First Showcase

Amid monsoon-like conditions, the Eagles on Friday will open preseason play at 7:30 p.m. in Baltimore, taking on the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.

While much of the discourse surrounding the game has pertained to the status of starters, the dawn of exhibition season represents the next phase of the summer evaluation process.

Sure, key position will be decided over the next three weeks, but the preseason is best optimized to iron-out wrinkles, experiment with various looks and play calls, and assess the back end of the roster.

The latter, of course, becomes a point of emphasis in the second and third games in particular, but training camp has brought to light – reaffirmed, in some cases – what I’ve observed over time.

They’ll now have an opportunity to alter their fortune.

Here are seven players to watch:

DT Thomas Booker IV

Undersized for the position, and largely an afterthought in light of the star-studded headliners at his position, Booker is near the top of my list as far as under-the-radar roster contenders who have flashed. Yes, he’s behind linemen like Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Milton Williams, Moro Ojomo and Marlon Tuipulotu – so it’s difficult to find a roster spot for him – but every time I watched the third team, Booker made a play. The Stanford product acts as a spark plug, firing off the ball and playing with urgency, while using leverage to his advantage. He stormed through for multiple would-be sacks and on Tuesday planted left guard Nick Gates on his backside. Booker IV, a 2022 Texans fifth-round pick, appeared in 10 games (one start) as a rookie and hasn’t since played in a regular-season game. He spent the 2023 season on the Eagles’ practice squad and in January was signed to a reserve/future contract.

OL Matt Hennessy

Originally penciled in to serve as a backup center, while also competing at guard, Hennessy has underwhelmed this summer. The Eagles on multiple occasions had opportunities to bump up Hennessy for an extended look, be it at either guard spot, but instead opted to roll with Brett Toth and Trevor Keegan.

Even when Hennessy has gotten quality looks, the Temple product doesn’t generate much in the way of push. He’s also disappointed in 1-on-1s, often struggling with power rushers. A 22-game starter with interior versatility, Hennessy provides value, but it very much feels as though the team is higher on Toth at the moment. He’ll have his shot to flip the script.

EDGE Patrick Johnson

Of the fringe pass-rushers vying for a roster spot, Johnson, who over the offseason added 10 pounds of lean muscle mass and reduced his body fat to 17 percent, has stood apart. Demonstrating the increased strength and power to deconstruct blocks, advanced hand usage and a relentless motor, Johnson has generally performed well in 1-on-1s and team drills, often holding his own at the point of attack.

The fourth-year edge rusher typically yields favorable results when paired against OL Darian Kinnard. It’s also important to note the Eagles kept six edge defenders on the final 53-man roster last summer, and Johnson again projects as a core special teamer. Coupled with the potential of third-round rookie Jalyx Hunt potentially not being ready to contribute to the initial pass-rush rotation, there’s logic in keeping the multifaceted depth piece around.

S Tristin McCollum

Working in McCollum’s favor is the Eagles’ razor-thin safety depth, but truth be told, the Sam Houston State product has again quietly put together a strong camp. The 25-year-old, who last season appeared in three regular-season games and the postseason contest, has showcased range and tenacity, and his 6-foot-3 frame and long arms aid at challenging throwing windows.

Perhaps more notable given his roster standing, McCollum has also been prominently featured with the first-team kickoff coverage and kickoff protection coverage. And I’ve witnessed McCollum playing faster and appearing increasingly comfortable within Vic Fangio’s defense. Something to keep in mind over the next three games.

RB Lew Nichols

A 2023 seventh-round pick of the Packers, Nichols landed on the Eagles’ practice squad last October and in January signed a reserve/Futures contract with the team. Throughout camp, Nichols has run with good pad level and authority and has some juice. He’s also shown well as a receiver and pass protector in his opportunities.

With Saquon Barkley, Kenny Gainwell and rookie Will Shipley ahead, the 5-foot-10, 220-pound Nichols is a longshot, to be sure. The Central Michigan product should, however, garner volume touches throughout exhibition season, showcasing his ability. Nichols has had a solid camp.

“Lew’s having a great camp, man,” fellow running back Kenny Gainwell said. “I’m loving what he’s doing – how he catches the ball, how he’s running. He’s doing everything, asking questions … ‘Why are they doing this? Why are they doing that?’ Lew’s doing a great job at what he’s doing. I’m loving it.”

GETTY IMAGES: Special teams has been the main reason for Josh Jobe making the Eagles in each of his first two seasons.

CB Josh Jobe

The Eagles really value what Jobe brings from a special teams perspective, so carrying the distinction of the Eagles’ top special teamer should give him an edge amid a crowded field on contenders. In camp, Jobe has worked in with the second- and third-team defense, exclusively as an outside corner, and flashed on consecutive plays during Tuesday’s practice, collecting a pass breakup and stripping the ball out of the hands of a wide receiver.

Jobe plays the game physically, at times manifesting in handsy coverage and penalties. He’ll need to perform at his position of trade, but special teams – watch him defeat blocks and converge on punt returners from his gunner position – will be his path to the 53-man roster. Keep an eye on the battle between Jobe and second-year CB Eli Ricks, who would appear to be in contention for one spot. Should the Eagles prefer a pure coverage player, they’ll lean Ricks. But history indicates that, as a depth player, special teams contributors have the upper-hand.

TE Albert Okwuegbunam

While Dallas Goedert and Grant Calcaterra are entrenched atop the Eagles’ tight end room, identifying the third – and presumably final – candidate to round out the depth chart isn’t as clear-cut. Okwuegbunam, largely a non-entity for the Eagles last season after coming over via trade on cutdown day, has had a relatively quiet camp, though his size and upside presumably warrants intrigue in the eyes of evaluators.

The 6-foot-5, 258-pound Okwuegbunam, drafted in the fourth round in 2020, has been an enigma through four seasons. He also hasn’t factored into the special teams equation, logging a grand total of five career third phase snaps. Okwuegbunam, seemingly ahead of veteran C.J. Uzomah, who has underwhelmed, will have to show well as a blocker and on special teams to stick, but a strong showing in Baltimore could elevate his stock.

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.