Eagles' training camp: Early look at 10 Practice squad candidates

The Philadelphia Eagles are still over two months away from cutting their roster to 53 players, but training camp will also determine the makeup of another important group: the practice squad. Philadelphia's final roster will receive most of the attention, but the practice squad often becomes a major part of the team-building process once injuries hit, weekly matchups change, and developmental players need time to grow within the system. The Eagles have used the practice squad to stash offensive linemen, specialists, young defenders, veteran skill players, and emergency depth at premium positions, and this summer should be no different.

>Dameon Pierce is one of the more notable names to monitor. The former Texans running back has real NFL production and a physical running style, but Philadelphia's backfield numbers could make it difficult for him to crack the initial 53-man roster. If Pierce does not win a spot outright, he could be the kind of experienced runner the Eagles would want nearby as insurance behind Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, and the rest of the running back room.

>Carson Steele also fits the profile of a practice squad candidate because of his physicality and potential value in short-yardage or special teams situations. Steele's path to the roster will depend on how many running backs the Eagles keep and whether he can separate himself as a core special-teams player. If not, he could remain a useful developmental option.

>The wide receiver group will be another difficult numbers game. Danny Gray and Quez Watkins both bring speed, and Watkins already has experience in Philadelphia, but the Eagles' reshaped receiver room could leave limited spots available. Gray's vertical ability makes him worth keeping in the building if he does not make the 53, while Watkins' familiarity with the organization could help him remain an emergency option if injuries hit. E.J. Jenkins is another offensive player to watch because of his size and versatility. He has flashed as a pass-catching tight end and big target, but roster numbers at tight end and wide receiver could push him toward the practice squad.

>Cameron Latu could also land in that versatile veteran tight end mix. The Eagles have veterans and young players competing for roles behind Dallas Goedert, and Latu's case may depend on whether he can show enough as a blocker, receiver, and special teams option to force his way onto the active roster. If he falls short, the practice squad would allow Philadelphia to continue evaluating him without using a 53-man roster spot.

>The offensive line could produce several practice squad candidates. Jake Majors, Hollin Pierce, and Jaeden Roberts all have paths to remain in the organization because Philadelphia values developmental linemen and has a long history of investing in depth up front. Majors brings center experience, Pierce offers tackle size, and Roberts gives the Eagles another interior option. Even if none of the three opens the season on the active roster, each could become a candidate to stick around as depth behind a group that will need protection over a 17-game season.

>The defensive front will also be crowded. Gabe Hall and Taquan Graham are two defensive tackles who could push for roster spots but may ultimately become practice squad candidates depending on how the Eagles structure the line. Hall has developmental traits, while Graham gives Philadelphia another experienced body inside. Jose Ramirez and Keyshawn James-Newby are edge rushers who fit the same category. Ramirez has spent time developing in the Eagles’ system, and James-Newby arrives from New Mexico with enough pass-rush intrigue to make him worth monitoring through preseason action.

>At linebacker, Deontae Lawson and Chandler Martin could both be practice squad candidates if they do not make the initial roster. The Eagles have uncertainty at the position, but they also have players competing for specific roles on defense and special teams. Lawson and Martin will need to show they can process quickly, tackle consistently, and contribute in the kicking game. If they do enough to stay in the conversation but not enough to make the 53, both could be logical developmental options.

>The secondary could feature several practice squad possibilities as well. Tariq Castro-Fields and Ambry Thomas both have NFL experience, and cornerback depth is always valuable. Andre Sam is another defensive back to watch as Philadelphia sorts through its safety and special teams depth. The Eagles have invested heavily in the secondary, but keeping experienced defensive backs close to the active roster is usually a smart strategy.

Final analysisThe Eagles’ practice squad will not be finalized until after cutdown day, and several of these players could still force their way onto the 53-man roster with strong camps and preseason performances. Still, Pierce, Steele, Gray, Watkins, Jenkins, Latu, Majors, Pierce, Roberts, Hall, Graham, Ramirez, James-Newby, Lawson, Martin, Castro-Fields, Thomas, and Sam give Philadelphia a deep group of candidates to monitor as the team builds both its active roster and its developmental pipeline.

>This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles' training camp: Early look at 10 Practice squad candidates