Most Improved

There are many reasons for intrigue when it comes to the 2025 Eagles. The star-studded offense largely avoided offseason turnover, and the thirst to evolve should propel the unit to even greater heights.

Conversely, the defense did experience quite a bit of turnover, though its supercharged nucleus remains intact and equipped to experience sustained success.

While there’s more of a projection in key areas on that side of the ball, the talent is apparent. And the coaches the Eagles have in place have demonstrated their penchant for developing talent.

But there’s also the under-discussed storylines that tend to surface as training camp approaches. And for the Eagles to fully realize their potential, improvements are needed from those expected to undertake prominent roles.

Keeping both sides of the ball in mind, I’ve listed two Eagles primed to be in the running for the most improved distinction.

GETTY IMAGES: Several circumstances should lead to an improved season from Eagles WR Jahan Dotson.

Offense: WR Jahan Dotson

Tyler Steen and Will Shipley (my choice for offensive breakout) would also qualify here, but I opted to go with Dotson, who should see a larger workload in a contract year.

Now, the Eagles’ aerial attack still runs through wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, along with tight end Dallas Goedert. That remain unchanged and I’m hardly suggesting that Dotson will suddenly cut into that. For perspective, Quez Watkins in 2023 caught only 15 passes for the Eagles in the regular season.

But it’s also important to remember that Dotson was acquired two weeks before the season, deprived of a full offseason of throwing with and developing chemistry with quarterback Jalen Hurts. Dotson also spent the whole offseason learning one offense and was then tasked with mastering an entirely new one just days before the season opener.

Dotson’s minimal impact, in my view, was directly tied to his late arrival, which created a ripple effect. Dotson was essentially shoehorned into the offense in short order and it appeared that he was attempting to find his footing each week.

The 25-year-old saw only 33 regular season targets, reeling in 19 for 216 yards. He caught 3 of 5 postseason targets, including a touchdown against the Packers and a critical 27-yard reception in the first quarter of Super Bowl LIX. Perhaps the Penn State product can build off his late-season contributions.

While Dotson, barring something unforeseen, doesn’t figure to see a ton of volume, he should see a measurable bump in production in 2025. With a full season and offseason under his belt, coupled with developing a rapport with Hurts, Dotson should have far more comfortability and confidence when it comes to executing his role within the offense. There’s also a new play-caller at the helm in Kevin Patullo, who last season presided over the passing game.

I’m expecting Patullo to involve Dotson a bit more, while also conjuring ways to get him the ball in space and take advantage of his run-after-catch ability. We don’t yet know how much Dotson will see the field – the fourth-year wideout accounted for 58% of the offensive snaps last season – but it could be his usage that fuels my thought process.

GETTY IMAGES: Eagles second-year EDGE Jalyx Hunt stands to make a major jump in Year 2 with a Super Bowl title already under his belt.

Defense: EDGE Jalyx Hunt

A trendy breakout pick of late, I’ve maintained for a while now that Hunt will take the biggest leap forward of any Eagles defensive player in 2025.

While that forecast, on its face, might seem lofty, it’s certainly plausible when taking everything into account. For one, Hunt only four years ago was patrolling the Cornell secondary as a safety. He transitioned to his current role after transferring to Houston Christian in 2022. He’s still growing into his frame, and if the media-attended spring sessions were any indication, appears to have gotten stronger physically.

It also shouldn’t be lost on anyone that defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is keen on the second-year pass-rusher, going as far as to say, “I feel good about Nolan [Smith]. I think we’ll feel good about Jalyx now that he’s going to get a lot of reps and develop. He played good for us down the stretch last year and played a lot, as you saw, so I feel good about those two guys, and I think they’ll continue to improve.” Directly overseeing that development for a second consecutive season is DE/OLB coach Jeremiah Washburn, continuity that should pay dividends.

In addition, when you think back to this time last offseason, Hunt was widely viewed as an unknown variable. Many believed a redshirt season was in the cards. But Hunt flashed in camp and showcased his athleticism, eventually playing his way into the pass-rush rotation by midseason. The stats will tell you that Hunt picked up 1.5 sacks and three quarterback hits over 16 regular-season contests, but what they don’t account for is Hunt’s rapid growth and development that was glaringly evident.

It was apparent that Hunt had added some moves to his pass-rush arsenal and honed in on his plan of attack when rushing. The 24-year-old was flowing to the football with greater urgency and proved to be a willing participant in run support. Hunt also compiled 1.5 sacks during the Eagles’ dominant postseason run.

To qualify for most improved player, circumstances and opportunity must align. It also helps if the candidate inspires optimism. Hunt, the favorite to start opposite Smith, checks off every box. When factoring his rapid progression in a short amount of time, along with coaching, athletic traits and opportunity, the stage is set for Hunt to become a household name by season’s end.

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.