With about a week and a half until the 2026 season begins, the Philadelphia Eagles have some time to prepare for their first opponent, the Washington Commanders.
Some players on this Eagles team may end up doing little during the season. Everyone knows who the stars are going to be on the team and who's going to put up big numbers.
Who on the team, though, should shock everyone and play well? There are four players who could fit that category easily.
Which Eagles players will stun Philly with great performances in 2026?
Smael Mondon Jr., LB
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is about to have a bigger role on the defense, so Mondon might have an opening to help out on special teams more. Mondon finished the preseason with eight tackles and showed improvement in tackling and speed chasing down the ball carrier.
With four linebackers on the team, there is a chance that Mondon also gets in the rotation. Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis called him the sleeper defensive player in training camp, so watch out for Mondon to play better in 2026.
Ty Robinson, DT
Three sacks in three preseason games should be enough evidence that Robinson is about to have a monster season for the Eagles. Robinson also had multiple quarterback hits and tackles for loss to really hammer home the confidence that is growing in the second-year defender.
He has improved by using his size to bully offensive linemen and wreak havoc in the passing and running game. Coming out of training camp, the buzz has been real around Robinson, and he has shown he can be a difference-maker.
A.J. Epenesa, EDGE
Epenesa was signed right before training camp, and the expectations for his play were relatively unknown. He had a solid career with the Buffalo Bills and proved he can consistently get to the quarterback.
Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio spoke highly of Epenesa and his performance in training camp. With some uncertainty about Jonathan Greenard and his health and whether Nolan Smith Jr. can play well, Epenesa could be the one who surprises everyone.
Darius Cooper, WR
For two years in a row, Cooper has been a star out of training camp. Last year, he was more of a special teams guy and only had nine catches on the season.
Read more: Position-by-position takeaways from Eagles' initial 53-man roster reveal
Things might be very different for him in 2026, as he could actually get more playing time after getting praise from Jalen Hurts time and time again. Eagles fans should be ready for a huge season for Cooper, especially if Makai Lemon struggles.
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