The Eagles have started preparation for their preseason opener in Baltimore against the Ravens, and nothing says the regular season is approaching the release of the first unofficial depth chart of the summer.
The depth chart, revealed by Zach Berman via Philadelphia’s public relationsdepartment,has a few surprises. In contrast, Vic Fangio’s retooled defensive unit no longer lists defensive ends, and the slot cornerback position is now called the Nickel cornerback spot.
With the Friday night opener approaching, here are ten takeaways from the depth chart.
QB
Aug 1, 2024; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (7) throws the ball during a training camp practice at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Despite discussions about a position battle, Kenny Pickett is listed as the backup quarterback.
RB
May 30, 2024; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Tyrion Davis-Price (35) and running back Kendall Milton (36) look on at practice at NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Tyrion Davis-Price signed the biggest reserve/futures deal before free agency, but Lew Nichols passed him on the depth chart.
WR
Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Johnny Wilson (14) catches a pass from Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jordan Travis (13). The Florida State Seminoles defeated the Miami Hurricanes 27-20 on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023.
Rookie Johnny Wilson is climbing up the depth chart, and he’s listed as the 2nd team wide receiver behind A.J. Brown.
WR
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 18: Parris Campbell #0 of the New York Giants carries the ball during the first half of a preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at MetLife Stadium on August 18, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
John Ross is listed as the second wide receiver behind DeVonta Smith, while Parris Campbell is listed as the starter in the slot.
RG
Aug 17, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles guard Tyler Steen (56) looks on in a game against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Despite the missed practices and Mekhi Becton’s gradual improvement, Tyler Steen is still listed as the starting right guard.
Edge rusher
The term defensive end is no longer used in this defensive, as the Eagles list their players as edge rushers, with Bryce Huff and Josh Sweat the initial starters.
DT
Aug 1, 2024; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) during a training camp practice at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia has three defensive tackles listed as starters: Jordan Davis, Milton Williams, and Jalen Carter. Veteran Thomas Booker and Moro Ojomo also appear to have roles.
Nakobe Dean is here
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 05: Nakobe Dean #17 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts during the second quarter in the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on November 05, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Despite Vic Fangio stating that he’s lost a step, Nakobe Dean is listed as a co-starter, and Devin White is in the middle linebacker spot. The distinction on the depth chart likely says more about Howie Roseman needing to be correct than Vic Fangio believing Dean is a starter.
Zack Baun
Aug 1, 2024; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni talks with Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun (53) during a training camp practice at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Like Dean and White, Zack Baun and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. are listed a co-starters at the linebacker spot.
CB
Aug 1, 2024; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (30) during a training camp practice at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Quinyon Mitchell is battling for a starting spot, but on the depth chart, he’s listed as Darius Slay’s primary backup at cornerback. Mitchell will see snaps at the outside cornerback and nickel cornerback spots.
CB
Aug 1, 2024; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Isaiah Rodgers (34) during a training camp practice at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Like several other positions, the cornerback spot opposite Darius Slay has co-starters listed, with Isaiah Rodgers and Kelee Ringo. The assumption is that if the season started today, Rodgers would be the Week 1 starter opposite Darius Slay, and they’ll work Quinyon Mitchell in.
Nickel cornerback
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Avonte Maddox participates in drills during the first day of training camp at the NovaCare Complex in Philadelphia on July 26, 2023.
Avonte Maddox was released and re-signed this off-season, and he’s listed as the slot cornerback, although Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean (injury) will soon assume that role.
James Bradberry is still around
Jan 15, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (1) runs the ball as Philadelphia Eagles cornerback James Bradberry (24) defends during the first half of a 2024 NFC wild card game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
Bradberry is no longer listed as a cornerback and will assume the role of the backup free safety to Reed Blankenship.
Specialist
May 30, 2024; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Britain Covey (18) makes a catch during practice at NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Britain Covey is still listed as the top punt returner, while Isaiah Rodgers is a phenomenal special teams standout; has averaged 27.0 yards per kickoff return in his career.
