As the Philadelphia Eagles begin training camp, there are plenty of questions surrounding the team. Despite Eagles general manager Howie Roseman making several notable additions this offseason, it’s time for head coach Nick Sirianni to put all of the puzzle pieces together.
Philadelphia will be home to multiple position battles over the next month or so as the Eagles seek clarity at key spots on the depth chart. Following a recent report, they’re also dealing with an unexpected absence in the secondary. Let’s address that situation and much more in the latest edition of our Eagles mailbag.
Eagles Mailbag: Is Safety Help Headed to Philadelphia?
@BWalkerNFL asked, “What is the confidence level in Tyler Steen fulfilling the RG position?”
As the Eagles began OTAs, it felt like Tyler Steen was the clear-cut candidate to start at right guard. Steen’s locker was reportedly located next to the other starting offensive linemen in Philadelphia’s locker room. The 24-year-old would seemingly coast to the starting job in 2024…or not.
Following the signing of Mekhi Becton, Steen’s status is suddenly up in the air. Becton played guard during OTAs following Landon Dickerson’s excused absence and showed flashes of potential.
Mekhi Becton on learning the offensive guard position: pic.twitter.com/gxSIGbbRxe
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) June 6, 2024
Steen started one game at right guard for the Eagles as a rookie and struggled mightily. He allowed six total pressures in just 35 total pass-blocking snaps. If he continues to struggle, it’s hard to feel confident in him as a starter, giving Becton a chance to win the job.
@thePHIspecial asked, “Are you concerned about the Cooper DeJean injury news, especially with him being a rookie?”
Following Jeremy Fowler of ESPN’s report that Cooper DeJean will miss three weeks due to a hamstring injury, many have jumped to conclusions. Some believe DeJean lost any chance at earning a starting job in 2024, but I’m not buying that.
DeJean was able to showcase his versatility during OTAs, practicing at multiple positions. Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio mentioned that he doesn’t want to put too much on a young player’s plate, although DeJean was ready for a bigger workload.
Therefore, I wouldn’t be surprised to see DeJean potentially starting at slot cornerback in Week 1. If he misses just three weeks, he would still be available for Philadelphia’s joint practice with the New England Patriots and the team’s final two preseason games.
Let’s not forget that the Eagles traded for C.J. Gardner-Johnson on Aug. 30, 2022. He started in Philadelphia’s secondary in September. DeJean will have more than enough time to make an impression on the team’s coaching staff.
@MrEd315 asked, “In your estimation, do the Eagles currently have the most talented roster amongst NFC East teams? Also, how would you rank the four teams in terms of roster quality?”
The Eagles have the most talented roster in the NFC East. Although it’s worth noting the Dallas Cowboys are close and have the edge at certain important position groups, including edge rusher and cornerback. Still, the Eagles have a better overall roster.
Here’s how I would rank the four teams in the NFC East, in terms of roster quality:
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Dallas Cowboys
- Washington Commanders
- New York Giants
@eggle69023 asked, “With Sydney Brown to begin camp on the PUP list, are the Eagles going to try to bring in another safety (if so, hopefully Simmons) or does Bradberry have a legitimate chance to make the roster as a safety?”
DeJean will be placed on the non-football injury/illness (NFI) list, and Sydney Brown will be placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Neither move frees up a roster spot, but the Eagles will have to somehow make an addition in the secondary. The team’s depth at safety was already questionable, and Brown’s absence only makes it worse.
While James Bradberry will spend time at safety, I’m not quite ready to say he has a great chance to make the roster. He played multiple roles for the Eagles down the stretch last season and just seemed to be a step too slow. Therefore, I could see Philadelphia signing another safety; Adrian Amos could be a player to watch for.
@TakeMcfadden asked, “Will James Bradberry be on this roster in Week 1?”
The curious case of Bradberry continues to be a topic this offseason in Philadelphia. It felt like his days with the Eagles were numbered, yet he’s receiving another chance following a move to safety. Given Philadelphia’s lack of depth at the position, Bradberry could stick around if he plays well at his new position.
FREE: Subscribe to PFN’s NFL Newsletter
After his struggles last season, it’s hard to believe that Bradberry will make a strong case to stick around. It feels like the Eagles are just dragging this situation out and hoping that another team becomes desperate enough to make a trade for him in 2024.
@mrcrockpot asked, “Pumpkin or apple pie?”
Pie is an absurdly overrated baked dish that relies on ice cream to take it to another level. If I had to compare pie to an NFL player, pie is Brock Purdy. Sure, it looks great when surrounded by a perfect situation but truly struggles to get the job done on its own.
If I was forced to eat a pie, I’d take a slice of lemon meringue pie. But I’m easily opting to go with a slice of cake, cookie, or nearly any other dish in that scenario.