Philadelphia Eagles: Expect a big year from Mack Hollins in 2018

Expect a breakout campaign by Mack Hollins in year two with the Philadelphia Eagles.

For the first time in team history, the Philadelphia Eagles approach an NFL season with the term ‘defending Super Bowl Champions’ attached to their moniker. Excitement hasn’t quelled one ounce since February, and with training camp nearing, Eagles fans have replaced the desire for their first Lombardi Trophy with the desire to, simply, win another one. They’re also interested in the development of Philly’s young stars, wide receiver Mack Hollins for instance.

Hollins is in that category with guys like Donnel Pumphrey, Shelton Gibson and, now, new faces like Josh Adams. These are guys with tremendous offensive talent that the Eagles and their fans hope turn the corner and have huge seasons in 2018.

Hollins is the easiest bet for a breakout season when looking at Philly’s young offensive weapons.

Of the three names we mentioned, Hollins is, arguably, the most gifted and ready to play right now. Pumphrey’s value diminished when it was learned that he was struggling with the special teams unit’s plan for him. With his skill set, if he can’t field punts or create plays out in space, it’s hard to determine his value.

Gibson will struggle to find his way on the field unless he improves dramatically over where he was a season ago. Then, there’s also the fact that he’s already looking up at Hollins on the depth chart.

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Adams isn’t even assured of a roster spot.

Let’s take a quick look back and, then, look ahead.

Hollins shined with the North Carolina Tar Heels, starting 25 of the 33 games he appeared in. In three seasons, he hauled in 81 receptions for 1,667 yards and 20 touchdowns. In his first season in Philly, he didn’t step on the field much, but when the ball was thrown in his direction, good things happened.

16 receptions, 226 yards and a 64-yard touchdown pass (and an awesome TD celebration) don’t tell it all about his first season with ‘The Birds’.

Hollins has the size and speed to make life tough for defensive backs in the NFL. He’s six-foot-four and 221 pounds, and he’s already made good on what NFL.com had to say about him in his 2017 draft profile.

Take a look:

"Will have a team drooling over his size and speed. Propels himself down the field with smooth, long strides. Chomps up cushion and glides past corners and safeties before they know what hit them. Legitimate vertical threat who finished with 20 touchdowns on just 71 catches. Dangerous run-after-catch ability in on deep crossing routes and slants. Former walk-on who still has a desire to do whatever it takes. Special teams captain all four years at school. Had 20 special teams tackles over his first three seasons and offers punt and kick cover value on special teams."

With new wide receivers coaches, Gunter Brewer (who coached Hollins at UNC) and Carson Walch, the expectation is the Eagles’ coaching staff will come up with new ways to utilize Hollins and get him on the field more. That could pay huge dividends for the guys in green.

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