- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,263,753
- Reaction score
- 59
The Philadelphia Eagles released their first unofficial depth chart ahead of Saturday night’s preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens, and one player appears in two prominent places. Cooper DeJean is listed as the starter at nickel cornerback and safety. That doesn’t mean Philadelphia plans to play with 12 defenders or that DeJean will permanently change positions. It does confirm that Vic Fangio views the All-Pro defensive back as one of the most versatile pieces on the roster.
Several other placements offer insight into Philadelphia’s position battles, even if an unofficial depth chart compiled by the communications department shouldn’t be treated as a final roster projection.
DeJean’s position has been one of the most discussed topics throughout training camp. The Eagles know he can dominate from the slot, but moving him to safety in certain packages could allow Fangio to place another talented cornerback on the field. The depth chart reflects both possibilities. DeJean is the first-team nickel cornerback ahead of Michael Carter II, Mac McWilliams and Kapena Gushiken. He is also listed as a starting safety ahead of Michael Carter II, Marcus Epps and J.T. Gray.
That dual designation illustrates how Philadelphia may build its defense around personnel rather than rigid position labels. DeJean can cover slot receivers, match up with tight ends, defend the run and handle deeper responsibilities when necessary.
Andrew Mukuba is listed as the starter at the other safety spot. If DeJean remains at nickel, Marcus Epps, Michael Carter II or another defensive back could join Mukuba on the back end. If DeJean moves to safety, the Eagles can insert Carter or McWilliams in the slot.
The depth chart doesn’t settle the safety conversation. It confirms that DeJean is central to every version of the answer.
The backup quarterback competition remains open, at least officially.
Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee are listed with an “or” designation behind Jalen Hurts. Dalton brings 15 seasons of NFL experience, while McKee has spent the past three years developing inside Philadelphia’s system.
McKee entered training camp as the established backup, but the arrival of a veteran with Dalton’s résumé created a legitimate competition. Their preseason performances should help determine the order behind Hurts.
With Hurts unlikely to receive significant work against Baltimore, Dalton and McKee should have opportunities to make their cases under game conditions. Cole Payton is listed fourth and could receive late-game snaps.
The Eagles list DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon and Dontayvion Wicks as their three starting receivers.
Lemon’s placement is notable after the first-round pick missed time with a hamstring injury. Philadelphia still expects him to play an immediate role once healthy, and the depth chart reflects that long-term projection.
Wicks has been one of the most consistent players at training camp and appears to have strengthened his standing in Sean Mannion’s offense. Darius Cooper is listed directly behind him after generating his own collection of impressive practice moments.
Hollywood Brown is listed behind Smith, while Elijah Moore is positioned behind Lemon. Those placements shouldn’t be viewed as strict rankings because the Eagles could use different receiver combinations based on formation, assignment and matchup.
Markel Bell occupies the second spot at right tackle behind Lane Johnson, placing him ahead of Cameron Williams and John Ojukwu.
The placement aligns with Johnson’s recent praise of the rookie. The veteran called Bell one of the best rookies he has been around and expressed confidence that the 6-foot-9 tackle could eventually handle the position.
Bell still has significant development ahead of him, but the Eagles appear committed to giving him every opportunity to prove he can become Johnson’s eventual replacement. Saturday’s opener should provide his first extended NFL evaluation against an opposing defense.
Riq Woolen and Quinyon Mitchell are listed as Philadelphia’s starting outside cornerbacks. Jonathan Jones occupies the next spot behind Woolen, followed by Jakorian Bennett and Tariq Castro-Fields. Kelee Ringo is listed directly behind Mitchell, with Ambry Thomas and Shaun Wade following him. Jones’ placement reflects the trust Philadelphia has placed in the experienced defensive back. His ability to contribute outside or from the slot gives Fangio another flexible option.
Bennett and Ringo should still receive significant preseason work. Both are competing for meaningful roles and must demonstrate that they can provide dependable depth behind Woolen and Mitchell.
Dallas Goedert remains the unquestioned starter, while veteran Johnny Mundt is listed second.
Rookie Eli Stowers occupies the third spot ahead of Grant Calcaterra, Cameron Latu, E.J. Jenkins and Stone Smartt. That placement fits Philadelphia’s patient approach with Stowers, a former quarterback who is still developing as a blocker and learning the details of playing tight end. Mundt’s experience and blocking ability give him an early advantage. Stowers’ athleticism could eventually create a larger receiving role, but the Eagles don’t appear interested in rushing that development.
Calcaterra’s placement is among the more notable listings. He has regular-season experience with Philadelphia, but will need a productive preseason to strengthen his case for the roster.
Britain Covey is listed as the primary punt returner, followed by Lemon and Moore. Will Shipley leads the kickoff-return group ahead of Dameon Pierce and Tank Bigsby. Those assignments matter because the final roster spots at wide receiver and running back may be decided by special teams value. Covey’s punt-return experience provides a clear path to the roster if he remains productive. Moore can strengthen his candidacy by contributing as a receiver and returner. Pierce faces a crowded running back competition, but kickoff-return work could give him another avenue toward securing a role.
The first depth chart provides an early framework, not a finished product. Philadelphia still has three preseason games and several important practices remaining before the initial 53-man roster is finalized.
The clearest takeaway is that Fangio intends to preserve flexibility on defense. DeJean isn’t being confined to one position, one package or one responsibility. He is listed wherever the Eagles believe he can help them field their best defensive lineup.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 10 takeaways from Eagles' first unofficial depth chart of preseason
Continue reading...
Several other placements offer insight into Philadelphia’s position battles, even if an unofficial depth chart compiled by the communications department shouldn’t be treated as a final roster projection.
Cooper DeJean is listed at nickel cornerback and safety
DeJean’s position has been one of the most discussed topics throughout training camp. The Eagles know he can dominate from the slot, but moving him to safety in certain packages could allow Fangio to place another talented cornerback on the field. The depth chart reflects both possibilities. DeJean is the first-team nickel cornerback ahead of Michael Carter II, Mac McWilliams and Kapena Gushiken. He is also listed as a starting safety ahead of Michael Carter II, Marcus Epps and J.T. Gray.
That dual designation illustrates how Philadelphia may build its defense around personnel rather than rigid position labels. DeJean can cover slot receivers, match up with tight ends, defend the run and handle deeper responsibilities when necessary.
Andrew Mukuba is listed as the starter at the other safety spot. If DeJean remains at nickel, Marcus Epps, Michael Carter II or another defensive back could join Mukuba on the back end. If DeJean moves to safety, the Eagles can insert Carter or McWilliams in the slot.
The depth chart doesn’t settle the safety conversation. It confirms that DeJean is central to every version of the answer.
Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee remain tied behind Jalen Hurts
The backup quarterback competition remains open, at least officially.
Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee are listed with an “or” designation behind Jalen Hurts. Dalton brings 15 seasons of NFL experience, while McKee has spent the past three years developing inside Philadelphia’s system.
McKee entered training camp as the established backup, but the arrival of a veteran with Dalton’s résumé created a legitimate competition. Their preseason performances should help determine the order behind Hurts.
With Hurts unlikely to receive significant work against Baltimore, Dalton and McKee should have opportunities to make their cases under game conditions. Cole Payton is listed fourth and could receive late-game snaps.
Makai Lemon and Dontayvion Wicks receive starting designations
The Eagles list DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon and Dontayvion Wicks as their three starting receivers.
Lemon’s placement is notable after the first-round pick missed time with a hamstring injury. Philadelphia still expects him to play an immediate role once healthy, and the depth chart reflects that long-term projection.
Wicks has been one of the most consistent players at training camp and appears to have strengthened his standing in Sean Mannion’s offense. Darius Cooper is listed directly behind him after generating his own collection of impressive practice moments.
Hollywood Brown is listed behind Smith, while Elijah Moore is positioned behind Lemon. Those placements shouldn’t be viewed as strict rankings because the Eagles could use different receiver combinations based on formation, assignment and matchup.
Markel Bell is listed as Lane Johnson’s primary backup
Markel Bell occupies the second spot at right tackle behind Lane Johnson, placing him ahead of Cameron Williams and John Ojukwu.
The placement aligns with Johnson’s recent praise of the rookie. The veteran called Bell one of the best rookies he has been around and expressed confidence that the 6-foot-9 tackle could eventually handle the position.
Bell still has significant development ahead of him, but the Eagles appear committed to giving him every opportunity to prove he can become Johnson’s eventual replacement. Saturday’s opener should provide his first extended NFL evaluation against an opposing defense.
Jonathan Jones currently leads the competition behind Riq Woolen
Riq Woolen and Quinyon Mitchell are listed as Philadelphia’s starting outside cornerbacks. Jonathan Jones occupies the next spot behind Woolen, followed by Jakorian Bennett and Tariq Castro-Fields. Kelee Ringo is listed directly behind Mitchell, with Ambry Thomas and Shaun Wade following him. Jones’ placement reflects the trust Philadelphia has placed in the experienced defensive back. His ability to contribute outside or from the slot gives Fangio another flexible option.
Bennett and Ringo should still receive significant preseason work. Both are competing for meaningful roles and must demonstrate that they can provide dependable depth behind Woolen and Mitchell.
Johnny Mundt opens as the No. 2 tight end
Dallas Goedert remains the unquestioned starter, while veteran Johnny Mundt is listed second.
Rookie Eli Stowers occupies the third spot ahead of Grant Calcaterra, Cameron Latu, E.J. Jenkins and Stone Smartt. That placement fits Philadelphia’s patient approach with Stowers, a former quarterback who is still developing as a blocker and learning the details of playing tight end. Mundt’s experience and blocking ability give him an early advantage. Stowers’ athleticism could eventually create a larger receiving role, but the Eagles don’t appear interested in rushing that development.
Calcaterra’s placement is among the more notable listings. He has regular-season experience with Philadelphia, but will need a productive preseason to strengthen his case for the roster.
Return roles could influence final roster decisions
Britain Covey is listed as the primary punt returner, followed by Lemon and Moore. Will Shipley leads the kickoff-return group ahead of Dameon Pierce and Tank Bigsby. Those assignments matter because the final roster spots at wide receiver and running back may be decided by special teams value. Covey’s punt-return experience provides a clear path to the roster if he remains productive. Moore can strengthen his candidacy by contributing as a receiver and returner. Pierce faces a crowded running back competition, but kickoff-return work could give him another avenue toward securing a role.
Final analysis
The first depth chart provides an early framework, not a finished product. Philadelphia still has three preseason games and several important practices remaining before the initial 53-man roster is finalized.
The clearest takeaway is that Fangio intends to preserve flexibility on defense. DeJean isn’t being confined to one position, one package or one responsibility. He is listed wherever the Eagles believe he can help them field their best defensive lineup.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 10 takeaways from Eagles' first unofficial depth chart of preseason
Continue reading...
