The Philadelphia Eagles are set to take the field for their first training camp practice of the season and there are plenty of camp battles to keep an out on. This is the summer of Avonte, but fans still want to know how the Birds cornerback battle will hash out. Jordan Howard and Miles Sanders are the big names, but who’ll ultimately be the odd man out in the running back room?
Those questions and more need to be answered, and that’s what training camp is for. Without further ado, we take a look at the six position battles to watch in training camp.
cornerback
The contestants: Ronald Darby, Sidney Jones, Jalen Mills, Avonte Maddox, Rasul Douglas, Cre’Von LeBlanc
Darby is the highest paid of the group, the most talented and will start the season on the PUP list. You can project Darby and Jalen Mills to resume their role as starters once both are healthy, but they’ll have to contend with a bulked-up and confident Rasul Douglas.
Douglas brings a physicality to the cornerbacks and can’t be discounted after finishing the 2018 season strong and on the winning end of some huge plays. Sidney Jones is the team’s second-round pick out of Washington, yet has played in just 10 games and been susceptible to giving up the big plays. The Eagles want Jones to be a presence in the slot, but it’ll be interesting to see if he can hold off Maddox, who could end at safety or LeBlanc who was a marvel at the end of last year for his scrappy play and timely hustle.
Running Back
The contestants: Corey Clement, Josh Adams, Wendell Smallwood, Darren Sproles, Boston Scott, Donnel Pumphrey
Jordan Howard and Miles Sanders were excluded from the list because they’re the two front-runners at the position and will get the bulk of the carries. Darren Sproles made the list, but his position on the depth chart should be solidified because of his importance on third down and the return game. Corey Clement is returning and he was missed after suffering a knee injury. That leaves Smallwood, Scott, Adams, And Pumphreys fighting for one or two final roster spots.
Fifth wide receiver
The contestants: Mack Hollins, Shelton Gibson, Greg Ward Jr., Charles Johnson, Braxton Miller, Marken Michel, Carlton Agudosi, DeAndre Thompkins
Hollins has a ton of potential but has been unable to stay healthy. Michel is the dark horse candidate because of his strong spring and explosive play. DeAndre Thompkins is the player to watch.
Linebacker
The Contestants: Nigel Bradham, Kamu Grugier-Hill, Nathan Gerry, Zach Brown, L.J. Fort, Paul Worrilow, Alex Singleton, T.J. Edwards, Joey Alfieri
The Eagles signed Brown after the Redskins decided that one of Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded linebackers was too expensive. Brown will compete with Kamu Grugier-Hill for a starting spot next to Bradham, and the Eagles are ultimately a better ballclub if he wins that competition. It won’t be an easy challenge with Grugier-Hill finally coming into his own and developing into one of the top linebackers in the league on passing downs. Even if he doesn’t start, Grugier-Hill will play on third downs. Keep a look for L.J. Fort and undrafted rookie free agent, T.J. Edwards.
Third Safety
The contestants: Andrew Sendejo, Tre Sullivan, Blake Countess, Deiondre’ Hall, Godwin Igwebuike, Trae Elston
Sendejo brings the experience starting several big-time games for the Vikings against the Eagles. Countess, a former Eagles safety, made a name for himself in LA with the Rams and will be counted on as well.
Fourth defensive end
The Contestants: Josh Sweat, Shareef Miller, Daeshon Hall, Joe Ostman
Brandon Graham and Derek Barnett are your starters with Vinny Curry as a strong third end to rotate in on running downs. Passing downs are crucial for the Eagles success and Chris Long made a living out of producing intense pressure off the edge. Long has now retired, while the Birds most consistent pass rusher from last season, Michael Bennett, is now in New England.
The Eagles will look for Josh Sweat to grab that fourth defensive end, with Miller getting reps in spot duty.
