Josh Jobe, Eagles Who Boosted Stock with Strong Preseason Showing

The Philadelphia Eagles learned about their reserve defensive backs over three preseason games, and Josh Jobe and Reed Blankenship made the initial 53-man roster on Tuesday thanks to their impressive showings in August.

Both stories are remarkable in how each player landed on the roster for now. Jobe was a key contributor on the Alabama Crimson Tide defense, but injuries led to him being an undrafted free agent; Blankenship worked his way from an undrafted free agent out of Middle Tennessee to a spot on the 53-man squad.

They were two of the biggest surprises in training camp and will be part of a reshaped secondary that now includes Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, who was acquired from the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday.

Most of the other positions were set long before the cutdown date, but there was one surprise on offense, as Josh Sills was one of 10 offensive linemen listed on the roster.

Josh Jobe

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 12: Tyler Conklin #83 of the New York Jets runs with the ball against Josh Jobe #38 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 12, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Jets defeated the Eagles 24-21. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Talent was never an issue for Josh Jobe, but injuries cost him a spot in the 2022 NFL draft.

The 24-year-old came to the Eagles training camp thanks in part to the additional scouting the organization did at Alabama over the last few years.

Eagles general manager Howie Roseman told reporters on Tuesday that Jobe approached training camp with the ideal mindset to win a spot on the roster.

The Miami native led the Eagles in tackles in the second preseason game against the Cleveland Browns and was second on the team in takedowns in the preseason opener versus the New York Jets.

The undrafted rookie still has to fight for playing time on defense in a loaded cornerback room that is led by Darius Slay and James Bradberry, while Avonte Maddox, Zech McPhearson and Josiah Scott round out the six corners on the roster.

Jobe will likely get time on special teams to start the season, and he could play in certain situations on defense.

If his stock continues to rise, the Alabama product should have a shot at more defensive snaps as the regular season goes on.

Reed Blankenship

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CLEVELAND, OHIO - AUGUST 21: Safety Reed Blankenship #46 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs a play during the second quarter of a preseason game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 21, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Reed Blankenship caught the attention of the Eagles coaching staff with his play during the first preseason game.

The undrafted rookie made eight total tackles and six solo tackles, both of which led the Philadelphia defense.

Blankenship followed that up with four tackles in the second preseason game and five in the preseason finale on Saturday against the Miami Dolphins.

Just like Jobe, the Middle Tennessee product will be used in a reserve role on defense to start the season and be relied upon to make some key special teams plays.

Blankenship will start the season behind Marcus Epps, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and K'Von Wallace on the depth chart, but he could compete for situational snaps as the season progresses.

He is not expected to make a massive impact on the defense, but he could come up with a few key plays when on the field that boost his status throughout the campaign.

Josh Sills

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - AUGUST 27: Philadelphia Eagles guard Josh Sills (61) protects his zone during the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Miami Dolphins, on Saturday, August 27 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Josh Sills was the most unexpected name on the Eagles' initial 53-man roster.

The 24-year-old fought his way into the squad as a reserve offensive lineman thanks to his play throughout the preseason.

The Oklahoma State product provides Philadelphia with some positional versatility as a guard and a tackle. His ability to play both positions on the offensive line likely led to him staying around over other candidates to fill the 10th and final spot on the depth chart.

Sills has a great story behind him as an undrafted free agent, but it will take a few injuries for him to see the field on a consistent basis in 2022.