The Eagles will open the preseason against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday night, giving their roster hopefuls an important opportunity to separate themselves under game conditions.
Philadelphia’s starting lineup is mostly established, but competition remains intense near the bottom of the depth chart. Several players are competing for reserve jobs, while others may be competing for developmental spots on the practice squad. Offensive and defensive production will matter, but the final roster decisions could be determined by versatility and special-teams value. Here are 10 Eagles bubble players to watch against Baltimore.
Cole Payton, quarterback
Payton faces a difficult path in a quarterback room featuring Jalen Hurts, Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee. The fifth-round pick offers an intriguing combination of passing efficiency and mobility, but Philadelphia may be reluctant to carry four quarterbacks on the initial roster. Payton must show command of Sean Mannion’s offense, protect the football and keep the unit on schedule. A composed performance could strengthen his case as a long-term developmental option.
Carson Steele, running back
Steele is competing for a role behind Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley. His ability to play running back and fullback gives him a different skill set, but the Eagles must decide whether that versatility warrants an additional roster place. Steele needs to run with power, handle pass-protection assignments and contribute across multiple special-teams units. Those secondary responsibilities could be more important than his rushing total.
Quez Watkins, wide receiver
Watkins returned to Philadelphia after spending most of last season on practice squads. His speed and previous experience with Hurts are valuable, but the Eagles have added significant competition at receiver. DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon, Dontayvion Wicks and Hollywood Brown appear secure, while Elijah Moore and Darius Cooper have been standout camp performers. Watkins must create explosive plays and demonstrate coverage value on special teams to reenter the roster conversation.
E.J. Jenkins, tight end
Jenkins has spent parts of the past three seasons with Philadelphia and has appeared in 10 games, but the addition of second-round pick Eli Stowers complicated his path. Dallas Goedert and Stowers are expected to lead the room, while veterans compete for blocking and special-teams roles behind them. Jenkins’ 6-foot-6 frame gives him receiving potential, but he must demonstrate improved blocking and positional versatility to move ahead of the other reserve candidates.
Hollin Pierce, offensive tackle
Pierce spent much of last season on Philadelphia’s practice squad and now enters a crowded tackle competition. Fred Johnson has experience as the top reserve, while third-round pick Markel Bell and second-year linemen Myles Hinton and Cam Williams carry developmental value. Pierce’s size gives him an opportunity, but he must handle Baltimore’s speed rushers and show he can play on both sides of the line. A clean performance could keep him in consideration for another practice-squad season.
Zion Wilson, defensive tackle
Wilson is still relatively new to defensive line play after beginning his college career as a walk-on offensive lineman. He produced 10 tackles for loss and seven sacks during his only season as a collegiate starter, suggesting that his development may be accelerating. Philadelphia’s defensive tackle room is deep, leaving Wilson to compete for a developmental spot. He must maintain his gap responsibilities, play with leverage and show that his college pass-rush production can translate.
Joshua Weru, outside linebacker
Weru’s athletic profile makes him one of Philadelphia’s most interesting developmental players. The former rugby player from Kenya ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash and recorded a 41½-inch vertical at the HBCU Showcase. His football experience remains limited, however, and the Eagles have several established edge defenders. Weru must show that he can set the edge, pursue the football and become a dependable special-teams contributor.
Deontae Lawson, inside linebacker
Lawson brings extensive experience from Alabama, where he served as a two-time captain and recorded 283 career tackles. He is competing for a reserve position behind Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell in a group that includes Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Smael Mondon and Chance Campbell. Lawson’s instincts and tackling ability give him a chance, but his route to the roster will depend on coverage performance and production on special teams.
Kapena Gushiken, defensive back
Gushiken’s speed and versatility have allowed Philadelphia to evaluate him at cornerback and safety. The undrafted rookie reportedly ran a 4.35-second 40-yard dash at Mississippi’s pro day, but athletic testing will only carry him so far. Gushiken must demonstrate disciplined coverage, reliable tackling and command of his assignments. His ability to cover kicks and play multiple secondary positions could distinguish him from other defensive backs near the cut line.
Maximus Pulley, safety
Pulley enters the opener with an opportunity to take advantage of Cole Wisniewski’s hamstring injury. The undrafted rookie recorded five interceptions during his final season at Wofford, returning two for touchdowns. Philadelphia must determine whether that ball production translates against NFL competition. Pulley also needs to communicate cleanly, tackle in space, and make an impact on special teams to challenge for one of the final safety spots.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles 53-man roster watch: Who can make a statement against Ravens?