The Philadelphia Eagles won’t measure Saturday’s preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens solely by the final score. The more important evaluation will involve the players attempting to earn roster spots and establish meaningful roles. Training camp practices offer useful information, but preseason games introduce tackling, unfamiliar opponents and situations that are more difficult to control. Some players need that environment to demonstrate what they can provide.
Dameon Pierce, Gabe Hall, Jakorian Bennett, Willie Lampkin and J.T. Gray enter the opener with opportunities to improve their standing significantly.
Dameon Pierce
Pierce has already demonstrated that he can produce against NFL defenses. His challenge in Philadelphia is proving that he can carve out a role in a backfield led by Saquon Barkley. The preseason opener should provide Pierce with opportunities that won’t be available when the regular season begins. Philadelphia knows what Barkley can do and has little reason to expose him to unnecessary contact.
Pierce can strengthen his case by running decisively, creating yards after contact and contributing in pass protection. Special teams may also factor into the final decision.
Gabe Hall
Hall faces a difficult path in a talented defensive line room, but preseason games could favor a player with his combination of size and athletic ability.
Philadelphia will want to see whether Hall can maintain his technique against Baltimore’s running game and create interior pressure in passing situations. He must demonstrate that he can play with consistent leverage, finish tackles and remain disciplined within Vic Fangio’s defense.
Jakorian Bennett
Bennett has experience, athleticism and the ability to contribute in multiple roles. He also finds himself competing in one of Philadelphia’s deepest position groups. Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean and Riq Woolen give the Eagles an established foundation at cornerback. Bennett’s path to playing time depends on showing that he can provide dependable coverage behind them while contributing on special teams.
Baltimore should test Philadelphia’s reserve defensive backs. Bennett can use those targets to make his case, particularly if he remains disciplined at the catch point and limits explosive plays.
Willie Lampkin
Lampkin has quietly become one of Philadelphia’s most interesting developmental linemen. His lack of traditional size raises questions, but his leverage, technique, and ability to play center or guard have kept him in the mix.
The preseason will reveal whether Lampkin’s strong practice reps translate to live tackling and less predictable defensive fronts. A steady performance could help him move closer to Michael Jordan and the other established reserves.
J.T. Gray
Gray’s path to the roster begins with special teams, where his experience allows him to separate himself from Philadelphia’s other reserve safeties. The Eagles know what Gray can provide in the kicking game. The bigger question is whether he can also offer dependable defensive snaps. Strong coverage, secure tackling and clear communication against Baltimore could demonstrate that he provides enough versatility to justify a roster spot.
Not every player will receive the same number of snaps, but every opportunity will matter. Pierce, Hall, Bennett, Lampkin and Gray enter Saturday with a realistic chance to leave Baltimore in a stronger position than they held when they arrived.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 5 Eagles with the most to gain against Ravens in preseason opener