How will Eagles use Milton Williams during rookie year? Training camp breakdown

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How will Eagles use Milton Williams during rookie year? Training camp breakdown

Updated Jul 21, 3:40 AM; Posted Jul 20, 6:30 AM

 

By Mike Kaye | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

 

The Eagles will return to the NovaCare Complex on July 27 for the start of training camp. Under new head coach Nick Sirianni, the Eagles will look to bounce back from a dreadful 4-11-1 campaign.

 

In the days leading up to training camp, NJ Advance Media will break down each position on the Eagles’ roster. From position battles to major storylines, we’ll take an in-depth look at each spot on the depth chart.

 

PREVIOUS BREAKDOWNS: QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE

 

Our training camp preview series continues with a look at defensive tackle:

 

The Characters

 

Fletcher Cox: The perennial Pro Bowler returns as the best player on the Eagles’ defense. Cox will anchor an impressive defensive line rotation and look to get back to being a dominant force inside. - Lock

 

Javon Hargrave: After a slow start to his Eagles tenure, Hargrave really showed his talent down the homestretch of last season. Hargrave is expected to take the next step in his development. If he can excel in Jonathan Gannon’s new defense, Hargrave could be the face of the defense in the future. - Lock

 

Milton Williams: It’s time to forget about the draft war room video and focus on Williams’ tremendous upside. An athletic freak with intriguing versatility, Williams could be a long-term fixture of the defense. Right now, though, the Eagles need to figure out the best way to use him as a rookie. - Lock

 

Hassan Ridgeway: The veteran lineman has only played in 14 games over the past two years for the Eagles. However, when he’s played, he’s been a strong fourth defensive tackle in the rotation. He needs to stay healthy this season. - On the bubble

 

T.Y. McGill: The well-traveled defensive tackle played above expectations last year as a practice squad fill-in. He will compete with Ridgeway and others for a 53-man roster spot this season. - On the bubble

 

Raequan Williams: A former undrafted free agent, Williams knows he’s going to need to battle to stick around. He needs to take a big jump in development to outlast the competition. - On the bubble

 

Marlon Tuipulotu: The sixth-round pick could be a solid backup nose tackle as a rookie. If the Eagles keep five defensive tackles, Tuipulotu will almost assuredly be on the depth chart. - On the bubble

 

Willie Henry: The former Baltimore Ravens lineman has bounced around the past two years and is looking to find a permanent home. Built like Milton Williams, maybe he can convince the team to keep him on the practice squad. - Long Shot

 

Biggest Question: What will Milton Williams’ role be as a rookie?

 

Williams is a rangy, athletic lineman who can line up pretty much anywhere within the defensive front. While we don’t know the true inner-workings of Gannon’s defense, it’s safe to assume, based on personnel, that the Eagles will use a hybrid look up front. If that’s the case, Williams will have the wiggle room to be used as a three-technique, fifth-technique, and at times, an EDGE rusher. Williams is a bit of a blank canvas, so defensive line coach Tracy Rocker might try to fit him in places most haven’t presumed. Until the pads come on in training camp, it’s going to be hard to get a read on where Williams fits in.

 

Battle to Watch: Hassan Ridgeway vs. T.Y. McGill vs. Marlon Tuipulotu vs. Willie Henry

 

The Eagles traditionally keep 4-5 defensive tackles on their 53-man roster. With a new coaching staff in place, those numbers could be skewed. Either way, there’s an interesting battle forming behind Cox, Hargrave and Williams. Ridgeway is a favorite of the front office, while McGill played very well when called upon in spot duty last year. Tuipulotu, as a sixth-round rookie, is the wild card. Henry will compete with that trio, but it’s hard to see the Eagles passing up Ridgeway or Tuipulotu for Henry.

 

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[UK_EaglesFan89]

I'm actually excited to see what Williams has got and can do. I think he could be a really nice addition to this DL.