Philadelphia Eagles Training Camp starts next week, with players reporting to the facility on Tuesday. PhiladelphiaEagles.com is diving into each position group, with this preview focusing on the safety unit.
Did You Know?
Reed Blankenship tied for the sixth-most interceptions in the NFL with a career-high four last season.
Returning Starters
Blankenship is Philadelphia's only returning starter at safety after C.J. Gardner-Johnson was traded to the Houston Texans.
Undrafted in 2022 out of Middle Tennessee State, Blankenship made the roster out of Training Camp and showed a nose for the ball early, intercepting Aaron Rodgers on one of his first defensive snaps.
Blankenship has been a full-time starter for the past two seasons, racking up seven interceptions and 191 tackles over that span. Entering his fourth season, Blankenship is Philadelphia's longest-tenured starter in the secondary.
In the Mix
The Eagles have an open spot next to Blankenship in what figures to be one of the best position battles at Training Camp.
Sydney Brown played in 11 games last season after missing the start of the year due to a knee injury. The 2023 third-round pick has shown flashes early in his career, most notably his 99-yard pick-six as a rookie, and he will have a chance to earn a starting role this summer.
Other returners include Lewis Cine, who the Eagles signed off the Bills' practice squad late last season, Tristin McCollum, and Andre' Sam.
New to the Nest
The Eagles drafted Andrew Mukuba in the second round as he figures to compete to be a starter.
Mukuba began his college career at Clemson before spending his final season at Texas. As a senior, Mukuba helped lead the Longhorns to the CFP Semifinals and had a career-high five interceptions.
The Eagles also added Maxen Hook as an undrafted free agent from Toledo. Hook was roommates with Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell in college and finished his five-year career with 356 tackles and seven interceptions.
Bird Call
"It's really hard to find cover safeties and guys who have the ability to come down and play over the slot, play in the middle of the field, have natural instincts, play the ball. He was a slot corner at Clemson before he transferred to Texas. He's an Austin kid. He's got ball skills. He plays with mentality and this guy, he plays an Eagles brand of football. I think for us, the value fit the need right there. We felt like throughout this process, this guy just did everything, checked all the boxes, and that was really what we're looking for from that position." – Executive Vice President/General Manager Howie Roseman on Andrew Mukuba
Storylines to Follow
Who will win the starting job next to Blankenship? ... How many safeties will Philadelphia carry on its 53-man roster?
How Many Made the Initial 53 in 2024? 3
– Written by Matt Ryan