Eagles depth chart following the 2020 NFL Draft: Special teams edition

Now that the two major offseason acquisition periods — the start of free agency and the NFL Draft — have passed, let’s take a look at how the Philadelphia Eagles’ 2020 projected depth chart is coming together. We reviewed the offense on Wednesday and the defense on Thursday. We’ll continue today with special teams (yes, seriously). After that, we’ll post our first 53-man roster projection for the 2020 season. For perspective, you can click here to look at how the roster looks compared to last year at this time.

KICKER

1 - Jake Elliott

Elliott is signed through 2024. The 25-year-old has the chance to be a real long-term fixture on this team.

PUNTER

1 - Cameron Johnston

The Eagles offered Johnston a minimum tender since he was an exclusive-rights free agent. The team could look to sign him to a long-term extension down the road.

LONG SNAPPER

1 - Rick Lovato

2 - Nathan Gerry (?)

Lovato is signed through 2023. The Eagles have traditionally had a backup tight end as their emergency long snapper (Brent Celek, Trey Burton, Richard Rodgers) but I don’t know if that’s still the case. I do know Gerry long snapped in high school and was Nebraska’s emergency long snapper.

KICK RETURNER

1 - Jalen Reagor

2 - John Hightower

3 - Boston Scott

4 - Corey Clement

5 - Tremon Smith

6 - Adrian Killins

Miles Sanders, Scott, and Clement finished with the most kick returns in 2019. I’m guessing Sanders will be taken off those duties as he potentially sees a bigger offensive role. Reagor had 13 kick returns for a 24.2 yard average at TCU. The Eagles might not want to put too much on Reagor’s plate as a rookie, though, with him already playing on offense and potentially being the punt returner as well. Hightower logged 36 kick returns for a 23.2 average and one touchdown at Boise State. Smith is a long shot to make the roster but he did rank fourth in kick return average as a rookie in 2018. Killins had 47 returns for a 21.8 average at UCF.

PUNT RETURNER

1 - Jalen Reagor

2 - Greg Ward

3 - DeSean Jackson

4 - Boston Scott

5 - Quez Watkins

Reagor was a weapon on punt returns for TCU with 23 for a whopping 17.8 average and two touchdowns. Maybe Reagor can become the first Eagle to score a punt return touchdown since Darren Sproles last did it in 2015. Ward logged 12 fair catches to his seven returns for a 3.4 average; he’s the Reno Mahe option. Jackson could be used in special situations if the Eagles need a spark ... although Reagor might just be able to provide that. Scott had six returns for a 7.2 average last season. Watkins had 19 punt returns for a 9.4 average and one touchdown in college.

RETURN COVERAGE

Craig James, Duke Riley, Nathan Gerry, and T.J. Edwards were the Eagles’ top four leaders in special teams tackles last year. Gerry and Edwards will be less available on special teams if they’re seeing full-time starting roles. Rookie draft picks Davion Taylor and Shaun Bradley will need to step up. Some roster bubble players like Joe Ostman could make the team if they stand out in the third phase.

HOLDER

1 - Cameron Johnston

Lovato, Johnston, and Elliott are entering their third season together. Shouldn’t have to worry about timing issues or miscommunications.