One breakout candidate for each NFL team in 2018

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 26: Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Derek Barnett (96) waits for the snap during a NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and the Philadelphia Eagles on November 26, 2017 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. Eagles won 31-3.(Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

54. . Edge. . Derek Barnett. . team

It is not often that a team can lose not only their starting left tackle, but also their starting quarterback late in the regular season and go on to win the Super Bowl. Well, that is exactly what the Philadelphia Eagles accomplished last season, as backup Nick Foles led his team to an incredible win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII.

The Eagles have one of the best young quarterbacks in the league in Carson Wentz, so it will be back to the bench for Foles once he comes back. However, he has etched his name in Philadelphia history, as he not only beat the Patriots, but also was named the game’s Most Valuable Player.

One big reason for the Eagles win was their dominating front on defense, which was able to finally put the nail in the coffin late in the game. The Eagles have a very deep group of defensive ends, including Brandon Graham, Chris Long, Michael Bennett, and Derek Barnett, who was excellent as a rookie last season.

To say that Barnett had a good college career would be an understatement, as he broke Hall of Famer Reggie White’s career sack record at Tennessee. In his first season with the Eagles, Barnett racked up five sacks in 15 games, and also scored his first NFL touchdown, returning a fumble 23 yards for a score against the Oakland Raiders in Week 16.

With so much talent at the position, the Eagles are certainly going to be a tough out in 2018. Barnett showed flashes of brilliance last season, and as the starting right defensive end this season, he is going to be a guy who gets ten-plus sacks easily.