Eagles preseason standouts who have strengthened their cases to make the roster

We haven't seen a ton of fireworks during the first two Philadelphia Eagles preseason games. Then again, there was no reason to assume we might. These early exhibitions feature a lot of vanilla schemes and play-calling on both sides of the ball.

Most coaches state they get more out of joint practices. That isn't to say there hasn't been excitement. Once the game begins, the competitor wakes up for both players and their coaches. In consecutive weeks, we've seen late-game heroics and come-from-behind victories.

So, here we are. There is one more game before Philly has to make tough decisions and roster cuts. Good players will be released. We'll see if they land elsewhere or on Philly's practice squad.

For the guys toeing the line that separates continued employment and a release, every opportunity is important. The guys named on this list are making the most of theirs.

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The argument for E.J. Jenkins

We thought Albert Okwuegbunam Jr. had a shot to make this roster. After all, he spent time with this team last season. C.J. Uzomah's addition forced the word 'competition' across our lips.

EJ Jenkins was signed to a reserve/future contract in January. We didn't mention him at all, but he has enjoyed a good offseason while outplaying both guys.

Jenkins hauled in one of two targets versus the Baltimore Ravens. He exploded for five receptions and 47 yards receiving versus the New England Patriots. He has morphed into the third-best tight end on this team. There is no question.

There's just one problem. Now, he has a knee issue, one that forced him to sit out of practice on Saturday and Sunday. Let's hope he's back on the field soon. A roster spot might be on the line.

The argument for Tyrion Davis-Price

Ask most, and they'll tell you there's no need for Philly to house more than three tailbacks. That's probably true, but if they were to keep four, Tyrion Dais-Price would need to be the fourth.

He has stacked 62 yards rushing on ten carries through two games. We've also seen him throw blocks and take on tacklers. He offers something Kenneth Gainwell and Will Shipley don't, but is there a need for him when Saquon Barkley will see most of the action?

The argument for Joseph Ngata

Joseph Ngata was one of the Eagles' camp darlings in 2022, but his buzz fizzled during the preseason. This time around, hie was mostly quiet during camp, but he has woken up.

There may be one wide receiver job on the 53-man roster that is still open. No one has distanced himself in terms of earning it. Joseph Ngata's five receptions and 88 yards receiving versus the Patriots certainly help his case, but is this a 'too little, too late' scenario?

The argument for Tristin McCollum

Tristin McCollum is a good football player. We could be wrong, but it feels like the problem he may always have is many teams will normally house four better safeties. That doesn't mean he can't ball though. He has done everything that Philly has asked him to do.

He appeared in three regular-season games including two of the last three to close the season. He also played 23 special teams snaps during Philly's lone postseason contest. The stat line isn't overwhelming. He notched six total tackles including four of the solo variety.

If you need a more recent stat line, he has twice finished with the Eagles' second-highest tackle total. He shared that mark versus the Patriots (three) while keeping it all to himself versus the Ravens. He has seven total tackles and a TFL through the first two contacts.

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The argument for Ben VanSumeren

Speaking of decent preseason production, we'd like to offer a Ben VanSumeren argument. He tied for the team lead in tackles in Week 1 of the preseason (6). He, like McCollum, tied for the second highest total in Week 2.

Pro Football Focus gave him an overall grade of 74.0. That ranked fifth among all Eagles defenders. He brings experience after starting one of his nine in-game appearances with Philly last season and stacked 50 defensive snaps and another 180 on special teams.

He is certainly someone the Eagles coaching staff trusts, especially special teams coach Michael Clay.

The argument for Patrick Johnson

The The fourth-year edge rusher probably won't catapult himself into the regular-season pass-rush rotation, but he came through with a huge strip-sack late in the fourth quarter of Week 1's game. He has also racked up five tackles including a tackle for a loss.

He's a special teams mainstay who has carved out 362 defensive snaps and another 868 on special teams. He will again be pushing hard for a roster spot in 2024, and no one will be disappointed if he makes the roster.

The argument for Brett Toth

Perhaps our buddy Ed Kracz said it best. Versatility and brains have served Brett Toth well in his quest for a job. He's a reserve lineman who can play all five offensive line positions.

Philly has a lot of talent up front, but not all of the guys they have to work with are polished. Toth has proven he probably isn't someone you want anchoring your offensive line as the center, but he does an above average job at just about everything he does.

You can rest easy if he has to step in and play.