After a disastrous end to last season, the Philadelphia Eagles are eager to move forward in 2024. As training camp begins around the NFL, the Eagles are ready to see what the team’s new-look roster has to offer on the practice field and in preseason action.
While the Eagles have certified starters at various positions, there will be several intriguing position battles to watch for in Philadelphia. There are also players on Philadelphia’s roster that must have strong performances in training camp or they’ll risk losing their current role … or potentially their roster spot as well.
Let’s take a look at seven Eagles players who need to put together strong performances at training camp in 2024.
7 Eagles Players Who Need Strong Training Camps
Honorable mentions: Josh Jobe, James Bradberry, Fred Johnson, Marlon Tuipulotu
OL Tyler Steen
Second-year offensive lineman Tyler Steen is viewed as the current favorite to start at right guard. Yet according to NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger, Steen might not be Philadelphia’s best option at the position.
MORE: NFL 2024 Offensive Line Rankings: Where Do the Eagles Rank?
Baldinger believes that Mekhi Becton, if healthy, will start at right guard for the Eagles. While it remains to be seen if Becton can actually make the switch from offensive tackle to guard, Baldinger is clearly confident in his abilities.
With a strong performance during training camp and preseason action, Steen will be able to earn the starting spot at right guard. Steen showed flashes of potential in his only start last season, and he appears to have the upper hand as training camp begins.
Eagles OL coach Jeff Stoutland says he’s been very impressed with Tyler Steen so far
Says Steen is quicker and stronger than he was last season pic.twitter.com/Wg74LLUO93
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) June 3, 2024
DB Avonte Maddox
In recent years, the Eagles have lacked talent at cornerback and rarely had eventful training camp battles at the position. Yet, Philadelphia is in quite the opposite situation in 2024, as the Eagles are stacked at cornerback.
Therefore, 28-year-old veteran Avonte Maddox must play at a high level in training camp to secure a roster spot in 2024. While Maddox is currently the top option at slot cornerback, he also spent time at safety during OTAs. Maddox’s versatility should be enough to earn him a roster spot, but he will be put to the test by Philadelphia’s depth in the secondary.
RB Kenneth Gainwell
Kenneth Gainwell is heading into the final year of his rookie contract and has failed to secure a consistent role in Philadelphia. Gainwell was given the opportunity for a notable workload to start last season, but he averaged just 3.4 yards per carry in the two games where he saw double-digit carries.
Given the signing of Saquon Barkley and the selection of Will Shipley in the 2024 NFL Draft, Gainwell is seemingly sliding down Philadelphia’s depth chart. The fourth-year RB will need to put together a strong performance in training camp to retain the Eagles’ RB2 job.
LB Nakobe Dean
Nakobe Dean was supposed to be the steal of the 2022 NFL Draft. Yet two years into his NFL career, Dean has not showcased the skills that he put on display at Georgia. Dean has struggled to stay healthy and hasn’t impressed when on the field as well.
READ MORE: 5 Unanswered Questions for the Eagles Entering Training Camp
Heading into his third season in the NFL, Dean isn’t even projected to start for the Eagles ahead of training camp. Devin White and Zack Baun are the projected starters, although there is still time for Dean to try and earn the starting job in Vic Fangio’s defense.
WR Britain Covey
There is no denying that Britain Covey was arguably the best punt returner in the NFL last season, but that might not be enough for Covey to stick around in Philadelphia this upcoming season.
Philadelphia made three notable additions at wide receiver this offseason: Parris Campbell, Ainias Smith, and Johnny Wilson. At 27 years old, Covey will have to prove that he can do more than just return punts to earn a roster spot at wide receiver for the Eagles in 2024.
TE Albert Okwuegbunam
After the Eagles traded for Albert Okwuegbunam last season, many expected him to take hold of the TE2 spot in Philadelphia. Yet, not only did “Albert O” fail to do so, but he also barely saw the field in 2023.
Okwuegbunam appeared in just four games for the Eagles in 2023, and he was targeted just one time. He returned to the Eagles for 2024 on a one-year deal and will compete for a role in training camp with Grant Calcaterra, C.J. Uzomah, and E.J. Jenkins.
CB Eli Ricks
After an inconsistent yet promising rookie season in Philadelphia, Eli Ricks could be facing an uphill climb to make the roster in 2024. Ricks was reportedly practicing with the third- and fourth-string defense during OTAs. He reportedly failed to stand out during those sessions.
Now Ricks will head into training camp with a revamped cornerback room in Philadelphia. Given the amount of depth that the Eagles now have in the secondary, Ricks could be the odd man out and released during final cuts unless he shows flashes during training camp.