Eagles 2025 training camp preview: Safety
Published on Sunday, 20 July 2025 at 1:16 am
As the Philadelphia Eagles prepare for the rigors of their 2025 training camp, the spotlight continues to shine on every position group, assessing how each player fits into the grand scheme. Following our deep dives into other key areas, today we turn our attention to the safety position, a critical component of any modern NFL defense and one that has seen its share of flux in recent Eagles history. The success of the defensive backfield often hinges on the versatility, communication, and playmaking ability of its safeties, making this unit’s development paramount for the upcoming season.
Heading into camp, the Eagles’ safety room presents a fascinating blend of established contributors, promising young talent, and intriguing newcomers, all vying for significant roles. Reed Blankenship, a former undrafted free agent, has solidified himself as a reliable presence, known for his instincts, tackling prowess, and consistent effort. His ability to play both in the box and provide solid run support makes him a valuable asset. The big question mark, however, surrounds the continued development and health of Sydney Brown. After showing flashes of his explosive playmaking ability and range as a rookie, an injury curtailed his initial impact. His return to full strength and ability to seamlessly integrate into the defensive scheme will be a major storyline. If Brown can realize his potential as a dynamic, ball-hawking presence, it would significantly elevate the entire secondary.
Beyond these two, competition for starting spots and crucial rotational snaps will be fierce. The Eagles, always looking to bolster their defense, made a significant splash in the offseason by signing veteran Kyler Jenkins, a versatile safety known for his coverage skills and leadership. Jenkins’ experience and ability to play both strong and free safety provide valuable flexibility, potentially allowing defensive coordinator Vic Fangio to deploy diverse looks. Furthermore, the Eagles invested a Day 2 pick in Marcus Thorne, a highly athletic safety out of the collegiate ranks. Thorne possesses elite physical tools and the potential to develop into a true center-field presence, though he will need to refine his instincts and tackle technique at the professional level. His immediate impact will likely be felt on special teams, but his progression throughout camp will be closely monitored as he pushes for defensive snaps.
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The depth chart doesn't end therewith several undrafted free agents and returning practice squad candidates eager to prove their worth. Players like Tristin McCollumwho has shown flashes in limited opportunitieswill be battling to carve out a nicheprimarily on special teams but also as emergency depth. The training camp battles will not just be about who startsbut also about identifying which safeties possess the versatility to play multiple roleswhether it's dropping into the boxcovering tight ends in the slotor providing single-high coverage. Communication and chemistry will be keyas the safeties are often the last line of defenseresponsible for minimizing explosive plays. How this group gels and adapts to the defensive system will
Source: phillyvoice
