ClutchPoints
Heading into the 2025 NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles more or less have their depth chart locked.
Returning 10 of their 11 offensive starters from their 2024 Super Bowl run, both their kicker and punter, and a deep defensive depth chart groomed to take on bigger roles this fall, the Eagles have a few interesting positional battles heading into the fall, but for the most part, their final depth chart shouldn’t have too many surprises.
But what happens if one of the Eagles’ expected starters ends up faltering, or another player beats expectations and forces their way into the starting lineup? Are there any expected Week 1 starters who could be in danger of losing their job?
Well, until the final 53-man depth chart is finalized by Howie Roseman, Nick Sirianni, and company, there is still room for Eagles players to rise, fall, or do something in between before Week 1, including a few who should be considered anything but locks to start versus the Dallas Cowboys.
Technically, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is a first-string starter in name only, as if Nakobe Dean didn’t suffer a season-ending injury in the playoffs that will undoubtedly creep into the fall, he would still be a reserve, competing for second-string units and hoping to earn some run in defensive subpackages this fall.
Instead, “Axman Jr.” has been putting in work alongside Zach Baun in the starting lineup of Vic Fangio’s defense, learning how to play alongside one of the most impressive off-ball linebackers in the business, all the while soaking in what it means to be in the middle of a Super Bowl-winning defense.
And yet, while Trotter Jr. starting in Week 1 would be the ultimate feel-good story for Eagles fans, as it would truly represent a full-circle moment two decades in the making, he might not have an iron grip on the spot even as Dean recovers. Why? Because Jihad Campbell is officially on the scene, and looks like he might just push Baun not just for a starting spot, but for the title of best off-ball linebacker in the business.
But what about playing Campbell in a hybrid role, allowing him to play as many snaps as an edge rusher as an off-ball coverage player, as some, including Howie Roseman, hinted at heading into the summer? Well, according to Fangio during his Monday media session, Campbell is likely closer to playing inside linebacker than out, as he doesn’t want to overload the rookie.
“Yeah, that’s a good question, and it’s a harder question with the practice time and reps not being way up there. It’s a fine line that we’re trying to manage. We’re probably a little guilty of putting too much on his plate, but time is coming, days are disappearing. You see scenario inside linebacker playing inside linebacker,” Fangio explained to reporters.
“Yeah, he needs a lot of work at it. Again… that’s adding things to his plate right now, and in defense of...
