Following practice on Saturday, newly promoted Defensive Passing Game Coordinator/Defensive Backs Coach Dennard Wilson was asked how he knows Marcus Epps is ready for this upcoming season.
His answer was simple – just watch the film from last year.
Epps had a productive season for the Eagles in 2021; he recorded a career-high 56 tackles and five passes defensed including an interception, all the while competing for reps against a seasoned roster of defensive backs, namely Anthony Harris and Rodney McLeod at safety.
He never let up, despite the depth of experienced talent surrounding him. And now, it's paying off.
"Every day last year, he battled. He was tough. He was physical. He was always where he was supposed to be and he made the plays he was supposed to make," said Wilson.
Heading into his fourth year in the league, Epps has the chance to assume a more prominent role in the Eagles' defensive scheme with the absence of McLeod, who signed with the Colts in April.
From what the team has seen at Training Camp so far, he's gearing to make an impact.
"When we talk about the safeties, a guy that we spent a lot of time talking about this offseason, was Marcus Epps. Nobody works harder than Marcus," Executive Vice President/General Manager Howie Roseman said.
"Here is a guy who obviously last year played in a rotation with those guys, and you want your young players to step up and develop more of a role."
Minutes after receiving an encouraging review from Roseman on Day 1, Epps picked off a pass from Jalen Hurts marking his first interception of camp.
Epps' confidence is noticeable. He spent the offseason training in his newly established gym in Costa Mesa, California with his business partner and longtime trainer Karif Byrd. Their 5,000-square-foot space finished with a turf field provided plenty of room for offseason gains, which have already translated into elevated play.
"I feel like these first few days, I've been flying around," said Epps. "So you know, like I said, I'm just trying to keep building on that each and every day because I have not arrived by any means. And I know that I still got a lot to learn."
