The Philadelphia Eagles are about to play their final preseason game, which will take place on Friday night against the New York Jets.
For several players on the bubble (veterans and rookies), this will be their last chance to show the Eagles’ coaching staff that they deserve some consideration for the 53-man roster or at least the practice squad.
Most Eagles fans’ attention heading into the final preseason game will be on the wide receiver spot and the No. 2 cornerback battle, which still doesn’t have a winner yet.
With the recent acquisition of Jakorian Bennett, it doesn’t bode well for Kelee Ringo and Adoree’ Jackson, especially the latter, who is on a cheap one-year deal and could be cut. Nonetheless, another veteran, who is also on a one-year pact, but on the defensive line, could be shockingly out the door this time next week.
Eagles EDGE Ogbo Okoronkwo Could Get Shown the Door by Philly
Given the Eagles’ depth and age at the edge, most fans believed that they needed a veteran presence behind Nolan Smith Jr. and Jalyx Hunt. The Eagles picked up Josh Uche and Azeez Ojulari on one-year deals earlier this offseason, and then added Ogbo Okoronkwo on a one-year, $4.5 million pact last month.
The Cleveland Browns released the 30-year-old defensive lineman in late June after two seasons. That said, the Eagles adding Okoronkwo with his experience seemed like a good move, given you didn’t know what to expect from Uche and Ojulari.
However, through two preseason games, Okoronkwo hasn’t done much, and the same can be said about Uche. Meanwhile, Ojulari stood out in last week’s game against the Browns and looks like he could be a player in the defensive line rotation.
According to Pro Football Focus, Okoronkwo had an overall defensive grade of 61.2 in 19 snaps against the Cincinnati Bengals. He had two tackles (one missed) and two stops. His run defense grade was 71.3, which is impressive, but his pass rush grade was 64.9.
Then, in the Eagles’ second preseason game vs. Cleveland, the veteran defensive lineman had a 56.4 overall defensive grade. In 24 total snaps, Okoronkwo only had one QB hit, and his run defense grade took a dip (60.5). Additionally, his pass rush grade was 54.7.
Now granted, Okoronkwo isn’t a pass rush specialist, as he has 17 sacks over his six-year NFL career. However, one could make the case that Okoronkwo should stand out against second and third-string players with his experience.
It’s going to be interesting to see how things play out in the final preseason game, as the veteran defensive end will likely be playing for his chance to secure his spot on the 53-man roster.