Eagles' Projected Winners of Key Position Battles
Two years ago, the Philadelphia Eagles boasted one of the league's most complete rosters, which helped them make a run all the way to Super Bowl LVII. However, gaping holes emerged last season and Philadelphia collapsed down the stretch.
Fortunately, the Eagles took a proactive approach to rebuilding their roster in the offseason. General manager Howie Roseman was aggressive in free agency and targeted key needs early in April's draft.
On paper, Philadelphia's roster looks a lot stronger than it did a year ago. However, that doesn't mean that every position is settled. Incoming players won't simply be handed starting jobs, so many spots will need to be determined via competitions in training camp and the preseason.
With this in mind, let's examine three of the Eagles' biggest camp competitions and make a few predictions based on factors like past performance, player potential, roster makeup and any relevant recent buzz
Cornerback
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The secondary became a liability for the Eagles late last season, as Philly finished the year ranked 31st in passing yards allowed. With rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean entering the mix, there should be plenty of competition at cornerback in the coming weeks.
Darius Slay should have one starting spot locked, as he was one of the few bright spots on the defense last season. Avonte Maddox is back to help fill the nickel role, while Isaiah Rodgers and second-year corners Eli Ricks and Kelee Ringo are competing as well.
DeJean faces an uphill battle for a starting spot, as he remains on the non-football injury list with a hamstring injury. However, Mitchell was on the field for the preseason opener and fared well both on the perimeter and in the slot.
Mitchell's versatility—and his willingness to fill any role—should give him a big leg up in the competition.
"Whatever they need me to do," Mitchell said, per Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia.
While Mitchell could push for the job opposite Slay, the prediction here is that he overtakes Maddox for the nickel role. Ringo slashed a lot of potential last season in 17 games with four starts, and the Eagles will want to see more of him. Expect Maddox and, eventually, DeJean to be primary contributors in subpackages.
Projected Starters: Slay, Ringo and Mitchell
Interior Offensive Line
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With star center Jason Kelce retiring this offseason, plenty of eyes have been on the battle to replace him. The plan has always been to develop 2022 second-round pick Cam Jurgens as Kelce's replacement, but Philly did add veteran Matt Hennessy this offseason.
Right now, it appears to be Jurgens' job to lose. He was the starter on the team's first unofficial depth chart, and he's done nothing to suggest that he isn't ready for the challenge.
"I think he can be elite," offensive tackle Lane Johnson told the 94WIP Morning Show.
The more intriguing competition may be at the right guard spot opposite Landon Dickerson—Jurgens started 11 games at guard in 2023. 2023 third-round pick Tyler Steen was listed with the first team on the first unofficial depth chart, but newcomer Mekhi Becton saw plenty of work with the first team while Steen was out with an ankle injury.
Becton got the start in the preseason opener, and, according to CBS Sports' Jeff Kerr, the Eagles are "willing to give him every opportunity" to secure the starting job.
While Becton flamed out as an offensive tackle for the New York Jets, his massive 6"7", 363-pound frame makes him a very intriguing guard option for the Eagles.
Projected Starters: Dickerson, Jurgens and Becton
Third Wide Receiver
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The Eagles have one of the league's best receive tandems in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. However, finding a reliable third receiver has been a constant battle. Olamide Zaccheaus was third among Eagles receivers with just 164 yards last season.
While Philadelphia didn't take any big swings at receiver this offseason, they did employ a volume approach. They signed Parris Campbell and John Ross before using fifth- and sixth-round picks on Ainias Smith and Johnny Wilson, respectively.
Ross, a speedy but inconsistent perimeter target, retired last offseason and is trying to make an NFL comeback. He led the Eagles with 28 receiving yards on three receptions in the preseason opener, though it was Campbell who was listed as a starter on the first unofficial depth chart.
Smith and Wilson may come along slowly, so the battle for WR3 is likely between Campbell Ross and returning slot receiver and returner Britain Covey. The prediction here is that Philadelphia eventually settles on a committee approach to the third-receiver role.
Campbell—who had 623 yards and three touchdowns in 2022 before joining the New York Giants last year and becoming an offensive afterthought—has shown in the past that he can be a reliable contributor. Expect him to win the starting job as a slot receiver with Ross stepping in on the perimeter when the Eagles move Brown or Smith inside.
Projected Starter: Campbell
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