Eagles training camp: Latest on six position battles following the first preseason game
The Super Bowl champions have their rings and have transitioned back to the practice field for installs and game-like activities at the NovaCare Complex. The Eagles made moves to strengthen some positions and fill pressing roster needs. Philadelphia added ten talented rookies on NFL draft weekend, as well as several high-profile free agents, who will enhance the competition in the coming days.
After weeks of waiting for rabid fans, the media, and the NFL, the Eagles kicked off the preseason with a 34-27 win over the Bengals that saw key starters and contributors sit out. Philadelphia has an action-packed week that includes two days of joint practice with the Browns before a Friday preseason game.
With the competition heating up, we're looking at the latest on the position battles.
Backup running back
NFL Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley logged 345 rushing attempts and 2005 yards rushing in the 2024 regular season. After helping the Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl, head coach Nick Sirianni and OC Kevin Patullo could be looking to lighten Barkley's load slightly in 2025. Will Shipley produced when given opportunities as a rookie, and A.J. Dillon has always been a physical, reliable dual-threat running back. Shipley had seven carries for 48 yards in the opener (6.9 avg), while Dillon logged five carries for 27 yards and three catches for 27 yards.
3rd WR Spot
A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are among the top ten at their positions, but both players missed multiple games in 2024. A reliable third option is a must for an offense that'll see teams shift towards taking away the duo on the outside. Jahan Dotson caught 19 of 33 targets for 216 yards in 17 regular-season games with the Eagles in 2024 after being acquired in a trade from Washington. Dotson's most likely competition will come from Johnny Wilson and undrafted rookie Darius Cooper. Wilson finished the preseason opener with three catches for 73 yards, while Cooper starred, catching six passes for 82 yards and one touchdown.
Right guard position
Tyler Steen lost training camp battles to Cam Jurgens in 2023 and Mekhi Becton in 2024, but has his best shot at earning the Eagles' right guard position in 2025. Kenyon Green was acquired in the trade for C.J. Gardner-Johnson, but he's been getting reps at left guard. Steen was impressive in the opener.
Inside linebacker spot
Zack Baun is an All-Pro; he'll be the engine that drives the Eagles' defense. He'll need a running mate while Nakobe Dean works to return from a patellar tendon injury that could cost him most of the 2025 season. That leaves first-round pick Jihaad Campbell, second-year linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., and fifth-round pick Smael Mondon Jr.
Campbell has been dominant in Eagles practice, while Trotter had six tackles and a QB hit in the opener. Mondon had four tackles.
Left cornerback position
The Eagles lost Darius Slay (Steelers), James Bradberry (free agent), Avonte Maddox (Lions), and Isaiah Rodgers (Vikings) in free agency and signed Adoree' Jackson. Even with those moves, Philadelphia didn't draft a cornerback until the fifth round when they selected Mac McWilliams out of UCF. Williams (5-10, 191) will add some depth on the outside and in the slot, but he was a fifth-round pick for a reason. Kelee Ringo and Jackson have battled throughout training camp, while Jakorian Bennett was acquired in a trade with the Raiders for Thomas Booker.
Safety position
The Eagles traded C.J. Gardner-Johnson to Houston for Kenyon Green, opening up a starting role for Sydney Brown or Tristin McCollum. Brown is a physical safety who is stout on special teams but doesn't operate efficiently in space or match up against elite pass catchers. Enter Andrew Mukuba, a Swiss army knife from Texas who could keep Brown relegated to special team duties. Mukuba can play the slot, operate in space, and play with range, drawing comparisons to Gardner-Johnson. Early on, it's been Brown with the edge, and if the season started today, the third-year safety would get the nod over Makuba, who has battled injuries and inconsistent play. Andre Sam has been solid and is another player to watch.
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