Top 26 Players to Watch on Saturday

The Eagles host the Browns on Saturday afternoon in the second game of the preseason. You won’t see Eagles starters, but this will be a key game for some guys who hope to become starters or key role players.

Here are the 26 Eagles I’ll be most focused on.

DTR – He had a solid showing vs the Bengals. DTR needs to build on that and continue to make his case for the #3 QB spot. I doubt Tanner McKee will play as much so DTR should get more playing time.

Kyle McCord – He finished 1 of 5 for 8 yards in the opener. You don’t need analytics to tell you that’s not good enough to really compete for the third spot. McCord looked nervous and played too fast last week. Hopefully he will settle down this time out and we can get a more accurate feel for where he is at.

Will Shipley – The numbers looked good last week, but the tape didn’t. Shipley needs to do a better job of getting the most out of whatever is there. He shouldn’t need great blocking on every run. He’s got to show he can get the tough yards.

Montrell Johnson – Johnson had some big runs in camp before getting hurt. He’s missed time and needs to get out there and show the coaches what he can do in a game setting. I’m excited to see him in action. Johnson is a downhill runner with good burst. If he does get good blocking, he could pop a big run.

Ainias Smith – Darius Cooper and Johnny Wilson made their cases last week and through the subsequent practices. Smith did have a long punt return last week, but he’s not guaranteed a roster spot. He needs to show value as a receiver and returner. Another good game would help his cause in a big way.

Kylen Granson – The top two TEs are set. Granson had a good showing in the opener and has practiced well. He sure looks like TE3 right now. Granson got open and caught the ball well. He needs to build on that and continue to show good effort as a blocker.

Harrison Bryant – I was disappointed with Bryant as a blocker and he’s not done much as a receiver. Still, he was with the #1 offense last week. That tells you the coaches like him and want to see what he can do. Bryant must play better this time out or the coaches patience will definitely run out. This is a big game for him.

Darrian Kinnard – Kinnard played RG last week and had a strong showing. It will be interesting to see where the coaches use him this time out. There is a good chance he starts at RG. He could also play some LG and/or LT. The coaches are trying to figure out where they want to use Kinnard this season. He will be a key backup.

Myles Hinton – Pro debuts can be tough, as Hinton found out. He really struggled. Getting that first game behind you can sometimes make a world of difference. You can bet Jeff Stoutland spent this week coaching up Hinton so he’d be ready for this game. The Eagles are still high on the rookie. They don’t expect him to have everything solved, but it would be good to see an improved performance. The big thing for me is to see him use his hands better. He was late and low with them last time out. He needs to be aggressive in getting his hands on the DL and executing his block.

Drew Kendall – I think Kendall is a lock to make the team. Will he be active on gamedays? Kendall has a chance to earn that kind of role if he can play well enought that the coaches would trust him in a real game. He was good in the opener. Just go build on that.

Josh Uche – Right now Uche feels like the #3 edge rusher. That isn’t set in stone, though. He could help himself with a good showing. Uche has flashed in practice. He doesn’t need a couple of sacks, but come up with a couple of pressures and be disruptive.

Azeez Ojulari – He’s alive. Ojulari has been asleep for much of the summer, but finally showed up in the Browns practices. If he wants to secure a roster spot, he’s got to show up on Saturday and make his presence felt. The talent is there.

Ogbo Okoronkwo – The veteran rusher has a legit chance to win a roster spot. He was solid last week, but a better performance would help him quite a bit. He needs to stand out more than in the opener.

Ty Robinson – He showed big time athleticism vs Cincy, but still had times when he got stuck on blocks. Robinson is trying to make his case for playing time. The coaches will want to see improved block destruction from him.

Gabe Hall – The second year DT was excellent in the opener. He just needs to play like that again. Stay hungry and keep being disruptive. He could be the #4 DT this season after spending last year on the practice squad.

Jacob Sykes – Vic Fangio mentioned liking what he saw from Sykes last week. The undersized DT can move and be disruptive. He needs to show that he can take on blocks and hold the point of attack. Sykes is competing for a PS spot.

Jihad Campbell – I’m curious to see how much Campbell plays. Fangio mentioned the trainers limited the rookie last week. It would be great to see Campbell play a decent amount so we can get a feel for whether he’s got a real chance to start in the opener. He flashed last week. Will be fun to see if he’s even better this time out.

Smael Mondon – The rookie LB had a disappointing first half last week. He struggled with his tackling. I thought Mondon played better in the second half so I’m expecting a better showing for the full game this week.

Sydney Brown – Brown has played well since he got to start tackling and really hitting vs the Bengals. Brown is a good run defender. He can win a starting role if the coaches like his cover skills and ability to make plays in the passing game.

Drew Mukuba – The rookie is going to make his NFL debut on Saturday. The Eagles love his potential. He is smart, tough and has playmaking ability. Mukuba has to show he can stay healthy. He also needs to do a better job of covering TEs. Mukuba still has a chance to be a starter. This is a big opportunity for him.

Kelee Ringo – Last game was rough. Ringo was up and down in coverage. His poor tackling stood out, giving a long TD to Ja’Marr Chase. Ringo needs to play with more confidence and to make plays. He’s starting to lose the battle. He needs this game in a big way.

Adoree Jackson – I was disappointed with Jackson’s speed. Receivers were able to create separation and he couldn’t close that gap. He’s a smart, experienced corner, but that only gets you so far. Jackson can win a starting job if he can play better.

Jakorian Bennett – People hoped Bennett would come in and challenge for a starting role. He’s been up and down since arriving. The game could give him a real chance to show what he can do. It will be interesting to see if he starts.

Mac McWilliams – The rookie DB has spent most of the summer in the slot. Recently he moved to outside corner and played with the #2 defense. Fangio likes him and McWilliams had a solid showing in the opener. He could be a darkhorse for the starting job. Will he be in the slot with the starters? Will he play outside? We’ll get some hints with how the coaches use him.

Eli Ricks – There was a time when we thought Ricks might challenge for a key role. Now it feels like he is battling for a roster spot. Ricks was sloppy in the opener. He needs an improved showing.

Brandon Johnson – Johnson is a UDFA who plays in the slot. He flashed against Cincy. I’m curious to see how the coaches use him and how BJ performs. It feels like he is a long shot for the roster right now, but has a legit chance at the practice squad.

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