Roster Talk

Posted: August 12th, 2024 | Author: Tommy Lawlor

WR

As of now, the Eagles only have one true hole in the lineup and that is WR3. There are a trio of candidates currently on the roster, but none of them are guys you would be comfortable with on a potential Super Bowl contender.

Parris Campbell – He started off okay in camp, but hasn’t been healthy since. He went 63-623-3 in his best season, 2022 with the Colts. If you could for sure get that guy, you might be good. But Campbell struggled last year with the Giants and we haven’t seen enough this summer to make anyone feel comfortable. Campbell could still make the team and be part of the WR corps, but counting on him in a key role feels too risky at this point.

Johnny Wilson – The big rookie has gotten reps with the 1’s in camp and has had some good moments. He could develop into a good role player, maybe even this year. I don’t think you would want to start him if anything happened to DeVonta or AJ. We didn’t get to see him do much on Friday night.

Britain Covey – Kellen Moore was the QBs coach in Dallas in 2018. Cole Beasley was a good slot receiver in that offense. Covey is similar in size and skill set to Beasley. On Friday Covey caught 3 passes and showed good RAC ability. He is quick and elusive. Covey could be a good slot receiver in Moore’s offense. The problem would be what to do if he’s needed to play outside. He doesn’t have the speed or size to play out there.

Jimmy Bama thinks the Eagles should trade for a WR. Did he suggest Jalen Reagor? You’ll have to read to find out. I think Monsieur LeBama’s suggestion to make a trade is smart and the way Howie Roseman will go. The real question is who and when.

The Eagles need a veteran player who can play in the slot and outside. They need someone who can be a functional starter, but not expect a ton of catches. There aren’t a ton of guys who fit that description. Watch for teams who have a rookie WR lighting it up in camp. They might be willing to deal a veteran to get the rookie some more snaps.

I didn’t mention rookie Ainias Smith in my game review. I forgot about him, which is understandable based on how he played. The Eagles targeted Smith going into Day 3 and were excited to pick him. They will be patient with Smith even though he’s shown basically nothing so far in camp. He was a terrific player in college and could be a good WR/RS in the NFL. Smith has an uphill battle to make the team right now. He just hasn’t done enough. He could go to IR if there are any health issues or he could be practice squad material.

TE

Dallas Goedert is the starter and Grant Calcaterra has emerged as the backup. Things are less clear after that. CJ Uzomah is the veteran who makes sense as the number three guy. He’s got size and experience. He is a good blocker. Uzomah can be an effective receiver.

All that said, the Eagles love taking chances on athletic backup TEs. Albert O reminds me of the old line when a coach told a player "Your potential is going to get me fired.” He has talent, but it only shows up from time to time. EJ Jenkins? Kevin Foelsch or Armani Rogers? Howie could look for an athletic project from some other team to be the new Albert O.

OL

Here are the guys I’m sure will make it.

Jordan Mailata
Landon Dickerson
Cam Jurgens
Mekhi Becton
Lane Johnson
Fred Johnson
Trevor Keegan
Tyler Steen

That’s 8 linemen. The Eagles could keep 2 more.

Brett Toth
Dylan McMahon
Darian Kinnard

Those are the 3 most likely to have a chance. Toth has been around for a while. The Eagles obviously like him. I was very disappointed with his play strength on Friday. He got pushed back too much. He didn’t block well in space.

McMahon showed promise, but he’s just a rookie and will need to do more to make them confident in him. If the Eagles needed a center, they could always slide Dickerson inside and play someone else at LG.

Kinnard has played OG and RT. I thought he showed good promise. He might be the kind of guy you want to keep around to see if you can develop him into a reliable backup.

Edge

In my review I mentioned Patrick Johnson playing well and possibly being trade bait. If he looks good, why deal him?

Huff–Sweat–BG–Smith–Hunt

The Eagles already have 5 pass rushers they like. Sure, they could go heavy at the position, but Johnson would likely be inactive most of the time. Why not see if you can deal him for a Day 3 pick. It wouldn’t be much, but every pick can help.

SAF

CJGJ and Reed Blankenship are the starters. Sydney Brown will be the #3 guy when he returns.

Avonte Maddox has played both nickel and safety in the past. With Quinyon Mitchell playing more nickel, maybe Maddox stays at safety for now. He is a veteran player and good STer. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but James Bradberry is an X-factor. He moved from CB to S, an idea which I seriously questioned. But watch this.

He’s not suddenly Dawk or Andre Waters, but that is aggressive defense from a DB on a run play. We didn’t see that from Bradberry last year. He is taking the move to safety seriously and trying to show the Eagles he is worth keeping. With the way his contract is structured, the Eagles have to pay him whether he’s on the roster or cut. It would make some sense to get something for the money. Tristin McCollum might be more of a STs guy, but has a shot to win a roster spot. He is physical and aggressive. And young and cheap.

The Eagles signed Caden Sterns recently. He played for Vic Fangio in Denver, but injuries have slowed him down. He’s young and knows the scheme so he’s a smart addition. He has to get healthy and practice to show where he’s at now. Sterns could be a good backup.

*****

This is kinda nuts.

Yikes.

The Jets knew what they were getting into. Howie and Haason didn’t hide anything before the trade.

Both sides blame the other. All I can say is…thank goodness the Eagles were able to trade him.

http://igglesblitz.com/2024/08/roster-talk-3/