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Philadelphia Eagles: 5 breakout player candidates for 2018

By George Stockburger

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 31: Cornerback Sidney Jones #22 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 31, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 31: Cornerback Sidney Jones #22 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 31, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 04: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots attempts to throw a pass under pressure from Derek Barnett #96 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 04: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots attempts to throw a pass under pressure from Derek Barnett #96 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank /

. Derek Barnett. 2. team. 54. . Defensive End

The Eagles first round pick from last year was far from unproductive, collecting five sacks as a backup to Brandom Graham and Chris Long. Barnett also goes down in history as the man who picked up Tom Brady’s fumble in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl 52.

Philadelphia has tremendous depth on their defensive line yet again, bringing back Graham, Long and Barnett, while adding veteran Michael Bennett and rookie Josh Sweat. With the defensive ends constantly rotating, they’ll be playing on fresh legs throughout the games and season.

With Graham on the final year of his deal the Eagles have a tough decision to make with their 2010 first round pick out of Michigan. He’s coming off a career-best 9.5 sacks and 38.5 sacks isn’t too shabby. But, is Graham worth an eight-figure salary over the next four years?

Barnett could be Philadelphia’s long-term answer if the team has to move on from Graham.

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