After a disastrous end to last season, the Philadelphia Eagles have undergone several changes this offseason. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman aggressively attacked what he viewed as Philadelphia’s biggest weaknesses in both free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft.
Although we are currently in the lull point of the offseason where there isn’t much breaking news, it’s worth taking a look ahead. The start of Eagles’ training camp — July 23 — is right around the corner.
Philadelphia Eagles Position Battles To Watch in Training Camp
Thanks to all of Roseman’s additions this offseason, there will be plenty of competition during training camp in Philadelphia. Position groups that the Eagles were weak at for years are suddenly areas of strength.
It will be interesting to see how these position battles will shake out throughout training camp, preseason, and final cuts. Let’s take a look at five notable position battles to watch during training camp in 2024!
Who Will Start at Outside Cornerback Opposite Darius Slay?
When the Eagles selected Quinyon Mitchell in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, it was fair to assume that he would be starting at cornerback opposite Darius Slay in Week 1. Yet, according to multiple reports during OTAs, Isaiah Rodgers is in the mix for the starting job at outside cornerback.
Isaiah Rodgers says he stayed in shape by sticking to a normal NFL schedule
Sunday he did cardio on Sunday, took Tuesdays off and worked out like a normal practice week pic.twitter.com/SXMInBZDCF
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) May 30, 2024
Despite missing all of last season, Rodgers discussed his mindset during his time away from the game. Given his experience and athleticism, he could certainly start early in the regular season and allow Mitchell to slowly work his way into a bigger role as a rookie.
Kelee Ringo is in the conversation as well, but Rodgers seems like the early favorite right now.
Who Can Push Tyler Steen at Right Guard?
Although Tyler Steen started just one game at right guard as a rookie, he appears to be the favorite to win the starting job there in 2024. Despite the additions of Matt Hennessy and Trevor Keegan, Steen has the inside track to starting at RG in Week 1.
The one wild card that could make things interesting is Mekhi Becton. Despite playing offensive tackle throughout his career, Becton spent time at guard during OTAs and possesses traits that you just cannot teach. His size and athleticism could certainly push Steen during training camp if the second-year player begins to struggle.
WR3 Is Seemingly Parris Campbell’s Job To Lose
While A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are one of the top wide receiver duos in the NFL, there’s still a question about who will be WR3 in 2024. The answer seems quite obvious following OTAs, as Parris Campbell is asserting himself as the early leader heading into training camp.
Campbell offers a unique combination of speed and versatility, while also having an existing relationship with Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni. While many Eagles fans will likely be clamoring for Ainias Smith to win the WR3 job, he needs to focus on being fully healthy and available first.
Can Avonte Maddox Hold Onto the Starting Slot Cornerback Job?
It appeared as though the Eagles were moving on from Avonte Maddox earlier this offseason, as the team initially released him. Yet, he’s returned to Philadelphia on a one-year deal and is currently the favorite to start at slot cornerback. Even so, he will certainly be tested during training camp and preseason.
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Maddox is in for a tough battle as both Mitchell and Philadelphia’s second-round pick, Cooper DeJean, spent time in the slot during OTAs. Tyler Hall also has experience starting at slot cornerback in the NFL and should push for the starting job as well. The competition at this spot could have a major impact on Philadelphia’s final roster cuts.
Who Will Emerge as TE2 Behind Dallas Goedert?
Although Dallas Goedert is regarded as one of the top 10 tight ends in the league, his availability is a legitimate concern. Goedert has missed games in nearly every season of his professional career. Therefore, the Eagles need to have a plan behind him at TE2 in 2024.
Following the departure of Jack Stoll, Philadelphia signed C.J. Uzomah in free agency. Uzomah should be an upgrade over Stoll in the passing game, although there could be a drop-off as a blocker in the ground game. Uzomah should win the job as TE2 but Grant Calcaterra has also impressed at OTAs.