New Eagles who will become fan favorites after Week 1 vs Packers

Every time we get bored, we do one of two things. We check out Darius Slay or Jason Kelce's social media channels, or we look at the Philadelphia Eagles' roster. That's the game plan. It always seems to bring the desired result. Doing one or the other always leads to a discussion.

Stop us if any of this sounds familiar. Depending on the day, the narratives about how we all feel about Philly's roster changes. One minute, they're loaded. The next, they're top-heavy. Regardless of how we feel, we all agree there is potential for a fireworks show, and often.

Every roster position features at least one player with star potential. There are new faces. many will be asked to contribute immediately. Several will work their way into the hearts of Birds fans almost immediately.

Saquon Barkley, running back

It didn't take a ton of research to determine Saquon Barkley's name belongs on this list. The best offensive line he has ever played behind... The best quarterback he has ever played with... The most imaginative offensive coordinator that he has partnered with...

We wouldn't be shocked if we're talking about a potential MVP season come December.

Devin White, linebacker

No one seems to understand that we aren't discussing this Devin White acquisition nearly enough. Yes, we know things ended horribly in Tampa. We know he's playing on a one-year deal, but we guarantee he'll cash in next offseason. The change of scenery will do him some good.

Part of the Vic Fangio scheme involves allowing linebackers to roam and funneling ball carriers back to the second level to allow the corps to play the role of cleanup. White doesn't need much help to be a playmaker, but Vic is going to help him return to the star level... guaranteed.

He and the next guy on our list will finish ranked first and second in total tackles. That's the prediction. White we have gotten to know well. We introduce many of you now to Mr. Baun.

Zack Baun, linebacker

Zack Baun has only started 14 of his first 62 NFL games, but six of those starts came in 2023. With the newfound confidence his coaches placed in him, he logged 301 defensive snaps, roughly 27% of the New Orleans Saints' total in 2023. He notched another 385 on special teams (83%).

Baun's final season in 'The Big Easy' produced the following stat line: 30 total tackles, two sacks, two pass breakups and an interception. Much can change between now and Week 1, but all of the initial signs seem to indicate that he and Devin White are the starters on the depth chart and Jeremiah Trotter Jr, and Nakobe Dean are the reserves.

Expect the best season of Baun's career in 2024. He's a couple of inches taller than T.J. Edwards and 17 pounds lighter in the frame, but their games remind us of one another as they both have similar noses for the football.

Isaiah Rodgers, cornerback

Isaiah Rodgers has game and a mouthpiece. He's shown that he has the stuff to make it in this league even before arriving in Philly. He walks the walk, and he definitely talks the talk. Add his name to your list of 'must-follows' on Instagram and X.

Rodgers is going to make this team. He's going to do well as a member of Philly's secondary. No one thought a ton about Howie Roseman stashing him on the roster last season, but that will prove to be a wise investment (and, that will be one of the top takeaways after Week 1 of the regular season.

Quinyon Mitchell, cornerback

Isaiah Rodgers is a damn good football player. So is Kelee Ringo. So is Eli Ricks, but we're wondering if the latter still has a spot on this team following Rodgers' activation and Philly's acquisition of Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in the most recent NFL Draft.

Philly selected Mitchell 22nd overall during Round 1 of April's selection meeting for a reason. He will play early. We just aren't certain of how much he will play during Week 1's game. Either way, we'll discuss him while walking out of the affair. It's hard to hide six-foot cornerbacks that run as fast as this one.

Worth mentioning: Will Shipley (running back)

Will Shipley will enter the regular season as the third running back on an Eagles depth chart that only houses three. Of that, we're almost 90% certain. Saquon Barkley will take the lion's share of the snaps, but this Will Shiply kid is intriguing.

A mad scientist like Kellen Moore might view him as too shiny a toy to leave on the shelf. Keep an eye on him. His development and versatility could be a discussion ahead of Week 1.