The Eagles are just two days away from their second preseason game of the 2017 season. As the team prepare to host the Buffalo Bills at Lincoln Financial Field, the team have released their second unofficial depth chart. Here’s a full breakdown of the chart compiled by the team’s PR staff along with some analysis down below.
There’s no change at quarterback, running back, offensive line or tight end, but the first real surprise naturally comes at wide receiver where the team most recently traded Jordan Matthews to the Buffalo Bills. Nelson Agholor is now the starting slot receiver, but it’s Bryce Treggs who jumps straight up the depth chart as a backup, with Greg Ward Jr. listed behind him. It’s only one spot, but after an encouraging preseason opener, who’s to say that Treggs can’t force his way onto the roster as a backup to Nelson Agholor and a receiver who can come in as a matchup problem due to his prolific speed?
As for the two other newcomers, Rashard Davis starts at the bottom of the WR1 spot behind Shelton Gibson, with Keevan Lucas starting behind Ward Jr. and Paul Turner in what seems like an overload of slot receivers. There are only three receivers listed at the WR2 spot in comparison, with Mack Hollins and former QB David Watford filling those two spots. It would make sense to move Ward Jr. or Treggs outside, but the size of Turner and Lucas will likely limit them to a slot-ceiling.
The other change comes predictably at cornerback. The addition of Ronald Darby means sees Jalen Mills being joined by the former Buffalo Bill as the starting outside corner, but what happens at the rest of the position is interesting.
Patrick Robinson and Rasul Douglas are the team’s second outside tandem, but any cornerback not named Jalen Mills has naturally been pushed down a spot. This means that Aaron Grymes and Ron Brooks are still battling it out over the starting nickel spot, while C.J Smith is now on the third line of Defense ahead of the likes of Jomal Wiltz and Tay Glover-Wright. There’s still a lot to be concluded at the Eagles cornerback position, and Thursday’s game will bring us one step closer to finding out.
