With five practices in the books, here is an updated look at where I think each player on the Eagles roster stands:
Fighting For a Roster Spot (13): Manasseh Bailey, Robert Davis, Julian Good-Jones, Michael Jacquet, Craig James, Luke Juriga, Elijah Riley, Prince Smith, Noah Togiai, Casey Tucker, Raequan Williams, Caleb Wilson, Travis Fulgham
Analysis: Of the players in this group, the two players with the best chance of making the roster are tight end Noah Togiai and cornerback Craig James. James faced a loaded cornerback position, but if the Eagles end up trading either Rasul Douglas or Sidney Jones, James is likely next in line for a roster spot. Jaquet is fighting his way up the depth chart, catching the eyes of his coaches with a strong week of practice.
Togiai is an intriguing prospect entering camp. The Eagles are thin at tight end and he only has to beat out two players — Joshua Perkins and Caleb Wilson — for a roster spot. Perkins seems to have the trust of the coaching staff, but the upside of Togiai could earn him that third tight end spot. Togiai had a nice touchdown catch earlier in the week.
Luke Juriga is another player to keep an eye on. The Eagles made him a priority UDFA signing, and he could be a player they don't want to expose to waivers. Juriga likely won't be taking snaps this season in a regular-season game, but he could be a healthy scratch each week as the Eagles prepare him for a bigger role in 2021.
On the Roster Bubble (18): Grayland Arnold, Rasul Douglas, Marcus Epps, Rudy Ford, Nate Herbig, Elijah Holyfield, Adrian Killins, Jordan Mailata, Shareef Miller, Dante Olson, Sua Opeta, Joe Ostman, Anthony Rush, Alex Singleton, Michael Warren, Casey Toohill, Deontay Burnett, Sidney Jones
Analysis: As of now it looks like there are 18 players competing for five roster spots. Chances are plenty of the players in this bubble group that are cut will be back on the practice squad, as not only is the practice squad increased to 16 players this season, but it can also include six veterans.
The most interesting players on this list are without questions Rasul Douglas and Sidney Jones.
There is a lot to like about Douglas a player — he has good size, he is physical, he can create turnovers, he is a strong tackler and has the attitude the Eagles like in their defensive backs. Douglas has never gotten consistent enough snaps to truly put it all together. Douglas had a few rough moments at practice this week, getting beat by rookie receiver John Hightower down the sideline for a touchdown on the first day of practice.
Sidney Jones can't be happy with how camp has gone so far. First, the competition for the second starting cornerback spot seems to be over. Jones didn't get any snaps with the first-team defense, with all of that work going to Avonte Maddox throughout the week. Jones ended the week on the sideline with a lower-body injury, something he has struggled with since joining the team.
Of the two it is more likely the Eagles outright cut Douglas, as they might not want to deal with the public embarrassment of cutting Jones. The Eagles trading either one, or both, is very possible.
An interesting battle has emerged between Arnold and Ford. Arnold seems to have the edge right now, as the Eagles are really excited about his long-term potential as a Rodney McLeod replacement down the line. Arnold had a strong week of practices, and caught the attention of the entire defense when he drilled running back Adrian Killins in a live 11-on-11 rep. Ford has had no such moments, but as always is the case with the bottom of the roster, could get a roster spot over Arnold due to special teams.
If I had to power rank the players on the bubble with the best chance of making the roster, the tops names would be (in some order): Herbig, Burnett, Holyfield and Toohill. All four have had a very strong week of practice, getting reps with the first-team offense/defense and having multiple moments where they have stood out.
Locks (49): J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Genard Avery, Derek Barnett, Fletcher Cox, Corey Clement, Vinny Curry, Andre Dillard, T.J. Edwards, Jake Eliott, Zach Ertz, Nate Gerry, Dallas Goedert, Javon Hargrave, DeSean Jackson, Malik Jackson, Lane Johnson, Cameron Johnston, Jason Kelce, Cre'Von LeBlanc, Rick Lovato, Avonte Maddox, Rodney McLeod, Jalen Mills, Will Parks, Jason Peters, Matt Pryor, Hassan Ridgeway, Nickell Robey-Coleman, Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, Isaac Seumalo, Darius Slay, Nate Sudfeld, Josh Sweat, Prince Tega Wanogho, Greg Ward, Carson Wentz, Shaun Bradley, Jack Driscoll, Jalen Hurts, Jalen Reagor, Davion Taylor, K'Von Wallace, Jake Elliott, Brandon Graham, Duke Riley, Quez Watkins, John Hightower, Josh Perkins
Analysis: The 46 locks that the Eagles have on the roster feels like a higher number than most seasons entering training camp. While all of these players are locks to be on the team, a few — like Arcega-Whiteside, Barnett, Jones and Avery — are entering crucial seasons to make sure they will be back in 2021.
Since camp started I have moved the following players from the bubble to on the roster: Hightower, Watkins, Clement and Perkins. It is clear that there is a major gap between Clement and the other running backs behind him on the depth chart. He seems locked in as the No. 3 running back. The same goes for Perkins, who doesn't seem to be in any competition for a roster spot with the younger tight ends.
PUP: Alshon Jeffery, Brandon Brooks
Exempt: Matt Leo
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
