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Now that I’ve watched four days worth of Philadelphia Eagles training camp practices, here’s an update on the biggest winners and losers so far. Keep in mind the Eagles only began practicing in pads on Saturday and haven’t done any live tackling yet; that starts tomorrow. There are also still plenty of practice sessions and preseason games left for things to change. Now that I’ve got my disclaimer in place, let’s get to the list.
WINNERS
Carson Wentz - Barring a setback, it looks very likely he’s going to start in Week 1. Wentz looks healthy and he’s been lights out throwing the ball on most days.
Nelson Agholor - Agholor looks faster than ever. He’s making a habit of burning defenders deep down the field. He looks primed for a big year.
Corey Clement - Clement looks even more muscular. From everything we’ve been hearing, the Eagles are high on his potential.
Ronald Darby - Darby’s had a strong offseason as he heads into a contract year. He could afford to be better at actually catching the ball but at least he’s been breaking up passes. Not often beat in coverage. Big upgrade on how Eagles corners were looking at this time last year.
Shelton Gibson - Gibby had an awful training camp as a rookie. He’s been a lot better this year. He’s put himself in good position to be the fifth wide receiver by showing improved hands and route-running.
Dallas Goedert - The rookie tight end looks unguardable at times in practice. He’s big, fast, and smooth. He’s solidifying himself as the Eagles’ second tight end behind Zach Ertz.
Kamu Grugier-Hill - Kamu looks more than capable in coverage. He’s arguably the favorite for the WILL job right now. Spadaro has even said as much.
Jalen Mills - Some have suggested Mills should be headed to the bench or the slot. That looks very unlikely at this point. The Green Goblin has been around the ball all offseason. He’s routinely making plays on the ball and shutting guys down in coverage. With Darby also looking good, it’s exciting to think about what this Eagles defense could look like with two improved starting corners.
Josh Sweat - The rookie pass rusher has flashed at times. He might be able to beat out Steven Means for the fifth defensive end spot.
Matt Pryor - Pryor is generating some buzz. He put Micahel Bennett on the ground at one point, which is impressive. Pryor playing well could potentially push Isaac Seumalo or Chance Warmack off the roster. His tackle/guard versatility helps his case.
Donnel Pumphrey - BGN’s Benjamin Solak is going to have a field day with this inclusion. I don’t think Pump has looked OVERLY awesome. But he actually looks like he at least “belongs” now. Still need to see what he does in game action. For now, I think he’s right ahead of Matt Jones in that fourth running back battle. But it’s close.
Tre Sullivan - Sullivan has taken first team reps when the Eagles utilize three safety looks. He’s known for being a big hitter but he’s flashed coverage ability as well. I feel fairly confident he’s going to make the roster.
Richard Rodgers - Of the tight ends competing for a roster spot behind Ertz and Goedert, the veteran Rodgers has stood out the most. He even takes some first team reps when the Eagles utilize multiple tight end sets.
Darren Sproles - Despite coming off an ACL tear, there should be no worry that Sproles is still Sproles. The 35-year-old looks as dangerous with the ball in his hands as he ever has. The fact that Jay Ajayi doesn’t seem to offer much in the passing game also helps his playing time opportunities. (Same goes for Clement.)
Destiny Vaeao - Vaeao is taking first team defensive tackle reps next to Fletcher Cox with Timmy Jernigan out. Vaeao also earned praise from Doug Pederson. I don’t really see it as much as the coaching staff does, but their opinion matters slightly more than mine.
Benjamin Solak - It was a rough start for Ben. His phone ran out of power on the first day of camp. But he rebounded well and I’m proud of him. Solak even noticed the Adam Reth signing before anyone else did.
LOSERS
Sidney Jones - It’s not that I think Jones has looked bad. I just don’t think he’s stood out as much as I would’ve liked to seen at this point. He’s not even a lock to win the slot job. He’s rotating with 25-year-old journeyman De’Vante Bausby for that nickel role. I’m very curious to see how Jones looks in the games.
Cameron Johnston - Just don’t think he’s going to be the Eagles’ punter this season. Doesn’t seem to be consistent enough to be fully trusted. Philadelphia might be able to find an upgrade during waivers. Or they could always bring Donnie Jones back.
Isaac Seumalo - After barely practicing in the spring, Seumalo has really struggled with his snapping as a center. He’s not just merely snapping the ball high. It’s that the ball is going over the quarterback’s head even if the quarterback was twice as tall as he was. The emergence of Pryor is another reason why Seumalo is in the loser section.
Chance Warmack - After committing a false start, Warmack was replaced by Pryor during an 11-on-11 drill on Sunday. Warmack being a Jeff Stoutland guy might ultimately save him from being cut. But if I’m the Eagles, I don’t see the sense in keeping him when he only plays guard (no versatility) and trading him would save $1.65 million in cap space.
Kamar Aiken - He’s dropped a number of passes. At least one every day so far. Just don’t see him making a strong push for that sixth receiver job when guys like Markus Wheaton, Greg Ward Jr., Rashard Davis, and even Tim Wilson appear to be better.
Joe Callahan - Hasn’t looked as good as he did in the spring. Still better than Matt McGloin but he’s not threatening Nate Sudfeld.
Rasul Douglas - Douglas has had some nice moments. It hasn’t been all bad for him. He still gets beat deep fairly often, especially in one-on-one drills. With Mills and Darby looking great, and Douglas not being in the slot mix, I don’t think he’s going to get a ton of playing time.
Nick Foles - The Super Bowl MVP is unlikely to start in Week 1 with Wentz looking so ready to play. He also just hasn’t looked that great in practice. Don’t just take my (accusingly biased) word for it. This is from Dave Spadaro: “Nick Foles is so much better in games than he is in practice. That’s just something to note through the years.”
Steven Means - Means hasn’t looked bad. Sweat looking good threatens his roster spot, though. I like Means so I’m not rushing him out the door but I think trading him might make the most sense for the team.
Josh Adams - After missing the entirety of spring drills, I haven’t noticed Adams do much in camp. He left the field with an undisclosed injury on Sunday and didn’t return. I don’t think anyone is going to claim him on waivers so he could be practice squad material.
Bryce Treggs - The good news is that Treggs is reportedly expected to return to practice this week. The bad news is that his missed time gives more opportunities to the guys he’s competing with for the sixth receiver spot.
Adam Zaruba - Zaruba hasn’t done much and he was carted off the field on Sunday.
Anyone Who Ordered A Rita’s Water Ice Flavor That Wasn’t Swedish Fish - Swedish Fish is clearly the best flavor. Big loss for anyone who didn’t order one. I’m looking at you, Alex Smith (the Eagles’ website guy, not the Washington quarterback.)