Five notable Eagles on the roster bubble this preseason

The Philadelphia Eagles report to training camp in less than a month (July 27th). There’s been various amounts of turnover throughout this organization. From the coaching staff, to a quick overhaul of the roster, this team is poised to bounce back from a disappointing 2015 campaign. We’re in the slow stages of the NFL offseason, so it’s time to focus on a new debate.

Who’re some notable Eagles that could be among the preseason cuts?

Kenjon Barner

Barner took some first team snaps during the Eagles voluntary OTA’s. Stemming from Darren Sproles absence and Ryan Mathews injury rehab, some fans were excited to hear Barner was getting a thorough look from the new coaching staff. He’s an Oregon alumnus so he’s automatically labeled a “Chip guy,” a title he’s looking to shred.

The Eagles acquired Barner from the Carolina Panthers during the 2014 preseason. He spent the entire year on the Eagles practice squad, but found his way to the Eagles 53 man roster, after a solid 2015 preseason showing. His career statistics have been quite pedestrian, to say at the least. The 2015 season was his best to date (28 rushes for 124 rushing yards), but it’s not enough of an endorsement to warrant a roster spot on this team.

Barner was able to survive the final cut downs last year, while being the 4th running back behind Swiss Army knife Darren Sproles, in addition to the Eagles big free agent signings Ryan Mathews, and DeMarco Murray. This year he’ll be competing to not only be the 4th running back the team carries, but also be involved in the run game. Another solid preseason showing, especially in this new west coast offense, and Barner might survive the countdown again. A poor outing, Barner will most likely looking for a new home.

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Josh Huff

The expectations for Josh Huff, after selecting him in the 3rd round of the 2014 NFL draft, were being the skill player to replace the departed DeSean Jackson. He’s been far from that at this point in his career. So much that, he’s definitely on the roster bubble. Another “Chip guy,” Huff’s inconsistencies have put him in danger of not being an Eagle in 2016.

Not only will Huff have to improve his route running, but he also needs to focus on catching the ball. There’s no doubt he’ll never be worthy of his 3rd round selection, but he’s showcased his playmaking ability in rare occurrences. He’s going to have to string together four consistent preseason games, to ensure a roster spot with the Eagles in 2016.

Andrew Gardner

Gardner right now, looks to be the odd man out among the offensive line depth. The Eagles invested huge money into new right guard Brandon Brooks, the position Gardner manned in the final eight games of the ’14 season, and first three of the ’15 season, before being placed on the injured reserve.

Even if the Eagles carry ten offensive lineman for the 2016 season, it’s still hard to find a spot for Gardner among the ten. He’s proven to be a serviceable starter when called upon, but given Matt Tobin and Dennis Kelly’s offseason extensions, it’s hard to picture Gardner staying with the Eagles. Of course, injuries could happen, especially dealing with 34 year old Jason Peters.

Gardner’s versatility could benefit his cause. He’s been able to kick outside to tackle as well. But Allen Barbre, Matt Tobin and Dennis Kelly, all have offensive tackle experience as well. How the offensive line group pans out heading into the 2016 season, will definitely be intriguing to watch, especially in the preseason. It’s clearly a stronger unit on paper, compared to the 2015 group. But Gardner might not be among it.

JaCorey Shepherd

The emergence of JaCorey Shepherd during last offseason’s OTA’s and minicamp, paved the way for ex-Eagles cornerback Brandon Boykin’s departure. He was poised to be the team’s slot cornerback, but that all changed during training camp. Shepherd tore his ACL, during the team’s open practice at Lincoln Financial Field, and was placed on injured reserve shortly after.

Fans and beat writers alike, were raving about Shepherd’s potential with the Eagles. He was labeled a steal, when the Eagles took him in the 6th round of the 2015 draft, by many draft insiders. His overall film from his University of Kansas days, was quite impressive. Injury concerns were the biggest knock on Shepherd, he struggled to consistently stay healthy in college, which ultimately stopped him from performing in the 2015 combine, and hurting his draft stock.

The Eagles surplus of cornerbacks also hurts Shepherd’s case. With a new coaching staff, who didn’t invest a draft pick in him, and the early emergence of rookie cornerback Jalen Mills; Shepherd’s Eagles career could be short lived. It’s likely the Eagles could carry six cornerbacks, going into the 2016 season, which helps Shepherd’s case. But he’ll face stiff competition for that spot, from veteran Jaylen Watikins.

Taylor Hart

The abundance of Oregon alumni players on this list, obviously isn’t a coincidence. Now that the Eagles are transitioning back to a 4-3 defensive alignment, after previously playing in a 3-4 the last three seasons, Hart is poised to find himself off the Eagles roster. The true 3-4 defensive end, is making the transition to 4-3 defensive tackle, and how he fares in that spot during the preseason, will determine his 2016 status with the Eagles.

Luckily for Hart, the Eagles clearly lack solid defensive tackle depth. In Jim Schwartz’s ‘wide nine’ attacking scheme, depth along the defensive line is crucial. Fletcher Cox and Bennie Logan will have to sit out a couple of drives, just to take breathers, so the backups will have to step up.

His competition isn’t that stiff either. The Eagles signed defensive tackle Mike Martin this offseason, formerly of the Tennessee Titans. But Martin has yet to make his stamp on the league, let alone guarantee himself a roster spot. Beau Allen, the Eagles 7th round pick in 2014, has been a solid backup nose tackle. How he adjusts to becoming a defensive tackle in a 4-3 scheme, remains to be seen also. His run-stuffing ability should help his cause, but he’s far from a lock to make the roster either. Hart will be given every chance to stay with the Eagles, but undrafted free agents Aziz Shittu, Connor Wujciak and Destiny Vaeao, will look to snag a spot as well.

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