Early Birds: Dissecting the Depth Chart
Now that the draft is over and the Eagles have the roster maximum of 90 players, it's time to look at the depth chart (with projections on how it may line up at the start of OTAs) and the key position battles that should emerge:
SAFETY.
First team: Malcolm Jenkins, Earl Wolff
Second team: Chris Maragos, Chris Prosinski
Third team: Jerome Couplin, Jaylen Watkins
Ed Reynolds, Randall Evans
Malcolm Jenkins is cemented at one safety spot, but the other is up for grabs and there isn't an obvious leading candidate. Earl Wolff probably has a leg up on his competition because he has the most experience, but he regressed in his second season. Was it the knee? It's possible, but it's not like Wolff looked like a can't-miss prospect during his rookie season. If he can't win this job, it could be his last chance. Chris Maragos and Chris Prosinski are special teams-specific safeties, but they can't be counted. Jaylen Watkins has reportedly added some weight this offseason, but Kelly wouldn't commit to him moving full-time to safety. The same goes for newly-acquired E.J. Biggers. The long-armed Jerome Couplin, added in December, could be a dark horse. As for the rookies, it sounds like Kelly intends to start Eric Rowe off at corner. But JaCorey Shepherd and Randall Evans, both drafted in the sixth round, could be up for the challenge. Of the two, Evans is probably more of a safety than corner.
CORNERBACK
First team: Byron Maxwell, Walter Thurmond
Second team: Brandon Boykin, Nolan Carroll
Third team: Eric Rowe, JaCorey Shepherd
Denzel Rice
There aren't many first-year corners that can come into the NFL and start from Day 1, but Rowe should be given every chance to claim the spot opposite Byron Maxwell. If he isn't ready, Walter Thurmond should be the odds-on favorite. He can't seem to stay off the injury report, though. Brandon Boykin has been typecast as the slot corner. The coaches will say he has as much chance as anyone, but if they weren't willing to go to him through Bradley Fletcher's struggles last season, they probably never will. If Kelly trades Boykin, Thurmond or Biggers could move back into the slot. Nolan Carroll didn't make the best of his opportunity to start in the season finale. He found a role as the dime defensive back, but his spot on the roster could be in jeopardy if one of the rookies after Rowe – Shepherd, Evans or the undrafted Denzel Rice -- develops quickly. Carroll's 2015 salary is $2.9 million, none of which is guaranteed.
INSIDE LINEBACKER
First team: DeMeco Ryans, Mychal Kendricks/Kiko Alonso
Second team: Najee Goode, Brad Jones
Third team: Emmanuel Acho, Jordan Hicks
If Mychal Kendricks doesn't get traded, this position will be one of the more intriguing ones to watch throughout training camp and the preseason. DeMeco Ryans and Kiko Alonso have to get healthy first, of course. Alonso is ahead of Ryans. If all three stick by the start of the season, the Eagles could have a rotation that includes kicking Alonso outside on occasion. Kelly said Alsonso could certainly handle the job. Najee Goode was supposed to have a part-time role on passing downs last season, but he tore a pectoral muscle in the opener. He has more competition to make the team. Jordan Hicks was drafted in the third round, virtually assuring him a spot. It sounds like the Eagles envision Hicks as a possible successor to Ryans at the MIKE. Brad Jones, who played six seasons with the Packers, was signed in March. And Emmanuel Acho is still hanging around.
WIDE RECEIVER
First team: Riley Cooper, Miles Austin, Jordan Matthews
Second team: Josh Huff, Nelson Agholor, Seyi Ajirotutu
Third team: Jeff Maehl, Quron Pratt, G.J. Kinne
Will Murphy, Rasheed Bailey, John Harris, Devante Davis
It's unclear how the receivers will split up duties – inside or outside or likely both – but Jordan Matthews will likely stay in the slot for the majority of the time. His snaps should increase along with time as a flanker, though. Riley Cooper is still here and should open camp with the first team, but he'll have free agent addition Miles Austin, Josh Huff and top draft pick Nelson Agholor knocking on his door. Austin is past his prime, but he has more experience than any other receiver on the roster. Huff has potential, but he has to take a quantum leap this year to earn starting-worthy playing time. Agholor could leapfrog all them. Seyi Ajirotutu's best shot at making the roster is as a special teams contributor. The same could be said of the rest of the bunch, including G.J. Kinne, who has made the switch from quarterback, per Kelly. Of the undrafted rookies, John Harris has the most upside.
TIGHT END
First team: Brent Celek/Zach Ertz
Second team: Trey Burton
Third team: Eric Tomlinson, Justin Tukes, Andrew Gleichert
Zach Ertz began chipping away at Brent Celek's playing time last season and will likely continue to do so this season. But it will be difficult to supplant Celek as the lead run blocking tight end. Trey Burton could see more action on offense with the departure of James Casey. The Eagles carried four tight ends last year and Kelly seemed open to the idea again. The three undrafted rookies have a chance to be this year's Burton, although there isn't a prospect as talented. Eric Tomlinson may have the best chance. He's a big body (6-6, 263) and a solid blocker.
QUARTERBACK
First team: Sam Bradford
Second team: Mark Sanchez
Third team: Matt Barkley/Tim Tebow
Sam Bradford's readiness for the start of OTAs remains a mystery. Kelly said he did some work during Phase 1 of spring workouts, but his knee isn't 100 percent yet. Mark Sanchez will likely open practices as the first team quarterback. Bradford would probably have to either suffer a setback or another injury to lose the starting job, but if the spot is truly up for grabs, Sanchez can't be counted out. Matt Barkley is entering Year 3 with the Eagles. If he can't hold off Tim Tebow for the third spot, it's never going to happen.
OFFENSIVE LINE
First team: Jason Peters, Evan Mathis, Jason Kelce, Allen Barbre, Lane Johnson
Second team: Andrew Gardner, Matt Tobin, David Molk, Julian Vandervelde, Dennis Kelly
Third team: Kevin Graf, Josh Andrews, Mike Coccia, Cole Manhart, Brett Boyko
Malcolm Bunche
The Eagles would love for Matt Tobin to push Allen Barbre for the right guard spot. The potential is there. If Evan Mathis is traded or released or decides to hold out, Tobin and Andrew Gardner would be the top candidates for left guard. Kelly said that Jason Peters was working at a level this offseason that will make him the best left tackle in the game. Right tackle Lane Johnson's arc remains up. Center Jason Kelce should be 100 percent recovered from last season's sports hernia surgery. David Molk didn't have to beat Julian Vandervelde out for the backup center spot because Vandervelde needed back surgery last August. Vandervelde has the upper hand because he can slide more easily to guard. Dennis Kelly's spot on the roster is in jeopardy if one of the undrafted rookies makes a push. Brett Boyko played guard and tackle at UNLV. Cole Manhart of Nebraska-Kearney could compete for a spot.
RUNNING BACK
First team: DeMarco Murray
Second team: Ryan Mathews
Third team: Darren Sproles
Matthew Tucker, Kenjon Barner, Raheem Mostert
The only question here is how will snaps be divvied up during the season and whether Kelly decides to keep four running backs. DeMarco Murray will be the No. 1 back, but there's no way he'll log 392 carries again this season. Ryan Mathews was the lead tailback for the Chargers, but injuries have plagued his career. He may be better suited in a part-time role. Darren Sproles will probably see less carries, but could be more involved in the passing game. Matthew Tucker will have to show some special teams value. The early guess here is that Kelly keeps only three running backs.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER
First team: Connor Barwin, Brandon Graham
Second team: Marcus Smith, Travis Long
Third team: Bryan Braman, Brandon Hepburn
Jordan Dewalt-Ondijo
Connor Barwin and Brandon Graham have the starting positions locked up. The Eagles used a three-man rotation last season, but they would likely prefer four. Marcus Smith will get another crack. He added 15 pounds this offseason and will likely stay permanently outside. Travis Long missed all of last season with a torn ACL, but the Eagles had an inside-outside-special teams role carved out for him. He's had two ACLs now, though, and will have to battle once again to make the team. Bryan Braman had another year added to his contract this offseason and should have a special teams spot locked up.
DEFENSIVE LINE
First team: Fletcher Cox, Bennie Logan, Cedric Thornton
Second team: Vinny Curry, Beau Allen, Brandon Bair
Third team: Taylor Hart, Wade Keliikipi, Brian Mihalik
B.J. McBryde, Travis Raciti
The starting unit is set – Fletcher Cox and Cedric Thornton at defensive end and Bennie Logan at nose tackle. Vinny Curry is back as a situational pass rusher. Beau Allen and Brandon Bair aren't assured spots after last season. Taylor Hart sat all of last year. We'll see if he's ready. The 6-9 Brian Mihalik could jump Hart, but he will need time to develop moving from an edge rusher to a two-gap end. Undrafted rookie Travis Raciti has talent, but his climb to make the roster will be difficult.