The Eagles whittled their roster down to 53 players, and then continued to make moves on both the active roster and practice squad in the days that followed. Less than a week before the team takes the field for their season opener against the Dallas Cowboys, there are still three position battles underway, with several guys vying for a starting job.
The team released their initial depth chart, with a few notables:
CB2 role: Kelee Ringo is officially listed as the backup to Quinyon Mitchell, with Adoree’ Jackson and Jakorian Bennett both listed in the second cornerback slot. Jackson never separated himself much from Ringo for the starting spot, but he might have a slight edge over Bennett who hasn’t been in Philly for very long. That Bennett is still up for a starting role indicates he might eventually be the preferred option.
Linebacker: Smael Mondon is listed as the backup to Zack Baun, and rookie Jihaad Campbell and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. are still listed as competing for the second starting linebacker spot. Both players have had strong camps but Campbell was taking first-team reps next to Baun by the end of camp and he rested along with the starters in the final preseason game while Trotter Jr. did not.
Safety: Sydney Brown and rookie Andrew Mukuba are both listed in the second safety spot to start alongside Reed Blankenship. It’ll be interesting to see how that competition shakes out, with DC Vic Fangio speaking highly of Brown throughout the offseason, and Mukuba having to deal with multiple injuries since coming to Philly. The starter might change over the course of the season, as well, with the Eagles bringing back veteran Marcus Epps — although, he’ll start on the practice squad as he get re-adjusted to a new defense in Philly.
Other notables:
- Cooper DeJean is still listed as the punt returner, but Fangio didn’t like his starting nickel taking unnecessary risks, and the team brought back Britain Covey on the practice squad. Once Covey gets acclimated, it wouldn’t be surprising if he reprised his role on special teams.
- Will Shipley is RB2 over A.J. Dillon, which speaks volumes about the second-year player that has proven to be a huge locker room asset this offseason. Even Saquon Barkley noted that Shipley is probably one of the smartest running backs in the NFL.
- New addition Willie Lampkin is listed here as a guard, not a center.
- Not listed here but based on training camp observations: Braden Mann is the emergency kicker, Cooper DeJean is the emergency holder, and Grant Calcaterra is the emergency long snapper. Jake Elliott has been the emergency punter in the past.
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