Philadelphia Eagles: Initial thoughts on camp’s biggest roster battles

Philadelphia Eagles: Greg Ward versus Marquise Goodwin, JJ Arcega-Whiteside versus John Hightower

Though we’re calling each position a “competition”, much of the roster seems to be in place. Kyle Lauletta isn’t working his way past Jalen Hurts, Nate Sudfeld, or Carson Wentz. We know who’s locked up two of Philly’s three tight end spots. The “Birds” seem to know who their four defensive tackles are.

That means the wide receiver corps might be the area where we see the most of this team’s real competition. If Alshon Jeffery and DeSean Jackson are healthy, they’re the starters, but even though all signs seem to point to Jackson being ready for the start of the regular season, Jeffery will probably begin the regular-season campaign on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list.

Philly traded for Marquise Goodwin on the third day of the NFL Draft. He’s probably in and figures to compete with Greg Ward for the starting slot role. If we’re using our imaginations, maybe we can even throw Jalen Reagor in there too.

If everyone’s right and Jeffery can’t go in Week 1, JJ Arcega-Whiteside and Jalen Reagor may compete for the other outside starting role, and that means everyone else might be competing for, at best, one roster position or, at worst, one or two spots on the practice squad. It will still be interesting to see how the speedsters come along. There seems to be a buzz building around Quez Watkins, John Hightower, and Khalil Tate.