Training Camp is nearing its final stages and the importance of a smooth run-in for the Eagles is at an all-time high. Injuries have cut into the depth at numerous spots and opened up some huge roster battles. Here’s a look at how they could shake out.
Quarterback
Carson Wentz, Jalen Hurts, Nate Sudfeld 3 (3)
No surprises here. Nate Sudfeld has had a surprisingly good Summer in comparison to last year and with Lauletta already off the roster, it looks as though the QB position is set in stone.
Running back
Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, Corey Clement, Elijah Holyfield 4 (7)
The battle for the RB4 role will be an exciting one, but ultimately, the Eagles fill the void left by Jordan Howard – one they were unable to up to this point despite numerous lowball attempts to land free agents. Holyfield has had a nice Summer and Clement has shown enough to maintain his spot in the rotation for now behind Boston Scott and the electric Miles Sanders.
Offensive line
Lane Johnson, Matt Pryor, Jason Kelce, Isaac Seumalo, Jason Peters, Prince Tega-Wanagho, Jack Driscoll, Nate Herbig 8 (15)
The offensive line position has been hit hard by injuries this offseason. With no Brooks or Dillard around, the Eagles have to be clinical here. Jordan Mailata is not ready to be dropped into the deep end in the event of an injury and it’s likely that the experience of the Auburn rookie tandem (Driscoll and ‘PTW”) will be far more valuable. Nate Herbig will become the primary backup guard, while Jack Driscoll can play a swing-position as Matt Pryor did before him. Don’t be surprised to see the Eagles go out and snag a backup before the end of camp.
Tight end
Zach Ertz, Dallas Goedert, Noah Togiai 3 (18)
Joshua Perkins being ruled out indefinitely makes this decision a lot easier. UDFA steal Noah Togiai becomes the team’s default TE3 behind a tandem that the Eagles should look to keep together for as long as possible.
Wide receiver
JJ Arcega-Whiteside, DeSean Jackson, Jalen Reagor, John Hightower, Quez Watkins, Greg Ward Jr 6 (24)
This is fairly routine and has been looking fairly cemented for quite sometime. Quez Watkins has really impressed this Summer and should have earned a spot on the roster, surging up from a bubble battle to join a very exciting positional rotation. Deontay Burnett narrowly misses the cut but will land on the practice squad with ease.
Defensive end
Brandon Graham, Vinny Curry, Derek Barnett, Josh Sweat, Joe Ostman 5 (29)
The EDGE5 battle is what will catch eyes here after the return of Vinny Curry. Ostman, Avery, Miller, and Toohill are duking it out as things stand. The Eagles could be smart and IR stash Genard Avery for a year. Shareef Miller is still raw in terms of his development and although Toohill has impressed, Ostman has been consistently strong throughout his time with the Eagles. Injuries have held him back, but it’s only right he gets his shot at a roster spot.
Defensive tackle
Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave, Malik Jackson, Hassan Ridgeway, Anthony Rush 5 (34)
I love this rotation. It doesn’t need much analysis because it’s so enticing from top-to-bottom. If Hargrave is unable to go by week 1, expect a cheeky IR stash that allows coveted UDFA Raequan Williams to sneak onto the roster.
Linebacker
T.J Edwards, Alex Singleton, Nate Gerry, Duke Riley, Davion Taylor, Shaun Bradley 6 (40)
Oddly, every linebacker on the roster makes the cut here. I think Dave Fipp’s special teams unit will be reliant on names like Singleton and Riley, while Shaun Bradley’s strong summer will force the Eagles to make room for his presence. The downside? Someone’s got to be the fall guy…
Cornerback
Darius Slay, Avonte Maddox, Nickell Robey-Coleman, Rasul Douglas, Cre’Von LeBlanc, 5 (45)
…and that man is Sidney Jones. You can’t make the club in the tub and after 4 offseasons of trying and 3 seasons of topsy-turvy plays filled with highlights and lowlights, the second-round experiment comes to an end. The Eagles go slightly lighter at corner, but the depth at Safety makes up for this.
Safety
Rodney McLeod, K’Von Wallace, Jalen Mills, Will Parks, Rudy Ford 5 (50)
This is a really strong position and one Eagles fans should feel good about heading into the new season. Rudy Ford’s special teams prowess keeps him around.
Special teams
Cameron Johnston, Jake Elliott, Rick Lovato 3 (53)
Dreamy.
Eagles Practice squad (12+ 1 INT spot)
DE Casey Toohill
DE Shareef Miller
RB Adrian Killins
DE Matt Leo (International spot)
WR Deontay Burnett
WR Marcus Green
DB Elijah Riley
DB Grayland Arnold
C Luke Juriga
G Sua Opeta
TE Tyrone Swoopes
OT Jordan Mailata
DT Raequan Williams
Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire
