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Over the past few days BGN has spent time reviewing the Eagles post-draft depth chart. We've already taken a look at where the Eagles' six draft picks will fit in on the roster. Now it's time to figure out their specific roles and make some stat predictions.
Must Reads
Nelson Agholor, WR, USC
Role
While the Eagles are kind of thin when it comes to proven talent at the wide receiver position, they sure do have a lot of bodies in the mix. Jordan Matthews seems like the only sure returning starter. His role might be expanding. Riley Cooper is trending down and Josh Huff could be trending up. The Eagles are kind of stuck with Cooper's bad contract so will they use him in a platoon role? Is Huff ready to step up and earn more playing time? Then there's Miles Austin. The team gave him $1 million guaranteed, and he doesn't really play special teams, so where does he fit in?
The answers to those questions remain to be seen. In the meantime, it shouldn't be hard for Agholor to earn his snaps. He's versatile enough to play at multiple receiver positions. He can also split time fielding punts with Darren Sproles. Agholor might not be a full time starter as a rookie but it seems incredibly safe to say he'll see the field more often than the Eagles 2014 first round pick, Marcus Smith.
Prediction
70% snaps, 65 receptions, 900 yards, 6 TD
Eric Rowe, DB, Utah
Role
This is a tough one to figure out. Chip Kelly seemed to suggest Rowe will be used at cornerback instead of safety but that was before the team drafted JaCorey Sheppard and Randall Evans later in the draft. The Eagles have a gaping hole at safety and it could make more sense to put Rowe there instead. Rowe will have tougher competition trying to earn a starting cornerback spot because he's competing against some veterans like Nolan Carroll, Walter Thurmond, and Brandon Boykin (in theory). I honestly have no idea how Rowe is going to be used. Kind of have to wait this one out. I imagine he'll get on the field at some point.
Prediction
?????????
Must Reads
Jordan Hicks, ILB, Texas
Role
The Hicks pick may have been confusing, but it's really easy to see where he fits in on the team. He'll be a backup player who might see some rotational snaps at times. He'll also be expected to contribute on special teams. Hicks could potentially be a future starter.
Prediction
~10% defensive snaps
JaCorey Shepherd, CB, Kansas
Role
The cornerback position is crowded, especially if the Eagles end up keeping Rowe there. It would seem like Shepherd doesn't have much of a chance to contend for a starting job right away but he could serve as depth on the outside.
Prediction
Depth and special teams
Randall Evans, CB, Kansas State
Role
Evans could figure in as the backup slot cornerback to Brandon Boykin and/or Walter Thurmond.
Prediction
Depth and special teams
Brian Mihalik, DE, Boston College
Role
Mihalik is huge and athletic. He'll compete for a depth roster spot but he might find himself on the outside looking in when it comes to final cuts. The team could try to find a way to keep him on the practice squad.
Prediction
Practice squad