Unexpected winners and losers from the first week of Eagles training camp

We'd never insult your intelligence by saying 'If you have seen one Philadelphia Eagles training camp, you have seen them all'. There are a few components, however, that string them all together. It's like watching a rerun on television.

Outside of the organization, we soak up as much intel on rival teams as possible. HBO rolls out another Hard Knocks miniseries. We fall in love with new Birds, and we cheer for the underdogs,

That's to be expected in a town like Philly, right?

Over the years, we have seen undrafted guys like Corey Clement, TJ Edwards, Reed Blankenship, Josh Jobe, and Eli Ricks defy the odds and catapult themselves onto the roster. While we may not see a UDFA do so this season, we are certain to see guys climb the depth chart and earn opportunities.

The top half of Philly's roster is set. There could be surprises and unexpected guys who make the team and are left off. We have already seen surprises from some guys we didn't expect to talk about as much.

Winner: Britain Covey

While many expect Britain Covey will make the roster, we have mostly thought he'd do so because of what he brings to the table as a punt returner. Enter Kellen Moore and his creativity on offense.

Some of our daydreams have featured Britain Covey being more involved and making plays in space. That isn't out of the realm of possibility. After he's been able to string some decent moments in practice together, confidence is growing that he can add something as a wide receiver (even though it's unlikely he'll be the WR3).

Winner: Darian Kinnard

Tyler Steen has gotten a lot of work as the right guard with the first-team offense. Jeff McLane reported on Sunday that he has an ankle injury and will miss a few days. That has opened the door for Darian Kinnard. He stepped in during Steen's absence which isn't insignificant. Many already saw Kinnard as a dark horse candidate to make the 53-man roster.

Winners: Avonte Maddox and Tyler Hall

While no one needs to write home about Tyler Hall yet, he's tried to take advantage of Cooper DeJean and Sydney Brown missing time because of unfortunate injuries (more on that in a second). Keep an eye on him. He won't make the 53-man roster, but he could sneak on the practice squad... maybe.

Avonte Maddox has had his doubters, including us. We thought he might have one shot at making the roster, but we might have jumped the gun prematurely. He has worked with the first team and has lined up at safety.

He has also authored one of the best defensive plays of training camp so far, punching the ball out of the hands of CJ Uzomah to force a turnover.

Winner: James Bradberry (Yes, he's still on the roster)

James Bradberry is still on the Eagles' roster. We're just as surprised as you are. Heck, James even sounded surprised when he spoke with the media on Saturday. While we have learned his transition from corner to safety was his idea, this may not lead to him winning a roster spot, but for now, he's still on the squad.

That's kind of like winning, right?

Loser: C.J. Uzomah

We thought CJ Uzomah would settle in as the second tight end on the depth chart behind Dallas Goedert. C.J. Uzomah isn't the second best tight end on this Eagles roster. If he continues on the plane he is on, he won't even make the roster as the third tight end.

We can't think of anything he has done that is worth celebrating. Then again, we haven't paid him much attention either.

Loser: Ainias Smith

Ainias Smith has looked bad. Our earlier memories of him involve him muffing punts. Our recent memories mostly involve him dropping passes.

He may make this roster simply because he was a fifth-round draft choice, but if final roster cuts had to be made tomorrow and if Smith was released, there would be no argument to suggest that move was made in error.

Losers (but only because of unexpected injury): Sydney Brown and Cooper DeJean

Sydney Brown and Cooper DeJean will both be members of this roster when they are ready to play, Both are, however, currently missing valuable snaps because of their injuries. That isn't the fastest path to success when you're a young player.

Brown has been seen on the field and standing several yards behind the defense. He has been taking mental reps while doing so. Unfortunately, he's also on the PUP (the Physically Unable to Perform list), and there's no guarantee when he'll return.

DeJean, a rookie, needs as many snaps as he can get. He won't get them as he's recovering from a hamstring injury. He's sitting on the Active/Non-Football Injury list along with wide receiver Shaquan Davis.

This sisn't the best case scenario for either guy, but it is what it is.