Eagles release first official depth chart: 5 things worth mentioning

Can you believe it? We waited all summer for Philadelphia Eagles training camp to begin, and in the blink of an eye, we're placing the finishing touches on a day that doubled as Philly's last practice session before their first preseason game. The first opponent was also the first opponent this time last season. How about a date with the Baltimore Ravens?

Philly has already had to manage injuries, more than they probably would have liked. We've seen guys line up in strange places. We've seen new roles and news faces. It will be fun to watch these guys compete against someone else's team.

Recently, our staff tried its hand at crafting a depth chart. Admittedly, we were confused about a few roles and what we should lebel some guys.

Do we need to separate defensive tackles from nose tackles? Do we call Avonte Maddox a nickel or a safety? These are the things we were pondering. Thankfully, the Birds have satisfied some of our curiosity by answering those questions. They also answered a few we hadn't had a chance to ask yet.

Here's a look at the first Eagles depth chart of the preseason (and a few theories about what we are seeing).

A head coach on the hot seat... New coordinators on the offensive and defensive side of the ball... Guess what? Their success will be determined by the guys that play for them. Fortunately, this Eagles roster has a few ballers. Here are the depth charts.

Here are several things have jumped out at us.

1. Why is a potential starting corner the top returner?

Oh yeah... We know Isaiah Rodgers can return punts. We just don't know if we want him to.

He and Kelee Ringo are the favorites to start opposite Darius Slay on the outside at cornerback. We don't know what kick returns will look like, at least not completely. We just don't want to see him lost to injury because of a freak injury.

2. Former draftees have some work to do if they're going to make an impression.

Tarron Jackson and Patrick Johnson were selected during the 2021 NFL Draft in rounds six and seven respectively. During the three years that followed, they combined for 53 tackles, a sack, and two forced fumbles, but Jackson spent last season on the practice squad.

This is a contract season for both of them, but they'll have to make the roster before we have those conversations. A trip to the scout team is probably the ceiling for both. They are both at the bottom of the depth chart at edge rusher.

3. All of the top four linebackers on the roster are listed as first-teamers.

We've all settled into the idea that Devin White and Zack Baun will be the starting linebackers in Vic Fangio's scheme. We also believe Nakobe Dean and Jeremiah Trotter Jr are the backups.

All four are listed as being part of the first team for now. That's interesting. We'll see how things go as we move through the preseason.

4. Tyler Steen is the starting right guard.

Tyler Steen seemed like the favorite to start at right guard early. Mekhi Becton took up residency when Steen injured an ankle and didn't seem to want to relinquish that duty when Steen returned.

We feel like the chances of Steen starting are 60/40, but we have been wrong before. Both need polish. Both have potential.

Worth a mention: Darian Kinnard is one of those guys we all thought might sneak onto the roster. Don't look now. He's one of the top ten offensive linemen and ahead of Brett Toth, Max Scharping, and Dylan McMahon on the depth chart.

Keep watch. This could be entertaining.

5. James Bradberry is going to make this roster, isn't he?

James Bradberry is still here, huh? None of us know how this will play out, but we'll tell you something. The longer he hangs around, the more Vic Fangio is going to like him.

Stay tuned.

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