NFL training camp is just around the corner which means the season is almost here. For the Philadelphia Eagles, a promising off-season has given way to the eyes of the fanbase locking onto training camp.
Who ends up making the 53 man roster is already largely decided for a team with championship aspirations but that doesn’t mean all the answers are set.
With different players in different positions having their contracts set to expire, or based on overall performance, each position group has their own list of players that are entering a “make or break” year.
Today, we look at the skill positions on offense.
Miles Sanders
While there is tremendous pressure on quarterback Jalen Hurts to perform in 2022, Miles Sanders could very well be playing his last year as a Philadelphia Eagle.
A second round pick in 2019, Sanders is entering the final year of his deal with the Eagles. He has yet to accumulate over 1,000 rushing in a season and has not started all 16 games in his career.
Injuries, fumbling issues, and an inability to be dynamic in the passing game have all been reasons for Sanders to tread water through most of his career. Miles Sanders has talked a lot about making sure he is a three-down back and one of the best running-backs in the league if given enough touches.
While he has shown promise in some games, his lack of availability and production is a major question for the Eagles in 2022. Sanders has the speed to be a top back, but if he doesn’t produce in 2022, he could be looking at a change of scenery for a lot less money.
Jalen Reagor
Jalen Reagor may be on his third and final chance in Philadelphia. In two seasons he has yet to accumulate over 500 yards of total offense.
One of the more disappointing draft picks in Eagles history, Reagor is entering his third season with the Eagles and, along with Jalen Hurts, has one more year of team control on his contract.
It’s not good that he’s already a candidate to be cut before training camp even begins. While Jalen Reagor has battled many issues off the field when it comes to mental health, his lack of production is a major issue for the team, and one that could see him out of Philadelphia if he doesn’t have a strong camp.
This year is truly make or break for Reagor, not just in Philly, but for his NFL career.
Quez Watkins
You may be surprised to see Watkins here. The former sixth round selection made the most of his opportunities last season as he totaled over 600 receiving yards and established himself as the teams lone deep threat.
Unfortunately, there are a number of reasons as to why this season is a make or break for him.
The addition of AJ Brown may not challenge Watkins’ roster spot, but Zach Pascal certainly does. Pascal, a receiver whose comfort zone is in the slot, has prior experience with Eagles’ head coach Nick Sirianni. While the former Colts OC does not have a history of playing favorites at any position to this point, Pascal’s familiarity with the offense and being a more sure-handed receiver could take playing time from Watkins.
If Watkins’ playing time is cut significantly, you could end up seeing the late round bloomer on another team next season.
Training camp will be very important for Quez Watkins.
JJ Arcega-Whiteside
If the blocking skills of JJAW aren’t good enough to make the roster as a tight end, his future in football is in serious doubt.
JJAW is making the position change because he blocks well and isn’t fast enough to be a receiver. The transition of JJAW to tight end is an intriguing one, but in the final year of his rookie contract, JJAW is on the roster bubble as of right now.
If he struggles to pick up the tight end position, he will be quickly added to the cut list and the Eagles will have another top draft pick thrown to the side.
Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire
