Full breakdown: Eagles release first unofficial depth chart
8 August 2017 Eagles News
Have you seen the Eagles first unofficial depth chart?
Here's a look at the #Eagles first unofficial depth chart. Starters look right to me. pic.twitter.com/y2wRVqpLrG
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroCSN) August 8, 2017
A quick thing to note is that this depth chart is compiled by the Eagles PR staff, not the coaching staff. But, let’s get into my notes and reactions to this depth chart.
Quarterback
I do not think we need to get too much into this position, however, I will add this, I think by the end of preseason Dane Evans will have jumped Matt McGloin on the depth chart.
Will the Eagles keep three quarterbacks on the roster? Probably not, but Evans can earn a practice squad spot.
Running Back
I think LeGarrette Blount was the clear starter and Darren Sproles was the clear backup, change of pace guy, but what I do think is interesting is that Wendell Smallwood is the third running back on the depth chart.
The Eagles were very high on him and he had a good camp so far.
Other than that, rookie Donell Pumphrey is still working his way up the depth chart and it seems like he will get more work at receiver than at running back. And, things are not looking good for Corey Clement and Ryan Matthews.
Wide Receiver
Last year this was arguably the Eagles weakest position, now it is a strength. I mean just look at the second string, Nelson Agholor, Marcus Johnson and Mack Hollins. All three of those receivers have been killing it this training camp and they are just on the second string.
This group has the potential to be special, let’s hope it translates on the field come game day.
Tight-End
The Eagles currently have six tight ends on the roster. We all know that Zach Ertz, Brent Celek, and Trey Burton are safe, but is there room for one room? Last season the Eagles did, in fact, keep four tight ends, so with that being said, look for the other three on the depth chart to fight it out for the last spot.
Offensive line
Like the wide receivers, this is a very deep and diverse group. Multiple players can play multiple positions. I think the starting offensive line is obvious, what I want to talk about is the depth.
It does not have Chance Warmack listed as the back up at right guard, but with Brandon Brooks out injured, Warmack is the one filling in. That means at both guard spots, Warmack is right on the heel of both starters, he is ready to start at either position.
Other than him, Dillion Gordon or Jason Peters grasshopper has come a long way and is now the backup at left tackle.
Defensive Line
Derek Barnett is not starting at defensive end, but have no fear Vinny Curry is here. Curry looks to rebound from an up and down season last year.
Also at the defensive end position, Chris Long will serve as a quality player off the bench.
At defensive tackle, the Eagles have a lot of depth as well because remember Beau Allen will be able to return. Look for Elijah Qualls to make a move up the depth chart, he was having a strong camp but has been a little banged up as of late.
Linebacker
Like a lot of other positions, the starters are kind of self-explanatory. But, the thing I’m looking at is the guys behind Mychal Kendricks.
Nate Gerry is looking like a really good player and is ready if, in fact, the Eagles trade Kendricks.
Cornerback
Jalen Mills and Patrick Robinson are the starters with I assume Ron Brooks in the slot and Rasul Douglas and C.J. Smith as the next men up. However, I believe both Douglas and Smith can take Robinson’s spot with a strong preseason.
Both players, especially Smith have had great training camps, unlike Robinson. But, the most important thing is how these guys play in games, so this is definitely the position to watch.
Safety
Other than quarterback, this is definitely the other position that has been set in stone since the end of last season. But, it is interesting to see new signing Corey Graham and Terrence Brooks as the next men up.
Brooks has earned his spot with a great spring and so far, a great training camp. Graham is a favorite of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and will probably be the first safety in off the bench in nickel situations.
Special teams
Not going to get too much into the Eagles special team unit but something worth noting is that Wendell Smallwood and Nelson Agholor are the first team kick returners.
Photo Credit: USA Today
Ryan Neal Alshon Jefferey, Brent Celek, Carson Wentz, Darren Sproles, Fletcher Cox, Jordan Matthews, Legarrette Blount, Nelson Agholor, Philadelphia Eagles, Torrey smith, Trey Burton, Wendell Smallwood, Zach Ertz