Philadelphia Eagles debate table: Has Matt Pryor overtaken Isaac Seumalo?

Has Matt Pryor overtaken Isaac Seumalo on the Philadelphia Eagles’ depth chart?

2018 was supposed to be the year for Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo. With Brandon Brooks and Stefen Wisniewski firmly entrenched as the starters and the feeling that the coaching staff had soured on Chance Warmack (the latter of the three was often a healthy scratch from the gameday lineup), the overall feeling was Seumalo, now entering his third season, would make good on all of this potential that we’ve been hearing about.

After all, he was the guy with all of the versatility, and he could play every position along the offensive line.

Whatever happened with that theory?

No one was under the impression that Seumalo was Lane Johnson‘s equal, but no one expected he’d get reps at center during training camp and consistently fire rockets over the quarterbacks’ heads. In fairness, aside from that, most of his coaches and teammates agree Seumalo’s had a good camp. There’s just one thing.

Matt Pryor may be having one that’s slightly better. The highlight of his first training camp in Philly came when he took Michael Bennett to the ground in a one-on-one drill. He’s already surpassed Warmack, and he’s hot on Seumalo’s heels as well. That’s if he hasn’t already caught up with him.

Here’s a comment from Eagles offensive coordinator Mike Groh, first on Seumalo:

"Isaac missed some time in the spring. I think he’s kind of just working back into things a little bit.. and our observation has been its occurred mainly on the runs where he’s working to get up field quickly on the second level. We’ve pointed that out to Isaac, and he’s made a lot of good snaps too, but we’ve got to eliminate the bad ones."

Then, here’s what he had to say on Pryor:

"I think (Jeff Stoutland) has been really impressed and pleased with where he is with his progress. I think he can cross-train both inside and out at tackle. Love his size. Obviously, he’s got good foot quickness, and another guy that brings his lunch pail to work every day. He’s quiet. He’s smart. He’s picking it up. He can articulate the offense when asked questions. So, really pleased where he is."

Let’s get an outside but reliable opinion.

Here’s some of what was said in Seumalo and Pryor’s draft profile on NFL.com. First let’s take a look at the Eagles third-round draft selection from 2016, Mr. Seumalo:

"Strengths:Quick feet and plays with above average lateral movement. Well­-schooled with technician’s understanding of footwork and angles to secure reach blocks and wall defenders out of the running lane.Weaknesses:Base narrows as drive blocker causing occasional bouts with body control and balance. Doesn’t appear to have punch-­and­-snatch hands. Looks like he’s got block secured and then loses grip and allows his defender into the play."

Much of that is still the case as we enter year three of Seumalo’s NFL career. Here’s some info on Pryor:

"Strengths: Effective use of size to engulf stagnant run defenders looking to challenge at the point of attack. People mover with ability to handle himself in one-on-ones and cave in down-blocks. Has potential to become more consistently effective finisher than tape shows. Creates leverage point with upward thrust from low starting position with hands in run game.Weaknesses:Lacks desired reactive athleticism for optimal recovery talent once beaten. Slow to re-activate his feet once he sits down in his punch. Could struggle with change of pace rushers at tackle and arm-over specialists at guard. Below average lateral quickness out of his stance allowing defenders access to backside gap."

There’s still three games remaining in the preseason schedule, and much needs to be sorted out. Seumalo’s roster spot is probably safe. Philly doesn’t want to give up on the former third rounder, and coaches are, again, in love with his versatility.

Philly will probably move on from Warmack. They save over $1 million by parting ways with him. As it stands now, Pryor is in a good position to earn himself a roster spot, but truthfully all of this is conjecture at this point. We’ll have to wait and see what happens.