The Eagles have now completed phase one of putting together their practice squad and their initial 53-man roster. Things can change in the coming days for the initial roster but as for the practice squad, that can remain the same barring any injuries to the starter. While the expectations were that many of the players they cut would return, they did have one surprise addition that wasn’t on anyone’s radar.
Here’s an overview of the assembled practice squad:
Depth, Depth, Depth
The Eagles practice squad can be considered an extension of their 53-man roster. This isn’t just a random group of players at any position. They strategically kept players like Nick Gates, Oren Burks, Will Grier, and Parris Campbell and brought back Jack Stoll. Each one of these players can come in and contribute instantly for the Birds if a starter goes down for a long period.
They also stashed a talented safety in there who is on the road to getting healthy in Caden Sterns. The advantage of having so many veterans in this group is second to none. Now I know that any team can poach any one of these players at any time but to have a talented group like this to lean on is second to none.
Boom or Bust for the Eagles
Then there’s the players that can be playmakers when called upon. We saw glimpses of what Tyrion Davis-Price can be within this offense despite a costly fumble in the preseason. Tight end E.J. Jenkins is another player who can contribute to this offense this season. Many had him in competition for the TE2 spot which speaks volumes on his potential. They also added a player released by the Commanders in Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint.
The rookie wideout will be the latest former Georgia Bulldog to join the Eagles as Philadelphia keeps the streak alive. Marcus has raw talent that can develop him into a contributor later on. He’s also a good blocker and I wouldn’t be surprised if he finds himself on special teams sooner rather than later.
Development is key
To round out the practice squad are five players that I believe can develop into something special in Philadelphia. C Dylan McMahon, LB Brandon Smith, DT Gabe Hall, S Andre’ Sam, and OL Laekin Vakalahi. Vakalahi is the latest offensive line project of the Eagles who is hoping to be as successful as Jordan Mailata. The Aussie so some snaps against the Vikings in the preseason finale which were his first-ever snaps in an NFL uniform.
Gabe Hall has great talent and with patience, the Eagles may have found a diamond in the rough with the former Baylor product. He’s dealt with an injury for most of training camp but once he’s fully recovered and further developed, he could become a contributor on a defensive line that needs the depth. Brandon Smith is here for his second stint with the Eagles. After being drafted by the Panthers and then released, the former Penn State product has made a case for himself with the Eagles.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he became a key special teams contributor this season to then find himself taking defensive snaps. As for Dylan McMahon and Andre’ Sam, both had decent training camps but have enough time to develop into key players for the Eagles in the long run. Both rookies are part of deep groups when it comes to talent and depth.
Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports
