The Philadelphia Eagles are still several weeks away from training camp, but that doesn't mean the offseason isn't active. The team recently signed free agent safety O.J. Atogwe to a deal, giving them some depth at a position that many consider to be lacking. Atogwe's addition puts pressure on Jaiquawn Jarrett and Colt Anderson in terms of making the team. Those are now two of many players that could really go either way when it comes to earning a spot on the final roster. Here is a look at five other players that are right on the cut line heading into training camp.
When the Eagles drafted Marvin McNutt in April, they sent a message to Cooper. The 6'3" receiver has not made the kind of impact that the Eagles had hoped, especially in the red zone. His height and talent was supposed to be an asset for the team but it hasn't worked out that way. McNutt has similar size and a better skill set. If he emerges in camp he might become the guy that the Eagles thought Cooper would be by now. If that happens, Cooper might get squeezed out.
The running back seemed on his way to becoming the number two guy after last season. However, rookies Bryce Brown and Chris Polk both seem to have more upside. Based on his talent and OTA performance, Brown should take the number two job. At this point, Lewis probably has the edge over Polk based on experience. But if Polk can show his burst during camp, we probably won't see Lewis in a green jersey this fall.
The Eagles are set with their starting cornerbacks. Meanwhile, they have three young guys that they really like at the position. Brandon Boykin, Curtis Marsh, and Brandon Hughes are all locks to make the team. It's unclear if they will opt to carry a sixth cornerback that is in his 30s. Hanson was cut in 2011 but rejoined the team shortly after that. The same thing might happen again before the 2012 season, only he might not be coming back after that.
Akeem Jordan
The Eagles will have DeMeco Ryans, Mychal Kendricks, Brian Rolle, Jamar Chaney, and Casey Matthews on the final roster. That means that the last linebacker spot will come down to a battle between Jordan and Keenan Clayton. I have always liked Jordan as a player. He is a versatile player that has been a part of this defense since 2007. I think his leadership quality will ultimately win out over Clayton's upside, but he is far from a sure thing right now.
Phillip Hunt
If the Eagles are loaded in one area, the defensive line is it. Philadelphia has a plethora of talented defensive linemen that should make the group a major strength in 2012. Rookies Fletcher Cox and Vinny Curry join a group that was already boasting some talented guys. Unfortunately, the team can only keep so many of them. Hunt is a second year player that managed to get two sacks in limited action as a rookie. He clearly has solid potential but there might not be any room for him. Unless a major injury happens or one of the rookies completely flops, I can't see him making the team before the 2012 season begins.
Mark Paul is a Philadelphia resident and lifelong Eagles fan.
