The Philadelphia Eagles are entering training camp in 2023 with one of the best rosters in the NFL. There will be some new faces in key places, so some bumps in the road could exist in the early going. But, in the end, this should be a team left standing to challenge for a Super Bowl.
General manager Howie Roseman has done an excellent job of restocking this roster and coaching staff after multiple defections. Young players have been biding their time to step into the lineup and will have a chance this year.
There will also be a few training camp battles to keep an eye on. How those unfold will lead to some roster decisions during cut-down days. Heading into training camp, there are a few players squarely on the Eagles roster bubble to keep an eye on.
Wide receiver Quez Watkins likely sits atop that list. The sixth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft looked like a long-term piece for the Eagles when he caught 43 passes for 647 yards and one touchdown in 2021. But, with the addition of A.J. Brown for the 2022 season, Watkins saw his role diminished greatly.
While he caught a career-high three touchdowns, he saw his snaps and targets both decrease. Heading into the final year of his rookie contract, a change of scenery could be on tap. Philadelphia signed veteran Olamide Zaccheus in free agency to compete for the No. 3 spot, which could lead to Watkins being on the move.
Along with Watkins, fellow wide receiver Greg Ward looks to be on the outside looking in for a roster spot. He adapted well to a position change with the Eagles after playing quarterback collegiately but faces an uphill battle for a roster spot.
Brown and DeVonta Smith are locked into the top two roles with Zaccheus and Watkins behind them. Rookies Jadon Haselwood and Joseph Ngata both have fans within the organization which presents a challenge for Ward, who didn’t get on the field in 2022.
Another offensive weapon that has their work cut out for them is running back Trey Sermon. The Eagles lost Miles Sanders in free agency to the Carolina Panthers but replaced him with multiple options.
Rashaad Penny was signed in free agency and Boston Scott re-signed in Philadelphia. D’Andre Swift was acquired via trade from the Detroit Lions and Kenneth Gainwell remains on the roster as a holdover from last season.
Sermon will be competing directly with rookie running back Kennedy Brooks as the other four running backs look like near locks. A third-round pick in 2021, Sermon could be looking for his third team in as many seasons if things don’t work out with the Eagles.
