Previewing the Preseason Finale

The preseason finale will have some second-stringers. Some. It will mostly have third-string players and guys who have little shot to make the roster. That can make it tough for the casual fan to watch, but this is a critical game for scouts and coaches. They are trying to find the final few players for the roster and the players they want on the practice squad.

For these players, this is the biggest game of their lives. Nothing is on the line…except possibly a job or their football careers.

Here are the key players I’ll be watching on Thursday night.

Donnel Pumphrey – This was supposed to be his summer of redemption, but Pumphrey has been hurt and a complete non-factor. He needs to show something against the Jets to make the Eagles consider him for the roster (highly unlikely) or the practice squad (more realistic). The biggest thing for Pumphrey is to show some athleticism. He’s a small player so it is critical that he be elusive and quick/fast.

Josh Adams – The coaches like the UDFA rookie, but injuries have limited his availability. Adams could win a roster spot with a strong showing. He has a good combination of size and speed. The Eagles put a high value on chunk plays and Adams has shown that kind of potential. A couple of 20-yard runs would do him a world of good. If he’s just moving the chains, that might not be enough to push him past Wendell Smallwood. Adams needs to show he can help in the passing game as well.

DeAndre Carter – Carter is in the running for the #6 WR spot. He needs another good game to help convince the Eagles they should keep a sixth receiver. A good showing in the return game would help him as well.

Aaron Evans – I like Evans, but have no idea what the coaches think. He is playing LG for the Eagles, but was a LT in college. I think Evans could be worth keeping around to develop.

Jon Toth – Jason Kelce isn’t getting any younger. The Eagles have a potential successor in Isaac Seumalo. They could use potential depth for the future. Toth spent some time with the Eagles last year so he’s a player the front office has interest in.

Toby Weathersby – The rookie UDFA from LSU has some long term potential, but needs a ton of work. He might be worth keeping around. He should get a lot of reps against the Jets and will need to show the Eagles that he’s worth developing.

Billy Brown – We still don’t know what’s going on with Richard Rodgers so there is a potential opening on the roster. Brown would need a huge game on Thursday night to win a roster spot. Seems unlikely, but Brown has been here for more than a year. And he does have NFL potential.

Joe Ostman – Highly productive college pass-rusher has been uneven this summer. Big time effort guy, but hasn’t shown the athleticism that is usually needed for a DE to succeed in the NFL. Will get a lot of reps so he’s got a chance to have a big game. We have seen other DEs win a practice squad spot with a strong showing in the finale.

Danny Ezechukwu – Under the radar prospect has impressed me at times. Has some burst and good power. I’m looking forward to seeing him play. I would love to see a breakout game from him.

Bruce Hector – I’m not sure how much he’ll actually play. The coaches love Hector and he’s got a legit shot for the roster. They may not want to risk him getting hurt.

Azziz Shittu – I think he’s at least a lock for the practice squad. Shittu seems like a long shot for the roster. Can be very disruptive with his burst. If he can show the ability to shed blocks, that will help his cause.

Tre Sullivan – Sullivan has gotten better each week. It is possible the coaches won’t play him a lot, but I think he needs reps so I expect to see him on the field. Sullivan can really help himself if he can cover well or make a coverage play.

Jeremy Reaves – Another young DB that has improved. The question for Reaves is whether he’s worth keeping on the practice squad. Reaves is at his best when tackling, but hasn’t been great at that. Really needs a strong game.

Chandon Sullivan – I’m a big fan of the UDFA corner and would love to see him play well. Has good potential. CB is crowded for now, but Sullivan can help himself with a good game.

*****

I am also curious about Christian Hackenburg. I don’t have any expectations. I don’t think he’s got any shot at a job.

I just want to see him play.

*****

Not a good offseason for Mychal Kendricks.

BREAKING: Former Eagles linebacker Mychal Kendricks, now with Browns, and ‘Black-ish’ TV writer Damilare Sonoiki indicted by feds on insider trading charges

— Jeremy Roebuck (@jeremyrroebuck) August 29, 2018

This Mychal Kendricks complaint is jaw-dropping. Government spells out how he literally – literally…not figuratively – turned $80,000 in a brokerage account into $1,200,000 in less than five months. And he basically paid $10k in kickbacks to do it. Gordon Gekko was less brash.

— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) August 29, 2018

The Browns cut him tonight.

Crazy. Just crazy.

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