The Eagles officially report to Training Camp today which means it's FINALLY time for Football. Before the sound of clashing pads fills the air once more, here's a quick look at the projected depth chart, those on the roster bubble and the wildcards who could sneak onto the roster.
Quarterback: 3 (3)
Carson Wentz, Nate Sudfeld, Cody Kessler
This shouldn't come as a surprise. The development of Nate Sudfeld has been extremely impressive, but there's no experienced veteran to lean on anymore and if Carson Wentz were to go down with injury or miss even one game during a key period in the season, could he keep the offense moving? That's where Kessler and his 17 NFL starts come into play. The team keep Sudfeld developing while also maintaining an insurance policy.
Fifth-round selection Clayton Thorson will likely be placed on the practice squad if he's unable to really show a jump from an underwhelming spring.
Running back: 5 (8)
Jordan Howard, Miles Sanders, Darren Sproles, Corey Clement, Boston Scott
The return of Darren Sproles has completely reshaped the bottom end of the depth chart here, but missing 23 games in two seasons is hardly a strong enough resume to convince Philly to keep 4 backs, another of whom is coming off a season-ending injury, and a rookie who missed the entire Spring with a hammy setback. Boston Scott emulates the skillset of Sproles and his special teams value should be enough to push him ahead of a 'jack of all trades' in Wendell Smallwood and Josh Adams, who also faces an uphill battle, but is likely the closest to contending that RB5 role.
Offensive line: 9 (17)
Jason Peters, Lane Johnson, Brandon Brooks, Isaac Seumalo, Jason Kelce, Andre Dillard, Jordan Mailata, Matt Pryor, Halapoulivaati Vaitai
The surprise cut here is Stefen Wisniewski, but think about it. While Wis is closer to a roster lock than he is being cast aside, let’s remember the facts. He wanted a longer-term deal prior to last season and wasn’t offered it. He was benched midway through 2018 for reasons he did not understand and vocalized. He tested free agency waters and eventually took less money to remain in Philly. Halapoulivaati Vaitai was getting first-team RG reps over him in OTA’s.
Matt Pryor can play every spot along the offensive line, Jordan Mailata is going nowhere, and the team will want to get younger eventually. If there's a weak veteran link, it's Wisniewski...and if it means adding talent at other areas, don't write it off.
Tight end: 3 (20)
Zach Ertz, Dallas Goedert, Richard Rodgers
The return of 13-personnel is upon us, people. I don't really have anything else to add here except #GoedErtz.
Wide receiver: 6 (26)
Alshon Jeffery, DeSean Jackson, Nelson Agholor, JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Charles Johnson, Mack Hollins
There's some speculation over the future of Nelson Agholor, and rightly so. But for now, there's no shocks. Mack Hollins sneaks onto the roster, but so does AAF standout Charles Johnson. If you're wondering why, just give this video a watch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHh9BU9B0gA
I truly believe Johnson has potential as a 'big' slot receiver, and he's not alone. Hollins does too. This new focus on size over speed after the return of DJax could be pivotal in deciding those final roster spots.
Defensive tackle: 5 (31)
Fletcher Cox, Malik Jackson, Timmy Jernigan, Hassan Ridgeway, Treyvon Hester
The player I'm really rooting for here is Anthony Rush, but I don't think he'll show enough to unseat Treyvon Hester, who flashed some really impressive play for the Eagles last year. This is a solid five-man rotation, something Cox didn't have last year.
Defensive end: 5 (36)
Brandon Graham, Derek Barnett, Vinny Curry, Connor Barwin, Shareef Miller
It seems like Connor Barwin is likely to return to the Eagles. All signs are pointing toward the former fan-favorite bulking up, preparing to play as a 4-3 DE, and talking with Roseman about a return a few weeks into camp. If this is the case, I think the most likely player to hit IR with an 'injury' is Josh Sweat, given his history and a real lack of playing time as a rookie despite a need for edge production. Miller will be competing head-to-head with Sweat, but as a rookie, he may be given more leverage.
Linebacker: 5 (41)
Nigel Bradham, Zach Brown, Kamu Grugier-Hill, L.J Fort, Nate Gerry
L.J Fort brings special teams value to the table and given the Eagles' recent intent to run more nickel defense, I think that going lighter here makes sense. Bradham and Brown hold it down on the majority of snaps, but 'KGH' has a real chance to carve out some more defensive playing time, having improved year-on-year.
Cornerback: 5 (46)
Ronald Darby, Sidney Jones, Jalen Mills, Rasul Douglas, Cre'Von LeBlanc
Don't panic, Avonte Maddox IS on the team, just not where you might think. The Eagles keep all the usual suspects at cornerback, although there is a red ring around Jalen Mills, who will feel heavy pressure for his starting role in 2019 from Rasul Douglas. LeBlanc will back up Jones in the slot and see plenty of special teams action.
Safety: 4 (50)
Rodney McLeod, Malcolm Jenkins, Avonte Maddox, Blake Countess
We reported earlier today that there is a chance Safeties coach Tim Hauck experiments with Maddox at Safety. He shined there as a rookie, especially in week 8 against the Jags and as of right now, getting him on the field could be tricky due to a congested cornerback room.
https://phillysportsnetwork.com/2019/07/24/av-2/
This would allow the Eagles to cut Sendejo in order to acquire a fourth-round compensatory pick and more importantly, get one of their defensive backs with the highest ceilings, on the field.
Specialists: 3 (53)
Jake Elliott, Cameron Johnston, Rick Lovato
Nothing to see here folks, just a comment about Cameron Johnston's iron leg.
Practice squad:DT: Anthony RushQB: Clayton ThorsonRB: Josh AdamsTE: Josh PerkinsWR: De'Andre ThompkinsLB: Joey AlfieriG: Sua OpetaG: Ryan BatesC: Anthony FabianoCB: Jay Liggins
