Some surprises on our Eagles depth chart, 53-man roster projection after the first full week of training camp.
PHILADELPHIA − It didn't take long for everyone to see that Eagles first-round draft pick Jihaad Campbell should be a starter at linebacker Week 1.
It's just a question of whether he can learn the defense quickly enough.
Campbell missed all of spring practices after having shoulder surgery in March. He surprised Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio by being ready for the start of training camp, albeit on a limited basis.
And with Nakobe Dean still working his way back from a torn patellar tendon, Campbell has quickly shown that he belongs next to Zack Baun at linebacker for the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys.
That was evident when Campbell leveled tight end Dallas Goedert on a reception over the middle during the Eagles' first practice in pads on July 29. Goedert somehow held onto the ball.
"I’m just blessed that I’m healthy right now," Campbell said. "I’m really happy to be out here on the field flying around with our defense, just learning and soaking in a lot of knowledge."
That's not taking anything away from Jeremiah Trotter, who has gotten the bulk of the first-team reps next to Baun so far in training camp.
But Campbell, at 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, is a bigger, stronger and faster version of the 6-foot, 225-pound Trotter, whom the Eagles drafted in the fifth round in 2024.
"I do see him making small strides every day," Fangio said about Campbell. "It may not be noticeable to the average eye, but he's making good strides. And if he can keep making those strides, I think he'll be what we had hoped he would be."
What the Eagles hoped, and expected, is that Campbell will be a starting linebacker Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys − while eventually getting some chances to rush the passer from the outside.
Here, then, is how the Eagles' depth chart and 53-man roster is shaping up after the first full week of training camp. Players are listed in order of their spot on the depth chart:
Quarterback (3)
Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee, Kyle McCord
Comment: Hurts and McKee have both looked sharp. The battle is for No. 3. The last few practices, Dorian Thompson-Robinson has looked better than McCord, who threw an interception in a July 28 practice and has been erratic at times. The three preseason games will determine who stays as the emergency QB, and who goes.
Running back (4)
Saquon Barkley, AJ Dillon, Will Shipley, Montrell Johnson
Comment: Barkley has already shown top form in camp, while Dillon has drawn rave reviews for his speed as a 250-pound back, not to mention his physicality. Dillon has also had some reps as a kickoff returner (!). Johnson is the early leader for a fourth spot among a group that includes ShunDerrick Powell and Kellan Robinson.
Tight end (3)
Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra, Harrison Bryant
Comment: Goedert looks as good − and healthy − as he has in a few years. Calcaterra is a solid blocker while Bryant has so far outplayed Kylen Granson. If Goedert can stay healthy, the Eagles will only need three tight ends.
Wide receiver (5)
A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, Terrace Marshall, Elijah Cooks
Comment: The top three are set, clearly. So far, 2024 draftees Ainias Smith (fifth round) and Johnny Wilson (sixth) haven't distinguished themselves. Cooks is a big receiver like Wilson, and so far has outshined him on 50-50 balls. Marshall, the Panthers' second-round pick in 2021, has been better than Ainias Smith. Marshall's leg injury on July 29 could be a factor, however.
Offensive line (10)
Starters (from left): Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Tyler Steen, Lane Johnson
Backups: Kendall Lamm, Kenyon Green, Matt Pryor, Drew Kendall, Myles Hinton
Comment: Steen has had his difficulties with Moro Ojomo, but no one has challenged him yet for the starting job. Kenyon Green, acquired from Houston, has been exclusively at left guard with the second unit. Kendall and Hinton, as 2025 draft picks, get the edge for a roster spot over 2024 draftee Trevor Keegan and sixth-round pick Cameron Williams.
Edge rusher (5)
Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, Azeez Ojulari, Joshua Uche, Antwaun Powell-Ryland
Comment: This rotation seems pretty well set, at least with Smith, Hunt and Ojulari. Uche has played well enough to stay and Powell-Ryland is a draft pick with potential. Keep an eye on Ochaun Mathis, who has been impressive so far and could find his way into grabbing a roster spot.
Defensive tackle (5)
Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Ty Robinson, Thomas Booker
Comment: Ojomo has shown so far that he can help replace Milton Williams, who left in free agency. Carter is an All Pro, and the slimmed-down Davis has looked impressive. Robinson and Booker round out the depth.
Linebacker (4)
Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Smael Mondon
Comment: This is assuming that Nakobe Dean starts the season on the PUP list, meaning he'll have to miss at least four games. Campbell will start next to Baun Week 1, while Trotter and Mondon will serve as backups/special teamers.
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Cornerback (5)
Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, Adoree Jackson, Mac McWilliams
Comment: DeJean will be the nickel while Ringo wins the outside corner job over Jackson, who will assume the Isaiah Rodgers backup role. McWilliams, the fifth-round pick, has been impressive as a backup nickel. Eli Ricks is the odd man out.
Safety (5)
Reed Blankenship, Sydney Brown, Drew Mukuba, Tristin McCollum, Lewis Cine
Comment: DeJean will get some time at safety in base defense. Brown has taken the early lead over Mukuba, the Eagles' second-round pick. Plus, Mukuba is dealing with a shoulder injury, further setting him back. McCollum and Cine provide depth and special teams help.
Specialists (4)
Jake Elliott-kicker, Braden Mann-punter, Charley Hughlett-long snapper, Avery Williams-returner
Comment: The Eagles didn't bring in competition for Elliott, Mann or Hughlett. And they desperately want to make sure DeJean doesn't return punts. So Williams gets the dual role as kick and punt returner.
Contact Martin Frank at [email protected]. Follow on X @Mfranknfl. Read his coverage of the Eagles’ championship season in “Flying High,” a new hardcover coffee-table book from Delaware Online/The News Journal. Details at Fly.ChampsBook.com
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Eagles depth chart, 53-man roster projection after Week 1 of training camp
Category: Football
