Is There a Role for Joe Ostman?
Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz spoke with the media at Nova Care Center before practice on Tuesday.
One of the players that stood out at camp on Tuesday was 2018 undrafted defensive end Joe Ostman. The 2018 Division I in sack leader (14.0) tallied 27.0 for his career at Central Michigan and has opened some eyes during this years training camp.
Even offensive coordinator Mike Groh signed out Ostman during his press conference on Wednesday,.
"I think [DE] Joe [Ostman] is having a really good camp," Groh admitted.
Schwartz also shared some thoughts on the 24-year old defensive end, who has looked good so far during the first week of camp.
"There's a big difference between looking good, rushing in practice and being able to finish them in games and we have confidence in that when we do get live to the quarterback in our preseason games that will see the same things from [DE] Joe [Ostman]," Schwartz stated.
Schwartz said they are trying to move him around this defense to find the right role for him.
"He's slippery and he has a little bit of the hybrid skills. We're just trying to move him around a little bit and see if we can carve out a role for him," explained Schwartz.
Is there a role for Ostman?
There is a long line waiting in front of him, including Brandon Graham, Derek Barnett, Vinny Curry, who are almost guaranteed to make the roster. Ostman is battling with youngsters Shareef Miller, Josh Sweat, and Daeshon Hall for a role on the defense.
"We'll have plenty of guys to rotate," Schwartz explained. "You know we prefer not to play anybody too many snaps up there so we can keep guys fresh and keep them going."
If Ostman keeps things up, he might just find himself as part of the Eagles rotation.