As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for the 2023 season, several offensive position battles are set to unfold during training camp. Head coach Nick Sirianni will have some decisions to make at some key positions, as a few newly signed free agents try to make their mark with the Eagles. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key competitions and players to keep an eye on during the Eagles’ training camp in 2023.
1. Starting Running Back
- Favorite(s): Rashaad Penny, D’Andre Swift
- Top Competitors: Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott, Trey Sermon
The Eagles have a talented group of running backs competing for roster spots. After losing Miles Sanders to the Carolina Panthers in free agency, there will be plenty of work to go around in the Philadelphia backfield.
Rashaad Penny and D’Andre Swift are the favorites to share the bulk of the carries in 2023. Penny is expected to receive most of the early down and goal-line work while Swift is expected to operate on passing downs.
However, both players will enter Philadelphia with a history of being sidelined due to injuries.
Swift is arguably the most talented player in the Eagles’ running back room but injury concerns will likely have Sirianni and his staff playing it conservatively with his workload. That means other players, like Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott, and Trey Sermon could all factor into the Eagles’ backfield at some point in the 2023 season.
Gainwell impressed during the postseason, positioning himself for a significant role in 2023. Meanwhile, Boston Scott returned on a one-year contract and will offer reliability in both a reserve role and as a kick returner.
2. Starting Right Guard
- Favorite: Cam Jurgens
- Top Competitors: Tyler Steen, Jack Driscoll
Protecting Jalen Hurts and getting traction in the run game is going to be one of the top priorities for the Eagles’ offense in 2023. The departure of Isaac Seumalo in free agency complicates matters along the offensive line, leaving a vacancy at the starting right guard position.
Heading into Eagles’ training camp, former center Cam Jurgens appears to be the front-runner for the job. Being sandwiched between Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson should help his transition to a new position.
While Sirianni recently said that it is too early to crown Jurgens as the starting right guard, it appears that the Eagles would like him to win the job and gain some valuable experience before eventually taking over for Jason Kelce at center.
3. No. 3 Wide Receiver / Slot WR
- Favorite: Quez Watkins
- Top Competitor: Olamide Zaccheaus
The Eagles boast depth at wide receiver and the battle for the third spot is shaping up to be one to watch during training camp.
Quez Watkins held the No. 3 wideout position last year, but Olamide Zaccheaus is a legitimate threat to unseat him after signing with the team in free agency. Both wide receivers bring different skill sets to the position, so it’s also possible that Sirianni will use them interchangeably in the slot, depending on the game script.
Watkins brings speed in the slot while Zaccheaus had an impressive 2022 season with career-high catches and receiving yards. He also finished as one of the top NFL wide receivers in yards per route run and target separation despite playing in a limited offense.
Early reports have Watkins in the lead but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the sure-handed Zaccheaus earn Hurts’ trust over the course of the season.
4. No. 2 Tight End Role
- Favorite: Dan Arnold
- Top Competitors: Grant Calcaterra, Tyree Jackson, Jack Stoll
Dan Arnold is the clear favorite to secure the No. 2 tight end position. He joined the Eagles in free agency to back up Dallas Goedert and should have the inside track on the No. 2 role.
However, Arnold has never been much of a blocker, which could open opportunities up for other players in two tight-end sets.
Grant Calcaterra will compete for the role after showcasing his blocking and pass-catching abilities during his rookie season. Jack Stoll is in the mix, given the Eagles’ focus on improving their running game with “12” personnel sets.
