Eagles Training Camp: Winners & Losers in 2026 Roster Wars
Eagles Training Camp Update: The 5 Biggest Position Battles Explained Simply
The Philadelphia Eagles have finished 11 training camp practices. Now things get exciting! They have a preseason game on Saturday and joint practices with another team next week. This is the perfect time to check in on the five most important roster battles.
1. Safety: Who Starts Next to Drew Mukuba?
Important Point: The Eagles use their "base defense" (standard formation) only 20–25% of the time. In that package, rookie Cooper DeJean is locked in as a starter next to Drew Mukuba. The real battle is for the other safety spot in "sub packages" (when the defense uses extra defensive backs).
The Contenders
- Marcus Epps (30 years old): Veteran with 49 career starts. Steady, reliable, filled in well last year when Mukuba was hurt. "High floor" — you know what you’re getting.
- Michael Carter II (27 years old): More flashy this camp. Multiple big pass breakups. Can also play nickel corner and dime (6th defensive back).
What the Coach Says
Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio: "It’s a good competition between Marcus and Mike. Mike’s had a very good camp, as has Marcus. I’d say that’s a real good competition right now."
The Others (Not in This Battle)
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Andre’ Sam | Solid with 2nd team, not pushing for starting job |
| Maximus Pulley & Kapena Gushiken | UDFAs (undrafted free agents) — developing for future |
| Cole Wisniewski | 7th-round pick, injured (hamstring) since Day 2 |
2. Wide Receiver: The WR2 Spot Is Wide Open
Important Point: DeVonta Smith (hamstring) and rookie Makai Lemon (hamstring) have missed the last 7 practices. Smith is the clear WR1 regardless. Lemon missing time hurts his chances to start as WR2 immediately — just like DeJean last year didn’t start right away.
Camp Performance Rankings (Excluding Smith & Lemon)
- Darius Cooper — 2nd-year UDFA from Tarleton State. Most consistent, best connection with Jalen Hurts.
- Dontayvion Wicks — Trade acquisition. Great on out-breaking routes, strong timing with Hurts. Current favorite for WR2.
- Elijah Moore — Outplaying Hollywood Brown lately.
- Hollywood Brown — $5M guaranteed on 1-year deal. Has dropped passes, less flash.
- Johnny Wilson — Trailing the pack.
Key Insight
Cooper is pushing for a real role, not just a roster spot. Wicks has the early lead for WR2, but Cooper is making it a fight.
3. Backup Offensive Line: Depth Chart Taking Shape
Starters (Set in Stone)
Jordan Mailata • Landon Dickerson • Cam Jurgens • Tyler Steen • Lane Johnson
Tackle Depth
- Markel Bell (3rd-round rookie): Huge, impressive. Got major reps when Lane Johnson sat out 4 practices. Playing both left and right tackle. Pushing veteran Fred Johnson (14 starts last 2 years) for swing tackle job.
- Verdict: Bell’s future is bright; Fred Johnson still has the edge for now.
Interior Depth
- Drew Kendall — Clear #1 backup at guard/center. Replaces Brett Toth. Big relief for a sneaky concern entering camp.
- Willie Lampkin (2nd year) — Impressive, legitimate roster candidate.
- Remaining spots (1–2): Battle between Micah Morris, Michael Jordan, Myles Hinton, Cameron Williams, others.
4. Edge Rusher: The Hunt for the #2 Spot
Important Point: Jonathan Greenard (trade acquisition, $98M extension) is on Active/PUP with a pec strain. Will miss "at least a couple more weeks."
Current First-Team Edge Rushers (In Greenard’s Absence)
| Player | Camp Performance |
|---|---|
| Jalyx Hunt (Year 3) | Standout. Outplaying everyone. Poised for big jump. Should be locked in as #2 edge. |
| Nolan Smith | Solid camp. Still #3. Excellent run-stopper — don’t overlook that. |
Second-Team Battle (For #4 Spot)
- A.J. Epenesa — Slight edge so far.
- Arnold Ebiketie — Had moments.
- Keyshawn James-Newby (rookie) — Ankle injury Day 3, falling behind.
- Joshua Weru (UDFA) — Never played American football before! Flashes potential, practice squad candidate.
5. Backup Quarterback: Dalton vs. McKee — Too Close to Call
Important Point: After 11 practices, no clear winner yet.
The Tale of the Tape
| Quarterback | Strengths | Concerns |
|---|---|---|
| Andy Dalton (Veteran) | Hot start. 14-year pro. Knows this offense style. Coaches trust him. | Limited physical upside. |
| Tanner McKee (2nd year) | Closed the gap recently. Better arm, higher ceiling. Getting more comfortable daily. | Less experience. Still learning offense. |
Coach’s Dilemma
- Dalton = "Safe, ready now"
- McKee = "Better player long-term once caught up"
The 4-QB Question
Eagles say they’d keep all 4 QBs on active roster. Reporter doesn’t buy it. Trade possible before Week 1.
QB4: Cole Payton (Rookie, North Dakota State)
- Live arm, gunslinger mentality.
- 5 INTs in limited reps — learning NFL windows close fast.
- Getting reps = coaches like him. Fun to watch in preseason!
Summary: Where Things Stand After 11 Practices
| Position | Leader(s) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Safety (Sub Package) | Marcus Epps slightly ahead of Michael Carter II | True toss-up — Fangio confirms real competition |
| WR2 | Dontayvion Wicks | Darius Cooper pushing hard; Hollywood Brown struggling |
| Backup OT | Fred Johnson (vet) vs. Markel Bell (rookie) | Bell trending up, playing both sides |
| Backup Interior OL | Drew Kendall | Clear #1; Willie Lampkin pushing for roster spot |
| Edge #2 | Jalyx Hunt | Has "solidified" role per performance; Nolan Smith #3 |
| Backup QB | Too close to call | Dalton (experience) vs. McKee (upside) — could come down to preference |
Next Up: Preseason game Saturday + joint practices next week = real football! These battles will get much clearer soon.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
1. Why does Cooper DeJean play safety and nickel?
The Eagles use different "packages" (personnel groupings). In base defense (20–25% of snaps), they need two deep safeties — DeJean plays there. In sub packages (most snaps), they swap a linebacker for a nickel corner — DeJean slides down to cover slot receivers. He’s versatile!
2. Is Makai Lemon in trouble because he’s injured?
Not "trouble" — just behind. Missing all spring + 7 camp practices means fewer reps with Jalen Hurts. Rookies need reps. He can still catch up (DeJean did last year), but he likely won’t start Week 1 as WR2.
3. What’s a "swing tackle"?
A backup offensive tackle who can play both left and right tackle. If the starter on either side gets hurt, the swing tackle steps in. Markel Bell practicing both sides = huge value.
4. Why would the Eagles keep 4 quarterbacks?
Usually teams keep 2 (starter + backup) or 3 (adding a developmental guy). Keeping 4 on the active 53-man roster burns a spot for another position. It’s rare. A trade (moving Dalton or McKee) is more likely.
5. Who is Joshua Weru and why is he interesting?
International Pathway Program player — never played American football before this year! He’s raw but athletic. "Flashing" means showing moments of brilliance. He’s a practice squad stash — develop him for a year or two.
Training camp battles are like tryouts where everyone already made the team — now they’re fighting for playing time. The real tests start Saturday!