With NFL OTA’s around the corner, it’s time for the teams to see what they have built in the offseason. Around this time, they begin to get a feel for their roster and evaluate the new and returning players for what they can provide for them this season. In particular, the defending NFC Champs Philadelphia Eagles depth chart will be evaluated on if they have improved enough this offseason. New rookies and younger players with breakout potential will be heavily evaluated and expected to make leaps from last year. Older veterans will be questioned on how much they have left to offer and whether star players are still stars.
With that, this series will break down the Eagles depth chart for the 2023 season as it stands now. Starting with the most important position, quarterback, and what Eagles fans can expect from their quarterback situation in 2023.
Eagles Depth Chart: Quarterbacks
Starter: Jalen Hurts
Jalen Hurts got PAID this offseason and deservedly so, racking up 3700 passing yards and 22 passing touchdowns. He added another 700 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns on the ground in a phenomenal breakout season. Hurts showcased his talents and, at a minimum, should be considered as a top-seven quarterback in the league moving forward.
Not only that, but his best games came late in the postseason and in the Super Bowl where he was throwing lasers all around the field. The main reason Hurts’ breakout year was so exciting for fans is that he still has a lot more room to grow as a passer. Even as well as he played, he can clean up his accuracy on mid-ranged throws and overall be more comfortable making plays outside of structure.
There might be some challenges with the latter, as the Eagles will have a new offensive coordinator this year. However, Hurt’s progression should give fans a ton of hope that they will not see a dip in the offense. Even after the contract, Hurts is still the same dedicated worker to his craft, which Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown explained to the media. Brown said, “He’s still that hard worker. He’s still determined to be great. So, it definitely didn’t change him. It definitely just motivated him, if anything. So, that’s what you want.”
The Eagles are already in good hands with Hurts at the helm, but he can be even better than he was last year. He may take another step into the realm of Patrick Mahomes’ and Joe Burrow’s level of play.
Backup: Marcus Mariota
Marcus Mariota signed with the Eagles this offseason on a one-year deal. Right now, he is listed on the Eagles depth chart as the backup to Hurts. The first thing that jumps out is the fit with Mariota and the offense the Eagles ran last year. Even at 29 years old, Mariota still has the ability to run and create a threat for defenses to worry about. He is a veteran at the position and will be able to bring some value to Hurts as someone to lean on, unlike the other quarterbacks on the Eagles depth chart. Mariota has been around the league and learned many things from different coaches and can provide valuable insight throughout the year.
While Mariota can be serviceable when he gets the chance to play, there are some problems in his game to worry about. Mariota is a limited passer who rarely takes advantage of opportunities to make big throws through the air. His arm is okay by NFL standards, but for the Atlanta Falcons, he was reluctant to throw the ball deep. Also, for a veteran quarterback with limited upside, he does not take care of the ball well either. Last year, Mariota had 11 turnovers in 13 games, with only 19 total touchdowns. He can certainly run the Eagles offense to a degree, but he is a downgrade from Gardner Minshew last year. If Hurts must miss an extended period of time against some tough opponents, some of Mariota’s blemishes could show themselves.
Fighting for Third: Ian Book and Tanner McKee
The third-string position for the Eagles depth chart will be decided by a battle between Ian Book and sixth-round rookie, Tanner McKee. Book is an athletic player that was the third-string last year for the Eagles. Prior to that, he was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round in 2021. He started one game in his career for the Saints, and it was a struggle for him and the offense. On the other hand, McKee was a three-year starter at Stanford on a team devoid of talent around him. He struggled during his last year at Stanford, but his sophomore campaign garnered some hype around him in the draft. This battle will likely be decided on what the Eagles see out of McKee in OTAs and training camp.
Eagles reporter Dave Spadaro had an excellent article about the Eagles drafting McKee and how they value the quarterback position in general. The mantra of Spadaro’s article was that if the Eagles see a quarterback they like, they take him, and develop them because you never know. McKee is a very precise thrower with great touch and accuracy, able to finesse throws into tight windows. He has enough arm strength to reach all around the field and has plenty of experience playing football at Stanford.
However, his athleticism is poor for the position nowadays, which seems like a complete detriment to the Eagles offense. Book fits more of the mold of an athletic quarterback for the Eagles offense. Yet, there are reasons why the Eagles liked McKee enough to draft him. If McKee impresses the coaching staff, expect him to make the roster to avoid losing him on the practice squad.
Eagles Depth Chart Preview Conclusion: Quarterbacks
All in all, the Eagles are pretty set with their quarterback room and all there is to do is see who wins out between Book and McKee. It’s hard to believe either of them will push Mariota for the backup role despite Mariota’s weaknesses. Though, the quarterback position on the Eagles depth chart will be defined by Jalen Hurts. Will he repeat last year’s success? Will he regress? Or will he take another step to immediately put himself in the conversation with the league’s top quarterbacks?
The new Eagles offensive coordinator, Brian Johnson, was promoted from within this season, so he will have familiarity with Hurts. Nonetheless, it will be exciting to see how Hurts will look this upcoming season against a much tougher schedule.
Main Image: Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
