Philadelphia Eagles have enough depth to create difficult decisions throughout training camp. One player at each offensive position is facing a tough path to the initial 53-man roster.
Quarterback Cole Payton, a fifth-round draft pick in 2026, has more roster security than a typical bubble player due to his draft investment. However, the crowded quarterback room still creates uncertainty. The Eagles acquired Andy Dalton in a trade with Carolina, while Tanner McKee returns after serving as Jalen Hurts' primary backup last season. Philadelphia kept three quarterbacks on its initial roster in 2025, and carrying four would be unusual.
Payton threw for 2,719 yards with 16 touchdowns and four interceptions during his only season as North Dakota State's starter. He added 777 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, giving the Eagles a developmental quarterback with dual-threat ability. His presence creates a numbers problem that must be resolved before the regular season.
Running back Elijah Mitchell has produced at the NFL level, but recent injuries and a loaded Eagles backfield have made his path to the roster difficult. He rushed for 963 yards and five touchdowns as a San Francisco rookie in 2021. Across four seasons with the 49ers, Mitchell accumulated 1,523 yards and nine touchdowns while averaging 4.7 yards per attempt.
Mitchell must compete with Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, and Will Shipley, who enter camp with clear advantages. He also faces competition from Dameon Pierce and Carson Steele, who can play fullback and contribute on special teams. The Eagles kept four running backs on their opening roster last season, and Mitchell may need to outperform both Pierce and Steele while proving he can stay healthy.
Wide receiver Erik Ezukanma signed with the Eagles after June minicamp following his productive season with the D.C. Defenders of the United Football League. He recorded 264 receiving yards and one touchdown in 12 games. Ezukanma also rushed for 71 yards and produced 621 kickoff-return yards, giving him multiple avenues to contribute.
The problem is Philadelphia's crowded receiver room, with DeVonta Smith, Dontayvion Wicks, Hollywood Brown, and first-round pick Makai Lemon expected to hold prominent offensive roles. Elijah Moore and Darius Cooper also enter camp with advantages. Ezukanma must compete with Britain Covey, Quez Watkins, Johnny Wilson, Danny Gray, and Samori Toure for what may be one remaining position.
Tight end Dae'Quan Wright enters the NFL with intriguing receiving production after catching 39 passes for 635 yards and five touchdowns at Mississippi last season. His 10.1 yards after the catch per reception led all Football Bowl Subdivision tight ends. Wright's ability gives him developmental appeal in an offense looking for more production behind Dallas Goedert.
However, Philadelphia's investment elsewhere makes Wright's path difficult. The Eagles selected Eli Stowers in the second round and expect him to compete for an immediate role. Grant Calcaterra is the only reserve tight end returning from last season's initial roster. Wright must demonstrate that he can block well enough to complement his receiving skill.
Center Jake Majors spent the entire 2025 season on Philadelphia's practice squad after signing in September. Cam Jurgens is the established starter, while Drew Kendall can play center and both guard positions. Majors has extensive starting experience in Texas but must demonstrate sufficient positional flexibility to justify an active roster spot.
Guard Jaeden Roberts joined Philadelphia as an undrafted rookie after making 25 starts at right guard during five seasons at Alabama. His size should immediately attract attention, but the depth chart presents a significant obstacle. Landon Dickerson and Tyler Steen are the starters, while Kendall and Willie Lampkin can also play center and guard.
Source: Yahoo Sports