5 Eagles players the Browns need to focus on in their upcoming preseason matchup
Instead, the Eagles' starters will be mixed in with some second- and third-team players slowly substituting in. Looking at the Eagles' depth chart, you'll find a few familiar faces from the 2024 Browns roster. Former fifth-round pick Dorian Thompson-Robinson and two-year Cleveland defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo will get multiple opportunities to perform against their old squad.
After a joint practice that produced some key takeaways, one thing is clear: the Browns will have to focus on several key players if they want to come out of this matchup with a win.
QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson
One of the few former Browns players who should be out for revenge against his old team is Eagles quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson. The former fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft spent two years in Cleveland before being traded to Philadelphia this past offseason. In the trade, the Browns acquired veteran quarterback Kenny Pickett.
In the first preseason game, Thompson-Robinson saw limited action, which is expected to increase against the Browns. Last week, current backup quarterback Tanner McKee had a phenomenal day against the Cincinnati Bengals' defense. The expectation now is that both McKee and Thompson-Robinson will get more reps, with Thompson-Robinson facing a very familiar defense. With rookie quarterback Kyle McCord pushing him for the QB3 spot, Thompson-Robinson would love nothing more than to deliver a strong performance.
WR Darius Cooper
One of the top playmakers for the Eagles in their first preseason game was undrafted wide receiver Darius Cooper. Last week against Cincinnati, Cooper hauled in six receptions on seven targets, totaling 82 yards and a touchdown in limited reps. With that performance and an impressive training camp, the former TCU star has already made significant headway in his bid for a spot on the final 53-man roster.
Cooper is expected to receive the bulk of the wide receiver snaps against the Browns despite his standout performance against the Bengals. Cornerbacks like Cameron Mitchell and Rayshawn Jenkins will have their hands full with this talented receiver — and they could use a strong showing to bolster their cases for a spot on the Browns' 53-man roster.
LB Dallas Gant
Another player who made great use of his limited snaps last week was linebacker Dallas Gant. Last year, Gant went from undrafted free agent to Super Bowl champion with the Eagles. Now, he's looking to build on his solid preseason debut in Week 1 and have an even greater impact this weekend.
Against the Bengals, Gant recorded four total tackles in just 24 snaps, earning a 76.9 overall PFF grade — the third-highest on the Eagles' defense in Week 1 of the preseason. If he wants to earn meaningful regular-season snaps, he'll need to deliver a similar, if not better, performance.
RB AJ Dillon
A familiar face around the NFL who will likely see playing time against the Browns is running back AJ Dillon. The former Green Bay Packer is aiming to revive his career after a poor showing during the 2024 season. Following a disappointing first outing as an Eagle, Dillon will look to put his name back on the map against Cleveland.
In his preseason debut, Dillon carried the ball five times for 27 yards — a performance many considered underwhelming given expectations for his role in the new offense. Currently listed as RB3 on Philadelphia's depth chart, Dillon will likely be tested with plenty of opportunities against the Browns.
LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Another standout from last week's preseason game was rookie linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. In his debut, he logged 31 total snaps and a team-leading six tackles. The Eagles played many of their starters in their first preseason matchup, and that trend is expected to continue on Saturday.
Even though he is currently listed as a starter on the depth chart, Trotter Jr. is expected to play significant snaps against the Browns. Cleveland's offense is slated to start Dillon Gabriel at quarterback if he can overcome his hamstring injury; if not, Tyler Huntley will likely get the nod. Trotter Jr. and the rest of the Eagles' starters will provide a stiff challenge for whichever quarterback takes the field for Cleveland.
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