The Eagles have released their updated depth chart and there's a few things worth noting.
First, and this is hardly news, but we officially will be starting the year with a completely different starting linebacking corps than we started with last year. I can't think of the last time that's ever happened.
Once again, Andy is in love with the big boys. He kept 10 offensive & defensive lineman this year. By the way, Shawn Andrews is the starting RG and will be practicing on Monday. Along the defensive line Kearse has kept his starting job(for know), but Trent Cole will start over Darren Howard on the right side. Frankly, I thought Darren Howard played better last year when he started coming off the bench. So while I'm not sold on Kearse as an impact player anymore, I do like the depth and rotation at the end position.
It looks like Jason Avant is the official #3 WR. Hopefully that means I didn't waste my money on these... I think he earned the the #3 slot and has really made strides from last year. On the flip side, Hank Baskett has slipped down to #5 on the depth chart behind Greg Lewis.
Despite the fact that he started at free safety all preseason, Quintin Mikell is the second string strong safety behind Sean Considine. My guess is that he'll see more time than most backup safeties, and he has a better chance than any other 2nd stringer on this team to be starting before week 8. JR Reed is the backup to Dawk at FS.
JR Reed will handle kickoff return duties, but Greg Lewis will handle punt returns. Lewis was less than impressive in the preseason and I'd love to see someone else get a chance. Brian Westbrook is listed as the second string punt returner, and I could see Andy giving him a shot or two to return one every couple games. Especially if it's a big spot and the team could really use a lift.
A small surprise for me is that Brent Celek is the 3rd string TE. This kid completely outplayed Matt Schobel in the preseason. Not only out catching passes, but I think he's a better blocker as well. Frankly, I was thinking that had LJ Smith not gotten hurt Matt Schobel would have been a prime candidate to get to cut. The team did not carry 3 TEs last year. Long snapper Mike Bartrum did play some TE at times though. Speaking of Bartrum, I sure wish we still had him here...