Becoming Batman: Who Will Join Prestigious Eagles Club Next?

The Philadelphia Eagles have four official Batmans on the roster currently, but there could be another joining receivers A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Quez Watkins, and center Jason Kelce.

During the run that led to the Philadelphia Eagles' first Super Bowl title in the 2017 season, a German Shepherd mask became the symbol for all fans and players to rally around. 

Representing the underdog reputation and nature of that Eagles squad it was equal parts defiance and motivation, and more importantly, it worked. 

The problem with winning though is that you can't really call yourself an underdog anymore. 

So they needed something new. 

And that's where Batman comes into play. 

Created by cornerback Darius Slay, the original three Batmans - because it's not Batmen, let's get that straight - are receivers A.J. 'Swole Batman' Brown, DeVonta 'Skinny Batman' Smith, and Quez 'Fast Batman' Watkins. 

Center Jason 'Fat Batman' Kelce joined the group later on in the season. 

And now, the Eagles and their fans have something they can rally around, and continue to build on, if they so choose. 

With that thought in mind, here are three candidates to be the next Batman to join these prestigious ranks. 

Safety Terrell Edmunds

It took Brown less than a full season to make a major impact on his new team, and if Edmunds can do the same he may get to be the first defender to don the cape or cowl. 

Starting for the past five seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Edmunds' 70 tackles would have ranked him fourth last year in Philadelphia's defense. 

His two sacks and three tackles-for-loss would've made him arguably the most backfield-disruptive safety on the team. 

The Eagles need to, at a minimum, maintain the same level of play from one year ago, but Edmunds' path towards Batman membership is by elevating the play of the position.

In Pittsburgh, Edmunds developed a reputation for doing things the 'old fashioned' way, and that's one thing about him Philadelphia is going to appreciate. 

Possible Membership Name: 'Old Fashioned Batman'

Quarterback Jalen Hurts

This one is a tad obvious, but the trick is coming up with the right nickname. 

First, however, Hurts needs to replicate his MVP-caliber play from last season where he was a finalist for the award and likely would have won the title in the Super Bowl had the Eagles come away with the win. 

Instead, quarterback Patrick Mahomes walked away with both MVPs and another ring to go with them. 

What makes Mahomes great is his dual-threat ability and consistency. Even as defensive coordinators across the NFL pile up the tape on him, he still beats them. 

This year, those same coordinators will have a lot of tape on Hurts, and he'll have to prove he can beat them with his arm as well as his athleticism. 

If he does, then fire up the Bat Signal for a new member.

Possible Membership Name: 'Two-For-One Batman' 

Cornerback Darius Slay

Maybe slightly less obvious than Hurts, why wouldn't the man who sparked the movement get a chance to join its ranks? 

He's already got the nickname, so all we need now is a few of those big-play moments to come early in the season, and the rise of a new Batman should take place.

Possible Membership Name: 'Big Play Batman'

More of a fraternity than a club, there may not be any Robins on Philadelphia's roster, but there aren't a whole lot of confirmed Batmans either. 

These three could be the next to expand on an already dynamic group of Batmans protecting the football interests of Eagles fans everywhere. 

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Find David on Twitter @DHarrison82

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