Earlier in the offseason, we did a post-free agency edition of what the Eagles depth chart might look like as well as a post-draft edition. As the regular season is vast approaching and most of the top free agents already signed across the league, we now have a picture of what the Eagles roster could be for the upcoming season. Here is how I project the depth chart for the duration of 2020 training camp:
Some quick takeaways from the current roster and depth chart:
• The QB room is now definitely set and we should expect Jalen Hurts to be used in other roles than quarterback as Carson Wentz is still, without a doubt, the franchise quarterback. • Even after landing a few interesting UDFAs at running back, I still think that Miles Sanders and Boston Scott will lead the backfield with the majority of snaps. Even though Elijah Holyfield has more experience, I think Adrian Killens will impress with his speed enough to land that 4th RB job and get some work on the return teams. • There is finally speed at the receiver position, as the Eagles drafted three burners (Jalen Reagor, John Hightower, and Quez Watkins. If Alshon Jeffery is healthy enough to produce at some point in 2020, Philadelphia will have a very dangerous receiving core, not to mention Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert still producing at tight end.
• Some offensive line depth was added with the selections of Jack Driscoll and Prince Tega Wanogho, both former Auburn players. The starting five will look a little different with Jason Peters trying to replace Brandon Brooks. If that experiment fails then the offensive line could struggle a bit in 2020. • The Birds' pass rushers have stayed mostly the same since the end of last year, except for the addition of Casey Toohill in the seventh round of the draft. Hopefully, young players like Derek Barnett and Josh Sweat can live up to their expectations and bring the Eagles pass rush back to what it was like in 2017. • The Eagles probably have the best group of defensive tackles in the NFL. They will dominate the run game and will still be able to help with the pass rush.
• Even after drafting Davion Taylor with their third-round pick and also adding Shaun Bradley late in the draft, the linebacker room is still not Super Bowl-caliber. They have speed at the position, but lack experience and lack a "field general" running the defense as they had in Nigel Bradham for the past few years.
• The cornerbacks are slowly looking like a group that can win games for the Birds. Darius Slay is one of the best playmaking corners in the NFL and hopefully, either Sidney Jones or Avonte Maddox will perform like the starting corner the team needs opposite Slay. They also signed Nickell Robey-Coleman to be the starting slot corner, and will have a reliable backup at that position in Cre'Von LeBlanc. If the corners can stay consistent, there is definitely a lot of talent and success that could come from this group.
• The safety group will be interesting to watch. With Malcolm Jenkins out, there are a lot of question marks surrounding the position. Will Jalen Mills do well in his transition to safety? Will K'Von Wallace end up getting a chance early to prove himself? And how will Will Parks do in a backup role? Rodney McLeod is getting up there in age and will have to be the leader of this position group, so it will come down to just how well McLeod can perform on the field and how well he can lead his teammates.
•The special teams group of Jake Elliott, Cam Johnston and Rick Lovato will obviously remain the same. They will be one of the best special teams trios in the entire league in 2020.
