The Philadelphia Eagles are once again gearing up for another NFL season, and the journey begins with the all-important training camp. This marks the time when rosters begin to take shape, positional battles intensify, and expectations for the year ahead solidify. Players officially report on Tuesday, and the first formal practice is scheduled for Wednesday, as the team begins its quest to defend its Super Bowl title.
Throughout the 2025 NFL season, extensive coverage will be provided from the NovaCare Complex in South Philadelphia. The spotlight is firmly on the defending champions, who will look to repeat their success while integrating new faces, adapting to coaching changes, and maintaining the momentum that carried them to a title last season.
Among the major narratives surrounding the Eagles are the expectations for star running back Saquon Barkley, the integration of a new offensive coordinator, the development of first-round pick Jihaad Campbell, and a host of positional competitions that will unfold over the coming weeks.
Saquon Barkley’s Sophomore Season with Philly: Cautious Management Expected
Saquon Barkley took the NFL by storm in his first season with the Eagles. The former Penn State standout delivered a remarkable campaign, rushing for over 2,000 yards, setting numerous franchise records, capturing the Offensive Player of the Year award, and playing a crucial role in the team’s Super Bowl run. After such a historic performance, the question now is how the Eagles plan to manage their star rusher.
Given Barkley’s incredible workload — 436 total touches across the regular season and playoffs — it would make strategic sense for the coaching staff to protect his health during training camp and the preseason. While fans may be eager to see him back on the field, there’s a strong likelihood that the Eagles will place him on a controlled regimen or even keep him out of preseason games altogether to preserve his energy and reduce injury risk.
In Barkley’s limited absence, young talent will get valuable reps. Second-year back Will Shipley could showcase the strides he’s made, while A.J. Dillon, acquired from the Packers during the offseason, may see extended opportunities. This will give coaches a better sense of the team’s depth at the position and help solidify the rotation going into the regular season.
A New Offensive Coordinator for Jalen Hurts: What Changes Can Be Expected?
Quarterback Jalen Hurts has experienced a revolving door of offensive coordinators during his time in Philadelphia. The 2025 campaign will mark his fifth different OC since being drafted in 2020. This year, Kevin Patullo steps into the role, replacing Kellen Moore, who led the Eagles’ offense to impressive heights before departing to become the New Orleans Saints’ head coach after winning the Super Bowl.
Patullo is no stranger to the organization. He has served as the team’s passing game coordinator since 2021 and brings continuity despite the change in leadership. While his previous involvement in game-planning and quarterback development bodes well, his promotion introduces new responsibilities and decision-making power.
With elite offensive weapons like Hurts, Barkley, star wideouts A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, Patullo inherits a treasure trove of talent. One of his biggest tasks will be maintaining balance in the offense and ensuring each playmaker sees ample opportunities. It remains to be seen how much of Moore’s playbook will remain and what innovations Patullo brings to the table.
This camp will be critical for evaluating how the offense functions under new guidance. The installation of schemes, timing with receivers, and offensive identity will all be on display. All eyes will be on how Hurts meshes with Patullo’s vision and whether the Eagles can keep their high-flying offense operating at an elite level.
Jihaad Campbell Watch: When Will the Top Rookie Debut?
The Eagles were once again praised for their savvy drafting when they selected Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell with the 31st pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. A highly decorated defender in college, Campbell was once considered a top-10 talent before undergoing surgery for a torn labrum in March, causing his draft stock to drop slightly.
Despite the injury, Campbell’s long-term potential remains sky-high, and the Eagles envision him as a cornerstone of their future defense. The immediate concern, however, is when fans can expect to see him in uniform and making plays on the field. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio addressed Campbell’s status in June, explaining that while the rookie was present during OTAs, he wouldn’t be fully cleared until sometime in August.
The Eagles have three preseason games — facing the Bengals on August 7, Browns on August 16, and Jets on August 22. These contests present an ideal opportunity for Campbell to acclimate to the NFL’s pace and physicality. The coaching staff will be closely monitoring his recovery and conditioning to determine when and how to integrate him into live action ahead of the season opener on September 4.
Rookie Class Overview: Who Else Could Stand Out?
While Jihaad Campbell is the headline rookie, he’s just one part of a diverse and promising draft class. The Eagles selected 10 players in total, many of whom could carve out roles sooner rather than later.
Second-round safety Andrew Mukuba, who played at both Clemson and Texas, is expected to push for immediate snaps in the secondary. His range, instincts, and ball-hawking ability make him a candidate to contribute early. Ty Robinson, a fourth-round defensive tackle from Nebraska, brings size and toughness to the defensive front and could factor into the rotation.
Further down the draft board, Georgia linebacker Smael Mondon Jr., UCF cornerback Mac McWilliams, and Virginia Tech defensive end Antwaun Powell-Ryland are seen as high-upside developmental players. All three possess strong athletic traits and will look to impress during camp and the preseason.
On the offensive side, the team added three linemen — Drew Kendall (Boston College), Myles Hinton (Michigan), and Cameron Williams (Texas). Renowned offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland will be tasked with refining their technique and preparing them for future contributions.
Lastly, the Eagles picked up Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord, a project passer who will learn behind Jalen Hurts while competing for a backup spot. Training camp will be an excellent stage for all these rookies to establish themselves and gain valuable experience.
Position Battles to Monitor: Several Roles Up for Grabs
Training camp is often defined by competitions, and the Eagles enter with several key positional battles that could significantly shape the depth chart. Let’s break down some of the most notable contests.
Right Guard: Following the departure of starter Mehki Becton in free agency, the right guard spot is open. Tyler Steen, who served as a top backup last season, is currently the favorite. However, the Eagles have other options. Veteran Matt Pryor returns on a one-year deal and could offer reliability, while Kenyon Green, acquired from the Texans in the Chauncey Gardner-Johnson trade, brings former first-round pedigree to the mix.
Safety: The aforementioned Gardner-Johnson trade also left a gap in the secondary. Sydney Brown will be aiming to solidify a starting role alongside Reed Blankenship, but he’ll have competition. Andrew Mukuba’s talent and versatility could force the coaching staff to get creative with alignments. Meanwhile, special teams ace Tristin McCollum hopes to parlay his experience into more defensive snaps.
Edge Rusher: The edge rush group has undergone significant changes. Josh Sweat left via free agency, Brandon Graham retired after a legendary career, and Bryce Huff’s stint ended prematurely. That leaves Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt as the top returning names. Smith played through an injury in the Super Bowl and is viewed as the projected starter, but the team added Azeez Ojulari and Josh Uche in free agency. Rookie Antwaun Powell-Ryland will also try to earn a role. With no clear hierarchy beyond Smith, this position is wide open.
Cornerback: Depth at cornerback is another concern. The Eagles didn’t spend much draft capital on the position despite losing veterans Darius Slay and Isaiah Rodgers. As of now, Quinyon Mitchell appears to have locked down one starting role on the outside. The battle to play opposite him likely comes down to Kelee Ringo and Adoree’ Jackson. Jackson, brought in during free agency, offers experience, while Ringo is a 23-year-old with intriguing athletic upside. Other young players will also try to crack the rotation during camp.
Final Thoughts: A Championship Team with Something to Prove
The 2025 Philadelphia Eagles find themselves in an unusual but exciting position. As defending Super Bowl champions, they know the pressure that comes with expectations. But they also carry the confidence of a team that knows how to win at the highest level.
With a generational running back in Saquon Barkley, a dynamic quarterback in Jalen Hurts, and one of the most talented receiving duos in football, the offense has the potential to be even better than last year — assuming Patullo can successfully continue Moore’s work. The defense, now under Vic Fangio, is transitioning to a new generation of leaders, with Jihaad Campbell and other rookies poised to assume key roles.
Injuries, depth concerns, and chemistry will all be tested during training camp. But if the Eagles can stay healthy, find contributions from their young players, and navigate the positional battles wisely, they’ll enter the 2025 season with a legitimate shot at repeating as champions.
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