Inside the Iggles
FanSided

Philadelphia Eagles projected 2016 preseason two-deep depth chart

By Ryan Quigley

May 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles graphics and logos on the interview background at OTS
May 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles graphics and logos on the interview background at OTS /
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Oct 19, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles outside linebacker Brandon Graham (55) in a game against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles won 27-7. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles outside linebacker Brandon Graham (55) in a game against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles won 27-7. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Right Defensive End

  1. Brandon Graham
  2. Marcus Smith

Brandon Graham was originally drafted by the Eagles in 2010 to play defensive end in Andy Reid‘s 4-3 defense. When Reid was fired by the Eagles following the 2012 season, Graham was forced to switch to 3-4 outside linebacker with Chip Kelly at the helm.

Now, Graham is finally returning to his natural position as a 4-3 defensive end.

Graham was an effective player as a 3-4 outside linebacker, but the switch to a 4-3 front gives Graham more opportunities to rush the passer and keeps him from dropping back into coverage, which isn’t one of his strong suits. Graham is at his best when pressuring the quarterback and he will finally be able to do that full-time in 2016.

One of the more underrated camp battles to keep track of this offseason is the battle for Graham’s backup. Considering his former first-round value, Marcus Smith (also known as Magikarp) is likely the frontrunner to backup Graham. However, rookie Alex McCalister is not far behind him and could win the job with a strong training camp.

Next: Defensive Tackle

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