Long ago, leaned up against a wall outside the locker room at Training Camp at Lehigh University, cornerback Troy Vincent talked about the 2002 Eagles, a team with high expectations that drafted with a focus on the future.

They selected Lito Sheppard in the first round that year and completed a defensive backfield makeover with the picks of safety Michael Lewis and cornerback Sheldon Brown in Round 2. Taking running back Brian Westbrook one round later paid off as well.

But it took a minute for those players to mature, and Vincent pointed out to a reporter that a veteran team like the Eagles were – one that had played in the NFC Championship Game the season before – didn't necessarily have to rely on the rookies to make an immediate impact.

"You can never count on rookies to step right in," he said. "That's just the nature of the game. It takes some time to grow."

In the case of Sheppard, Lewis and Brown, Vincent had it right on the money. The NFL back then, or at least the Eagles in many cases, didn't get that kind of contribution from their rookies. It required some time.

As we've seen, rookies can step right in and get the job done. Last year's Rookie Class, headlined by cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, was spectacular. The Eagles won the Super Bowl. The idea that rookies are projects is forever an inaccurate concept.

That's not to say the Eagles are going to get such a performance from the Class of 2025. We don't yet know how Jihaad Campbell, Andrew Mukuba and others are going to contribute once the lights go on in September. We do know, however, that the Eagles have built a roster that relies heavily on young players and that there is a wave of the future that has the skill set to step up today.

Which players are next in line, following the performances of Mitchell and DeJean and defensive tackle Jalen Carter and edge rusher Nolan Smith, Jr. and safety Reed Blankenship and center Cam Jurgens and the others from last season? There are plenty of candidates, but let's zoom in on a handful as the Eagles turn the corner in this Training Camp and prepare for the preseason opener against Cincinnati on Thursday night (7:30 p.m., Lincoln Financial Field, NBC10 Philadelphia).

1. Sydney Brown, S

All the way healthy after suffering a late-year knee injury in 2023, Brown and Mukuba – and likely others in a rotational way – will be at safety next to safety Reed Blankenship. Brown plays with tremendous energy and physicality and fearlessness to get to the football and that kind of approach generally lends itself to a player who makes things happen. It will be exciting to see Brown, a huge contributor as a gunner in punt coverage, at his best this season.

2. Tyler Steen, OG

The third-year man has been rock-solid throughout Training Camp at right guard, working well with right tackle Lane Johnson as they get their step synchronization down pat. Steen is big and strong and is playing with a lot of confidence and Offensive Line Coach Jeff Stoutland has spoken in glowing terms about him in recent days.

3. Jordan Davis, DT

He came on strong last season inside, playing with power, impacting the line of scrimmage, and teaming well with Carter. Davis appears ready to take the next step.

4. Jalyx Hunt, OLB

Hunt gave the Eagles a nice jolt as a rookie when veteran Brandon Graham went down with an injury and Hunt used the offseason to get bigger, faster, and stronger. He and Smith are expected to be the leaders on the edge, so a lot is on their young plates.

5. Will Shipley, RB

In an extremely talented offensive backfield that is headlined by Saquon Barkley and bolstered by A.J. Dillon, Shipley has done his part in Training Camp to show that he has taken a big step forward. What role will he have this season? It remains to be seen, but it wouldn't be surprising to see Shipley as a factor on kickoff returns, as a personal protector on punts, in kick coverage and as a change-of-pace running back on offense. He may not put up "star" numbers, but Shipley is one of those players who is so valuable because he does so many things the right way.

6. Moro Ojomo, DT

The Eagles lost Milton Williams in free agency and with that they lost depth and production. Davis is going to be expected to make up for some of that deficit, but so is a player like Ojomo, a seventh-round draft pick in 2023 who played a key role as a fourth defensive tackle last season. He has enjoyed a very fine Training Camp and appears ready for the part. Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio said just that last week, so look for Ojomo to emerge at a position that is chock-full of talent for the Eagles.