Philadelphia Eagles Depth Chart
By Jon Dove
The Philadelphia Eagles Depth Chart didn’t see too much turn despite the coaching change and front office turnover.
Chip Kelly’s version of the Philadelphia Eagles Depth Chart had talent and looks close to this years version. However, the overall play will be very different thanks to a new system on both sides of the ball.
Quarterback
Starter: Sam Bradford
Backups: Chase Daniel and Carson Wentz
Despite the offseason dispute, Sam Bradford is the starting quarterback heading into the season. The best case scenario for both the Eagles and Bradford would be for him to have a productive year and work out a trade in the offseason.
It’ll be interesting to see if the Eagles get Wentz some action at some point in the season. Most of this will likely depend on the team’s playoff hopes or injury situation.
Running Back
Starter: Ryan Mathews
3rd Down: Darren Sproles
Backups: Wendell Smallwood and Kenjon Barner
When healthy, Ryan Mathews is an effective runner who can move the chains. The issue is he has dealt with some sort of injury every year. Philadelphia doesn’t have great depth behind Mathews with Sproles, Smallwood and Barner all smaller backs who are better fit in a 3rd-down role.
Wide Receiver
Starters: Jordan Matthews and Nelson Agholor
No. 3: Rueben Randle
Backups: Josh Huff, Chris Givens and TJ Graham
The Eagles need Jordan Matthews to bounce back after last year’s issues catching the football. They also need Nelson Agholor to take a step in his development and provide some explosiveness on the outside.
This group has talent but also enough question marks to cause concern.
Tight End
Starter: Zach Ertz
Backups: Brent Celek and Trey Burton
Both Ertz and Celek will see plenty of action this year. These are two talented pass catchers who can work over the middle and attack the seam.
Left Tackle
Starter: Jason Peters
Backups: Lane Johnson, Andrew Gardner and Halapoulivaati Vaitai
Jason Peters has at least a few more years left of high level football. The change in offensive schemes should also help with the wear and tear on his body.
Left Guard
Starter: Allen Barbre
Backups: Isaac Seumalo, Stefen Wisniewski and Matt Tobin
Barbre is the starter heading into training camp, but look for all three backups to make a push. Isaac Seumalo is an underrated player who plays with a nasty streak. He’s a good fit for the offense Pederson wants to run.
Center
Starter: Jason Kelce
Backup: Stefen Wisniewski
Jason Kelce is a good starting center, but needs to show he can stay healthy throughout the course of a season. Luckily, Stefen Wisniewski is more than a capable backup.
Right Guard
Starter: Brandon Brooks
Backups: Isaac Seumalo, Stefen Wisniewski and Matt Tobin
Philadelphia spent big money to pry Brandon Brooks away from the Houston Texans which means they consider him one of the leaders of this group.
Right Tackle
Starter: Lane Johnson
Backups: Dennis Kelly and Andrew Gardner
It’ll be interesting to see how Lane Johnson adjusts to the new offense. His best attribute is his athleticism which fit in well with Chip Kelly’s system.
Defensive End
Starters: Brandon Graham and Connor Barwin
Backups: Vinny Curry, Marcus Smith and Alex McCalister
Jim Schwartz is going to have a lot of fun working with this defense– especially with edge rushers like Graham, Barwin and Curry on the roster. It’ll be interesting to see how often he gets all three players on the field at the same time.
I’m also curious to see if he can get something out of former 1st-round pick Marcus Smith.
Defensive Tackle
Starters: Fletcher Cox and Bennie Logan
Backups: Mike Martin, Beau Allen and Taylor Hart
Fletcher Cox is going to have a huge season working under Schwartz. He’s will get more opportunities to penetrate the pocket and make plays behind the line of scrimmage.
SAM Linebacker
Starter: Nigel Bradham
Backups: Ty Powell, Deontae Skinner and Najee Goode
Nigel Bradham signed with Philadelphia in part because of his experience working with Schwartz, but also because he spotted an opportunity for playing time. The overall depth in the linebacker corps is a concern.
Middle Linebacker
Starter: Jordan Hicks
Backups: Najee Goode and Nigel Bradham
Jordan Hicks was a surprise standout last year until he suffered a season-ending injury. If healthy, the Eagles will be counting on him to pick up where he left off.
WILL Linebacker
Starter: Mychal Kendricks
Backups: Ty Powell, Deontae Skinner and Najee Goode
Kendricks has as much talent as any defender on this roster. However, he struggles staying healthy and playing with consistency. This year has the makings to be a make or break season.
Cornerback
Starters: Nolan Carroll and Leodis McKelvin
Nickleback: Eric Rowe
Backups: Jaylen Watkins, Ron Brooks and Blake Countess
Philadelphia appears likely to head into training camp with veterans Carroll and McKelvin as their starting cornerbacks. However, Eric Rowe and Jaylen Watkins will push for playing time. Rowe especially has a shot of winning a starting job.
Safety
Starters: Malcolm Jenkins and Rodney McLeod
Backups: Ed Reynolds, Chris Maragos and Jalen Mills
The starters, Jenkins and McLeod, are highly productive and impact players. Both have a knack for creating turnovers and tend to always be around the football. Outside of the pass rush, the safety position is the strength of this defense.