The Philadelphia Eagles, a team with a rich history and a passionate fan base, are heading into a new season with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. One of the key factors that will determine their success is the strength of their depth chart. In this preview, we’ll take a closer look at each position and evaluate the Eagles’ depth, highlighting areas of strength and potential weaknesses.
Quarterback
- Starter: Jalen Hurts
- Backup: Gardner Minshew II
- Depth: Reid Sinnett, Carson Strong
The quarterback position is one of the most critical on the field, and the Eagles have Jalen Hurts as their starter. Hurts, known for his dynamic playmaking ability, both with his arm and his legs, will be looking to build on his previous seasons. Gardner Minshew II provides a reliable backup option, with the experience of starting games in the league. The Eagles’ QB depth is fairly strong, with a good balance of athleticism and pocket presence.
Running Back
- Starters: Miles Sanders, Boston Scott
- Depth: Kenneth Gainwell, Jason Huntley
The Eagles have a solid group of running backs, led by Miles Sanders, who has shown flashes of brilliance in his young career. Boston Scott provides a reliable change-of-pace option, with Kenneth Gainwell and Jason Huntley offering additional depth. This room has a good mix of speed, power, and pass-catching ability, but the health and performance of Sanders will be crucial.
Wide Receiver
- Starters: DeVonta Smith, A.J. Brown
- Depth: Quez Watkins, Jalen Reagor, Zach Pascal
DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown form one of the most promising young receiver duos in the NFL. Both possess the talent and work ethic to be elite. The depth behind them, while potentially talented, has question marks. Quez Watkins and Jalen Reagor have shown glimpses of potential, but consistency will be key. Zach Pascal adds a veteran presence, but overall, the Eagles could use more proven depth at this position.
Tight End
- Starter: Dallas Goedert
- Backup: Jack Stoll
- Depth: Grant Calcaterra
Dallas Goedert is one of the better tight ends in the league, offering a blend of receiving and blocking skills. The depth behind him is somewhat untested, with Jack Stoll and Grant Calcaterra looking to fill the void left by Zach Ertz’s departure. This position could be a concern if Goedert were to miss significant time.
Left Tackle
- Starter: Jordan Mailata
- Backup: Andre Dillard
- Depth: Le’Raven Clark
Jordan Mailata has developed into a solid left tackle, but the depth behind him is a question mark. Andre Dillard, a former first-round pick, has struggled with injuries and performance, making the tackle position a potential weak spot if Mailata goes down.
Guard
- Starters: Landon Dickerson, Isaac Seumalo
- Depth: Sua Opeta, Jack Driscoll
The guard position is a strength for the Eagles, with Landon Dickerson and Isaac Seumalo forming a solid duo. The depth, including Sua Opeta and Jack Driscoll, provides assurance that the team can maintain a high level of play even with injuries.
Center
- Starter: Jason Kelce
- Backup: Cam Jurgens
- Depth: Luke Juriga
Jason Kelce is one of the best centers in the NFL, offering elite play and leadership. Cam Jurgens, a rookie, represents the future and provides a promising backup option. However, if Kelce were to miss time, it could significantly impact the team’s performance.
Defensive End
- Starters: Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat
- Depth: Derek Barnett, Tarron Jackson
The defensive end position has a good mix of veteran presence and youth. Brandon Graham and Josh Sweat lead the group, with Derek Barnett and Tarron Jackson providing depth. This position has the potential to be a strength, especially if the younger players can step up.
Defensive Tackle
- Starters: Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave
- Depth: Marlon Tuipulotu, Marvin Wilson
Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave form a formidable interior defensive line duo, with a good balance of pass rush and run stuffing ability. The depth behind them, while somewhat untested, has potential, making this position an area of strength for the Eagles.
Linebacker
- Starters: T.J. Edwards, Kyzir White
- Depth: Davion Taylor, Shaun Bradley
The linebacker position is perhaps the biggest question mark on the team. T.J. Edwards and Kyzir White will be looking to solidify the starting roles, but the depth and overall talent at this position are concerns. The Eagles will need significant improvement or surprise contributions from their current roster to consider this position a strength.
Cornerback
- Starters: Darius Slay, James Bradberry
- Depth: Avonte Maddox, Zech McPhearson
The cornerback position, led by Darius Slay and James Bradberry, has the potential to be one of the strongest on the team. Both starters are proven veterans, and Avonte Maddox provides a versatile and capable third corner. The depth is somewhat untested but has potential.
Safety
- Starters: Rodney McLeod, Anthony Harris
- Depth: Marcus Epps, K’Von Wallace
The safety position has a mix of veteran experience and youth. Rodney McLeod and Anthony Harris provide a solid starting duo, but the depth behind them, including Marcus Epps and K’Von Wallace, has yet to prove itself as reliable.
Conclusion
The Eagles’ depth chart heading into the new season shows a mix of promising talent, key veteran contributors, and areas of concern. The team’s success will heavily depend on the health of key players like Jalen Hurts, Jordan Mailata, and Jason Kelce, as well as the development of younger players across various positions. While there are strengths, particularly on the defensive line and in the secondary, the team’s depth at certain positions, such as linebacker and tight end, could be a challenge. Overall, the Eagles have the potential to compete at a high level, but addressing their depth concerns will be crucial to achieving their goals.
What is the strongest position group on the Eagles' depth chart?
+The defensive line, particularly the defensive tackle position with Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave, stands out as one of the strongest groups on the team, offering a good balance of veteran presence, talent, and depth.
Where do the Eagles need the most improvement in terms of depth?
+The linebacker position is perhaps the biggest concern in terms of depth. The Eagles will need significant improvement or surprise contributions from their current roster to consider this position a strength.
How crucial is the health of certain players to the Eagles' success?
+The health of key players like Jalen Hurts, Jordan Mailata, and Jason Kelce is paramount. Injuries to these players could significantly impact the team's performance and overall season trajectory.
4 Steps for Eagles to Address Depth Concerns
- Evaluate Current Roster: Take a closer look at the talent available, focusing on players who could contribute more with development or a change in role.
- Free Agency and Trades: Be active in looking for veteran players or young talent that can immediately contribute, especially at positions of need like linebacker and tight end.
- Draft Strategically: Use the draft to address long-term needs, focusing on positions where depth is lacking. Prioritize talent that can contribute early in their careers.
- Player Development: Invest in coaching and player development programs to get the most out of current roster players, especially younger ones with potential for growth.
