After one week of Eagles’ training camp, some positions start to come into focus on the direction the team is heading while others still have a long way to go. The offensive and defensive units have looked good in camp, and the extra depth at key positions has created healthy rivalries on the field.
The Eagles have only a few short weeks to make their final roster decisions. While most of the starters have been determined there are still 2 key positions that await a decision, RG and CB, as well as numerous backup roles.
Quarterback (3):
Jalen Hurts, Kenny Pickett, Tanner McKee
The QB position is set. The only roster casualty here is Will Grier.
Jalen Hurts has been amazing to the start of camp and has completed approximately 80% of his attempts. He is looking faster and healthier. Hurts seems to be comfortable despite learning a new offense. He has the potential for an MVP season.
Kenny Pickett has been solid at camp and has a firm grip on QB2.
Running Back (3):
Saquon Barkley, Kenneth Gainwell, and Wil Shipley.
The excitement fans have for Saquon this season can not be overstated. He has looked good, but nobody will see how lethal he will be in their offense until week one.
Gainwell has looked strong and seems to be making the most of his opportunities. Kenneth is playing for an extension or auditioning for a contract with another team. A strong season could assist him in achieving that.
New Eagles OC, Kellen Moore, regularly rotated the RBs during his time in Dallas which could have rookie Wil Shipley on the field more than some think.
They will have a handful of interesting candidates to choose for their practice squad. Kendall Milton, Tyrion Davis-Price, and Lew Nichols.
Wide Receiver (6):
A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Parris Campbell, Ainias Smith, Britain Covey, Johnny Wilson
A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are the undisputed 1A and 1B. The fight for WR3 could end up between multiple players sharing one role. HC Nick Sirianni intimated that more than one player could be WR3.
Covey is valuable due to his punt-returning ability, but he has shown promise as a slot receiver. He has good hands and has shown a knack for getting open. Covey could have a role in the offense in the hybrid WR3 role.
The battle for the sixth spot will be an interesting one. I chose Johnny Wilson over Ross, and the field, as they have more invested in him and he has played first-team reps at camp in multiple formations. He has unique skill sets for the position. The Eagles are excited to see what he can evolve into in their offense. Jalen Hurts has shouted him out a couple of times during camp.
Fighting for a roster spot; John Ross, Joseph Ngata, Austin Watkins Jr., Jacob Harris, and Shaquan Davis.
Tight End (3):
Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra, C.J. Uzomah
Many thought Uzomah would come into town and take over TE2. That has not happened. The players just started putting on the pads, and C.J. could display his value showing off his blocking ability. Grant Calcatarra has the early lead.
E.J. Jenkins has looked like the best TE3 on the team. He is likely a long shot, but I would not count him out.
On Saturday the Eagles claimed TE Kevin Foelsch from the Jets and are likely to add to the position further if anyone they are interested in becomes available.
A possible TE4 could be amongst this group; Albert Okwuegbunam, E.J. Jenkins, Kevin Foelsch, McCallan Castles (waived-injured, IR candidate)
Offensive Tackle (4):
Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata, Mekhi Becton, Fred Johnson
The Eagles need more depth at tackle, but the starters and the top 4 seem pretty set in stone.
Offensive Guard and Center (5):
Cam Jurgens, Landon Dickerson, Tyler Steen, Dylan McMahon, Trevor Keegan
The Eagles could go with 10 offensive linemen and add to the backup Center position again. They signed Nick Gates last week which further complicated projecting who will make the team. The starting Right Guard and backup Center are roles still to be determined.
Other offensive linemen fighting for a roster spot; Matt Hennessy, Max Scharping, Nick Gates, Anim Dankwah, Gottlieb Ayedze, Brett Toth, Darian Kinnard, Jason Poe, Laekin Vakalahi (roster exempt).
Defensive Tackle (5):
Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Milton Williams, Tuipulotu, and Moro Ojomo
Jalen Carter has the talent to be the defensive player of the year, he is that good. Jordan Davis looks to be in great shape, and the team needs more snaps and a full season of health from him. Milton Williams is in a contract year and could make a lot of money by taking on the snaps future Eagle Hall of Famer, Fletcher Cox, left behind. This is a big season for Milton.
Others; P.J. Mustipher, Gabe Hall, and Thomas Booker.
EDGE (5):
Bryce Huff, Josh Sweat, Nolan Smith, Brandon Graham, Jalyx Hunt
This position has a mix of veterans and unproven talent. They are relying heavily on Huff being able to play more snaps and be as productive with a heavier workload as he was for the Jets. Nolan is being counted on to take a sophomore leap in production. He has the physical talent to be a game-wrecker.
With Josh Sweat likely gone at season’s end, Edge will likely be addressed very early in next year’s draft.
Others fighting for a spot on the roster; Patrick Johnson, Tarron Jackson, Julian Okwara, and Terrell Lewis.
Linebacker (5):
Devin White, Zack Baun, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Nakobe Dean, and Ben VanSumeren
The most common alignments in training camp have Zack Baun and Devin White as the 2 starting LBers. Nakobe Dean has been getting some first-team reps but will need a great August to secure a starting role.
Oren Burks was injured early in camp which hindered his chances of making the roster. Ben VanSumeren was already an asset on special teams and has seized the opportunity to make the 53 with the extra defensive reps.
Brandon Smith is a player that could find himself on the practice squad.
Cornerback (7):
Big Play Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, Josh Jobe, Isaiah Rodgers, and Eli Ricks.
The Eagles have a lot of talented corners on the roster, which is a great issue. Choosing how many to protect and which ones make the squad will be one of the more fascinating decisions at the close of camp.
Corners are among the few positions that get snatched up on waivers after the initial 53-man rosters are released. It would be surprising to see the Eagles allow the top talent they compiled to walk away. With 5 locks and everyone else battling for 1 or 2 roster spots, this competition could last until the final day.
Zech McPhearson and Tyler Hall are veterans who if released, could find themselves on another team in short order. Shon Stephens and Parry Nickerson are players the Eagles are high on and both could stay in Philadelphia via the practice squad.
Safety (4):
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Reed Blankenship, Sydney Brown, Avonte Maddox
The Eagles brought back a key piece from their 2022 defense by signing Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. Even so, the safety room could still have an addition.
Hello, Justin Simmons.
Sydney Brown has looked great recovering from a torn ACL he sustained in January and Reed Blankenship is developing into a reliable defensive back.
One of the wild cards at the position is Avonte Maddox. He could play nickel or safety. Maddox can also be added to the practice squad with his veteran status without the Eagles worrying about being poached by another team. His situation bears monitoring if they place him on the PS squad for a few weeks. That transaction could open the door for someone else to make the team.
Likely auditioning for other teams or the practice squad; James Bradberry, Tristin McCollum, Mekhi Garner, and Andre’ Sam.
Special Teams (3):
Jake Elliott, Braden Mann, Rick Lovato
There is zero intrigue amongst the depth chart for the three special teams players, which is a good thing!
As always, Thank you for reading!
Follow me on X @PHLEagleNews
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
