Three Eagles' Breakout Player Candidates

PHILADELPHIA — On a team that is deep and proven in most areas, opportunities for young, unproven players to break through with the Eagles are limited. Still, a few intriguing candidates are worth watching closely through the spring and summer.

When identifying potential breakout players, the first step is finding real opportunity. It’s no surprise, then, that the three names below project as potential contributors at safety, along the interior offensive line, and at wide receiver — a position where Philadelphia is expected to enter a post-A.J. Brown era after June 1.

DB Brandon Johnson

An undrafted free agent out of Oregon last year, Johnson is a forgotten name who was quietly gaining traction with the coaching staff by the end of the season.

The slot/safety versatility Johnson brings fits perfectly with Vic Fangio’s defense. Behind the scened, he ultimately earned the coach's trust with slot work than rookie draft pick Mac McWilliams (despite McWilliams’ pedigree securing him a roster spot), and when the Eagles needed a starter at safety for Week 18, they turned to Johnson over more established options.

A high-IQ, athletic player who began his college career at Duke before transferring to Oregon, Johnson looked comfortable in his first NFL start against the Washington Commanders before suffering an ankle injury after 23 snaps.

At 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, he’s undersized for safety, but his versatility, football intelligence, and 4.4 speed should keep him in the mix for at least a valuable dual-role backup spot.

With the starting job opposite Drew Mukuba currently viewed as a placeholder for Marcus Epps, or Michael Carter or an outside addition, Johnson deserves consideration alongside seventh-round rookie Cole Wisniewski in the competition.

OL Myles Hinton