One of the biggest questions that surround NFL training camp is who eventually makes the final 53-man roster. With Eagles camp just about two weeks away, it’s time to speculate who will make the final cut and be a part of the 2022 Philadelphia Eagles.
Today, we look at who stays and who goes with the safety group.
Current Safeties on the Roster
Anthony Harris, Marcus Epps, Jaquiski Tartt, Reed Blankenship, Andre Chachere, Jared Mayden, K’Von Wallace
Safeties who make the 53-man roster
Anthony Harris, Marcus Epps, Jaquiski Tartt, K’Von Wallace
The starting pair is pretty much set in stone days before training camp. Anthony Harris was brought back on a one year deal and compliments Epps’ skillset well. Playing up on the ball is Harris’ main skill and he’s a good enough tackler to be a dependable player in a very solid Eagles secondary.
Marcus Epps is a player who is under a lot of pressure heading into camp. One of the highest ranked safeties last season, the 26 year old is in a contract year and will finally get a chance to be a starter this season. PFF gave Epps an elite 73 grade last season with the former Viking picking off a pass and deflecting five passes. Epps is a player that everyone on the defense loves, but his performance in camp could very well be the determining factor if the Eagles go after Jessie Bates.
Jaquiski Tartt was picked up from San Francisco just over a month ago and offers much needed depth in the secondary. Tartt may have dropped a potential game-winning interception in the NFC Title game, but that doesn’t take away from the fact he’s started 64 games in seven seasons with the 49ers. He’s dependable, can certainly hit, and will be a solid role player like Epps was last season.
Harris, Epps and Tartt are the three players that are seemingly locked in to starting roles for the 53 man roster. If the team goes with four safeties like last season, it means that there’s only one spot left for Reed Blankenship, Andre Chachere, Jared Mayden, K’Von Wallace. Blankenship is an undrafted free agent out of Middle Tennessee St. Mayden has gone back and forth on the Eagles and 49ers practice squad.
Chachere played sparingly last season but the team likes his potential. Then there is K’Von Wallace. The former fourth round pick in 2020 has battled injuries and hasn’t really made an impact on the field. I would argue if he went to any other school, Wallace probably would have been cut by now. Coming from Clemson and basically hand-picking the Philadelphia Eagles has endeared him to Eagles fans everywhere. Now entering his third season, Wallace will need to show serious improvement or he could very well be on the chopping block.
I think Wallace takes big strides this year under Gannon’s tutelage and ultimately challenges for the third safety spot. Unfortunately, it’s make or break season for him and Epps.
Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire
