Training camp is just a day away for the Philadelphia Eagles and there are plenty of major storylines entering the Novacare Complex.
Whether it’s key position battles, the continued development of a franchise quarterback, or the youth movement hitting the defense, there is plenty of reason to be excited for the upcoming start of practices. While a lot of players have their positions secured, the Eagles still have a select number of players on the bubble heading into the third camp of the Nick Sirianni era.
Let’s take a look at five of the top players on the bubble right now.
Quez Watkins
Can Quez Watkins move past his disappointing 2022 season to earn more playing time this season?
That’s the question surrounding the Eagles slot speedster this camp. Watkins has certainly done more than what could have been expected for a sixth-round pick, but if the Eagles are to take a step further on the offensive side of the ball, Watkins will need to step up in a major way. If he struggles to start camp though, don’t be surprised if Howie Roseman tries to move him.
Rashaad Penny
When Philadelphia signed Rashaad Penny to a one-year deal this offseason, many people thought that he would be part of a three-back monster with Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott.
Then the team traded for D’Andre Swift.
Swift’s inclusion to the roster means Penny will be playing for his NFL career this training camp. The power-back has done a great job of being efficient when he is on the field (5.7 yards per carry in his career) but has only played in 18 games over the last three seasons.
It’s make-or-break time for the former Seahawk.
Greedy Williams
Williams is arguably on his last legs as an NFL corner. The former Brown has battled injuries throughout his career and now has a chance to reinvent himself in Philadelphia. He doesn’t cost a lot, but that means the Eagles could end up cutting him if he’s outplayed by any of the young rookies fighting for spots.
Luckily for the Eagles, they have needs at other positions outside of the cornerback role, and Williams’ flexibility could make him a major commodity throughout camp.
Time will tell though.
Nicholas Morrow
Morrow did not have a bad season last year, but the emerging play of Christian Eliss, and the idea of having other free-agent linebackers come in makes him highly expendable. Like many of the names on this list, Morrow signed a short-term deal that is low-risk, high-reward for the organization.
If someone beats Morrow out of the other linebacker spot, the Eagles aren’t going to waste their time in releasing him. That puts him on the bubble of set starters, and potential final cut surprises.
Any way you look at it, Morrow’s job is not as secure as people may have thought.
Britain Covey
While analysts and fans were not pleased with the undrafted rookie last season, Britian Covey was pretty good as a returner in his rookie year.
That doesn’t mean his spot is secured though.
Philadelphia needs more consistency from their special teams groups and that starts with Covey showing he can make the smart play when he absolutely needs to. Gone are the excuses of being in his rookie season, and the pressure for the entire roster has been increased. It’ll be a very important training camp period for Covey.
AP Photo/Matt Rourke
