Eagles vs. Browns: 5 position battles to watch in preseason Week 2
The Eagles and Browns are warming up and will meet on the field for the third time this week. This time, it will be a more formal competition in the mode of a preseason game, with starters for both teams sitting out. Saturday afternoon offers another chance for players on the roster bubble and under-the-radar performers to carve out a role on a Super Bowl-contending team with very few holes or available opportunities at key positions.
With kickoff fast approaching, we're looking at five position battles to watch.
WR
The Eagles carried five wide receivers on their 53-man roster when they boarded a plane to Brazil last September. If that model remains the same, Johnny Wilson, Ainias Smith, Darius Cooper, Elijah Cooks, and Terrace Marshall are among the players vying for the final two or three roster spots.
OL
Philadelphia has a starting offensive line that's among the best in the NFL. Ten other players will compete for four or five remaining roster spots. During this week's joint practice, Matt Pryor started at right tackle with the first-team offense. Brett Toth was the first-team left guard in place of Dickerson. Darian Kinnard and Kendall Lamm offer versatility as swing tackles. Rookies Cameron Williams, Myles Hinton, and Drew Kendall are vying for roster spots as well. Trevor Keegan and Kenyon Green are also competing.
Edge Rusher
Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt are the starting pass rushers, while Josh Uche, Azeez Ojulari, and Ogbo Okoronkwo are all candidates.
LB
Zack Baun is an All-Pro, and the Eagles would like to have Jihaad Campbell assume the starting role opposite. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is improving daily, while Smael Mondon is an athletic marvel.
Safety
Sydney Brown took most of the snaps as the first-team safety in nickel this week, and he's best when he can be a downhill disruptor. Andrew Makuba will make his preseason in-game debut.
CB
Adoree' Jackson has started to log the majority of first-team reps, starting opposite Quinyon Mitchell. Saturday will see all three contenders get reps, with Jakorian Bennett likely being the biggest benefactor.
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