Philadelphia Eagles: 3 Players fighting for a roster spot

1. Michael Jacquet, CB

Signed in 2020 as an undrafted free agent from Lousiana-Lafayette, the Ragin’ Cajun worked his way from the practice squad to the 53 man roster, getting his big break in Week 15 against the Arizona Cardinals. Jacquet flashed in his first NFL start: he recorded five solo tackles, notched his first career sack, and forced a fumble while playing 100 percent of the team’s snaps on defense.

Unfortunately, the wheels fell off during his encore performance the following week against the Dallas Cowboys. Backup quarterback Andy Dalton had Jacquet’s number in Week 16, straight-up picking on the rookie, as Geoffrey Knox of Inside the Iggles points out:

"When the curtain drew, Jacquet had been targeted nine times, and in the process, he gave up seven receptions for 182 yards and two touchdowns. That was the second-highest yardage total given up by a defensive back all season."

Ouch. we’re rooting for Jacquet to have a chance at redemption, but the odds are stacked against him. Pro Bowl corners Darius Slay and newly-signed Steven Nelson will man the outside, and Avonte Maddox will work the slot; the path beyond them isn’t exactly clear.

Rookie Zech McPherson has been rather impressive this preseason and will see the field in dime packages. This means Jacquet needs to beat out Josiah Scott, a 2020 fourth-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Craig James, who plays a key role on special teams.

Scott was acquired via trade by the Eagles for a sixth-rounder and is under contract through 2023 at a team-friendly price. He’s not fumbling away his opportunity, as he’s been shining in camp this offseason.

As long as James can stay healthy, we consider his roster ticket punched via his special teams contributions. This means Jacquet will likely find himself in the very same place where he began his 2020 campaign: on the practice squad.