Its finally here, Eagles football is less than 24 hours away. While it may only be an exhibition game, Eagles fans understand the importance of Thursday night's game. So many story lines this summer will start to take shape; the Eagles corner back situation, defensive end situation, offensive line depth, what the running backs are going to look like, and of course what the QB will look like beyond Wentz. If there is one thing fans have learned about the Eagles over the past few seasons, it's that depth has been a huge key to their success.
While the team will most likely get a drive or two out of the starters, it is a great opportunity to take a look at what kind of depth they have. Depth has been huge for the Birds at a number of positions, and that leads to the players to watch for this first preseason matchup.
Players to Watch
Josh Sweat, Defensive End
Sweat has huge shoes to fill when it comes to depth at the defensive end rotation. It has been well documented about the losses of Long and Bennett this offseason; and while the Eagles were able to ink Malik Jackson to a deal, they still need solid sack production out of their defensive ends in the rotation.
Jordan Mailata, Offensive Tackle
Mailata was the star of the preseason last year, a rookie who never played football before. Mailata, formerly a rugby star, was drafted by the Eagles in the 2018 NFL draft. He entered camp and proved his ability during practice and in a lot of preseason action. The Eagles drafted Andre Dillard to become the heir apparent to Jason Peters, but having Mailata continue to develop into a serviceable backup will provide the Eagles with depth and trade chips moving into the future. The big Aussie will also be getting reps at right tackle, which could be huge if he is able to develop that diversity.
Nate Sudfeld and Clayton Thorson, Quarterbacks
Nick Foles proved to the league how great of an asset a backup QB really is to a team. Wentz is as healthy as he has ever felt, according to himself, and every fan hopes it can stay that way. Knowing what you have in Sudfeld and Thorson allows the Eagles to better understand where they can go if Wentz does take time this season, or if the team looks to move one of the two at some point in the near future. Sudfeld has shown that he can play, over the past few preseasons. Thorson is a QB the team drafted this past draft, and obviously a player the Eagles value. It will be interesting to see how much time each QB gets not in just this game, but throughout the entire preseason.
Carlton Agudosi, Wide Receiver
Agudosi, a 6 foot 6 inch WR, is a long shot to make the 53 man roster, as the team is already loaded with depth at his position. However, it will not surprise a lot of people to see him get a solid chance. Agudosi has some great measurables; a 4.5 forty, 40.5in vertical and a 6 foot 6 inch 220lb frame. He would have to beat out Mack Hollins and Shelton Gibson who have both been nagged with injuries over their short careers, but that means he will get his real shot on special teams.
Who are you excited to watch in the first preseason match-up against Tennessee? What do you think about the players mentioned above? Leave a comment and drop a line for a conversation within the Philadelphia Eagles Frenzy community!
