Player Development – Then vs Now

Some critics like to say that all Nick Sirianni has to do is get out of the way. With a great roster and good coaching staff, the team is going to win regardless of anything he does. I disagree with that strongly. I think Sirianni is a good coach. He is a strong motivator, communicator and leader. He’s also a great teacher. The Eagles have had good player development in his tenure.

I think a big difference between the current time and the first Super Bowl team is that this is a much younger bunch and it feels more sustainable. Back in 2018 I felt good about the Eagles. Corey Clement was great in the Super Bowl. I expected him to become a key RB for the team. Didn’t happen. He’s scored 5 TDs in the six seasons since that game.

That team had some interesting young talent. Mack Hollins, Big V, Derek Barnett, Kamu Grugier-Hill, Jalen Mills, Sidney Jones and Rasul Douglas. Those guys did not become long term starters or key players in Philly. Most have played their best football elsewhere. Doug Pederson was the right coach for the 2017 Eagles and their SB run, but a lot of that was based on veterans. Pederson had the emotional intelligence to get the most out of those players. He and his staff didn’t do a good job with developing talent.

They didn’t miss on everyone. Dallas Goedert became a stud TE. Avonte Maddox was a good nickelback. Jordan Mailata developed into a very good LT.

Think about what Sirianni and his staff have done. I’m going to skip the first round players for now and focus on other guys. Tanner McKee looks like he could be a future starting QB. Kenny Gainwell became a dependable backup RB and RS. Milton Williams developed into a disruptive DT and just got huge money. Moro Ojomo looks like he could have a breakout season filling in for Williams. Jalyx Hunt really came on during the 2024 season and could be a key part of the 2025 defense. Vic Fangio seems to be his biggest fan, which is a great sign. Nakobe Dean developed into a good LB. Reed Blankenship went fro UDFA to starting safety. Britain Covey was another UDFA who panned out, becoming a very good RS.

Jalen Hurts has become one of the top QBs in football. You can argue Top 5 or Top 10. Doesn’t matter exactly where, but he went from a second round pick to a guy coming off his second SB appearance.

I skipped over OL and early picks. Jeff Stoutland was the OL coach for both Pederson and Sirianni. As for 1st rounders, the current staff has done a great job with them. Jordan Davis is the closest thing to a disappointment and he’s at least been a good role player.

The Eagles defense in 2024 ranked first in percentage of plays using a light box (6 or fewer defenders) at 68.5%.

They also ranked 4th in rushing yards allowed per game and 5th in EPA/rush.

This is a Jordan Davis tweet and Jalen Carter tweet. pic.twitter.com/cPLHNRqXXz

— Brenden Deeg (@BrendenDeeg_) July 12, 2025

I haven’t even gotten to the pro side of things. Zack Baun went from role player to All-Pro. Saquon Barkley went from good to great. He just had the most yards in the history of pro football in 2024. CJGJ played his best football under Sirianni. Mekhi Becton had his best season in 2024 and got big money in free agency.

The coaching staff does a great job of connecting with players. That helps a lot. Guys will buy in when there is a tight bond between them and the coaches. The staff has special periods set aside for young guys and backup players so that they get reps and hands-on coaching. I also think Sirianni does a great job of pushing players. His ultra-competitive nature rubs off on the team and has brought out the best in more than a few players.

This isn’t luck. This isn’t an accident. This isn’t all about who gets drafted. Howie Roseman and the personnel department do a great job of finding the right guys, but don’t overlook just how important the coaches are in getting the most out of the team. There is nothing more frustrating than watching a player go somewhere else and shine.

The Eagles had a good draft class in April and have a bunch of picks for next spring. Sirianni and his coaches are going to have a chance to keep developing talent and keep this team chasing championships.

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