The Philadelphia Eagles had one of the worst safety units in the league last season, but they have upgraded with a leader in Malcolm Jenkins.
The Philadelphia Eagles finished dead last in pass defense last season, and their play at safety was largely the reason why.
Calvin Pryor and HaHa Clinton-Dix were taken before it was the Eagles’ turn to draft in the first round, but they brought in help by signing Malcolm Jenkins to a three-year contract.
Jenkins is expected to bring great leadership to the Eagles’ secondary. Even if he does not become a game changer, the loss of Patrick Chung is a safety upgrade right off the bat.
Nate Allen will return. Although he didn’t play particularly well, he still played decently and improved upon his previous play. Earl Wolff will battle for playing time with Allen and possibly a starting job. His speed gives him upside, but the 2013 fifth-round pick struggled in coverage.
The key reserves at safety will be Ed Reynolds and Chris Maragos, who will mostly contribute on special teams. Reynolds finished with 82 tackles but did not contribute as a ball hawk as much as he had in 2012, where he notched six interceptions.
His upside makes him a player to watch, but it will be a surprise if he contributes beyond special teams.
Maragos was a part of the Seahawks’ Super Bowl championship, so he may be able to mentor his teammates as they look to gain playoff experience.
The Eagles will carry five safeties at most, but losing Chung will instantly upgrade the unit as they gain a leader in Jenkins.
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