Eagles enter training camp with more continuity than they’ve had in quite some time

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 continue that series by taking a look at the changes Philadelphia made this offseason. Previously: [The New Players] - [The Veterans]

Additions

Click here to read more about the 32 players the Eagles added this season. Alshon Jeffery is clearly the most notable name on the list.

Subtractions

*DT Bennie Logan - Signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency.

*CB Nolan Carroll - Signed with the Dallas Cowboys in free agency.

*DE Connor Barwin - Released, signed with the Los Angeles Rams.

*CB Leodis McKelvin - Released.

[*RB Ryan Mathews - Not officially released yet but widely expected to be.]

QB Chase Daniel - Released, signed with the New Orleans Saints.

RB Kenjon Barner - Signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency.

LB Stephen Tulloch - Retired.

DE Bryan Braman - Free agent.

This list of nine is smaller than last year’s list of 13 players and even smaller than the 2015 total of 15 players. Two years ago, the Eagles lost nine starters. Last year the Eagles lost seven starters. This year that figure has been cut down to five. The Eagles are trending towards continuity now with Chip Kelly gone. It’s worth noting that Over The Cap said the Eagles had the third fewest roster turnover in the league this offseason.

Four of the starters lost came on the defensive side of the ball. Logan was a good run-stuffer but wasn’t the best pass rusher. Barwin was not a good fit as a 4-3 defensive end. McKelvin and Carroll predictably struggled last year. Mathews is hurt way too often to be relied upon.

Coaching staff

Philadelphia didn’t make many coaching staff changes this offseason. The New York Jets reportedly had interest in Eagles quarterback coach John DeFilippo, but the team denied their interview request.

The one significant change that was made was the firing of Greg Lewis and the hiring of new Eagles wide receiver coach Mike Groh. Groh made positives impressions in spring practices this year due to his command over his group. In addition, most of the Eagles’ wide receivers actually looked good for once. The combination of talent upgrades and the presence of Groh should go a long way in surrounding Carson Wentz with actual weapons to work with.

Schemes

No major schematic differences. It’s worth noting Duce Staley said Doug Pederson told him the Eagles need to pound the rock more often. We’ll see if that happens. Philadelphia called runs on 41.83% of their plays last year, which was good for 16th in the league. Ergo, there’s certainly room to rely upon the run more frequently.

As for the defense, Jim Schwartz is still in place. The Eagles didn’t make any defensive coaching changes so we shouldn’t expect anything too different. Schwartz’s scheme should arguably be more effective this year now that Philadelphia has upgraded their pass rush on paper. The additions of Timmy Jernigan, Derek Barnett, and Chris Long could prove to be valuable. In an ideal world, the Eagles’ defensive line can help mask the team’s deficiencies at cornerback.

Player development

The Eagles are counting on some big contributions in Year 2 from their 2016 NFL Draft class. All eyes will obviously be on the progress of Wentz. The team will go as far as he takes them. There’s reason to believe Wentz can make the jump given his improved supporting cast and a full offseason to hone his craft.

Elsewhere, the Eagles are counting on Jalen Mills to be a starter at corner. Coaches and players alike believe he can have a breakout season. Mills struggled in 2016 so he still has a lot to prove. 2016 third-round pick Isaac Seumalo could be starting at left guard. He showed promise as a rookie.

Overall

Last year I wrote:

The Eagles made a lot of change this offseason. Howie Roseman is hoping for more continuity in the future.

Well, it looks like Roseman is starting to get what he wanted. The Eagles are experiencing more continuity now than they have in quite some time.