Key takeaways from the Eagles’ unofficial depth chart

Jack Connell
August 10, 2021
Eagles
3 Comments

Earlier today, the Philadelphia Eagles released an unofficial depth chart ahead of their preseason opener on Thursday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. While these depth charts are fluid and could change drastically after Thursday’s game, it gives a glimpse into what is going on at training camp.

Eagles offensive depth chart:

The first takeaway from the Eagles’ offense is that Dallas Goedert and Zach Ertz are still tied for the TE1 spot. Goedert seemed to be the clear-cut starter coming into training camp, so it seems one of three things has happened so far. Either Dallas has regressed a bit, Ertz has bounced back and looks like he did before the 2020 season, or Nick Sirianni views them as equals when lining up in 12 personnel.

There hasn’t been much talk about Dallas in training camp, but he did fail his conditioning test ahead of camp, but that was a form error and not an out-of-shape issue. Quez Watkins has been phenomenal during camp and has been many fans and analysts’ favorite player through the first few weeks of camp. Despite that, the Eagles still have him as the fifth wideout on the roster, behind Greg Ward.

Now the way the depth chart is lined up, it would show that Watkins is behind Reagor, and Ward is in the slot, but usually, a slot WR is specified on the DC as such. But regardless, if he were seen as better, Watkins would be ahead of Fulgham behind DeVonta Smith. Now again, these situations are very fluid, so a lot could change in the next three games.

Looking at the offensive line, nothing is shocking from what I projected just yesterday. Sua Opeta is the backup left guard, Nate Herbig is the backup center while Dickerson recovers, and Matt Pryor is the backup right guard. Jordan Mailata and Andre Dillard are still fighting for that left tackle spot here which makes sense with Sirianni likely wanting in-game reps before making a decision.

Eagles defensive depth chart:

The Eagles’ defense is a lot less shocking than the offense, with many positions not up for grabs. Derek Barnett and Josh Sweat are rotating as the starting DE which is well-known from Sweat’s phenomenal training camp. Genard Avery is getting the starting spot at Sam while JaCoby Stevens is still the third-string Will following his injury a few days ago.

Jonathan Gannon has been rumored to be switching to a 3-4 hybrid defense or at least implementing it a good amount this upcoming season and has shown a good amount during training camp. Despite that, the Eagles’ depth chart is lined up in a 4-3 defense. This alignment could be nothing with not much changing at all depth-wise in a different scheme. If it were the case, TJ Edwards would start, and Javon Hargrave would rotate at DT.