| A Look At The Safeties | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Age | Exp. | Note | |
| Nate Allen | 26 | 5 | Finally gets to play in familiar scheme. | |
| Malcolm Jenkins | 26 | 6 | Imported to be QB of the secondary. | |
| Keelan Johnson | 24 | 1 | Youngster can prove self in Camp. | |
| Daytawion Lowe | 23 | R | Undrafted rookie will need to stand out. | |
| Chris Maragos | 27 | 5 | Special teamer first, defense second. | |
| Davon Morgan | 25 | 1 | Journeyman can sell versatility. | |
| Ed Reynolds | 22 | R | Can he play catch-up after spring away? | |
| Earl Wolff | 24 | 2 | Player to watch in second season. | |
The Big Questions 1. What Impact Will Malcolm Jenkins Have?
The 26-year-old Jenkins was the biggest-ticket signing for the Eagles in free agency and the former Saints defensive captain will immediately be asked to quarterback the secondary for Bill Davis' defense. Jenkins was attractive to the Eagles largely because of his intelligence and versatility. A former cornerback, Jenkins can line up in several roles for the Eagles.
By his own admission, Jenkins will tell you that he hopes to become more of a playmaker on the ball, as he's never had more than two interceptions in a season. But the veteran should bring a steadiness and reliability to a position that has often lacked those qualities for the Eagles over the past few seasons.
For more on what Jenkins brings to Philadelphia, read this informative look at the newest Eagles safety.
2. Who Will Start On The Other Side?
At press time, it would appear that Earl Wolff and Nate Allen will be competing over the second starting safety job. Allen is certainly experienced and has started 54 games for the Eagles since joining the team as a second-round pick in 2010. He re-signed with the Eagles in free agency to take another step forward in a second season under Davis. After all, Allen has rarely had continuity in defensive scheme during his time with the Eagles.
While Allen may be the steady choice, Wolff, the second-year player out of North Carolina State, may offer more upside. The fifth-round pick had some impressive moments in his rookie season, but occasional defensive lapses and injuries hampered the end of his season. Wolff will be one of the more intriguing players to watch throughout the offseason.
Meanwhile, fifth-round pick Ed Reynolds will do his best to get up to speed following a spring spent mostly back home in California thanks to NCAA rules. His rookie contributions will likely focus on special teams. Keelan Johnson, despite a recent off-field misstep, will compete as well. The former Arizona State standout reportedly turned down an offer to join another active roster during the season so that he could remain with the Eagles. He too will have a chance to prove himself. Chris Maragos, meanwhile, was signed primarily to play special teams, but after backing up Earl Thomas in Seattle, there's no telling what he could do on defense.
