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Blankenship poised for a jump this season? Lands on most important list originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Over the next few weeks leading up to training camp, we’ll be counting down the top 25 most important Eagles for the 2024 season.
25. Brandon Graham
24. Nakobe Dean
23. Milton Williams
22. Jake Elliott
21. Nolan Smith
20. Cooper DeJean
19. Reed Blankenship
It wasn’t that long ago that Reed Blankenship was a relatively unknown undrafted free agent out of Middle Tennessee State. He proved himself quickly.
As a rookie, Blankenship played in 10 games and started 4 and last season was his first as a full-time NFL starting safety. Blankenship missed a couple games with injury but started 15. It obviously wasn’t a great defensive season for the Eagles but Blankenship quietly led the team with 113 tackles and 3 interceptions.
The Eagles had just nine interceptions in 2023 and Blankenship accounted for a third of them.
“It’s all about growth,” Blankenship said in April. “I still have a long way to go and I’m fortunate enough to still have some of these great teammates to teach me and some of these great coaches. And I want to take that opportunity and run with it.
“I’m excited, just so excited to be back. I know a lot of the guys are excited to be back, too.”
The other safety position next to Blankenship was a bit of a rotating door last year with guys like Justin Evans, Terrell Edmunds, Kevin Byard and Sydney Brown all getting starts. This season, Blankenship’s job should be a bit easier after the return of C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who will be the other starter.
After those two, the Eagles don’t have great depth but will eventually get Brown back from injury and have players like Avonte Maddox, who can play the position in a pinch.
This offseason, the Eagles gave Blankenship a contract extension through the 2025 season. As an undrafted player, Blankenship was scheduled to become a restricted free agent after this upcoming year.
The extension was a…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/blankenship-poised-jump-season-lands-110000691.html
Author : NBC Sports Philadelphia
Publish date : 2024-06-26 11:00:00
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