The Philadelphia Eagles preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens is just about here. Football in Philadelphia is almost back, so let’s take a look at some players to keep a close eye on during Saturday night’s game.
Markel Bell has been tasked with one of the biggest responsibilities in the organization heading into the preseason. He is expected to be the successor to franchise legend Lane Johnson once he retires at the end of the season.
Bell has had a strong camp already, showing promise for his future role. The third-round pick is excellent in pass protection and is improving his technique day by day.
Bell is in a battle for the current Eagles season as well. He is competing with Fred Johnson to be the reserve swing tackle. Bell seems to have the early advantage in training camp, but preseason will give fans a better idea of how they actually look.
Eli Stowers was the Eagles’ second-round pick this past April, but he has not found a rhythm at all in camp. The preseason will be a better opportunity to prove he can be a contributor.
Stowers has always been a player who produces on the field, and that’s really what got him drafted so highly. His production outweighs his traits, making the actual games much more meaningful than training camp reports.
Willie Lampkin has been the most talked-about offensive lineman out of training camp for Philadelphia. He has earned praise from his peers and has constantly been a talking point after a day of training camp comes to an end.
Lampkin is an interior lineman who can switch between guard and center. This versatility is similar to another Eagles backup in Drew Kendall. He has also been a standout in camp.
Michael Carter could play a very pivotal role on the Eagles this season. He is making the switch from corner to safety, potentially even earning a “starting” role.
Cooper DeJean is expected to see a lot of time at safety, but he will also be the primary nickel cornerback. If Carter can make the switch over to safety, the defense just becomes that much better.
Ty Robinson is fighting for his job this preseason. That may appear harsh, as he was just a fourth-rounder last season, but he has done nothing to earn a spot or show that he will eventually earn a spot.
Byron Young has shown much more throughout his Eagles tenure and the early portions of training camp. Robinson has once again appeared lackluster. He needs to step it up in the preseason if he wants any chance of making the Eagles’ 53-man roster.
The Eagles have a ton of storylines to watch closely heading into the preseason. Most of them come from the incredible depth that Howie Roseman and the front office have built. These five players are the ones who should have all your attention on Saturday night.
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