The Eagles training camp has begun, bringing one of the most exciting times of the year. This year, the Eagles have some intriguing and competitive positional battles going into training camp. In previous years, there have been some battles, but they mostly involved bottom-of-the-roster guys trying to compete for a spot. However, this year, some really good players are going head-to-head to win a starting spot. Let’s take a look at the battles and who I think will earn their spot.

Linebacker

Players involved: Zack Baun, Oren Burks, Nakobe Dean, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Devin White

While some may say that this group is reminiscent of the linebacker rooms of previous years, I think this group is light years ahead of the worst of the worst. I actually believe this group has some solid potential. So far this training camp, Zack Baun and Devin White have been your starting LBs, which could lead you to believe that it’s almost a sure thing that it will be those two starting in a couple of Fridays from now. Nakobe Dean has looked pretty good as well. Coming out of college, Dean was known for his blitzing ability, and he has shown off that ability so far in camp.

Trotter had an injury scare early in camp (which ended up being just cramps) but hasn’t really done anything notable since. Burks has been hurt since training camp began. While Baun has the lead, I think Nakobe Dean will ultimately take the job. The blitzing potential between White and Dean is something every Eagles fan has dreamed of since the late great Jim Johnson.

Chase’s Pick: Nakobe Dean and Devin White

Cornerback(Slot and Outside)

Players involved: Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper Dejean, Avonte Maddox, Isaiah Rodgers, Kelee Ringo, Eli Ricks

There are two spots up for grabs at cornerback: the outside CB position opposite Darius Slay and the slot CB position. This battle is perhaps the most “wait and see” situation we have going right now. As it stands, Cooper Dejean is the longshot of the group, having hurt himself and being out for three weeks. Eli Ricks, an undrafted free agent, played well above expectations but is still a longshot.

This one is tough. On one hand, you have Quinyon Mitchell, who has impressed so far in camp. Why would the Eagles spend a first-round pick on him if they weren’t going to play him? I know they’ve done it before, but Mitchell looks NFL-ready to me. Isaiah Rodgers has been someone we’ve been keeping an eye on, and he’s been good so far in camp. Howie was smart to pick him up and take a chance on him once the Colts let him go.

Avonte Maddox has experience, but I feel like we know what we are going to get with him, and he hasn’t stayed healthy. Then there’s Kelee Ringo, who shocked me because he fell in the draft. He is still raw, but there’s no denying his athletic abilities. Last year, he showed he was a capable CB in the NFL, and let’s not forget, he’s only going to get better. He is still one of the youngest players on the Eagles at 22 years old. This one is a toss-up.

Chase’s Pick: Rodgers and Ringo

Backup Running Back

Players involved: Kenneth Gainwell, Will Shipley

Let me be the first to say that I don’t hate Gainwell; I just hate how much the coaching staff tried to force him the ball last year. I think he is a solid second option. Let me also be the first to say, I absolutely hated the Will Shipley pick, but that has since changed. I think Shipley was a great pick. While he doesn’t specialize in one area, he is good at almost everything. It was a very safe pick. If Saquon Barkley goes down, I think Shipley can and will step up.

Shipley has been getting some attention with his play so far in camp, especially when Saquon missed a practice. He’s building trust with the coaching staff and Jalen Hurts, and I think that can go a long way. I wouldn’t be surprised with any possibility here.

Chase’s Pick: Will Shipley

Slot/Third Wide Receiver

Players involved: Parris Campbell, John Ross, Ainias Smith, Johnny Wilson, Britain Covey

Can someone tell me why this battle has me excited? Maybe it’s because Quez Watkins is gone, and I truly believe the Eagles would have been better off playing 10v11 on offense last year than with Watkins on the field. Let’s start with my favorite, Johnny Wilson. As you all know, Wilson is 6’7″ and can go up and get a ball out of the air. I can’t picture a scenario where he plays the slot; he’s just too big. However, he could play outside, allowing Smitty to play out of the slot on some plays. I like Wilson. If he fixes his drops, he will be a super solid WR.

Ainias Smith is another rookie who has struggled with drops, but when you watch his film, you will get excited. He is so quick and can make people miss in the open field. John Ross has a story that makes him feel like an underdog. Once a top pick in the NFL Draft, he is now on what I would say is his last chance at making an NFL roster. He has made some plays so far in camp, and I do think he makes the team.

Britain Covey is my sleeper pick here. I think that the shiftiness you see on punt returns can translate if the Eagles get the ball in his hands on a slant or drag route. I like Covey. The small sample size we have of him as a receiver gives me hope that something good can happen if he has the ball.

Parris Campbell seemed like the favorite here, and I still think he is. He’s been getting some targets from Hurts, but he hasn’t really stood out so far in camp. There’s also a good chance that if none of these guys separate themselves, the Eagles will make a move at WR.

Chase’s Pick: A receiver not on the roster/or Covey

While there are more battles happening, these are the ones that have captured my attention. I’ll likely cover the others in another article, but for today, I focused on some of my favorites. We’re in for an exciting training camp, and the joint practices with the Patriots are just around the corner. These sessions will reveal a lot about our players. As I write this, there are only 8 days until the Eagles’ first preseason game. Be sure to keep an eye out for my articles before and after that game. I’m excited to cover the Eagles for this upcoming season and hope you guys enjoy the articles I will be writing. Let’s have a year everyone!