3 dark horses to make Eagles’ 53-man roster

[time2rock]

3 dark horses to make Eagles’ 53-man roster 

Glenn Erby 

 

July 5, 2021 2:30 pm ET

 

With the Eagles quickly approaching the start of training camp and Nick Sirianni’s first year as head coach, the 53 man roster could have an entirely different look.

Philadelphia will have stiff competition for their 53 man roster and a few dark horses are starting to emerge.

We’ve highlight three guys who could surprise the masses.

WR Michael Walker

Dec 8, 2019; Jacksonville, FL, USA;Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Michael Walker (13) runs the ball during warmups before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

An undrafted free agent out of Boston College, Walker signed with the Jaguars in 2019.

New Eagles’ head coach Nick Sirianni likes shifty, versatile playmakers on the outside and Walker offers potential on special teams as well.

Walker finished his rookie season with two receptions for 15 yards, 18 kicks returned for 411 yards and three punts for returned 13 yards, and two fumbles lost in seven games played.

At Boston College, Walker was named second-team All-ACC and a consensus second-team All-American after being named by the Sporting News, the Football Writers Association of America, and the Walter Camp Football Foundation as a senior after returning 40 kicks for 1,020 yards and 20 punts for 274 and a touchdown, while also catching 17 passes for 218 yards.

CB Shakial Taylor

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Krishawn Hogan (83) makes a catch in front of cornerback Shakial Taylor (47) during their preseason training camp practice at Grand Park in Westfield on Saturday, August 10, 2019.
Colts Preseason Training Camp

The cornerback originally came into the league with the Indianapolis Colts in 2019, appearing in five contests and recorded seven tackles and one pass breakup.

The former Kansas cornerback is a relative unknown, but Jonathan Gannon pushed for Howie Roseman to add him to the roster and he provides nice size on the outside.

DT JaQuan Bailey

Sep 14, 2019; Ames, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs (74) blocks Iowa State Cyclones defensive end JaQuan Bailey (3) at Jack Trice Stadium. Iowa beat Iowa State 18-17. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Bailey could be another version of Milton Williams, a versatile defender who could start out at the defensive end, before eventually sliding down to defensive tackle.

Bailey left Iowa State as the school’s all-time leading sack guy and he’s grown from pass rush specialist into a solid all-around defender.

The Eagles invested hugely in Bailey after the draft and he’ll find a role on this roster.

https://theeagleswire.usatoday.com/lists/philadelphia-eagles-53-man-roster-dark-horse-candidates-michael-walker-training-camp/?utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=trueanthem&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR3bFkBbB1CMolLlL-Uj2Wylv44E5kHUsqTi82ifJibw_WeBvPMZtWI42uQ

 

[time2rock]

I got a kick out of this line:

and a few dark horses are starting to emerge

I don't know how that is even possible considering TC hasn't started yet. 

 

[matchew88]

Call me crazy, but I think Taylor will Shakial

[ManchesterEagle]

 

My 3:

QB - Nick Foles

WR - Terrell Owens.

RF - Bryce Harper

[Rob331]

Anyone can pick 3 obscure names, but here's one with some actual substance.

I personally have been pounding the drum for Elijah Riley since the 2020 pick ups of undrafted free agents. He's listed as a defensive back but the runs sub 4.5 and is over 6 feet. He led Army (I know, who did they play) in passes defended and interceptions in 2019. 

He was kept all year on the practice squad during the 2020 season and he's my guy again. 

[UK_EaglesFan89]

I mean picking 3 obscure names is easy enough. All of the guys on the roster have traits which you can make a case for. But I don't see any of these guys making the final roster! Especially not the WR.

[time2rock]

On 7/11/2021 at 4:08 AM, UK_EaglesFan89 said:

I mean picking 3 obscure names is easy enough. All of the guys on the roster have traits which you can make a case for. But I don't see any of these guys making the final roster! Especially not the WR.

Agreed on Walker.  I think the one (of those 3 named) that has the best chance of making it is Taylor considering the lack of talent at the position and the fact that he was brought over from Indy so he probably has a leg up on the competition in that he'll understand what will be asked of them in the scheme they will be deploying.  

EDIT:  I didn't realize Taylor was really only a member of the Colts for a portion of 2019, so that may not be helpful in making the roster here.  

[Outlaw]

On 7/12/2021 at 11:28 AM, time2rock said:

Agreed on Walker.  I think the one (of those 3 named) that has the best chance of making it is Taylor considering the lack of talent at the position and the fact that he was brought over from Indy so he probably has a leg up on the competition in that he'll understand what will be asked of them in the scheme they will be deploying.  

EDIT:  I didn't realize Taylor was really only a member of the Colts for a portion of 2019, so that may not be helpful in making the roster here.  

Best chance is Bailey IMO