More Roster Talk

I posted my first roster projection the other day. Despite the fact it was completely perfect and amazingly brilliant, people had some questions. Let’s talk about some of the things that were brought up.

Britain Covey

Covey is an interesting topic. The case for him is that he’s been one of the best punt returners in the league over the past two years. He led the league in return yards last season and averaged 14.4 yards per return. That isn’t a player you casually cut. The argument against Covey is that he has 4 catches for 42 yards in his short career. He’s done practically nothing as a receiver. The Eagles now have more potential players at the WR position.

AJ Brown – lock
DeVonta Smith – lock

DeVante Parker – veteran with ability
Parris Campbell – veteran with ability

Ainias Smith – talented rookie
Johnny Wilson – talented rookie

Joseph Ngata – returning member of the practice squad

The Eagles will either keep 5 or 6 receivers. There are now 8 guys battling for those spots. Injuries and performance will determine who makes it. Covey is not a lock, but don’t overlook his PR skills. He helps with field position.

There are some possibilities to discuss. The Eagles can use the practice squad to bolster WR. I think Wilson would make a lot of sense. Parker or Campbell could be a good fit. The other possibility is that the Eagles could trade Covey. If the team thinks Ainias Smith can be the PR and help at WR, Covey could be expendable. The Eagles wouldn’t get a lot in return, but he would have some value.

Josh Jobe

Jobe was a STs stud at Alabama. He has been a standout in the NFL as well. STs coordinator Michael Clay mentioned him as one of three key guys last week. Again, that isn’t something to take lightly.

The problem is that Jobe has very little chance to make the team as a CB. There is better depth and corner and nickelback. Safety is a position where there isn’t great depth. According to his college bio, Jobe played CB at Bama and in high school. Could he move to safety? He can hit and tackle. He’s physical. It would make some sense to give him a chance to show what he can do. There is still plenty of depth at corner. We’ll see if the coaches give him a shot. I know Clay would love to have him make the team so he could continue to play STs.

LB

I went heavy at LB. Part of that is because Zack Baun can play inside or outside. That gives him good value. Devin White and Nakobe Dean are the projected starters for now, but might not be long term answers. I think the team would want to keep Jeremiah Trotter Jr and Ben VanSumeren to see if they can develop into starters. The odd man is Oren Burks, who has some starting exerience and STs ability. This is a position where we really don’t know what will happen. It is possible several of the guys could play well and help the defense out. Or we could see players fail to stand out. In that case, Howie might need to do more work at LB.

RB

The Eagles have a stud in Saquon Barkley. Kenny Gainwell is a proven backup and rookie Will Shipley could be a good backup.

Things are wide open after that. UDFA Kendall Milton is talented. He could be a good PS candidate. Lew Nichols and Tyrion Davis-Price came over from other teams and have some potential, but are completely unproven. The Eagles might just stick with three RBs and keep someone on the PS.

*****

SCHEDULE TALK

I don’t get too fired up about the schedule. Still there are some things to talk about. There is no insane gauntlet like the team had last year. There are tough stretches, but that’s true every year.

The bye is in Week 5. You wish that was a bit later.

There are seven games slated for 1pm kickoffs. Those games are the best.

Thankfully there is only one MNF game. Those games are the worst.

Go read Jimmy Bama’s breakdown here.

The Eagles don't play any opponents coming off their bye week in 2024.

— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) May 16, 2024

BAL and NE benefitting from rest days vs opponents. BAL has a number of Thursdays and a Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/YrOSftieDa

— Brian Burke (@bburkeESPN) May 16, 2024

I thought the Eagles schedule video was pretty entertaining.

Eagles fans: slightly unhinged@Ticketmaster | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/RxEDJ8xlQX

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) May 16, 2024

I think the best one I’ve seen so far is the Chargers.

should we REALLY make our schedule release video in the sims?

yes          yes          yesyes
yesyes    yes      yes         yes
yes  yes  yes     yes           yes
yes    yesyes     yes           yes
yes      yesye      yes        yes
yes          yes           yesyes pic.twitter.com/MXzfAPyhe8

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) May 16, 2024

_