The Philadelphia Eagles are just hours from participating in their first 2020 training camp practice after spending the first two weeks working thru a two-phased acclimation period that included weight training and physical fitness.
With training camp now in full swing and several notable changes to the roster, here’s an updated 53 man roster projection:
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QB – 3 — Carson Wentz, Jalen Hurts, Nate Sudfeld
Sudfeld is the unquestioned backup, but Hurts has looked sharp during the initial workouts as he continues to soak up the NFL game during a shortened preseason.
RB – 4 — Boston Scott, Corey Clement, Miles Sanders, Michael Warren
The Eagles appeared prepared to enter the 2020 NFL season with two holdovers from last season and a refurbished Corey Clement. If Clement can get back to his rookie style of play, the Eagles could avoid searching for backfield help on the open market.
Look for the undrafted rookie Michael Warren, to snag the role of goalline and short-yardage back if it isn’t Jalen Hurts there as well.
WR –6 — DeSean Jackson, JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Greg Ward, Jalen Reagor, Quez Watkins, John Hightower, (Alshon Jeffery PUP)
A group that was stacked at wide receiver will now need the rookies to hit the ground running after veteran wideout Marquise Goodwin opted out of the season. Jeffery will likely start the season on the PUP list with a foot injury, while DeSean Jackson looks to be healthy and Jalen Reagor will need to absorb as much of the offense as he can over the next few weeks.
TE — 3 — Zach Ertz, Dallas Goedert, Noah Togiai
The Caleb Wilson signing but former Oregon State tight end Noah Togiai still has the edge.
OL — 10 — Andre Dillard, Isaac Seumalo, Jason Kelce, Jason Peters, Lane Johnson, Sua Opeta, Matt Pryor, Nate Herbig, Jack Driscoll, Prince Tega Wanogho
The Eagles still had the best unit in football and Dillard at left tackle wasn’t going to be a major dropoff. That’s until Brandon Brooks suffered another Achilles injury and Jason Peters was brought back as his replacement at right guard. The task for Jeff Stoutland now will be rebuilding the depth behind the starters, while teaching the Hall of Famer a new position on the fly.
DL — 9 — Brandon Graham, Javon Hargrave, Fletcher Cox, Malik Jackson, Derek Barnett, Josh Sweat, Vinny Curry, Genard Avery, Joe Ostman,
Vinny Curry is back, securing the third defensive end spot, while likely snatching a roster spot from Shareef Miller, Joe Ostman, Genard Avery or Hassan Ridgeway. Josh Sweat needs to take another step as a player, while a healthy Malik Jackson will do wonders for the defensive front, especially if he can slide down and play end.
LB — 5 — Nate Gerry, T.J. Edwards, Davion Taylor, Casey Toohill, Shaun Bradley
This group suffered a loss last Friday when Jatavis Brown decided to retire. Brown was likely a special teams ace at best, but he’s still a big loss as a veteran. With the Eagles looking to get faster and more versatile at the linebacker position, look for Jim Schwartz to employ more linebackers than he previously has and for Casey Toohill to see more time as a pass rusher than a traditional linebacker.
Davion Taylor could be the middle linebacker on obvious passing downs, and safety K’Von Wallace could also move into the box as well, while Nate Gerry solidified his status as the most veteran player out of the group.
CB — 4 — Darius Slay, Rasul Douglas, Sidney Jones, Avonte Maddox
The Eagles will finally have a shutdown cornerback in Slay, allowing Jim Schwartz to be more creative with his roster and lineups. Schwartz will expect this group to play outside or in the slot depending on Slay’s matchup, making this camp even more vital. Avonte Maddox slides outside as the starter for now after the acquisition of Nickell Robey-Coleman.
Slot — 2 — Cre’Von LeBlanc,, Nickell Robey-Coleman
LeBlanc is the least mentioned player on the list, but he’s solid and Jim Schwartz has to find a role for him. Robey-Coleman has had the hype this summer and if he can truly be the ‘slot-god’ in Philadelphia, the Eagles could have a top-5 secondary.
Safety — 4 — Rodney Mcleod, Will Parks, Jalen Mills, K’Von Wallace,
Wallace is the X-factor because of his versatility. McLeod returning was a huge move, while Jalen Mills should make that group even more talented. Will Parks’ ability to play in the slot as well bring even more versatility to the unit.
Special Teams
Kicker — 1 — Jake Elliott
Punter — 1 — Cameron Johnston
Long Snapper — 1 — Rick Lovato
Three of the best in the NFL at what they do.
