With the season drawing closer for the Eagles, the team has released their first unofficial depth chart ahead of their preseason match against the Ravens. There have been plenty of battles developing within Eagles camp this offseason and the depth chart revealed just that. With a couple of head-scratchers and some surprise reveals, here is our first look at the Eagles depth chart:
The battle for the right guard
Since the moment that Tyler Steen was drafted, he was already etched in as the franchise’s right guard. He showed plenty of promise during his rookie season when the opportunities presented themselves but has been battling with an injury during training camp. This allowed for the Eagles’ newest additions to throw his name in the hat.
Mekhi Becton has been right on Tyler Steen’s heels. The former first-round pick has become a redemption project for Jeff Stoutland. The monster right tackle has seen snaps at the guard position and right tackle. With Lane Johnson holding down the fort at right tackle, Mekhi’s best shot of starting this season would be at right guard. But has the position become Tyler Steen’s to lose? The Eagles have him unofficially listed as the starter at right guard.
Eagles WR3 committee
We all know that moving on from Quez Watkins was inevitable. What wasn’t obvious was the fact that the Eagles would be stuck in a logjam for WR3, which is a great problem to have. The team signed both Parris Campbell and John Ross this offseason and then drafted both Jonny Wilson and Ainias Smith. While Smith hasn’t taken that leap as of yet it seems like Wilson is making the offensive coaches decisions that much harder.
He’s been seeing plenty of starter reps this season and could prove to be a viable red-zone weapon for the Birds. Wilson has been rotating with Ross, Campbell, and even Britain Covey. I’m curious to see what Covey can do in the slot. The Eagles kick returner has studied players like Cole Beasley and Danny Amendola to find a way of standing out.
He’s also earned the trust of his QB and has been doing everything right. It’s a good problem to have when you have this much talent behind two All-Pro Wide Receivers. As of now, Parris Campbell is listed as the Eagles WR3.
The cornerback conundrum
The Eagles invested both a first-round pick and a second-round pick on cornerbacks during this year’s draft. They went after two studs in Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. While DeJean is nursing a hamstring injury, Mitchell has shown the Eagles why he was a bonafide first-round selection. He’s battled with both A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith during training camp and has received nothing but praise. Mitchell currently sits right behind Darius Slay in the depth chart due to the CB2 battle that has been a sight for sore eyes.
Isaiah Rodgers and Kelee Ringo are slotted together in the CB2 spot and it only confirms what we all have been hearing out of Eagles camp. Ringo has taken the anticipated leap in his second year with the team while Isaiah Rodgers has shown zero signs of rust from his time away. While the Eagles may be leaning towards starting the veteran over the sophomore corner, it’s great to see that the cornerback room is full of incredible talent.
Also, another thing to note is the fact that Avonte Maddox is the starting nickel cornerback at the moment. He’s had a good camp and is known to be one of the better slot cornerbacks in the NFL when healthy. Mitchell had been said to be getting reps at nickel but is not listed in the depth chart under nickel cornerback which could mean that he’ll primarily be on the outside.
A new linebacker core?
The Linebacker listing is interesting. Devin White and Nakobe Dean are slotted together in one of three starting spots while Baun and Trotter Jr are also slotted together in the other starting spot. There is great talent within the LB room this season. But from what I’ve learned so far, Vic Fangio is heavily leaning toward starting Devin White and Zach Baun.
Fangio did mention that he felt like Nakobe Dean took a “step back” after the team’s public practice on Thursday. Dean has struggled a bit after being cleared from last season’s injury while White and Baun have shown enough promise to secure starting roles. I wouldn’t expect a ton out of Trotter Jr just yet but I’m sure the rookie is soaking in the experience and advice that he is receiving from the two veterans.
A Defensive Line Led by Youth
The Eagles will be without Fletcher Cox for the first time in a long time. His void will be filled by nothing but youth and promise for the 2024 season. The defensive line is charted with three starting defensive tackles and two starting edge rushers which could be revealing what Fangio has planned. We know that Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis will be starting but the push for Milton Williams is a great surprise for those who haven’t paid attention to his progress.
He is in a contract year but I would expect the Eagles to extend him before the season ends. Those three lined up together can cause serious problems for offensive lines around the NFL but the lack of a veteran presence could be a bit concerning. Lined up beside them are Bryce Huff and Josh Sweat with Brandon Graham and Nolan Smith backing them up.
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