Outside Looking In

(EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the 14th story in a series by Inside The Birds’ Geoff Mosher and Andrew DiCecco previewing the 2023 Philadelphia Eagles season. In Part 14, they identify three fringe players to watch at camp in 2023).

GETTY IMAGES: CB Josh Jobe will look to unseat veteran Greedy Williams and other candidates to land a spot on the Eagles’ 53-man roster again.

Andrew DiCecco: CB Josh Jobe, DE Janarius Robinson, WR Tyrie Cleveland

CB Josh Jobe: In the quest to resolve the Eagles’ final cornerback configuration, many will presumably give the nod to a familiar household name, such as Greedy Williams, or even a perceived rookie free agent crown jewel, like Eli Ricks. But for my money, the back-of-the-roster defensive back worth investing in is second-year cornerback Josh Jobe. As a rookie, Jobe parlayed a productive summer into an elusive roster spot, appearing in 11 games as an uber-physical gunner on special teams, logging 220 special teams snaps – or 19 more than Williams has accrued in his three seasons. When constructing a roster, the final spots are often awarded to those who provide third phase contributions. Jobe checks off multiple boxes, in that the Alabama product potentially provides positional versatility while playing on a team friendly contract, which could influence his standing when considering the position’s long-term outlook.

DE Janarius Robinson: Boasting intriguing measurables and a prestigious pedigree, Robinson was added one week into the season for depth in the wake of losing Derek Barnett to a torn ACL. Thrust onto a new team with little time for acclimation, Robinson was essentially stashed on the 53-man roster throughout the season without factoring into the game day roster equation. To that end, the signing to me always felt like a move made with the future in mind, and Robinson will now enter his first training camp in Philadelphia having spent a year in the building and learning under position coaches Jeremiah Washburn and Tracy Rocker. Robinson, 25, also plays a position with little depth beyond its top-heavy landscape and could potentially represent cost-effective value down the line.

WR Tyrie Cleveland: In addition to his blistering 4.4 speed, Cleveland, 25, provides 23 games of NFL experience, potentially giving him a crucial advantage over the sea of hopefuls at his position vying for roster spots. Signed to the team’s practice squad late last season, Cleveland not only has familiarity with receivers coach Aaron Moorehead, he also overlapped with new offensive coordinator Brian Johnson while at Florida. Furthermore, Cleveland – a special teams standout with the Denver Broncos – has accrued 320 career special teams snaps. As a fifth or sixth option in the pecking order, third phase performance is often prioritized and could become a deciding factor.

GETTY IMAGES: Eagles WR Devon Allen, who doubles as an Olympic hurdler, can earn a roster speed if his speed translates to special teams.

Geoff Mosher: LB Christian Elliss, DT Moro Ojomo, WR Devon Allen

LB Christian Elliss: Nic Morrow will be given every chance to lock down the starting off-ball linebacker job alongside Nakobe Dean, but Elliss can surely challenge Morrow with a strong showing at camp. Elliss has more size than Morrow and can run fairly well. His motor in pracrtice earned him a call-up from the practice squad last year to help right the wrongs of the special teams coverage units. Elliss did snag some first-team reps at the OTA sessions that the media was allowed to watch and also secured two interceptions. It’ll take a monster effort, but Elliss could unseat Morrow for the job.

DT Moro Ojomo: He was the last of the Eagles’ draft picks, taken in the seventh round, but Ojomo showed interior burst at Texas and can surely edge out free-agent signing Kentavius Street and third-year pro Marlon Tuipulotu for an interior spot behind Fletcher Cox, Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter and Milton Williams. Sources told ITB in April that Ojomo stood out as the best inside rusher at Texas last season and were surprised the Eagles were able to draft him in the seventh round, especially at 249th overall.

WR Devon Allen: We know Allen’s speed is still legit, even after being out of football for about five years going into 2022. Last spring, Allen caught a deep post for a 55-yard touchdown in the preseason against the Browns – his first NFL catch – and spent all season on the practice squad. This offseason, the Olympic hurdler has been wowing other Philadelphia audiences, winning at the Penn Relays and clocking his fastest time in the 110-meter hurdles at the USATF NYC Grand Prix. If his track championship ambitions don’t get in the way, Allen could turn some heads at Eagles camp this summer and vie for the last wide receiver spot, which typically goes to someone with punt- or kick-return acumen.

– Geoff Mosher (@geoffpmosher) is co-host of the “Inside the Birds” podcast and Senior staff writer for InsideTheBirds.com. Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.

Follow the whole series:
Part 1: Most impactful rookie
Part 2: Biggest second-year player impact
Part 3: Breakout 2023 performer
Part 4: Most significant free-agent addition, offense
Part 5: Most significant free-agent addition, defense
Part 6: Strong position, offense
Part 7: Strongest position, defense
Part 8: Most poised for decline
Part 9: Biggest individual concern
Part 10: Biggest team concern
Part 11: Best camp battle, offense
Part 12: Best camp battle, defense
Part 13: Most improved player

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