Philadelphia Eagles: Predicting Success For 2014 Draft Class

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The Philadelphia Eagles 2014 draft class is currently very hard to figure out. Although it’s only been one year, we still have a reasonable idea about who was a good pick and who was a bad pick. Teams will normally expect their rookies to make the jump and greatly improve in year two. Let’s take a look at the Eagles 2014 draft class and what players could have success next season:

Marcus Smith

Based off last year, Marcus Smith was a complete bust. He had a terrible rookie season, he barely played and was asked to change position more than once. Chip Kelly has hinted that Smith was a Howie Roseman pick and we don’t even know if Kelly is a fan of his. The Eagles did lose Trent Cole meaning that the second outside linebacker spot is wide open, if Smith wins that job his snap count will greatly increase.

However, I really can’t see Smith making the jump and having a good season. I expect him to play more but I’m not sure he will do much on the field. Chip announced on Wednesday that Vinny Curry is playing some outside linebacker and he could steal some snaps from Smith. I think Smith will get an opportunity but I don’t trust that he will take it.

Jordan Matthews

Jordan Matthew was already was extremely good as rookie, catching 67 passes for 872 yards and 8 touchdowns. Matthews can still improve though and I expect he will as he will play more snaps this year. I think Matthews will play in the slot still in three wide receiver sets and then play on the outside in two wide receiver sets opposite Nelson Agholor. I think Matthews will go over 1000 yards next year and should lead the team in touchdowns at receiver with 10 or more.

Josh Huff

Josh Huff is a very complicated player to figure out.

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Almost every single Eagles article that mentions breakout candidates will mention Huff as one of them. I think most fans expect Huff to break out too. I can see why, he showed potential last season and he’s clearly a great athlete. In addition to this, he should see his playing time dramatically increase this season.

However, I’m not so sure the jump will be as big as people think. I think the Eagles will play more two tight end sets this year, meaning Huff will be on the sideline more than he would ideally like. He will also have to compete with Riley Cooper and Miles Austin for snaps and I think Chip likes both those players, despite neither player showing much potential last year. I think Huff can be great, but he still has a lot of work to do. He dropped 4 passes on only 17 targets last year and made quite a few mistakes. Huff has the talent but it might take another offseason for him to truly breakout.

Jaylen Watkins

A few weeks ago I would have predicted Jaylen Watkins to make a big leap next season. I expected him to start the season at safety before the news that Walter Thurmond was moving to safety. I’m now not even sure Watkins makes the Eagles roster, there are a lot of good cornerbacks in front of him on the depth chart and he’s not particularly great on special teams.

Taylor Hart

I really liked Taylor Hart before the Eagles drafted him. I think he could develop into a good defensive end but I can’t see him contributing this year or making the jump. He’s currently competing for the sixth spot on the Eagles defensive line. Fletcher Cox won’t be coming off the field much and Vinny Curry will be replacing Cedric Thornton on passing downs. If Vinny Curry plays some outside linebacker this season, Hart could increase his playing time.

Ed Reynolds

Ed Reynolds didn’t even make the roster last season, spending all of 2014 on the practice squad. I can’t see how Reynolds makes the roster unless he becomes exceptionally good on special teams. I’m expecting nothing out of Reynolds next year because I simply can’t see him making the team.

Beau Allen

For a seventh round pick, Beau Allen had a very nice rookie season playing 201 snaps. Unless Bennie Logan gets injured, I can’t see Allen playing much more than 200 snaps. However, I think he could play better when he is on the field and make a significant impact on third and short situations.

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