Making Call on the Philadelphia Eagles' Hardest Remaining Cuts
The Philadelphia Eagles played their first preseason game of the summer on Sunday, a 36-10 romp over the Indianapolis Colts. You know what that means: time to make our oh-too-soon predictions on the club's most difficult cuts on the horizon this September.
Obviously, there's still a lot of time left for these players to change their fortunes. There's still three more exhibition games and all the practice sessions in between to gain ground on the competition, plus injuries can always rear their ugly head and create an opportunity.
Yet based on what we've seen through two weeks of training camp and after one contest, there are a handful of talented players who may need some help to crack the 53-man roster. These are all guys the Eagles wouldn't necessarily be happy to see go away, but when you assemble this much depth, somebody good always has to go.
Tim Tebow
1 of 5
Let's jump right into the controversy. Tim Tebow is an objectively improved passer, far better than he ever was at any of his previous stops in the NFL. His refined throwing mechanics allow for greater accuracy and consistency, perhaps the two glaring issues most responsible for his exodus from the league.
Still, as Tebow demonstrated on Sunday, there's more to playing quarterback than getting the football from Point A to Point B. The signal-caller still has to make the right read and get the ball out of his hand quickly, areas in which the 28-year-old struggled against the Colts.
Tebow was only 6-of-12 passing for 67 yards in the Eagles' preseason opener, and that includes completing just two of his last eight attempts. Worse still, he was sacked three times, all the result of holding the ball too long, one in which he easily could've thrown it away. Head coach Chip Kelly defended Tebow postgame via PhiladelphiaEagles.com, claiming nobody was open at times. But the quarterback still needs to make quick, sound decisions.
Sure, Tebow scored on a seven-yard touchdown run on a drive that started inside the red zone. However, when you compare his day to Matt Barkley's impressive performance (12-of-20, 192 yards), it's clear which player is the front-runner for the third-string quarterback job. Unless the Eagles can trade Barkley, there's no way Tebow should beat him out.
Kenjon Barner
2 of 5
Few players did more to help their cause in Sunday's game than Kenjon Barner. The third-year back ran the football well, gaining 29 yards on six carries, including a nine-yard scamper for six. Barner also broke loose for a 92-yard punt return touchdown.
That being said, the Eagles already have three great running backs in DeMarco Murray, Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles. If they were to carry a fourth, he likely needs to contribute on special teams, and as more than just a return man.
Barner may have opened some eyes in that phase, but with Sproles and first-round draft pick Nelson Agholor on the roster, the Eagles don't really need another returner. Add in the fact that there simply isn't any reason to have Barner lining up on offense, and there simply doesn't appear to be room.
If the Eagles were to keep four backs, my money is on Raheem Mostert. The undrafted rookie out of Purdue wasn't as successful on the ground (11 carries, 33 yards), but he did have a 40-yard catch-and-run, and perhaps most notably set a block on the punter to give Barner a clear path on the return. In other words, Mostert may have more value on this particular roster.
Earl Wolff
3 of 5
It was a tough break for Earl Wolff, who didn't suit up for the Eagles' preseason opener. After being limited all spring by his recovery from "mini-microfracture surgery" in November, Wolff was finally practicing with the team during training camp. However, as the game drew nearer, the pain became too much for the third-year safety.
"It's just been getting worse and worse every day," Wolff said to Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ Advance Media. "It got to the point where I couldn't walk after practice."
Wolff hopes to play sometime this preseason, but at this point his roster spot is in serious jeopardy. 2014 fifth-round pick Ed Reynolds stepped up with two interceptions versus the Colts, and veteran Chris Prosinski has been having a strong camp as well, so suddenly there's competition on the back end of the depth chart. And frankly, it's reaching a point where the Eagles simply can't rely on Wolff to get or stay healthy.
There's a possibility Wolff winds up back on injured reserve if the injury is severe enough, but you have to wonder how much more patience the Eagles are willing to show. Aside from some competent play in 11 games during his rookie year in 2013, Wolff simply hasn't done much to warrant many more opportunities.
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Denzel Rice
4 of 5
Little-known Denzel Rice, out of Coastal Carolina, has been making reporters take notice at training camp this summer. The undrafted rookie could even push for a roster spot at cornerback, where the Brandon Boykin trade and injury to sixth-round selection JaCorey Shepherd have taken a bite out of the Eagles' depth.
That being said, the defense is still fairly deep at the position. Byron Maxwell, Nolan Carroll and Eric Rowe are all assured of their roster spots. 2014 fourth-rounder Jaylen Watkins seems to be secure as well, veteran E.J. Biggers had a nice game on Sunday and rookie Randall Evans is in the mix, as well.
Perhaps most telling is the fact that Rice didn't see much playing time against the Colts. According to Pro Football Focus, Rice played just 26 snaps on defense, compared to 47 for Watkins and 33 for Biggers. Kelly previously told reporters the Eagles would keep five corners, so barring another injury or impressive showing in one of the next three preseason games, Rice could find himself on the outside looking in.
Rasheed Bailey
5 of 5
As another little-known player having an outstanding camp, Rasheed Bailey is simply caught up in a numbers game at the wide receiver position. The undrafted rookie out of Division III Delaware Valley had two nice grabs for 23 yards against the Colts, and he should see more action as the preseason rolls on. But it's an uphill battle.
Recent draft picks Agholor, Jordan Matthews and Josh Huff are locks to make the team. The Eagles could part ways with veterans Riley Cooper or Miles Austin, but both have large financial guarantees for the 2015 season. And free-agent pickup Seyi Ajirotutu seems to have a beat on a sixth wide receiver spot due to his stellar special teams play.
It's sort of a shame, because Bailey is an extremely intriguing prospect. He led all Division III players last season with 1,707 yards receiving and 19 touchdowns. However, barring a surprise cut or an injury to the unit, his best chance to stick around is likely with the Eagles' practice squad.
All camp observations and quotes are the author's unless otherwise noted.
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