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The Philadelphia Eagles begin their 2017 training camp on Monday, July 24. Bleeding Green Nation is already breaking down the Philadelphia Eagles roster in a position preview series, but we're also going to be running a countdown series that's more geared towards unique thematic angles. We start that series by taking a look at the new players on Philadelphia's roster.
Overview
The Eagles have a total of 32 new faces heading into training camp this year. Nine players were signed in free agency, one player was acquired via trade, eight picks were made during the 2017 NFL Draft, 11 undrafted rookie free agents were signed, and three players joined the team on reserve/futures contracts.
NFL Free Agency
#17 - WR Alshon Jeffery (1 year, $14 million)
#82 - WR Torrey Smith (1 year, $5 million ... plus two team options)
#35 - RB LeGarrette Blount (1 year, $1.25 million)
#56 - DE Chris Long - (2 years, $4.5 million)
#9 - QB Nick Foles (2 years, $11 million)
#67 - OG Chance Warmack (1 year, $1.51 million)
#21 - CB Patrick Robinson (1 year, $1 million)
#3 - QB Matt McGloin (1 year, $800,000)
#66 - DT Gabe Wright (1 year, $615,000)
The Eagles signed three or four starters in free agency this year. Jeffery is the marquee name. His presence alone greatly improves Philadelphia’s receiving corps. Smith is another solid veteran to add to the mix if he can wash the 49ers stink off him. Blount will be the Eagles’ lead ball carrier this season. Long is a rotational pass rusher. Foles is the main backup behind Carson Wentz. Warmack gives the Eagles more guard depth. Robinson could potentially start at corner or contribute in nickel defense packages. McGloin and Wright have their work cut out for them to make the roster.
Trades
#93 - DT Timmy Jernigan (acquired for a swap of draft picks with the Ravens)
Jernigan figures to be the Eagles’ replacement for Bennie Logan. Jernigan could really be a nice complementary starter next to Fletcher Cox.
2017 NFL Draft
#96 - 1st - No. 14 - Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
#22 - 2nd - No. 43 - Sidney Jones, CB, Washington
#32 - 3rd - No. 99 - Rasul Douglas, CB, West Virginia
#10 - 4th - No. 118 - Mack Hollins, WR, North Carolina
#34 - 4th - No. 132 - Donnel Pumphrey, RB, San Diego State
#80 - 5th - No. 166 - Shelton Gibson, WR, West Virginia
#47 - 5th - No. 184 - Nathan Gerry, LB, Nebraska
#98 - 6th - No. 214 - Elijah Qualls, DT, Washington
Whether Barnett starts right away remains to be seen. He has a chance to do so. If not, he’ll still get a lot of playing time in the defensive end rotation. Jones likely won’t play a major role in 2017 as he recovers from injury. He could be a starter as soon as next year though. Douglas will push for a starting role this season. Hollins will contribute on special teams and could see some rotational snaps on offense. Pumphrey will have a role in the Eagles’ running back rotation. Gibson likely won’t contribute much in 2017. Gerry is a developmental player who might best be stashed away this season. Qualls needs to catch up after missing all of OTA practices.
Undrafted Free Agency
#30 - RB Corey Clement ($35,000 guaranteed)
#74 - DT Winston Craig ($20,000 guaranteed)
#35 - CB Randall Goforth
#1 - P Cameron Johnston
#51 - C Tyler Orlosky
#49 - S Tre’ Sullivan ($15,000 guaranteed)
#4 - WR Greg Ward
#30 - CB Jomal Wiltz
#85 - TE Billy Brown ($17,500 guaranteed)
#66 - OT Victor Salako
#1 - QB Dane Evans
Most, if not all, of these players are long shots to make the final roster. They could be practice squad material. Orlosky is one of the most notable names to keep an eye on.
Reserve/Futures Contracts
#41 - CB Mitchell White
#63 - OG Dallas Thomas
#66 - DT Justin Hamilton
Likely just camp bodies, though White caught my eye a little in spring practices.
TAKEAWAY
The Eagles had 35 new players in last year’s camp.
Philadelphia actually had the third fewest roster turnover of any team this offseason. Some key pieces changed, but maybe that overall continuity will pay off heading into Year 2 of the Carson Wentz era.