The Philadelphia Eagles released their first depth chart of the season on Monday. There were few surprises, but it gives an early indication of how the coaching staff views various position battles that are taking place on the practice fields at Lehigh University.
QB – Michael Vick, Mike Kafka, Nick Foles, Trent Edwards
No surprise here with Michael Vick listed as the starter and Mike Kafka the primary backup. Kafka, entering his fourth NFL season, is a favorite of Andy Reid’s because of his vast knowledge of the Birds’ offense. It appears that Kafka has added some arm strength during the off-season as well, which could prove to be an asset should Vick go down this season. In Foles, the Eagles have their current incarnation of their quarterback of the future. He’s had a nice camp. Meanwhile, Edwards’ reps have come few and far between since the off-season training activities. He likely won’t make the final roster.
RB – LeSean McCoy, Dion Lewis, Bryce Brown, Chris Polk.
Again, LeSean McCoy, entrenched as the starter and with a new contract signed this off-season, can continue to establish himself as a premier back in this league. Dion Lewis has been a consistent camp star, showing breakaway speed and the kind of agility to make defenders miss in the open field. Then there’s the training camp battle waging between rookies Bryce Brown and Chris Polk, with Brown nosing out Polk at the moment. Brown – standing at 6’0′, 220 pounds – is a physical, upright runner who the Eagles have used in short yardage and goal line drills throughout camp and who has the body to take on that role during the season.
WR – DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant, Riley Cooper, Marvin McNutt, Chad Hall.
The Eagles’ top three receivers form one of the most lethal combinations of speed and size in the NFL. Riley Cooper is still listed as the fourth wide out despite recovering from a broken collarbone, so it will be interesting to see if this changes as the season approaches. The Eagles were high on him entering camp, but his recovery time will go a long way towards determining his role in this club. Rookie Marvin McNutt is listed as the fourth receiver and has been a near-daily-star in Camp. While he lacks the speed to create separation, McNutt has the size to go over the middle combined with hands of glue. He could very well be the Eagles’ red zone target that they have lacked for several years.
TE – Brent Celek, Clay Harbor, Brent Brackett, Chase Ford
Backup tight end was one of the key battles many kept an eye on during this camp. Clay Harbor has the upper hand, likely because of his experience in this offense and his performance during camp has vastly improved from disappointing OTA’s. It’s unlikely the Eagles carry three TE’s into the season, but Brackett and/or Ford could wind up on the practice squad. Both have shown good hands, but need to improve in the blocking game. Regardless, a quality tight end is going to be cut.
OL – Demetress Bell, Evan Mathis, Jason Kelce, Danny Watkins, Todd Herremans
FB – Stanley Havili is listed as the starter at FB, but it remains to be seen if the Eagles will actually carry a fullback on the roster, or use a backup tight end in the rare instances where the offense calls for one.
DE – Jason Babin, Trent Cole, Darryl Tapp, Brandon Graham, Phillip Hunt, Vinny Curry
Babin and Cole are the starters with Tapp and Graham as their backups followed by Hunt and Curry. 2012 is a make it or break it season for Graham, a former first-round pick. He has looked impressive so far in camp. The Eagles love to rotate their defensive ends so Graham and Curry could get plenty of reps as the season wears on.
DT – Derek Landri, Cullen Jenkins, Fletcher Cox, Antonio Dixon
Vinny Curry remains sidelined so that opens the door for Landri at the starting left defensive tackle spot alongside Jenkins. First-round choice Fletcher Cox has shown flashes of being a very raw but strong bull rusher who needs to add a second move if he wants to become a complete tackle. But in Jim Washburn’s scheme, he will see plenty of action his rookie season. Antonio Dixon has looked impressive against the run.
LB – Brian Rolle, DeMeco Ryans, Mychal Kendricks, Jamar Chaney, Akeem Jordan, Casey Matthews
Chaney had taken reps with the first team at WIL last week, but he still remains behind Brian Rolle on the weak side, with Jordan and Matthews behind Kendricks on the strong side. As a unit, the starting group of Rolle, Ryans and Kendricks form what is arguably the team’s most athletic linebacking corps in recent memory.
CB – Nnamdi Asomugha, Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie, Curtis Marsh, Joselio Hanson, Brandon Boykin, Brandon Hughes
Together Asomugha and Rodgers-Cromartie form one of the most athletic and dynamic cornerback duos in the NFL. They’ll benefit this season from having a more established and consistent role in the Eagles defense. Marsh seems to be the favorite to be the backup on the outside and also could see reps on the outside in nickel situations. He’ll be pushed by Boykin who has shown flashes early in camp.
S – Nate Allen, Kurt Coleman, Jaiquwaan Jarrett, O.J. Atogwe
Allen and Coleman are the starters – for now – followed by Jarrett and Atogwe. Jarrett has shown up to camp a much different player than the rookie who struggled to see the playing field in 2011. He’s played with a mean streak and has shown a good nose for the football and will push Coleman and Allen for playing time. The Eagles don’t really distinguish between free and strong safety, so that creates a chance for a rotation if the Eagles keep four safeties.
P – Mat McBriar, Chas Henry
After less than a week of practice, the veteran McBriar is already listed ahead of second year man Henry.
The Eagles open the preseason on Thursday night at Lincoln Financial Field against the Pittsburgh Steelers when fans will get a first-hand look at how some of these battles translate onto the field in a game situation.
Matt Lombardo is the Lead Writer for Taking It To The House. Matt is also a Producer for 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia and Contributor for The Sports Journey Broadcast Network Follow Matt on Twitter @MattLombardo975 or Email him MDLombardo@yahoo.com