The Eagles have started trimming their roster down as the offseason draws to a close, with plenty of anticipation looming over the City of Brotherly Love. With that in mind, here’s one player from every position on the roster who currently finds himself walking a tightrope and in need of a strong close to the Summer.
Quarterback
Nick Mullens
The Eagles should keep three quarterbacks on the roster but in the event they don’t, Nick Mullens is absolutely on the bubble. A torrid outing against the Pittsburgh Steelers correlated with a very confident showing from Joe Flacco leave the former Niners QB with it all to do over the next two weeks.
Running back
Jason Huntley
The waiving of Kerryon Johnson might open up the doors for Jason Huntley to burst through, but Jordan Howard might hold the keys. Huntley rushed for 15 yards on Thursday night but is going to need to replicate that performance and then some if he is going to displace one of Howard or Boston Scott.
Tight End
Jack Stoll
Previously, this would’be been Tyree Jackson. However, his injury all but means that he’ll head to IR (providing the Eagles want to keep a hold of him). With Richard Rodgers the current TE3 and all other competition eliminated, UDFA Jack Stoll now has a clear shot to at least try and fill the void and force the Eagles to keep a fourth tight end for the time being. It’s going to take a monster few weeks, but who knows.
Wide receiver
J.J Arcega-Whiteside
There are simply too many chefs in the kitchen at wide receiver making 5-star dishes, while JJAW is struggling to put together a grilled sandwich. Although I relate to Arcega-Whiteside on a culinary level, A few flurries in camp are not going to be enough to secure his future. It’s time to go big or go home.
Offensive line
Matt Pryor
Versatility and starting experience had previously been the saving graces of the TCU product, but he’s struggled to develop as quickly as others around him. Versatility is great, but if Nate Herbig is a better guard and Jack Driscoll a better tackle, there’s a limited ceiling. Pryor will need to make the most of expanded preseason action.
Defensive end
JaQuan Bailey
Bailey has become the forgotten man on the outside. The UDFA was always going to face an uphill battle and with players like Ryan Kerrigan and Milton Williams filling out the rotation behind the top trio, it leaves little in the way of wiggle room. However, should an injury occur (such as one Kerrigan has been dealing with) he has to stay ready.
Defensive Tackle
Hassan Ridgeway
This is slightly surprising. I was a huge Hassan Ridgeway guy when the team traded for him at the bottom of the 2019 NFL Draft, but he’s struggled with both injuries and inconsistency. Ridgeway has been quiet this Summer and a preseason breakout form T.Y McGill doesn’t help things, meaning that it’ s game on between the two.
Linebacker
T.J Edwards
Edwards might be regarded as a valuable depth piece by many, but his place on the depth chart is worrying. He sits behind Eric Wilson at the MIKE spot and Shaun Bradley has quietly had himself a good Summer. Given that the Eagles spent draft capital on Bradley, they might be more willing to risk Edwards to waivers, meaning, just like in 2019, he’s going to have to step up against the Jets.
Cornerback
Michael Jacquet
The cornerback picture is an interesting one. Michael Jacquet’s chances of a starting role were ripped away with the Steven Nelson trade, but his preseason outing last week didn’t do him any favors. With players such as Craig James, Josiah Scott and Kevon Seymour all breathing down his neck, Jacquet is by no means safe at this stage.
Safety
Blake Countess
He may have only just re-joined the roster, but leading the team in tackles on Thursday was a pretty good way to mark his return. There isn’t much depth at the position and Countess has plenty of special teams experience under his belt, including leading the Rams in ST tackles in back-to-back years. He’ll be competing head on with Andrew Adams for a depth role in the secondary.
Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire
