Philadelphia Eagles training camp preview: The defensive ends

Much of the Philadelphia Eagles defensive line rotation is set. That means there are quite a few reserves battling for one or maybe two spots.

It never gets old to hear it, say it or type it. The Philadelphia Eagles may have the most talented crop of defensive ends in all of professional football.

Here’s what we know. Nine currently sit on the roster. Philly may take about five into the regular season. We think we know who four of those guys are. That means five guys are essentially battling for a roster spot.

Let’s not waste any more time. We’re chomping at the bit every time the conversation comes up. Let’s look at the lineup.

1. Brandon Graham

The author of the most famous strip-sack in team history won’t have any issues in making the Eagles roster, but whether or not he’s signed to a long-term deal at the end of the upcoming season is anybody’s guess.

2. Michael Bennett

The jubilation that came by his signing was immediately replaced by a divide in the fan base when we learned of Bennett’s legal trouble. He’ll make the roster, but his availability for the 2018 season is up in the air at this point.

3. Derek Barnett

If Barnett can take the type of leap many are expecting him to take, no Eagles fan is going to complain. What’s even more of a story is if Barnett’s career takes off, it may make it easier for Philly to say goodbye to Graham when his deal ends.

4. Danny Ezechukwu

Have you ever seen The Usual Suspects? Some say it was a great movie. That isn’t totally true. It’s really an okay movie with a great ending. Ezechuwu’s collegiate career was exactly like that. It started out okay. It finished with a bang. That’s why he went undrafted, but it’s also why Philly gave him a shot.

He’ll have a tough time making the roster however.

5. Josh Sweat

Some are saying the Eagles got a steal by getting Josh Sweat in a later round. Heck, after watching some tape, we at ITI feel fully confident in saying the exact same thing. If he has even a decent preseason and camp, you can pencil him onto the roster.

6. Joe Ostman

Here’s a guy that can play. He’ll make someone’s roster as a backup or special teams player, but whether or not that happens with Philly is up for debate. With the depth ‘The Birds’ have, that’s probably going to be a no when all is said and done.

Hey, you can’t keep everybody.

7. Chris Long

You all know this guy. You all probably love this guy. There’s not much we can tell you that you don’t already know. He’s assured of a spot.

8. Aziz Shittu

Yes, Shittu has a Super Bowl ring. That’s for all of you who were probably wondering. Yet in still, it’s hard to imagine a scenario where he ascends to anything more than a spot on the practice squad. That’s if he even makes it to that point.

9. Steven Means

He’s proven to every Eagles fan and coach that he can play. Unfortunately, that isn’t the point. Means will see his name in the conversation for a roster spot all the way to the end of the preseason, but in the end, he’ll probably fall victim to the numbers game.

The debate table is open. How are you feeling? Who’s in, and who’s out? Ladies and gentlemen, the preseason is here.

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