Eagles Release Unofficial Depth Chart – WHO'S THE STARTING QB?!?!

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Whoever is responsible for this version of the Eagles’ depth chart, which is posted on the team’s web site but honestly means next to nothing, totally copped out when they got down to quarterback. And the first-team signal caller is…?

7 Michael Vick/9 Nick Foles. Still no hint on who will start the first preseason game, either, which is already this Friday.

To be fair, the slash aligns with what we’ve seen at practice so far. Vick and Foles continue to split the work on the first-team offense, so it’s only natural they would split that tiny line on the depth chart as well. There is a growing belief among some of the reporters at training camp that Vick may have pulled away from the competition slightly in recent days, but the chart is only meant to reflect reps. Also, it's still so close as to border on irrelevant.

Sorry, we’re still going to have to wait a few weeks before that all sorts itself out. As for the rest of the depth chart, again, it’s very early in the process, and if you ask head coach Chip Kelly, fluid. The only reason there is a depth chart at all is because it’s mandated by the NFL in advance of any games. That said, we can have some fun with this, so let’s analyze the rest of it, shall we?

Running Back

Chris Polk is ahead of Felix Jones, which bodes well for the second-year back’s chances of making the squad. Polk has looked sharp and explosive carrying the football. He told reporters on Monday that he dropped weight during the offseason, between 15-20 lbs., and it really shows in his initial burst. He’s underrated as a receiving threat as well.

Jones is having a quiet camp, and was no lock to make the roster coming in. There’s still time, but Polk owns a distinct advantage right now.

Wide Receiver

Riley Cooper is listed as one of the two starters, but that could change as his absence from camp becomes extended. Cooper was first up after the injury to Jeremy Maclin, but since he left Damaris Johnson and Russell Shepard have seen time with the ones. Arrelious Benn has finally returned from injury, and he’ll have a chance to climb back into the picture as well. Nothing settled there.

Tight End

No real surprises here, although it is worth noting that two tight ends – Brent Celek and James Casey – are listed as starters. Most teams traditionally list one, but that’s a perfect example of how prevalent the position will be in Chip’s offense.

Offensive Line

Interesting thought courtesy of Philly.com’s Jimmy Kempski from inside the press box today: the depth at tackle is not what it appears. If anything were to happen where Jason Peters or Lane Johnson couldn’t go, the likely backup is actually Todd Herremans, who of course is the starter at right guard. Herremans would line up at right tackle (Danny Watkins would enter at guard), while Johnson would either be replaced or move over to left tackle. That in effect makes Denis Kelly the fourth-string tackle, which means the rest of them better be versatile if they hope to make the team.

Defensive Line

Cedric Thornton is holding off Clifton Geathers at one of the two end positions for now I guess, although Geathers has seen some time with the first stringers as well. It’s difficult to gauge because the Eagles have been trying a lot of different combinations, and while there have been some live periods, guys aren’t really hitting/tackling much yet.

Bennie Logan is listed as the top backup at nose tackle behind Isaac Sopoaga, as Antonio Dixon missed a few practices due to injury. Dixon may have to make up for lost time once the exhibition games get underway.

Linebacker

No surprises here. Connor Barwin and Trent Cole on the outside, DeMeco Ryans and Mychal Kendricks inside. Incumbents are all listed ahead of the less-known fringe players. Need to see them in games.

Cornerback

Cary Williams and Bradley Fletcher are both ahead of Brandon Boykin, who is having one of the best camps of anybody on the team. Boykin saw some extended time with the ones while Williams was nursing his hamstring injury, but this list is still going with the offseason acquisitions. If the second-year corner keeps it up, he’s going to force the coaching staff’s hand sooner rather than later.

Eddie Whitley, a bubble player signed off of the Cowboys’ practice squad during the offseason, is having a strong camp as well. It’s a little surprising to see him listed below the Trevard Lindleys and Brandon Hughes of the world.

Safety

Starters: Nate Allen and Patrick Chung. It seems like on defense in particular many of the spots are penciled in the way they were projected heading into camp. The truth is lots of different players have had chances to roll with the first-team at safety, including Colt Anderson and David Sims, even rookie Earl Wolff at the bottom.

Specialists

For those concerned with the big punter battle, Donnie Jones is holding off rookie Brad Wing. Oh, and DeSean Jackson is your punter returner, Damaris Johnson kicks.

>> 2013 Unofficial Depth Chart [PE.com]

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