Analyzing the Eagles’ 15 practice squad signings

The Philadelphia Eagles signed 15 players to their practice squad on Sunday afternoon, according to an official announcement from the team. For a more detailed explanation on how the practice squad works, [click here].

PRACTICE SQUAD

QB Josh McCown

RB Elijah Holyfield

RB Adrian Killins

RB Michael Warren

WR Deontay Burnett

WR Travis Fulgham

TE Caleb Wilson

OT Prince Tega Wanogho

OG Sua Opeta

C Luke Juriga

DE Joe Ostman

DT Raequan Williams

CB Trevor Williams

S Grayland Arnold

S Elijah Riley

[Vacant spot]

(Exemption for internal practice squad: DE Matt Leo)

ANAYLSIS

• Love to see McCown back with the team even if it’s just in a virtual capacity. [Wrote some more thoughts on him in a separate post.]
• Holyfield had a good camp and deserved to be the Eagles’ fourth running back but the Eagles are keeping waiver claim Jason Huntley for that role instead. Holyfield could be the first guy called up if something happens to Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, and/or Corey Clement.
• Killins didn’t show a ton in camp but the Eagles are intrigued by his speed. Developmental guy. His stock drops with the Eagles adding Huntley.
• Warren didn’t show much in camp at all. He’s more of a physical runner. Could have a chance to compete for a roster spot in 2021.
• Three practice squad running backs plus four on the roster gives the Eagles seven in total. That’s a lot! But Scott and Clement are free agents after this season so there’s some sense to it.
• The Eagles being able to keep Burnett on the practice squad is a win. He was great in camp and should’ve been claimed. They’re in danger of losing the 22-year-old if they don’t use one of their four protections on him.
• Fulgham was added about a week into camp and made some plays despite not having a ton of familiarity with the offense. The 2019 sixth-round pick isn’t the fastest guy (4.58 speed) but has prototypical X receiver size at 6’ 2½”, 215 lbs.
• Keeping Wilson gives the Eagles a third tight end behind Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert. The team probably preferred Noah Togiai but lot him on waivers to the Indianapolis Colts. The Eagles should still be looking for upgrades at tight end. They reportedly might re-sign Richard Rodgers in some capacity.
• Nice to see that PTW cleared waivers. The Eagles need more tackle depth and he offers some long-term potential.
• Keeping Opeta around for a second year gives the Eagles more depth at guard.
• No surprise to see Juriga back considering the Eagles gave him the highest guarantee out of their undrafted rookie free agent signings. Has center/guard versatility and could be a future backup at the former position.
• Ostman deserved to make the roster over Genard Avery. Good to see he’s at least back on the practice squad.
• The Eagles had a draftable grade on Williams and gave him the second highest guaranteed money figure out of their 13 original UDFA signings. Good to get him back for the practice squad. He’s not far off from being promoted to the roster with the Eagles keeping just four defensive tackles.
• No linebackers on the practice squad with the Eagles keeping six on the 53.
• Williams is a quality depth option to have at cornerback since he has 27 starts in 37 career games played. The Eagles currently only have four corners on the 53 after waiving Cre’Von LeBlanc but they might be re-signing him soon.
• Both Arnold and Riley made some nice plays in camp this year. Arnold arguably has more potential than the likes of Rudy Ford and Marcus Epps, who both made the team. Worth keeping two developmental safeties around with Jalen Mills and Will Parks set to be free agents after this season.
• The Eagles have one vacant practice squad spot. Maybe they use that to bring Dick Rod back to Philly ?
• The Eagles didn’t even sign Sidney Jones to their practice squad.
• Leo doesn’t count towards the Eagles’ practice squad limit but the catch is that he can’t be activated to the roster this season. He’s only around as an extra practice body. He’s going to have to hope he can earn a reserve/future contract after the 2020 season is over and then try to make the Eagles’ roster in 2021.