After two days of joint practices for the first team with the Cleveland Browns, depth players should get a long look this afternoon. Which is good because that’s where virtually all the roster intrigue is.
2nd chance for CB2
Preseason Week 1 did nothing but sound alarm bells for the “battle” between Adoree’ Jackson and Kelee Ringo. Joint practices with the Browns did nothing to build confidence in either. A sudden strong game by either would likely be a false positive.
Someone has to start opposite Quinyon Mitchell. It doesn’t have to be Jackson or Ringo. Jakorian Bennett isn’t guaranteed a roster spot. Eli Ricks is making a case for a roster spot, but having him or Mac McWilliams start is asking too much at this stage.
Howie Roseman has already made a trade for a CB, he may need to make another.
Depth WRs to step up again
Preseason Week 1 couldn’t have gone better for WRs not named AJ Brown and Devonta Smith. But that was one game. Whoever can put together a second straight strong performance would go a long way to instilling confidence in the depth at WR. Another good game by multiple backup WRs could give the Eagles a good problem:
Do they have too many to roster? Jahan Dotson and Johnny Wilson are worth a roster spot, Darius Cooper looks the part too, the front office likes Ainias Smith far more than they should, and if Elijah Cooks can return from injury and pick up where he left off from strong start to camp, that’s too many to carry into the season. Someone may be trade bait. If so, worth pointing out that Dotson is on the last year of his contract.
Andrew Mukuba
As a rookie returning from injury, Mukuba practicing with the second unit was practical. But he’s gotten some reps with the first team, and Vic Fangio isn’t going to hesitate to play him if he’s deserving. He can start to really make his case with a good game. With his ability to play nickel corner, if he’s a guy that deserves to stay on the field then perhaps the CB2 problem is solved by making it Cooper DeJean.
Backup edge rushers
The Eagles lost 14 sacks with the departure of Josh Sweat, retirement of Brandon Graham, and trade of Bryce Huff (who actually had 2.5 sacks, somehow). So far, it’s hard to see how they are going to replace that. Azeez Ojulari has been invisible, and Josh Uche hasn’t been much better. Ogbo Okoronkwo has made a bit of a name for himself, but he’s also on his fourth team in five seasons for a reason. This is another area I would expect Howie Roseman to be working the phones, though that may be an in-season move.
TE 3 from four
The Eagles have seven tight ends on the roster and are keeping maybe three of them. Kylen Granson appears to have the edge over EJ Jenkins, Cameron Latu, and Nick Muse for TE3, if the Eagles are even going to carry a TE3. They should, as Dallas Goedert has missed time in every season his rookie year in 2018.
Tanner McKee balling out, again
I will never not get tired of watching Tanner McKee shred backup defenses.
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