The Eagles have released their first official depth chart of training camp and there are no major surprises, though there are a few interesting observations.
One is that Mat McBriar is the No. 1 punter, even though second-year man Chas Henry punted in every game last season and McBriar -- a former Pro Bowler with Dallas -- is coming off an injury and just started practicing with the Eagles last week.
Other positions of note:
- Rookie Mychal Kendricks was made the starting strong-side linebacker in the very first minicamp in May and he’s still the starter. Second-year man Brian Rolle, who won the No. 1 job at weak-side LB at the end of last season, has also held onto his position.
- Mike Kafka is the No. 2 quarterback behind Michael Vick and rookie Nick Foles is No. 3, so it looks like there’s no room for veteran Trent Edwards.
- Defensive tackle Derek Landri continues to start as the replacement for Mike Patterson, who won’t see any action in training camp as he recovers from offseason brain surgery. The Eagles rotate their defensive linemen, so the second group is as important as the first group as far as the depth chart goes. And the second string D-line right now includes ends Brandon Graham and Darryl Tapp and tackles Antonio Dixon and rookie Fletcher Cox, the first-round pick from Mississippi State.
- Joselio Hanson and Curtis Marsh are listed as the No. 2 cornerbacks, which would indicate they’re the leading candidates for the nickel and dime DB spots ahead of Brandon Boykin and Brandon Hughes.
- Rookies Boykin and Damaris Johnson are being given the first shot at kickoff and punt returner, respectively, and for their success on special teams will determine whether they make the final roster.
- Finally, as expected, second-year man Dion Lewis is the No. 2 running back, ahead of rookies Bryce Brown and Chris Polk.