We analyze four key position competitions that are still up for grabs as the Eagles prepare for their opening preseason matchup this weekend, focusing on wide receiver, safety, offensive line, and edge rusher.
Transcript of the Video
These are the primary position duels I am tracking closely during this year’s preseason.
First up is the competition for the second and third wide receiver spots.
Makai Lemon remains slotted behind DeVonta Smith and Dontayvon Wicks on the depth chart, though his practice participation has been minimal.
He simply hasn’t seen much playing time on the practice field.
Which players are going to step up and fill those roles?
Who is actually going to secure a spot on the final 53-man roster?
Will Hollywood Brown claim one of those spots?
Or will it be Elijah Moore, Britain Covey, or some of the other depth options?
Aside from that, the competition for the backup swing tackle position deserves close attention.
Most observers took for granted that Fred Johnson would easily secure this role entering the year.
However, third-round draft choice Markel Bell has really turned heads and made his presence felt during training camp.
You probably caught the praise and strong endorsement that Lane Johnson offered on his behalf, correct?
He went so far as to call him the most impressive rookie he has ever played alongside.
Moving over to the defense, the safety group remains one of the most glaring question marks for the Eagles.
The duel for the starting safety spot comes down to Marcus Epps against Michael Carter.
Based on current camp reports, my sense is that Marcus Epps will ultimately secure the starting nod, though I don’t view it as a done deal just yet.
Finally, we have to talk about the depth and talent in the edge-rusher department.
Once Jonathan Greenard recovers and returns to action—ideally early in the campaign—the question becomes who lines up on the opposite side of him.
Will Jalen Hunt be the one to claim that starting role?
Or is Nolan Smith going to lock it down?
Can he outperform Nolan Smith to secure that second starting edge spot?
