We’re officially two days away from Eagles preseason Football! The Birds have released their first unofficial depth chart ahead of Thursday’s clash with the Titans and as a result, there are some things we can take away.
Now bear in mind, this is very preliminary. It’s not an official depth chart compiled by the coaches and a lot can change between now and Thursday. But in the meantime, it at least gives us a fairly strong idea of what to expect.
Quarterback
As expected, Cody Kessler is the current QB3 after Clayton Thorson’s bumpy offseason. But that doesn’t mean he’ll get more reps. Don’t be surprised if the Eagles wish to get an extended look at their rookie signal-caller on Thursday night.
Running back
The really interesting thing here is Corey Clement being listed as RB4. He’s working his way back from an injury and while he’s broken off some explosive runs, it’s clear the team feel more confident in him than Smallwood or Adams at this point at least. Boston Scott’s injury and the arrival of Sproles has sent him to the bottom of the pecking order for now.
While we’re talking running backs, it’s worth noting that Sanders is listed as the primary kick returner. He could see some extended looks on Thursday.
Offensive line
Andre Dillard is already listed as the sole backup to Jason Peters, which is a huge vote of confidence for the first-round selection, while Big V is the primary backup at both RG and RT but will likely get the start inside. Mailata is the third-string tackle behind Big V, but I have a feeling he’s technically a second-string due to Vaitai playing inside.
Wide receiver
Marken Michel is listed as the primary backup option in the slot. Why? 1) He’s had a strong camp and 2) I think the Eagles may be onto something. Here’s a snippet from a much deeper piece on Michel’s versatility.
394 of his 1215 receiving yards (or 32.4%) in the CFL came after the catch. He also managed 11.8 yards per carry in his young career. He’s a jack-of-all-trades player that would intrigue any NFL scout. With special teams value as a returner and the sticky hands to become the perfect gadget player in an offense that has so many threats, it would seem illogical to pour attention into a rogue Michel sneaking onto the field, there is every chance this young swiss-army knife makes his case in Training Camp.
The Eagles love guys who can make plays in the open field, it’s why they traded for Golden Tate, after all. Maybe this is a way to fill the void?
Also, I’m stanning the All-AFF third-string duo of Charles Johnson and Greg Ward Jr. That will be a pairing to watch.
Defensive tackle
Treyvon Hester is listed behind Hassan Ridgeway, which to me makes sense due to Ridgeway’s production as a schematic misfit in Indy. But Hester flashed some really explosive traits last year and I can’t wait to see what kind of punch he’s packing this time around.
Linebacker
I’m very tempted to pay this part of the depth chart no mind. Bradham is working his way back from injury and KGH is injured. This likely means Gerry and Brown will start in nickel packages, with Fort starting in base. I could be wrong, but this will be a real area of focus, with guys like T.J Edwards and CFL standout Alex Singleton vying for playing time.
Cornerback
Ronald Darby is still predictably listed as the starter, but whether or not he’ll take any reps is a mystery, but one that’s verging on ‘unlikely’. This would leave Maddox, Jones, and Douglas, as expected. Jones has had a great camp in the nickel but saw time outside on Tuesday. Will this push Douglas into the nickel or will they instead keep Jones inside, especially with no LeBlanc around?
Safety
Tre Sullivan is listed ahead of Jonathan Cyprien which I find very subtle. Is this a show of confidence in Sullivan, maybe easing Cyprien, who has over 400 tackles to his name, into the mix, or maybe just encouraging competition? I’d assume Cyprien would at least be the fourth Safety, but let the battle begin.
What are your takeaways from the initial depth chart? Let us know below!
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
