5 Thoughts on Eagles’ First Unofficial Depth Chart

PHILADELPHIA (973espn.com) - The Eagles released their first unofficial depth chart on Tuesday afternoon, just two days in front of the postseason opener against Pittsburgh at Lincoln Financial Field.

There were no major surprises but here are a few things to take note of:

PUMPHREY IN TROUBLE?

The 2017 fourth-round pick was a disappointment in the preseason as a rookie when his lack of size and strength showed up when the pads came on. This time around Pumphrey is a little bigger and will need the preseason to prove he belongs. Jay Ajayi, Corey Clement, and Darren Sproles are the locks at running back and Pumphrey is fighting uphill against Matt Jones, a player Duce Staley believes has feature-back potential, and Wendell Smallwood, who is running with the first-team in a number of key special-teams groups.

BARNETT OVER BENNETT IS WISHFUL THINKING

Second-year man Derek Barnett might be a future star and has been with the first-team all summer at right defensive end but remember starting left end Brandon Graham hasn't practiced yet due to offseason ankle surgery. So, Jim Schwartz has introduced veteran Michael Bennett to his defense by starting him out on the left side. When B.G. returns that will likely kick the versatile Bennett over to the opposite side where he was listed behind Barnett but it's wishful thinking to believe the second-year player will keep the best defensive lineman on the best defense of the generation on the bench. Barnett will be spelling Bennett, not the other way around.

WARD IS AN NFL PLAYER

Greg Ward's conversion from University of Houston quarterback to NFL slot receiver is nearly complete and Ward is already the Eagles' best inside receiver not named Nelson Agholor. Meanwhile, his past as a signal caller at a major college program opens up some interesting possibilities for an innovative coach like Doug Pederson. The Eagles are extremely deep at WR and likely to keep six. The early money is favoring Ward as for one of the two final roster spots at the position with the final decision coming down to the better receiver {Markus Wheaton or Kamar Aiken) vs. the better special-teamer (Shelton Gibson).

GERRY IS THE LEADER IN THE CLUBHOUSE AT WILL LB

Corey Nelson or Paul Worrilow were earmarked for the Mychal Kendricks' role as the third linebacker in the Eagles' defense but with Nelson struggling a bit and Worrilow done for the season with a torn ACL, that has opened up an opportunity for others. The transition of Nate Gerry from college safety at Nebraska to NFL LB is nearly complete and it's evident that Jim Schwartz likes the coverage ability Gerry brings to the unit. If Gerry proves he can at least hold his own defending the run in the preseason he will be the starting Will 'backer in the base defense and be next to Jordan Hicks as one of the two three-down options during the season-opener against Atlanta when Nigel Bradham will be forced to sit due to suspension.

NEW RULES MEANS SPROLES IS GOING OUT IN STYLE

The new kickoff rules were designed to take high-impact collisions out of the game and turn the kickoff into a play more like a punt so who better to be the new kickoff returner than one of the greatest PRs of all-time? It took the Eagles some time to get there but Darren Sproles will be handling both roles in what is scheduled to be his final NFL season.

-John McMullen covers the Eagles and the NFL for 973espn.com. You can reach him at jmcmullen44@gmail.com or on Twitter @JFMcMullen