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Over the next month or so, we'll be taking a look at the various position battles set to be waged when the Eagles open training camp in late July. Yesterday we look at quarterback, today we'll move on to safety.
This isn't the sexiest competition, but it is at a key area of weakness from last year's squad.
The competitors
Nate Allen, Colt Anderson, Patrick Chung, Kurt Coleman, Kenny Phillips, David Sims, Earl Wolff
Allen & Coleman have started the majority of games at safety over the past couple seasons. Both came to the team as picks in the 2010 draft with Allen in the 2nd and Coleman in the 7th. The fact that the Eagles drafted a safety and signed two others this offseason is probably proof enough of how they feel about the progress of the Allen/Coleman pair.
Patrick Chung is a former Oregon Duck who has started 30 games over the past 4 years for the New England Patriots. He's a tough, hard hitting safety but has struggled with injury concerns.
Speaking of injury concerns... Kenny Phillips came over the Giants this offseason and is arguably the most talented guy in the bunch. However, his knees are a major concern and limited him to just 6 starts last season.
Colt Anderson is a special teams ace, but did fill in admirably at safety last season.
David Sims is a depth guy, Wolff is a rookie 5th round pick.
Who could win a starting job?
Nate Allen and Patrick Chung have taken the bulk of the first team snaps in camp, so those two are certainly in the mix. As I said earlier, Kenny Phillips is the most talented guy of the group, so if he stays healthy he'll obviously be in the mixfor a starting job.
While those 3 are probably the favorites right now, this is really a position up for grabs. Allen simply hasn't lived up to his potential yet, while Chung & Phillips are injury concerns... So there's really no reason why any safety on this roster couldn't step up and win a job.
Who could be a surprise cut?
Probably Nate Allen. The 2010 2nd round pick really looked like a player earlier in his career, but has regressed ever since. He's struggled in both tackling and coverage at times which has likely left him facing his last shot this offseason.