The Philadelphia Eagles have one of the deepest rosters in the NFL, and with several competitive roster battles set to take place during training camp, a number of guys could end up on the outside looking in when it comes to the 53 man roster.
Cornerback and linebacker are some of the deepest positions on the team, and with that noted, here are five players who should be worried about their roster spots on the Eagles.
Wendell Smallwood, RB
Wendell Smallwood is a quality running back who may have reached his ceiling as a player. In 2018, Smallwood had 87 carries for 364 yards and three touchdowns, with 28 catches for 230 yards (8.2 yards per catch) and two touchdowns. Once the Eagles traded for Jordan Howard and drafted Miles Sanders, Smallwood’s days were numbered. With the battle for reps coming down to Corey Clement, Boston Scott, and Josh Adams, Smallwood could end up as the odd man out.
Sidney Jones, CB
The Eagles invested a second-round pick on Jones, and that should keep him safe, but with a such a logjam at the cornerback position, an injury or poor training camp could see Jones traded or outright released. Jones has played in just 10 games in his two seasons in the NFL due to injury and has yet to live up to expectations. With Avonte Maddox playing so well in the slot, Jones could be expendable.
T.J. Edwards, LB
The undrafted linebacker has received a ton praise from position coach Ken Flajole, but he also plays at a position that the Eagles don’t value and is already stocked with the competition. Edwards is facing an uphill battle to win a roster spot, but with him being such a talented rookie, the Eagles could balk at releasing him, and will likely keep Edwards or place him on the practice squad.
CB Josh Hawkins
The Eagles have six cornerbacks currently and one of those guys could be the odd man out. Unless a rash of injuries hit again, it’ll be hard to see Hawkins making this team or finding a place on the depth chart.
WR Shelton Gibson
Gibson has the deep speed you want from a wide receiver, but that appears to be all. Gibson has struggled to get on the field on offense with the Eagles and unless he becomes a special teams standout, his days could be numbered.
