Training camp battles are among the most intriguing storylines to follow in August.
The competition often determines the depth chart, occasionally decides starting jobs, and definitely defines key reserve roles that can shape the Eagles’ season.
Here are five to watch when camp begins on July 28th.
The one position that keeps me from saying this defense is an elite finished product.
Cooper DeJean will play safety in base, but the spot opposite Drew Mukuba has not been locked down.
Marcus Epps knows the organization and would be the safe choice; he also seems to have earned trust from DC Vic Fangio.
Michael Carter gives the Eagles versatility because he can line up at nickel or safety, but they will need to determine if he is a starter or a top backup.
There are many more in camp, but I just don’t see a long-term starter in that group unless Andre’ Sam or Cole Wisniewski surprises this summer.
As I mentioned first off, this is the position holding me back from believing this is a finished defense, and I imagine this is Howie Roseman’s biggest concern on the roster as well. History tells us he isn’t afraid to make a move before Week 1, especially at safety.
If nobody separates during camp, I would not be surprised to see the Eagles pull off another late-August trade for a veteran safety.
The obvious players to start opposite Jonathan Greenard are Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith.
This may be one of the more competitive battles on the roster this summer. Both players are hungry and want the snaps.
Jalyx Hunt looked like the better overall player last season and continued to improve every month. His versatility allows Vic Fangio to move him around, which only increases his value.
Then there’s Nolan Smith.
He’s finally healthy and entering Year 4 with a chip on his shoulder. The coaching staff still believes Smith can become the player they envisioned, and he will play plenty of snaps, but Hunt’s ability to rush the passer while also setting the edge makes him the better bet to start opposite Jonathan Greenard entering the season.
I wouldn’t be surprised if this turns into more of a 55/45 split than a true starter-versus-backup situation.
I have projected rookie Makai Lemon finishing second on the team in targets behind DeVonta Smith, so in my estimation, this position is about who becomes WR3.
Hollywood Brown and Dontayvion Wicks seem to be at the forefront of the job as of now.
Brown brings proven NFL speed and can force defenses to respect the vertical threat. Wicks is a bigger, more physical receiver who wins with route running and strong hands, but he needs to secure the ball this summer to earn the job.
The third wide receiver could end up with far more targets than in years past; watching to see who fills the role will be fascinating.
Elijah Moore, Johnny Wilson, Erik Ezukanma, and Darius Cooper are all in the mix.
Johnny Mundt versus Eli Stowers.
A lot of fans expect second-round pick Eli Stowers to immediately become the Eagles’ second tight end on the depth chart. I don’t.
Johnny Mundt was brought here for a reason, and Sean Mannion is going to ask the tight ends to block, and that’s exactly what Mundt does.
He’s one of the better blocking tight ends in football and gives the Eagles another physical presence in the run game.
Stowers will absolutely have a role, but I think it’ll be more as a receiving weapon rather than an every-down tight end. He will have to earn that by improving his blocking.
I am excited to watch the offense operate with a viable blocking tight end like Mundt on the field. Something they sorely lacked in 2025.
Andy Dalton versus Tanner McKee.
This battle appeared closer than people thought during OTAs when Dalton seemed to take the lion's share of snaps between the two of them.
I am guessing that was to see what they have with Andy; they know what Tanner brings.
McKee has done everything the Eagles have asked since arriving in Philadelphia.
If Jalen Hurts were forced to miss a game tomorrow, who gives the team and the coaching staff the best chance to win?
While Dalton has seen every scenario in the NFL over his career, I still believe that player would be McKee.
Unless he is traded, I suspect he makes the roster, and they wait and see what type of comp pick they get for him if he signs with another team next offseason.
As always, thank you for reading!
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