‘Major Opportunity’

A radically different-looking Philadelphia Eagles defense may need to rely on several unheralded players to make an impact.

On the latest episode of “Inside The Birds,” Adam Caplan and Geoff Mosher identified under-the-radar players on the defensive unit.

GETTY IMAGES: Eagles draft pick Mac McWilliams can make an instant impact at the cornerback spot.

Byron Young

Adam Caplan: “A major opportunity here. You look at his measurables…He was drafted by the previous Raiders regime and he got caught up in it. He didn’t perform with the Raiders at all. There’s talent here, he wasn’t drafted in the third round because he can’t play.”

Smael Mondon

Caplan: “They are so light, he can be the third linebacker to start training camp.”

Mosher: “If (Jeremiah) Trotter Jr. or Zack (Baun) stubs their toe or twists their ankle on the second day of camp, then Smael Mondon can possibly be the next guy up. From a special teams standpoint, Jalyx Hunt was a huge part of the special teams last year, you have to think with his role as a starter he’s not going to be able to contribute as much on special teams, possibly Kelee Ringo and same thing with Trotter if he’s a starter until Nakobe Dean is back. Mondon has an opportunity right away to make an impact on special teams and if you’re good at that, you’re usually the next guy up on the field.”

Mac McWilliams

Mosher: “His speed and physicality will help him take whoever’s spot on special teams. Also, the Eagles did play a little bit of dime last year, that was an Avonte Maddox role where they no longer have someone for that. If Cooper DeJean does move or get hurt, there’s really no natural nickel.”

– Benjamin Paul is a staff writer for InsideTheBirds.com.