to a one-year, $4 million deal after four seasons with division-rival New York. Despite injury concerns, Barnwell identifies Ojulari as a prime breakout candidate due to his talent and Philadelphia's system. The former Giants pass rusher set a franchise rookie record with eight sacks in 2021 but has battled injuries, playing only 29 of 51 games over his last three seasons. When healthy, he's been productive, with six sacks in 11 games in 2024. One compelling aspect of Ojulari's signing is his reunion with former Georgia teammates including Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith and Nakobe Dean. This familiarity could accelerate his integration into a defense that just won a Super Bowl. He'll serve as a situational pass rusher, escaping the shadow of Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns in New York. Despite his injury history, he was projected to earn $7.6 million per season, making his $4 million deal excellent value. Advertisement Both players represent classic low-risk, high-reward acquisitions that championship teams make. Barnwell's analysis highlights shrewd moves by general manager Howie Roseman — reclamation projects with first-round pedigree who could become significant contributors. For a team that won the Super Bowl with similar change-of-scenery success stories like Saquon Barkley and Zack Baun, Green and Ojulari represent the next wave of potential breakout stars in Philadelphia's remarkable ability to maximize talent through smart acquisitions. Related: Eagles' 'Exciting Whites' Turn Championship Buzz Into Chart-Topping Podcast Related: Isaiah Rodgers Pays Tribute to Eagles After Career Revival and Big Payday This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
New York Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Handicapping the Eagles' position battles as they look to defend their Super Bowl championship
PHILADELPHIA — One week remains before the Eagles break for the summer. Two viewings of OTAs have so far afforded the first looks at how the Eagles are handling the position battles within a reigning Super Bowl champion aiming to prolong its golden era. Too early to handicap starters? Never. Here's a breakdown of five key positions. Advertisement Who replaces Mekhi Becton? 1. Tyler Steen: The depth chart in OTAs was initially difficult to observe. Landon Dickerson, who'd dealt with a knee injury during the playoffs, was absent during the first viewing of workouts. At that time, Matt Pryor was the first-team left guard and Tyler Steen was the first-team right guard. Dickerson attended Tuesday's workouts. Steen remained as the first-team right guard. This signals that Steen is the frontrunner for the second straight summer. The 2023 third-round pick knows what a position battle requires. At this time last year, Steen said 'I've got to prove that I should be able to play.' The Eagles signed Becton in an effort to secure a reliable right guard along one of the NFL's most consistent offensive lines. Steen was briefly sidelined with an ankle injury in training camp, and Becton took the job and never looked back. Steen has now had two years to develop under position coach Jeff Stoutland. Steen fits Stoutland's mold. The longtime coach compared Steen's 6-6, 321-pound frame to that of former Eagles guard Brandon Brooks (6-5, 335). Brooks serves as Stoutland's prototype for the position. Steen still has room to improve after surrendering 12 pressures in 399 snaps in 2024, according to Pro Football Focus. But this is Steen's most favorable position battle since he arrived in Philadelphia. 2. Matt Pryor: The seventh-year veteran embodies Steen's biggest challenger. The Eagles signed Pryor, 31, to a one-year, $1.35 million deal partly due to their familiarity with him. Pryor, a sixth-round pick by the Eagles in 2018, started in 10 games for the Eagles in 2020 (six at right guard, three at right tackle, one at left tackle). Pryor has since spent four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears, and, last season, he was the Bears' primary starter at right guard. That the Bears had the NFL's highest sack percentage in 2024 (10.7) doesn't make Pryor's return altogether promising. But the 2023 New York Jets had problems, too, before Becton's turnaround in Philadelphia. Pryor is another massive blocker at 6-7, 332 pounds. If Steen at all stumbles in this position battle, Pryor is, for now, the most proven guard to usurp him. 3. Kenyon Green: This is a debatable selection. Green and Trevor Keegan have alternated reps during OTAs. But Green still has powerful traits that made him the No. 15 overall pick by the Houston Texans in 2022. That the Texans changed offensive line coaches and overhauled their personnel this offseason says plenty about the kind of environment in which Green didn't adequately develop. A change of scenery should help. It's to Green's benefit that the scenery includes Stoutland. But at this point, a summer of triage doesn't seem enough to suggest Green is ready to start over Steen or Pryor. Training camp will offer an intriguing view into how far Green has already come and how much farther he has to go. Advertisement 4. Trevor Keegan: As stated above, it can be argued Keegan belongs above Green at this point. But the 6-5, 306-pound 2024 fifth-round pick hardly played as a rookie, and there's therefore little tape to go on. He's got a leg up on Green and Pryor by having already spent the past year in Philadelphia. He spent most of the season inactive on game days but played well during his Week 18 debut against the New York Giants, against whom he logged 35 snaps. Offensive linemen typically have a long runway of development under Stoutland. The burden of proof for advancement is on Keegan. Training camp awaits. Who starts opposite Quinyon Mitchell? 1. Kelee Ringo: The Eagles front office and coaching staff have projected confidence in Ringo. Given the team's budget and the way the draft fell, Ringo is arguably their most realistic choice. After releasing Darius Slay, the Eagles stockpiled depth at low investments. Multiple things can be true: these are the CB2 options the Eagles could acquire given their other needs; they believe Ringo is ready for an opportunity. Ringo's physical talent is self-evident. He's 6-2, 210 pounds and is one of the fastest players on the team (4.36-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine). But he hasn't yet proven he can be a reliable starter. The overall dysfunction of the 2023 Eagles' secondary compounded his difficult rookie season. In 2024, Ringo only saw 21 regular-season defensive snaps until a Week 18 start against the Giants. (He was the dime defender who tried to chase down Olamide Zaccheaus on a coverage breakdown that turned into a 49-yard touchdown in a Week 16 loss to the Washington Commanders.) Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio seems intent that Ringo will get his shot. He quoted something coach Nick Sirianni said in a recent staff meeting — 'repetition is the burden of leadership' — and added that 'it's up to us to get (Ringo) enough reps in practice, expose him to all the things he needs to be exposed so he can … be a competent corner through a full game and a full season.' 2. Adoree' Jackson: If Jackson is starting opposite Mitchell in Week 1, the ninth-year veteran is most likely either experiencing a revival after serving as a depth corner for the New York Giants in 2024, or Ringo isn't yet prepared to start. Jackson was once a high-profile target in free agency. A 2017 first-round pick by the Tennessee Titans, Jackson chose the Giants over the Eagles in 2021 by signing a three-year, $39 million contract. It's strange to think of Jackson as the cornerback who started against the Eagles in their divisional-round showdown in 2022. But the Giants brought back Jackson on a one-year, $1.75 million deal last season. Jackson is entering the stage of his career where he's more expected to provide reliable depth — not beat out the homegrown youth the organization has spent years developing. 3. Cooper DeJean: Fangio appears intent on keeping DeJean at nickel. That's good news for the nickel position. DeJean blossomed into a rookie of the year finalist who broke Super Bowl LIX open with a pick six. In an effort to keep DeJean on the field, Fangio is experimenting with playing DeJean at corner and safety in OTAs. Given the makeup of the cornerback room, DeJean is arguably the team's second-best corner. I laid out how the drop-off at nickel behind DeJean factors into keeping him there. Fangio's 1A plan is clear: start Ringo at corner, DeJean at nickel, and replace Ringo with DeJean in base packages. If that plan no longer becomes viable — for myriad reasons — there's a realistic scenario in which DeJean starts on the outside. Advertisement 4. Eli Ricks: Ricks is quietly operating in the background. He was the second-team cornerback with Ringo in 7-on-7s during the first viewing of OTAs and was the second-team cornerback with Jackson in team drills. He saw similar reps in Tuesday's drills. Ricks was once a pedigree prospect, a five-star recruit who initially signed with LSU, transferred to Alabama, and signed with the Eagles as an undrafted free agent after battling injuries during his final college season. His physical traits are enviable (6-2, 190 pounds). He's twice made the initial 53-man roster and carved out a career as a core special teamer. The volatility of the 2023 season gave him a unique opportunity for playing time at nickel as a rookie. Can the 23-year-old climb the depth chart in the final year of his contract? 5. Mac McWilliams: As with Philadelphia's other Day 3 rookies, McWilliams is still finding his footing. He's not as big (5-10, 185 pounds) as others in the room, nor is he yet as physically explosive. During individual drills, cornerbacks like Mitchell and DeJean are quickly tracking down passes, surging upward off one foot and high-pointing catches. McWilliams is still actively tracking down the passes while grounded. He's notably seeing time at nickel. He played almost a fourth of his junior snaps at Central Florida in the slot. The conversation for McWilliams right now is whether he'll make the initial 53-man roster, not whether he'll start opposite Mitchell. Who starts opposite Reed Blankenship? 1. Drew Mukuba: It's notable that Mukuba is already getting first-team reps. The Eagles had a position battle at cornerback when OTAs began in 2024, and neither Mitchell nor DeJean saw first-team reps initially — Isaiah Rodgers did. General manager Howie Roseman has often said need met value when the Eagles picked Mukuba, spending a second-round pick on a safety for the first time since 2011. The Eagles needed to backfill the safety spot the C.J. Gardner-Johnson trade left vacant. But they entered the offseason with Sydney Brown, a third-round pick in 2023, still under contract. Mukuba also spent two seasons as Clemson's primary nickel, which suggested the Eagles secured an option in the slot that would've afforded them to move DeJean outside. But Roseman underlined Mukuba's skillset as a 'cover safety' and Fangio said 'we've focused him at safety right now.' Given the signs, Mukuba is on a favorable trajectory to start immediately for the Eagles — as he did at Clemson. 2. Sydney Brown: Brown may have tenure on his side, but the ever-blunt Fangio consistently brings up that the bulk of Brown's defensive snaps were in 2023 (335), not 2024 (79). Of course, that's because Brown suffered an ACL tear in the regular-season finale as a rookie. He didn't return to practice until October, and he made his debut in Week 7 against the Giants. By then, Gardner-Johnson, one of Philly's high-profile free agency signings, had solidified himself as the starter, and Tristin McCollum's nearly two years of development made him a difficult backup to immediately supplant. Brown found a role on special teams. Brown is a uniquely tenacious and determined player. Former defensive coordinator Sean Desai may not have been as successful as Fangio, but Brown's 99-yard pick-six as a rookie against the Arizona Cardinals originated within a system that used similar principles. (Desai spent four seasons working for Fangio.) Brown draws enough motivation from his personal story. Could Mukuba's arrival light a productive fire? 3. Tristin McCollum: When a reporter asked Fangio to comment on the position battle between Mukuba and Brown, Fangio was quick to add that 'Tristin's in that, too.' McCollum has been working with the second-team defense in OTAs, often playing in tandem with Mukuba, Brown and Andre Sam. McCollum, a former undrafted free agent the Eagles signed in 2022, worked his way up from the practice squad to play in 14 games during the 2024 season with two starts. He was twice targeted for touchdowns last season, according to NextGen Stats, and his command of Fangio's system still needs to be refined. But that Fangio felt it important to remind people that McCollum is in the mix shouldn't be ignored. Who starts while Nakobe Dean recovers? Advertisement 1. Jihaad Campbell: Fangio said Tuesday that Dean 'won't be back any time soon.' The defense's Mike linebacker is still recovering from a torn patellar tendon sustained in the NFC wild-card round; a league source said Dean could miss the start of the 2025 season while recovering. It may seem a strange choice to project Campbell as the Week 1 starter, given Campbell has yet to return from labrum surgery. But the Eagles are pointedly invested in the development of Campbell, a top-10 player on the Eagles' draft board. Fangio, who cut his teeth as the linebackers coach with the Dome Patrol Saints, said he's personally taking Campbell to the side to do individual drills 'that's suited to what he can do right now.' There's little question Campbell has the talent to see the field quickly. If he has a long enough runway in training camp, it's not hard to see the No. 31 overall pick winning the backup job — and, if Dean's absence is prolonged, staying there. 2. Jeremiah Trotter Jr.: The 2024 fifth-round pick essentially has a summer's head start to keep Campbell at bay. He was an effective member on Philly's special teams as a rookie. Upon Dean's injury, Fangio initially considered fielding Oren Burks and Trotter Jr. in a rotation. (Such an arrangement would've been unusual for Fangio, who rarely rotates his linebackers if he can help it.) Burks performed well and started through Super Bowl LIX. It seemed Trotter would be elevated to the backup role when Burks signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency. Then the Eagles drafted Campbell. Still, it's easy to see how Trotter starts in Week 1. Fangio didn't rush Cooper DeJean onto the field in 2024. DeJean, who missed most of training camp with a hamstring injury, didn't start at nickel until Week 6. 3. Smael Mondon Jr.: OTAs is a poor setting to observe linebackers. There's no tackling. There's hardly any contact between linebackers and blockers. Any evaluation of Mondon at this point is insufficient. His 6-3, 230-pound frame invites attention during individual drills. Roseman clearly has a deep regard for Georgia defenders. Mondon is entering the phase Trotter did a year ago. It'd be unfair at this point to expect anything more. Who replaces the snaps Milton Williams left behind? 1. Moro Ojomo: Williams is leaving behind a sizable hole in Philadelphia's defensive interior. He fulfilled his 47.85 percent snap share in 2024 in a versatile role in which he lined up in multiple alignments across the front. Fangio deployed Ojomo, a seventh-round pick in 2023, in similar fashion at a lower rate (37.1 percent snap share). Both viewings of OTAs revealed that Ojomo is Williams' successor. That Ojomo is in position to start marks for a considerable success story for someone who was 11 picks away from not being drafted at all. There's, of course, a financial factor to consider. If Ojomo indeed solidifies his spot with the first-team defense, the Eagles will have replaced Williams with someone who won't be larger than a $1.2 million cap hit in either of the next two seasons. 2. Ty Robinson: The key here is Robinson's inside-outside versatility. It may be soon true that Robinson has the most range of anyone on the Eagles d-line other than Jalen Carter. Robinson also may be a rookie, but Byron Young hasn't played since 2023, and Gabe Hall has yet to make his NFL debut since the Eagles signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2024. There's plenty to like about Robinson's tape at Nebraska. He works well with his hands to get off blocks, make tackles and force fumbles. He was also a consistent problem against Ohio State last year. His consistent play with a high dose of snaps should also endear him to Fangio. Robinson, 24, is a mature prospect who'll have to hold his own against NFL competition after establishing himself in six collegiate seasons. 3. Thomas Booker: Booker was fairly productive in 2024 (18 tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss) for playing 15.9 percent of the defense's snaps. His size profile (6-3, 301) affords a different skillset than Williams (6-3, 290) or Robinson (6-5, 288) — especially on slots in between the guards. Booker's half-sacks against the Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys underline how he's capable of creating pressure from the interior. Will it be consistent enough and frequent enough to secure more snaps in 2025? (Top photo of Tyler Steen: Eric Hartline / Imagn Images)
USA Today
29-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Six Eagles who could have breakout seasons in 2025
Six Eagles who could have breakout seasons in 2025 Coaches look a lot smarter when they have better players. Ask anyone on the Philadelphia Eagles staff. You will never hear Nick Sirianni and Vic Fangio complain about having too much talent to work with. Jeff Stoutland will never take issue with having too many good offensive linemen. Kevin Patullo won't scoff at the idea of having too many weapons. Then, there are the guys on the roster. Players seem to play better when they have better coaches. Ask Zack Baun. He knows a thing or two about that theory. Six Eagles who could have breakout seasons It's going to be fun discussing the Eagles through another exciting season. There's no shortage of talent in the locker room. There are arguably stars or stars in the making at every position, but there are also a few guys on the back-half of the roster who may be feeling a little more pressure this season. Sometimes, a change of scenery and a new scheme does the trick. We've seen Baun, Mekhi Becton, Isaiah Rodgers, and Oren Burks transform solid seasons into bigger paydays. Philadelphia hopes the guys on this list can live up to the faith placed in them and finally reach their enormous potential. Lewis Cine, safety The goal in adding Lewis Cine on January 8th was to give him a jumpstart on the coming season. He's had some time in Vic Fangio's system. Now, he's expected to compete for a roster spot and hopefully live up to the 32nd overall selection the Minnesota Vikings spent on him in 2022. Kenyon Green, guard We talk about the Eagles' decision to trade C.J. Gardner-Johnson often. We don't always reference that Kenyon Green was part of the return they received. The 15th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. Might he be another Jeff Stoutland reclamation project? Terrace Marshall, wide receiver Terrace Marshall was a second-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft. He was taken 22 spots after the Eagles took Landon Dickerson and 14 spots before they added Milton Williams. Marshall isn't a shoo-in to make the Eagles' roster. Even if he does, he won't see many looks in this offense. That means one thing. He must make the most of his opportunities when they come, though they will be few and far between. His four-year career consists of 67 receptions, 808 yards receiving, and a single trip to the end zone. Though his time in Philadelphia is probably an audition to play elsewhere, it can be a step in the right direction if he embraces the opportunity. Azeez Ojulari, EDGE Simply put, Azeez Ojulari has never been able to stay healthy. He hasn't played a full 17-game schedule since his rookie season in 2021. He'll be needed in Philadelphia. Josh Sweat is gone. Brandon Graham has been a disappointment, and the next guy on this list hasn't panned out. Bryce Huff, EDGE Bryce Huff's struggles with stopping the run ultimately led to Vic Fangio giving up on him and the young man being a healthy scratch for the Super Bowl. He's under contract for two more seasons, and the hope is this isn't a lost cause. Hey, sometimes it takes the light longer to come on for some guys. Come on. This is the franchise that gave the world Brandon Graham. Huff has been knocked to the canvas, and there is collective hope that the young man has a little 'Rocky Balboa' in there somewhere. Josh Uche, EDGE Are you noticing a trend here? Philadelphia could undoubtedly benefit from one of these edge rushers panning out (or all of them panning out). We end this story with Josh Uche, another former second-rounder who, like everyone else on this list, needs something to go his way. He spent a considerable amount of time with the New England Patriots. He landed with the Kansas City Chiefs. They gave up after only seven games, six in the regular season and one during the playoffs. Uche turned in an 11.5-sack campaign in 2022 but hasn't done much outside of that. Hopefully, that changes in Philly, and hopefully, it changes quickly. Final thoughts: Don't give up on any of these guys yet. Remember, someone gave up on Becton, Rodgers, Baun, and Burks.
USA Today
21-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Eagles star Jordan Mailata shares the secret sauce that catapulted his career
Eagles star Jordan Mailata shares the secret sauce that catapulted his career Jordan Mailata spoke with the Philly media and expressed the importance of trusting Jeff Stoutland and returning a favor he was offered. We look at NFL stars like gladiators when the truth is they're human beings just like the rest of us. They have families, wives, children, and responsibilities that extend past the game's reach. Philadelphia Eagles left tackle might be a gladiator, though. As memories of those viral rugby clips dance across our minds, it's easy to spend hours marveling at the level of left tackle he has morphed into. He's one of the best players in the NFL at his position, but spending most of his career playing on a line that features future Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees like Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson sometimes meant he was overshadowed. The secret is out now. Jason Kelce rode off into the sunset after announcing his retirement during the 2024 NFL offseason. Mailata and the other starters stepped up. Jason's replacement, Cam Jurgens, earned a Pro Bowl mention. Jordan was rewarded for another great season by being named a Second-team All-Pro. This week, he met with select members of the Philly media. The conversation yielded many positive takeaways. Jordan Mailata credits trusting Jeff Stoutland for his improvement and discusses his role in mentoring young Eagles. It's hard to believe this is the case now, but when Jordan Mailata arrived at the NovaCare Complex, he didn't even know how to put his helmet on. He was fortunate to land in the right situation, though. That's sometimes the difference between seeing guys fail or excel. Just look at what we saw from Zack Baun if you need further evidence of that theory. Mailata's brief conversation with the media is worth a full watch, but something he said tugged at the heartstrings. He mentioned his trust in Jeff Stoutland as the secret sauce for his success and the importance he sees in mentoring the young guys on the roster. It's an interesting dynamic, molding and helping the young guys who may one day overtake you on the depth chart. So, why do it? Jordan offered the perfect answer: "It's the culture that I was welcomed into. Why would I shut the door? J.P. (Jason Peters)... Lane Johnson... Jason Kelce... Big V (Halapoulivaati Vaitai)... Isaac Seumalo... (Stefen) Wisniewski... Man, I could go down the list. Chance Warmack... Those guys just welcomed me in. They brought me along, so I feel like I owe it to these rookies to bring them along." Something tells us Jordan's job isn't in jeopardy, not for a while anyway. Still, seeing him taking on the 'big brother' role is excellent from seventh-round draft choice to rising star and mentor. It will be awesome to see where the path leads him next.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Eagles Move On Longhorns Lineman Tied To Lane Johnson's Future?
The Philadelphia Eagles used three of their draft picks from the 2025 selection process on offensive linemen. While none of these picks were taken within the first two days of this NFL Draft, there is reason to suspect they may have found at least one diamond in the rough. The reason? Jeff Stoutland. Advertisement Philadelphia's offensive line coach has been the best in the league for awhile now, and he has shown a unique ability to develop late round talent into quality starters and depth. His latest project could be his best one yet. With the selection of Texas tackle Cameron Williams, the Eagles took a raw athlete late in the draft that could have easily gone within the first two days. Williams' lack of experience really hurt him as he could have easily gone back to college and become a top-10 pick the following year. That's fine for Philly. Pro Football Focus raved about the pick afterwards giving the Eagles a "steal" draft grade for Williams. Advertisement "Ranked 93rd on the PFF Big Board, Williams might be one of Day 3's biggest steals," PFF Wrote. "He earned an 84.0 grade on zone blocks last season and could become Philadelphia's long-term answer at right tackle once future Hall-of-Famer Lane Johnson retires." Philadelphia is always conscious about keeping their players around, especially those that are legends of the franchise like Johnson. The former fourth-overall pick is nearing the end of his career, though. And the very real fact that the team could be looking to fill his replacement should be scary for the rest of the league. There aren't many times the Eagles will miss on an offensive lineman. Here's betting they got another one right. Related: ESPN Suggests Firing Coach Over Shedeur Sanders Controversy Related: Super Bowl QB Faces 'Zany' and Uncertain Future With Major Contract Move
