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Roob’s direct observations: thoughts on the 53-man selection

Vaseline August 25, 2024

Roob’s Direct Observations: Thoughts on the 53-Man Roster originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Some good. Some bad. A lot bad.

But the starting lineup didn’t play, so the Vikings’ 26-3 win over the Eagles in the final practice game at the Linc is virtually meaningless.

Besides clearing the way for the regular season. And maybe one or two guys got a spot in the 53. We’ll know Tuesday at 4:00 p.m.

Here’s our final preseason 2024 set of Roob’s Instant Eagles Observations. The real thing is 13 days away.

1. It was hard not to cheer this summer for Parris Campbell and John Ross, two guys with great attitudes, inspiring backstories and great chances to win that third receiver spot. Campbell, who allowed just 1,087 yards in his first five seasons as a 2^nd-round pick, and Ross, who had just 957 yards rushing in five years as a 1^st-round pick, both tried to revive their careers, and while both had some positive moments, both dealt with injuries in camp — Ross is still out with a concussion — and neither did enough to earn a spot on the roster. At my projected 53, I’ve taken both Campbell and Ross, along with AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, Britain Covey, and rookies Johnny Wilson and Ainias Smith. I actually wouldn’t be surprised if the Eagles keep Campbell on the practice squad, which seems odd for a guy who was once a 2nd-round pick. But I’d be surprised if anyone else signs him, he knows the offense, he’d be making $20K+ a week, and if the Eagles needed a veteran outside receiver, he’d already be there. Disappointing it didn’t work out for Campbell and Ross, but they need to keep the best guys, and they just aren’t there.

2. And let’s talk about Smith for a second. I give this kid so much credit for bouncing back after a really awful first few weeks in rookie camp. Some guys can come in as rookies and get comfortable and make plays from Day 1. Sometimes it comes more slowly. Sometimes it doesn’t come at all. Smith struggled so much the first few weeks that it was hard to watch. But from that game-winning two-point conversion in New England on, Smith has looked good. He’s been catching the ball well and just seems like a much more confident player than he was early on. He had a great lunging catch for a big gain in practice on Tuesday, and he had five catches for 33 yards on Saturday and also turned a meaningless punt return into a gain of 14 yards down the left sideline. That’s not exactly explosive production, but just seeing him do positive things is super encouraging. There was a point where I was worried Smith was going to get thrown out, which you don’t really see with rookie 5^and-round picks, unless we’re talking about Clayton Thorson. But Smith has locked up a spot at No. 53, and it’ll be interesting to see how — or if — Kellen Moore uses him, because he’s a talented kid. It’s just taken him a while to show it.

3. Julian Okwara is a guy who really helped himself on Saturday. On a day when few defenders helped themselves, Okwara was all over the field, with a sack, three QB hits and a tackle for loss. Okwara is not a kid. He was a 3^rd-round pick by the Lions in 2020 and has played in 38 games over the past four seasons for Detroit and has even recorded 5.0 sacks in 2021. Has he done enough to beat out Patrick Johnson for a potential sixth edge spot behind Josh Sweat, Bryce Huff, Nolan Smith, Brandon Graham and Jalyx Hunt? Probably not. But he’s another guy with a good chance to clear waivers, and I’d expect him to end up on the practice squad. There are enough question marks in that group that I’d keep as many potentially productive edge rushers in the locker room as possible.

4. Here’s another interesting defensive player: Oren Burks. He suffered a knee injury on Day 1 of practice and didn’t return full-time until last Tuesday, so we haven’t seen much of him all summer. But he got his first playing time of the preseason on Saturday and was another defensive player who showed up. Burks had six tackles, a sack, a QB hit and a tackle for loss and it’s probably too late for him to make a roster push in that off-ball linebacker mix, but he’s making it interesting. He’s made plays in both practices he’s been a full participant in since returning and was very active against the Vikings. Burks has played a lot of football — 91 games with 15 starts over six seasons with the Packers and 49ers — and there are a lot of question marks surrounding that off-ball position. There was a point before camp that I fully expected Burks to compete for a starting spot. Now he’s a potential cut. Maybe he’s shown enough, but I just don’t see a place for him. If the Eagles keep Devin White, Nakobe Dean, Zack Baun, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Ben VanSumeren, there’s just no room. White hasn’t had a very active summer, but I don’t think he’s in danger of being released. VanSumeren is probably too good on special teams to be redundant. So where do you put Burks? Another practice squad option. I just have a feeling we’ll see him on the field at some point this season.

5. There’s not much to draw between Kenny Pickett and Tanner McKee. Pickett still hasn’t done much in the preseason games – aside from that TD pass to Will Shipley in Baltimore – and McKee has come back down to earth a bit after a very hot stretch in the New England game. I still think McKee is better and if I were running the team, he’d be my No. 2. I like his drive, confidence, and big arm, and he seems to have a really good understanding of the offense. I don’t think there’s a chance he beats out Pickett right now. But honestly, if something were to happen and Jalen Hurts got hurt, who would you rather have in there? The answer is easy. McKee.

6. Interesting that James Bradberry didn’t suit up for this one. Normally that would mean he’s on the team, but I still don’t think that’s going to happen. Bradberry has had about the best summer possible for a guy who was a 2^nd-team all-pro and Super Bowl starter was demoted to reserve just two years ago and moved to a new position. He’s a pro and a class act and he’s done everything he can do. But I still think the Eagles will try to trade him – for anything – until 4 p.m. Tuesday and unless they release him, that’s a no-brainer. And if it comes down to keeping Bradberry or a promising young safety like Tristin McCollum, that’s a no-brainer. The only option is to keep Bradberry until Sydney Brown is ready. But I think the Eagles are fine with safety depth with McCollum and Avonte Maddox. Why not let him play against the Vikings and see him get one more game? Because if he gets hurt, you can’t let him go without a settlement now. And I can’t imagine even Howie Roseman getting a draft pick for Bradberry. I just don’t see where Bradberry fits into this roster.

7. Speaking of McCollum, I like the kid. He was on the Eagles’ practice squad for most of last year, but also played three games, mostly on special teams. He’s on the ball a lot, looks like a good tackler, and he’s definitely physical. There’s definitely some uncertainty at safety, especially with long-term injuries to Brown and Caden Sterns and Bradberry’s status. I’d be surprised if McCollum isn’t on the 53 on Tuesday.

8. Thomas Booker IV is an interesting guy, a 6-foot-1, 300-pound indoor player, a former 5^and-round pick by the Texans. Booker isn’t bad, and he’s surprisingly fast for a guy his size. He’s come on a bit in the last few weeks and could find his way into the roster. We know Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Milton Williams, Moro Ojomo and Marlon Tuipulotu will make the 53, and that might be it. If they keep a sixth, Booker and P.J. Mustipher are options, though it’s more likely that one or both will go to the practice squad.

9. A bit of a rough day for Cooper DeJean in his first practice game, but I wouldn’t worry too much. He missed the first 3 1/2 weeks of training camp, was limited when he returned, and wasn’t a full participant in practice until last Tuesday. The Eagles only practiced Tuesday and Wednesday last week, so DeJean played Saturday with just two full NFL practices under his belt. You’re going to get rust, and we did. It’s not easy for anyone to miss that much time in camp, especially a 21-year-old d-back who’s basically playing with no practice time against guys who’ve been in training camp for a month. Vic Fangio throws a lot at DeJean, I’m sure he’s a little bit in his head right now. It just might take some time for him to get to the point where the Eagles can make him comfortable when the regular season starts.

10. Okay, I’ve seen enough. I’m not a fan of the new kickoff rule. It was supposed to add a dimension of excitement to a dying play, but that didn’t happen. And if anything, it seems like the changes have resulted in more violent hits and more injuries than ever. I have no qualms about trying something new, and I liked the idea at first, and maybe as the year goes on teams will have a better idea of how to get productive play out of it. But so far? It’s doing nothing for me.

Bonus #11 Observation: Among the “former Eagle legends” honored at halftime: Thomas Tapeh, Izel Jenkins, Najeh Goode, Moise Fokou and Robert Drummond.