Eagles’ Week 1 Depth Chart vs. Falcons
The Philadelphia Eagles released their first depth chart of the regular season on Tuesday.
Like most teams, the Eagles positions battles were pretty locked up before the end of the preseason, but there were a few things that stood out.
While the line was pretty much solidified before training camp with Lane Johnson, Brandon Brooks, Jason Kelce and Isaac Seumalo locked into their starting roles, the left tackle spot was up for grabs.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni finally provided some clarity, with the team opting for fourth-year pro Jordan Mailata at left tackle over former first-round pick, Andre Dillard.
"Jordan Mailata will be our starter," Sirianni announced last Tuesday. "Jordan had a great camp, a great camp. Andre had a great camp. Andre missed some time, and during that time the chemistry with the one offensive line was able to build. It's a good problem for us to have. We have two left tackles that can really play and can start in my opinion all across the NFL."
"Jordan did a good job of winning that position, but then again, I don't want to short Andre here at all. He played -- when he was in, he played really well."
The duo had been competing for the starting job throughout training camp. Mailata seemed to have a leg up on the competition, while Dillard missed time due to injury.
Dillard is listed as Mailata’s backup at left tackle.
Sticking with the offensive side of the ball, it appears Quez Watkins did enough to stay locked in as the team’s No. 3 wide receiver ahead of Greg Ward, according to the depth chart.
Both Watkins and Ward looked solid in training camp, but it was the more explosive Watkins showing off his growth as a player in the offense.
Last season, Ward was one of the teams most reliable pass catchers with 53 catches for 419 yards and six scores. This season he will be used in a more limited role, at least to open the season with Watkins winning the teams No. 3 role.
There was an interesting situation in the tight ends room, with both Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert listed as the team’s starting tight end, Jack Stoll was listed as the teams No. 3 tight end.
At running back Miles Sanders was the starter with Boston Scott listed as the No. 2 running back, ahead of fifth-round pick Kenneth Gainwell.
There wasn't any surprises defensively, with the team opting to list Derek Barnett and Josh Sweat as co-starters at defensive end. Sweat has impressed during camp after 6.5 sacks and 37 tackles in 2020.
At cornerback, veterans Darius Slay and Steven Nelson are locked into starting roles on the depth chart. Rookie Zech McPhearson sits behind both of those players on the outside, while Avonte Maddox is listed as the starter in the slot.
Philadelphia’s returning duties will be handled by two players. Wide receiver Jalen Reagor will man punt returns, with rookie Kenneth Gainwell handing kick returns, according to Tuesday’s depth chart.