Generating Push

With training camp practices dwindling, and the exhibition finale forthcoming, the coming days represent the final extended audition for many Eagles clawing to the fringes of the roster.

For all intents and purposes, the evaluation process won’t drastically be swayed one way or another over the next five days, though it can confirm or validate some summer-long impressions.

Putting together a blended list of veterans and intriguing youth, here are six players who could benefit from a strong finish:

GETTY IMAGES: Despite a nice camp, DT Thomas Booker faces an uphill climb to make the 53-man roster.

DT Thomas Booker IV

Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio previously mentioned the need for a minimum of five to seven pure defensive tackles on the roster, which theoretically creates a pathway for Booker to nab an elusive spot on the 53-man roster.

The third-year pro, to this point, has done everything in his power to demonstrate his value, consistently flashing in 1-on-1s and establishing himself as a disruptive interior force. With reps sometimes at a premium, Booker IV has done well to showcase his power and burst throughout the summer.

He’ll need to finish strong for a chance to stick, however, with fourth-year incumbent Marlon Tuipulotu the current favorite to claim the fifth spot in the pecking order. P.J. Mustipher, a second-year pro, also looms. Still, Booker IV has done enough to warrant considerable deliberation during the final evaluation process.

DB James Bradberry

Fangio has repeatedly lauded Bradberry’s progress in his conversion to safety from cornerback, citing his intelligence and experience, while also acknowledging the novelty of the role.

While Bradberry has largely shown well in practice, utilizing his length to affect throwing windows in 1-on-1s and team periods, parlaying that traction into a game setting has proved challenging.  Against the Patriots in Foxborough, Bradberry appeared tentative and a step slow.

The physical nature of the position also wouldn’t appear to be a favorable match for the long term. Still, Bradberry will have an opportunity to turn the tide this week, further endearing himself to the defensive staff or, perhaps more realistically, compile quality game film playing his new position to better position himself for a clean slate elsewhere.

LB Oren Burks

Originally signed to undertake a rotational role at linebacker and serve as a core special teamer, Burks, during an individual period on the first day of training camp, aggravated a nagging injury that predated camp.

Sidelined for the better part of three weeks, Burks, 29, missed valuable time as the defense began taking shape. Also complicating matters is the fact that fellow linebackers Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Ben VanSumeren have enjoyed good camps and come with greater upside, while also being more cost-effective.

Burks, practicing in a limited capacity as of Saturday, will need to be fully cleared by Saturday’s preseason finale for an opportunity to sway the minds of the coaching staff. His clock is ticking.

“I’m feeling like myself again,” he said. “It’s unfortunate that I started off camp with an injury, but I’m doing the best I can, day-by-day, rehabbing and getting back. Taking the mental reps. And I wanna be ready when the time comes.”

GETTY IMAGES: Depth concerns at wide receiver could lead to Parris Campbell winning a roster spot even after being sidelined from a groin injury.

WR Parris Campbell

Due to the razor-thin nature of the position, Campbell’s roster prospects are still very much alive despite missing 10 days with a groin injury. The 27-year-old pass-catcher, currently the Eagles’ most viable candidate to fulfill the No. 3 wide receiver spot, offers inside-outside versatility and experience (44 games, 27 starts) and would theoretically provide sorely needed outside depth behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.

It’s also worth noting that before the injury, Campbell had established a discernible rapport with Jalen Hurts. Still, an extensive injury history suggests a tentative foothold on a roster spot. But a strong finish could temporarily pour water on the notion of needing to seek reinforcements outside the organization.

CB Eli Ricks

The Eagles’ most recent undrafted free agent success story, Ricks, 22, appeared in 16 games as a rookie, logging 301 defensive snaps and showcasing positional versatility. The rangy cornerback exhibited notable growth throughout the season, particularly once deployed exclusively on the outside, his position of trade.

While it initially appeared Ricks would be primed for a more prominent role entering his second NFL season, the offseason additions of draftees Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean — and resurgence of veteran Isaiah Rodgers — have clouded Ricks’ roster prospects. For his part, Ricks is the most naturally gifted cover corner of the players vying for the final slots, though the decision could come down to special teams.

But while his rookie training camp could be classified as turbulent, however, Ricks has managed to flip the script this summer.

“Eli has been doing a nice job,” Fangio said Sunday.

TE C.J. Uzomah

Positioned to run away with the second tight end job behind Dallas Goedert, Uzomah didn’t waste any time being usurped by third-year pro Grant Calcaterra, who starred as a pass-catcher in camp as well as the spring sessions.

A veteran of 106 games (82 starts), Uzomah, 31, is the best blocking tight end on the roster, though he’s been plagued by drops and doesn’t move very well. He’s also dealt with knee issues in back-to-back seasons.

Though he’s come on a bit of late – especially with fellow tight ends Albert Okwuegbunam and E.J. Jenkins on the mend – Uzomah can likely be stowed safely on the practice squad, perhaps creating a roster spot for a younger player with greater upside. But if Uzomah’s blocking ability is viewed as a critical asset, and he flashes enough as a pass-catcher, there could be room.

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