In the lead-up to the start of the season, many questions surround the Philadelphia Eagles' roster. One of the biggest uncertainties lies with running back Saquon Barkley. Although Barkley showed glimpses of promise during the summer, his performance in practice didn't leave observers in awe. The true test for Barkley will come once the games begin and he is faced with the challenge of evading tackles. The Eagles acquired Barkley for his renowned ability to power through contact, a skill not easily showcased in August practices.

Throughout training camp, Barkley had a mostly unremarkable performance, making the expected plays but failing to stand out amongst his fellow running backs. However, when handed the ball, Barkley's presence felt different, making his potential impact evident. Notably, Barkley displayed excellent hands and proved to be the Eagles' top running back in pass protection, a crucial attribute in a well-rounded offensive system.

Shifting focus to the receiver position, the Eagles finally found their WR3 in Jahan Dotson. General Manager Howie Roseman orchestrated an in-division trade with the Commanders to secure the services of the former first-round pick. Dotson now joins the ranks behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, forming what could be an elite offensive lineup. Dotson, although not having fully lived up to his first-round status in Washington, will have the opportunity to thrive in Philadelphia without the burden of excessive expectations. As he races to familiarize himself with the new offense, Dotson aims to make an impact when the Eagles take the field on September 6th in Brazil.

In the tight end department, Grant Calcaterra emerged as the clear backup to starter Dallas Goedert. The third-year talent held the position throughout training camp without facing any serious competition. While renowned for his pass-catching abilities in college, Calcaterra has worked diligently to improve his blocking skills. His progress has been so impressive that he even received the "veteran treatment," being excused from the final preseason game. Meanwhile, the race for the TE3 spot continues as the Eagles evaluate their options and potentially explore the waiver wire following final roster cuts.

The departure of Jason Kelce left a void at the center position, but the Eagles had a plan in place. Cam Jurgens, drafted in the second round several years ago precisely for this moment, stepped up as Kelce's replacement. While it's never easy to fill the shoes of a legend, Jurgens looked the part in training camp. Furthermore, Jurgens will share pre-snap check responsibilities with quarterback Jalen Hurts, who welcomes the added responsibilities as he continues to grow in his role as the team's signal-caller.

Mekhi Becton's unexpected switch from sixth-man to starter at right guard has brought stability to the offensive tackle position. Initially filling in for an injured Tyler Steen, Becton seized the opportunity and held onto the starting role for the upcoming 2024 season alongside Jurgens and Lane Johnson. This development has also allowed veteran Fred Johnson to move into the position of the top backup offensive tackle, adding depth to the Eagles' offensive line.

As for the defensive tackle duo from Georgia, Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis, there were promising signs during summer practices. However, their true impact remains to be seen as they transition to regular-season play. Carter's ability to perform at an All-Pro level is unquestionable, while Davis must continue to maintain his conditioning to meet the demands of Vic Fangio's defense throughout the season.

Replacing Haason Reddick's production at the edge rusher position is a crucial task for the Eagles' defense. While the starters faced difficulties during training camp due to the formidable duo of Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata, Bryce Huff stood out in a matchup against the Patriots and Josh Sweat exhibited excellent pass-rushing skills in Johnson's absence. The performance of backups such as Nolan Smith, Brandon Graham, and rookie Jalyx Hunt will also play a significant role in determining the defense's effectiveness.

The starting linebacker combination of Devin White and Zack Baun was consistent throughout most of training camp, with Nakobe Dean and rookie Jeremiah Trotter Jr. also seeing ample playing time. Dean put forth his best NFL career performance during camp and has vigorously competed for a starting position. While a rotation at off-ball linebacker is a possibility, Fangio prefers to settle on a solid duo to anchor the position.

In the cornerback department, rookie Quinyon Mitchell has emerged as a strong contender for both the CB2 and NCB (nickel cornerback) positions. The Eagles nurtured Mitchell's development throughout training camp, starting him with the second-team defense before transitioning him to the first-team as a nickel cornerback. As the season commences, Mitchell is poised to play a crucial role both on the outside in the base package and inside during nickel downs, positioning him to be a constant presence on the field. Isaiah Rodgers is expected to man the outside cornerback position during nickel downs, edging out Kelee Ringo in a closely contested competition.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson's fiery presence and enthusiasm brought an infectious energy to the Eagles' defense during training camp. While his trash-talking and dance moves entertained both teammates and fans, his primary focus remains on playing safety at a high level. The Eagles also rely on Gardner-Johnson's intensity to provide a significant boost to the defense when harnessed correctly.

Special teams-wise, Britain Covey remains the Eagles' top option for punt returns, having excelled in that role last season. While the team explored various combinations with two returners on kickoffs, running backs Kenny Gainwell and Will Shipley are likely to be given the opportunity to showcase their skills.

With the start of the NFL season just around the corner, the Eagles remain optimistic about their potential and the progress made during training camp. As the players prepare to take the field under the bright lights, the stage is set for a dynamic and competitive 2024 season.