The Philadelphia Eagles have 14 new faces on their roster, a turnover of about 25 percent or a quarter of the team. Some of the newcomers will play big roles, some will play small roles and some won’t really play much of a role at all.
Here are a look at the new members of the Eagles’ nest and the impact they should have on the 2012 season:
QB Nick Foles: Right now, the rookie is No. 2 on the depth chart behind Michael Vick and considering Vick’s injury history -- he’s only played all 16 games once in his 10 years in the NFL -- the No. 2 QB could be No. 1 at almost any time.
QB Trent Edwards: Even though Foles is officially listed as No. 2, Edwards could be the one who’s activated on game day simply because he’s played in the NFL for four season and has started 33 games, which is 33 more than Foles, and would be better equipped to step into a game with minimal practice reps.
RB Bryce Brown: He played great in the preseason and the Eagles will have a package of plays designed especially for the talented rookie. And it still remains to be seen as to which RB gets the most reps behind LeSean McCoy -- Brown or second-year man Dion Lewis.
RB Chris Polk: He defied the odds (he wasn’t drafted) and the numbers (the Eagles usually keep just three RBs) to make the team, although there’s a good chance he’ll be deactivated most games unless he has a role on special teams or somebody gets injured.
WR Damaris Johnson: Another undrafted rookie who won a job in training camp. Johnson goes into the season as the No. 1 punt returner. He impressed the coaches with his ability to make plays in the passing game. Right now, with Riley Cooper still sidelined with a broken collarbone, Johnson is the No. 4 WR by default.
OT Demetress Bell: Easily the biggest disappointment of training camp and the preseason. Bell was handed a starting job at LT -- not to mention a big, fat contract -- but couldn’t hold onto his position and was beaten out by journeyman King Dunlap. Maybe Bell will come on strong as he learns a new system, but right now this is one deal the Eagles wish they could do over.
OL Dennis Kelly: The fifth-round pick from Purdue had a typical rookie training camp -- some days were good and some days weren’t. He’s a prime candidate to be deactivated every week while he learns the system and the league.
OL Nathan Menkin: This undrafted rookie was claimed off waivers after the final cut-down day and it’s hard to see him having any kind of impact this season as he learns Howard Mudd’s system, which means he’ll be another weekly inactive.
DT Fletcher Cox: The first-round draft pick will be a regular part of the d-line rotation and could even start if Eagles decide to move Cullen Jenkins to defensive end on first and second downs. Either way, Cox will have plenty of opportunities to prove he was worthy of the 12th overall selection in April’s draft.
DE Vinny Curry: He was a second-round pick, so the Eagles obviously have plans for him. But the Eagles are loaded at DE, so, despite his draft-day status, Curry could find himself deactivated on game day. That could depend on the health of starter Jason Babin, who missed almost all of training camp and all of the preseason with a calf injury.
LB DeMeco Ryans: The Eagles’ prized off-season acquisition, this former Pro Bowl player is expected to provide the Eagles with a run-stuffer in the middle of their defense and a leader in the locker room. Ryans didn’t do much in the preseason, but it’s hard to judge him on that and all eyes will be on the former Houston Texan when the season opens Sunday in Cleveland.
LB Mychal Kendricks: He should have a bigger impact than any other rookie simply because he’ll be the only starter, at strong-side linbebacker, which was a weak link with the Eagles last season. How long Kendricks stays there will depend on how long it takes him to adjust to the speed and intensity of the NFL, but he’s looked good so far.
CB Brandon Boykin: In somewhat of an upset, this rookie beat out veteran Joselio Hanson for the critical nickel CB position and he’ll probably return kickoffs, also. He played pretty well in the preseason, but this is the regular season and a mistake by the rookie could cost his team six points and possibly a game and maybe even a playoff berth. The Eagles’ fingers are firmly crossed that he matures quickly.
S David Sims: Another player acquired after Friday’s final cut, he’ll sit and learn for a while, which means being deactivated on game day for a while. After that, it’s up to him to prove he deserves to be on the field in some capacity, even special teams.
