Eagles playing their way into more important roles than we originally expected

Despite where we're from or where we settle, in many ways we're the same. Philadelphia Eagles fans represent different races. Nowadays, we're spread all over the country, but we share more qualities than we often notice.

We love our Birds. We sometimes argue with one another. We spend hours bouncing theories off one another.

Sometimes, the discussions are peaceful and playful. At other times, they border on debate. We ignore the trolls on social media only to host verbal tussles with friends, family, and many of our coworkers.

As we approach roster cuts that will come after the preseason, those arguments and discussions will intensify. After all, we all have our theories about the final roster, right?

There will be surprises, but to their credit, some of the guys have already placed themselves in great positions and are winning the respect of teammates and coaches. Here are several that come to mind.

Kenny Gainwell

We've never felt like Kenneth Gainwell would receive a long-term extension once he reached the end of his current deal at the end of this season. Then again, we never thought he'd be released either.

He isn't better than Saquon Barkley and probably never will be, but he's better than most of his detractors give him credit for being. His teammates and coaches trust him, and based off what we've seen from him in camp, when he is called upon to spell Saquon Barkley, he'll provide quality snaps as part of Kellen Moore's offense.

Johnny Wilson

Early on, after they were drafted, we dedicated endless hours to discussing Ainias Smith and Johnny Wilson. The former is a shifty guy who could work in the slot and help out as a returner. The latter is a big-bodied guy who can create matchup issues.

After a week of practice, we've learned Jalen Hurts trusts Wilson. His coaches are looking to find ways to get him more involved in the offense. Meanwhile, we have also learned that Ainias Smith can't catch. If he doesn't improve and if John Ross, Parris Campbell, and the next guy on our list keep making plays, Smith could play himself off the active roster.

Britain Covey

Who knew? One of the league's best returners has some hands! Britain Covey has made the most of his opportunities in camp. He's more than a punt returner. He's also a capable receiver. He has certainly outplayed Ainias Smith.

Nick Sirianni has made it plain. The passing game will run primarily through AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert, but it's nice to know that Covey can snag a few passes if called upon.

Mekhi Becton

Jeff Stoutland personally pounded the table in an attempt to influence leadership to acquire Mekhi Becton. He got his wish granted. The former first-rounder is an Eagle.

Since his arrival and training camp began, he has filled in for both Landon Dickerson and Tyler Steen. Something is afoot. Becton has gone from being someone we knew would make the team to someone who might crack the starting lineup. The talent and versatility are both present. So is the coaching.

Avonte Maddox

Avonte Maddox is the Eagles' most experienced slot corner. He has also taken snaps at the safety position. We wondered if his standing with the organization rested on shaky ground, but it appears as though there's still something here. His stock has steadied on some days and has risen on others.

Philly may want to keep seven corners if the keep Avonte though. We're all very aware of his injury history.

Kelee Ringo

If most of us are honest, after the most recent NFL Draft, we probably had visions of Darius Slay and Quinyon Mitchell lining up outside as starters with hope that Cooper DeJean would learn how to work in the slot. No one thought Philly would release Kelee Ringo, but we didn't see him as a starter, did we?

Wow! What a difference a week's worth of practices make. Kelee has been one of the best guys at camp.

Worth mentioning: James Bradberry

While saying James Bradberry has a leg up on the competition might be a stretch, he's respected by the Eagles' organization. It was his idea to switch from cornerback to safety, and because his coaches respected him, they gave the idea a shot.

Through the early portion of camp, he has spent most of his time working as a safety with the second-team defense. It also stands to reason that his style of play might work in Vic Fangio's zone-heavy schemes. That won't guarantee him anything come the final roster cuts.

We wouldn't be shocked if James made the roster. We wouldn't be shocked if he didn't.

Also worth mentioning: Zack Baun

We've known of Zack Baun's standing on the Eagles' depth chart for a while. He and Devin White have been first-team linebackers since their arrival. Nothing during the initial training camp practices have changed that.

We see no scenario where he's left off the roster, and that being said, most of us probably didn't think he'd be valued so highly upon arrival. That is if we're being honest about how we felt at the announcement of his signing.

Keep doing your thing sir!