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The Eagles talked throughout the offseason about shifting the pendulum toward the offense, and the organization followed that philosophy during the NFL draft. Philadelphia finished the three-day draft weekend with five offensive selections, using its first five picks on players expected to play major roles in the future. Wide receiver Makai Lemon and tight end Eli Stowers appear positioned for immediate opportunities, while offensive lineman Markel Bell and Micah Morris could be developmental pieces who won't see significant snaps until 2027. Philadelphia also added Texas Tech safety Cole Wisniewski, New Mexico edge rusher Keyshawn James-Newby, and International Player Pathway participant Uar Bernard as the roster continues to evolve.
The storylines are evolving, and this team will look drastically different after A.J. Brown was traded away, clearing the way for DeVonta Smith to take his place as the Eagles' WR1. On defense, several players are locked into roster battles, while others are looking to secure lucrative paydays.
With training camp approaching, roster battles will define the summer. For some players, camp represents an opportunity to solidify a starting role. For others, it could determine whether they survive final cuts.
Here are 10 Eagles who need strong training camps.
Wilson entered last season generating legitimate buzz before a significant knee injury stalled his momentum. The Eagles aggressively reshaped the wide receiver room by adding Hollywood Brown, Elijah Moore, Dontayvion Wicks, and rookie Makai Lemon. DeVonta Smith remains entrenched atop the depth chart, leaving Wilson fighting to reclaim momentum, a potential role, and a roster spot.
A poor camp could make him expendable.
No player on Philadelphia's roster might feel the offseason additions more than Cooper. The Eagles added multiple veteran pass catchers and traded up for Lemon. Cooper suddenly enters camp needing to prove he belongs in a crowded room where roster spots will be difficult to secure.
Shipley flashed intriguing traits as a rookie in 2024, but he enters 2026 facing increased competition. Saquon Barkley remains the focal point, Tank Bigsby established himself as a reliable contributor, and Philadelphia added Dameon Pierce. Shipley needs urgency and production during camp to avoid slipping further down the pecking order.
Philadelphia's offensive line dealt with injuries in 2025 and now enters a transition period under new offensive line coach Chris Kuper. Steen has an opportunity to establish long-term security and a potential contract extension, but consistency matters. The Eagles invested heavily in offensive line depth and developmental talent during the draft and offseason. Training camp could determine whether Steen remains a foundational piece.
Bell may not project as an immediate contributor, but Philadelphia values offensive line development more than almost any franchise. The rookie tackle needs to prove he belongs in future plans while maximizing preseason opportunities.
Strong camps create future roles.
Like Bell, Morris enters camp needing developmental growth. The Eagles consistently build through the trenches, and roster battles along the offensive line will be fierce. Morris likely isn't competing for a Week 1 job. He is competing for organizational confidence.
Opportunity has arrived. Nakobe Dean took his talents to Las Vegas, and Jihaad Campbell won't see any extensive action until training camp. Philadelphia enters camp after offseason linebacker movement, and Trotter remains one of the younger defenders poised for expanded responsibility. The Eagles need impact plays and consistency from the bloodline.
A breakout summer changes everything for Trotter Jr.
The safety room changed dramatically. Drew Mukuba projects as a long-term starter, Marcus Epps returned, and J.T. Gray brings elite special teams value. Cole Wisniewski also arrives as a developmental addition. Sam spent last season on the practice squad.
Now comes the pressure.
Philadelphia transformed uncertainty into depth and elite talent at cornerback. Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, and Riq Woolen headline one of the Eagles' strongest position groups. Jonathan Jones and Jakorian Bennett add competition. Ringo has talent. Now he needs consistency and a strong training camp to maintain his role as a special teams standout.
An efficient training camp could force Vic Fangio to expand his role.
Jalen Hurts remains the unquestioned starter at quarterback, but 2026 is about securing another lucrative contract extension that puts him back into the top five highest paid at his position. Sean Mannion faces a critical Year 1 task with the Philadelphia Eagles: fixing Jalen Hurts' struggles against zone coverage to unlock the passing game.
The quarterback's struggles against zone coverage were also highlighted, and that will be priority No. 1 for offensive coordinator Sean Mannion and pass game coordinator Josh Grizzard. According to ESPN stats, Hurts faced zone on over 56% of offensive plays—one of the highest rates of his career. While his completion percentage remained solid, the impact plays dropped significantly. Against man coverage, Hurts threw 19 touchdowns to just three interceptions. Against zone, that number drastically fell to six touchdowns and three interceptions.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles training camp: 10 players who need a strong 2026 preseason
Continue reading...
The storylines are evolving, and this team will look drastically different after A.J. Brown was traded away, clearing the way for DeVonta Smith to take his place as the Eagles' WR1. On defense, several players are locked into roster battles, while others are looking to secure lucrative paydays.
With training camp approaching, roster battles will define the summer. For some players, camp represents an opportunity to solidify a starting role. For others, it could determine whether they survive final cuts.
Here are 10 Eagles who need strong training camps.
1. Johnny Wilson | Wide receiver
Wilson entered last season generating legitimate buzz before a significant knee injury stalled his momentum. The Eagles aggressively reshaped the wide receiver room by adding Hollywood Brown, Elijah Moore, Dontayvion Wicks, and rookie Makai Lemon. DeVonta Smith remains entrenched atop the depth chart, leaving Wilson fighting to reclaim momentum, a potential role, and a roster spot.
A poor camp could make him expendable.
2. Darius Cooper | Wide receiver
No player on Philadelphia's roster might feel the offseason additions more than Cooper. The Eagles added multiple veteran pass catchers and traded up for Lemon. Cooper suddenly enters camp needing to prove he belongs in a crowded room where roster spots will be difficult to secure.
3. Will Shipley | Running back
Shipley flashed intriguing traits as a rookie in 2024, but he enters 2026 facing increased competition. Saquon Barkley remains the focal point, Tank Bigsby established himself as a reliable contributor, and Philadelphia added Dameon Pierce. Shipley needs urgency and production during camp to avoid slipping further down the pecking order.
4. Tyler Steen | Offensive line
Philadelphia's offensive line dealt with injuries in 2025 and now enters a transition period under new offensive line coach Chris Kuper. Steen has an opportunity to establish long-term security and a potential contract extension, but consistency matters. The Eagles invested heavily in offensive line depth and developmental talent during the draft and offseason. Training camp could determine whether Steen remains a foundational piece.
5. Markel Bell | Offensive tackle
Bell may not project as an immediate contributor, but Philadelphia values offensive line development more than almost any franchise. The rookie tackle needs to prove he belongs in future plans while maximizing preseason opportunities.
Strong camps create future roles.
6. Micah Morris | Guard
Like Bell, Morris enters camp needing developmental growth. The Eagles consistently build through the trenches, and roster battles along the offensive line will be fierce. Morris likely isn't competing for a Week 1 job. He is competing for organizational confidence.
7. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. | Linebacker
Opportunity has arrived. Nakobe Dean took his talents to Las Vegas, and Jihaad Campbell won't see any extensive action until training camp. Philadelphia enters camp after offseason linebacker movement, and Trotter remains one of the younger defenders poised for expanded responsibility. The Eagles need impact plays and consistency from the bloodline.
A breakout summer changes everything for Trotter Jr.
8. Andre' Sam | Safety
The safety room changed dramatically. Drew Mukuba projects as a long-term starter, Marcus Epps returned, and J.T. Gray brings elite special teams value. Cole Wisniewski also arrives as a developmental addition. Sam spent last season on the practice squad.
Now comes the pressure.
9. Kelee Ringo | Cornerback
Philadelphia transformed uncertainty into depth and elite talent at cornerback. Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, and Riq Woolen headline one of the Eagles' strongest position groups. Jonathan Jones and Jakorian Bennett add competition. Ringo has talent. Now he needs consistency and a strong training camp to maintain his role as a special teams standout.
An efficient training camp could force Vic Fangio to expand his role.
10. Jalen Hurts | Quarterback
Jalen Hurts remains the unquestioned starter at quarterback, but 2026 is about securing another lucrative contract extension that puts him back into the top five highest paid at his position. Sean Mannion faces a critical Year 1 task with the Philadelphia Eagles: fixing Jalen Hurts' struggles against zone coverage to unlock the passing game.
The quarterback's struggles against zone coverage were also highlighted, and that will be priority No. 1 for offensive coordinator Sean Mannion and pass game coordinator Josh Grizzard. According to ESPN stats, Hurts faced zone on over 56% of offensive plays—one of the highest rates of his career. While his completion percentage remained solid, the impact plays dropped significantly. Against man coverage, Hurts threw 19 touchdowns to just three interceptions. Against zone, that number drastically fell to six touchdowns and three interceptions.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles training camp: 10 players who need a strong 2026 preseason
Continue reading...
