The Philadelphia Eagles close out the preseason and, in essence, training camp tonight at Lincoln Financial Field. It will be the last chance for those hangers-on and underdogs to state their cases for a spot on the 53-man roster. The deadline for cuts is August 29 at 4 p.m.
Philly Sports Network’s Bryan Cameron already provided an insightful list of “5 Players to Watch.” Check it out here. Now we are going to take a look at a few under-the-radar players— or deep sleepers, for those fantasy football fans — to keep an eye on in the preseason finale. Remember, there are still a few position battles raging ahead of the Week 1 matchup in New England. Head coach Nick Sirianni explained his process for finalizing everything during his media availability on August 22.
“Just those final evaluations to be able to see where they are because it would be hard to make that,” Sirianni told reporters. “There’s a lot of good players out there, and it would be hard to make the final decisions today. That’s why we have some good opportunities here today, and then also within the game to get those final evaluations.”
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1. Justin Evans: Lost in the shuffle this summer has been the seventh-year safety who essentially missed three entire seasons due to injury. He’s made plays at practices (I witnessed two pass breakups on August 9, plus an interception on Jalen Hurts) while making his presence felt in both preseason games. He has a nose for the ball and wraps up tackles. Evans got first-team reps in the joint practice with Indianapolis so he’s very much in the mix to win the starting job opposite Reed Blankenship.
2. Devon Allen: The Olympic hurdler showed up at camp in a limited capacity due to a calf injury suffered on the track which cost him valuable reps. However, Allen has been quietly turning heads in recent days — look at this highlight-reel play against Indianapolis, and this one for a touchdown — and hauled in two catches for 21 yards versus Cleveland. The 28-year-old remains a long shot to make the final roster, but injuries at the position may open up a spot. Remember, Tyrie Cleveland hit the Eagles injured/reserved list with a neck issue. And slot receivers Quez Watkins, Olamide Zaccheaus, and Britain Covey are all dealing with minor injuries.
3. Julian Good-Jones: The former Canadian Football League standout has enjoyed a solid summer in South Philly splitting time at tackle and guard. He has real potential to be the primary backup at left guard for the Eagles behind starter Landon Dickerson, especially with Sua Opeta and Josh Sills struggling. Good-Jones, who went undrafted in 2020, has held his own at camp against the likes of Derek Barnett and Kentavius Street. Look for him to lock up a spot tonight, maybe even over Jack Driscoll.
4. Trey Sermon: Look, no one is saying he is going to beat out D’Andre Swift, Rashaad Penny, Kenny Gainwell, or Boston Scott. The Eagles would have to be willing to keep five running backs for Sermon to make the roster. It isn’t likely to happen. But the former third-rounder has looked explosive in open space and decisive in his cuts all summer. He has 75 yards on 14 carries in the Eagles two preseason games while averaging 21.2 yards per kickoff return. If the Eagles cut him loose, Sermon will get signed.
5. Marlon Tuipulotu: The sixth-round pick from 2021 has half a sack along with two quarterback hits in the preseason while serving as a sneaky good pass-rushing force at defensive tackle behind Fletcher Cox and Milton Williams. He showed up at camp in the best shape of his life and looked noticeably quicker than he looked in previous years. Tuipulotu has been in the backfield a lot during practices and could push his way toward a meaningful role on passing downs.
AP Photo/Chris Szagola
