Players to Watch in Training Camp

So, as promised, with training camp finally before us, I have compiled a list of players that we should keep an eye on throughout camp. Please let me know if I have left anyone out, but here’s who’s on my mind.

How will Kevin Kolb handle this offense differently than Donovan McNabb did?

Stacy Andrews (G): We all know what a bust Andrews was last season, after the Eagles made a “splash” in free agency signing him. However his potential is still very high and if he can bounce back he can play a significant role on this team, as he is massive, weighing 342 lbs and standing 6 feet and 7 inches tall. Let’s see how he does in training camp and then the pre-season. However, if he fails to contribute this year, don’t expect to see him around Philadelphia much longer.

Kevin Kolb (QB): Duh, right? Kolb has as much to prove as anyone in camp. He has some big shoes to fill at the quarterback position and training camp and the pre-season are his first chances to show Philly he is ready to lead us. It should be exciting to see how he handles the offense.

Michael Vick (QB): Another QB with a great deal to prove. While many were disgusted with his signing last summer, others, such as me, were excited about what he could bring to the table. Yet, we were all disappointed in his lack of significant impact last season, save that touchdown he scored in the playoff disaster against Dallas. Word on the street though is that he has taken advantage of the off-season to get back in shape and regain much of his original speed. (Some are saying he is back to full strength, but I will see that before I believe it) If Vick has indeed regained his explosiveness, and Marty Morhinweg and Reid figure out an effective wild-cat strategy to make use of his talents, then the sky is the limit.

Can Michael Vick become the threat we envisioned him to be last season?

LeSean McCoy (HB): Last year, McCoy impressed us in his rookie season. He filled in nicely in Westbrook’s absence. We’ll see if he has what it takes to truly be a franchise halfback. Especially in often overlooked areas that Westbrook had shined, such as pass-protection. Similar to Kolb, he’s got huge shoes to fill, replacing one of the greatest Eagles in franchise history.

Nate Allen (FS): Whenever this man gets signed, the Eagles gave up a great deal to get him. His performance will perhaps be monitored the most, as he will always be regarded as the player we drafted with the “McNabb pick.” Not only that, but it looks like he'll be called upon as a rookie to be the starter at Free Safety, as Marlin Jackson went down and neither Quintin Demps nor Macho Harris appear to be the answer. The kid’s got enormous pressure on his shoulders, and not to add any more to them, but we’ll see if he’s all he’s cracked up to be.

Brandon Graham (DE): As the 1st round pick of the Eagles, he made this list almost automatically. On top of that, the Eagles traded up to grab him, neglecting to pick up Pierre Paul or another similarly ranked talent. Andy Reid and Sean McDermott must have seen something special in this kid. Given the overall success Reid has had in the draft (key word “overall.” I know the busts) I am trusting that he made the right choice. I am excited to see his talents at work.

Can Brandon Graham make an immediate impact this season?

DeSean Jackson (WR): Already one of the most exciting players in the league after only his 2nd season, DeSean just came off a record breaking season. On top of that, while many would dispute what I am about to say, Jackson has shown a decent amount of maturity, putting aside issues with his contract for the sake of the team. They say he wants to be the best receiver in the world. I don’t know if his ceiling is that high, but I will say that Jackson has the potential to be even better than he was last year. Let’s see if he’s got any new tricks up his sleeve to show off.

Are Jackson and Maclin a star wideout tandem in the making?

Jeremy Maclin (WR): Jackson may be Batman, but Maclin certainly is Robin to say the least. In my mind, Maclin has the potential to be an ideal fit opposite of DJax. He’s got what I see as Jackson’s primary weakness: more bulk and the ability to make catches in traffic. I have said all along that Jackson and Maclin will become the new Ochocinco and Houshmandzadeh. Maclin has just come off a rookie season of compiling 55 catches, and factor in that he did not start the first few games. And the rookie season is supposed to be the worst year for a wide receiver. Similar to Jackson, the future is looking very bright for Jeremy Maclin.

Ernie Sims (LB): This a move that I believe has slipped under the radar of many Eagles fans. Sims is a good linebacker with a great deal of speed. That being said, Sean McDermott has an interesting new toy to play with. They can utilize him in some blitzing schemes. They can have him drop back into coverage. His versatility is a great asset to this team. Keep an eye on him.

Stewart Bradley (LB): We all know how much it hurt to lose Bradley before the 2009 season even started. I still hold to this day, that had we had Bradley, the Eagles may have beaten the Cowboys at least once last season, and therefore secured that first round bye. But what’s the use crying over spilled milk? Either way, having had a full year to rest his ACL-torn knee, let’s see if Bradley will be 100% during camp. If he is, then this defense will have received a huge boost, as not only will we have a solid answer at MLB again, but I believe Bradley has the potential to be a pro-bowl caliber player.

Cornelius Ingram (TE): Ah, remember the excitement we felt when the Eagles drafted this talented young tight end? All those teams passed on his just because they were worried about his knee. Well, I guess we know now why they were so worried. McNabb never got that extra red-zone threat, as Ingram also went down with a torn ACL, which really hurt because he showed so much promise in training camp up until then. Like Bradley though, if Ingram has bounced back he will be a great offensive weapon and help Kolb greatly in his first season. Keep an eye on him to see if he shows any signs of rust.

Macho Harris (FS): Another versatile player on this team. I believe he is innately a cornerback, but with Marlin Jackson going down, it would appear that he will prepare for the free safety position again. However, you never know how things will turn out in training camp. Perhaps the Eagles will see the need to add more depth at cornerback (especially with Sheldon Brown’s departure) and convert him. Or perhaps they will try to improve his returning duties? (I personally hope Hobbs stays healthy, so we will not need Harris to do that job…)

So, to all those who are heading off to training camp, keep an eye out for these players. And again, you never know. Someone you and I never thought of may come out of nowhere and surprise us all.