The Philadelphia Eagles training camp and 2024 NFL season are inching closer and closer. With mandatory minicamp underway, Eagles coaches are getting a first real look at the roster and starting to assess some crucial decisions. Adding new offensive and defensive coordinators will open the doors for new players to take vital roles on the team.
Heading into Eagles training camp, there are a few positions that are up for grabs. Those positions are highly competitive with veterans and younger players vying for the spot. The decisions won’t be easy, and they won’t be made overnight. They are going to aspects to keep an eye on it throughout the summer.
Philadelphia Eagles Training Camp Battles to Watch
Cornerback
This is arguably the most desperate position battle. The lack of success from the Eagles’ secondary has been a talking point beaten into the ground this offseason. However, the position will be crucial for them to get right again in 2024. One could argue that the cornerback group could look completely different in 2024, however, with Darius Slay’s contract and experience, it’s fair to assume he’s a lock as a starter as well. Additionally, Eagles first-round pick Quinyon Mitchell should be close to a lock as a starter. However, that third cornerback spot, whether in the slot or outside, will be tough to call.
Avonte Maddox has been the Eagles veteran slot corner over the past few years, but this year he’s going to have to work harder for that role. Isaiah Rodgers, who’s come off his suspension, has taken headlines all during Eagles OTAs. Yet, Eagles second-round pick Cooper DeJean, and 2023 fourth-rounder, Kelee Ringo have a ton of hype surrounding them as well. While Ringo isn’t a slot corner, he could very well win an outside corner job and kick Mitchell or Slay into the inside. All in all, this battle will be tight between young players like Ringo and DeJean, versus Rodgers and Maddox. In Vic Fangio’s scheme, Maddox seems like the odd one out, and Rodgers probably has the lead thus far. However, this battle won’t end soon and will be the most important one to watch in the next few months.
Third Wide Receiver
Another interesting position to watch will be the Eagles’ third wide receiver. Three wide receiver sets are historically an important aspect of Kellen Moore’s offensive scheme. Yet, the Eagles don’t have a proven third guy on the roster right now. There is veteran talent there, with Parris Campbell and newly signed receiver John Ross. However, both have had issues staying healthy throughout their careers. Other candidates for this spot are the two late-round rookies, Ainias Smith and Johnny Wilson. The Eagles are looking for speed in their third receiver, something that Parris Campbell and John Ross definitely have. However, watching which one of them can be more consistent and offer more value outside of their speed will be key. Ainias Smith is a dark horse for this race but could end up winning the job outright.
Starting Right Guard
The Eagles drafted Tyler Steen last year in the third round to become the eventual starter at right guard. However, his limited playing time last year didn’t go very well for him. While Steen’s come out and talked about his plans to bounce back, the Eagles have added some insurance as well. The Eagles signed Matt Hennessy from the Atlanta Falcons, as well as drafted Trevor Keegan from Michigan in the fifth round. This job is undoubtedly Steen’s to lose, however, he’ll need to prove that he’s the guy. Hennessy isn’t a world-beater, but he’s a solid player who could step in at any moment. Even with the retirement of Jason Kelce, Eagles fans aren’t expecting a big drop-off from the offensive line. Yet, if the right guard position becomes a problem for them, it would leave a vulnerability the Eagles haven’t had in a long time.
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