5 bold predictions for Philadelphia Eagles in 2020

4. Derek Barnett will get 10 sacks

The Eagles are still waiting for Barnett to break out as their top sack artist. 2020 will be the season where the former Tennessee star finally puts it all together in the NFL.

The result will be a double-digit sack total for the 23-year-old edge rusher. He’s really going to benefit from the team’s embarrassment of riches at defensive tackle. Offensive lines aren’t going to be able to double team Barnett when they’re concerned with handling guys like Fletcher Cox, Javon Hagrave and Malik Jackson in the middle.

Don’t underestimate how much the addition of Slay in the secondary might boost the team’s pass rush. He’ll force opposing quarterbacks to keep the ball in their hands longer. That extra second or two will allow a player like Barnett to turn a pressure into an actual sack.

As long as Barnett stays healthy he should be in line for a career year. It may not have come as quickly as the Eagles’ front office hoped, but he’s finally going to emerge as a star for them in 2020.