It might be a night off for most of the starters, but there are roster spots to be won in the preseason finale against the Jets. Here are 10 players to keep an eye on. Later on, Bo Wulf will provide his 10 players to watch ...
S Colt Anderson - You can make the argument that the Eagles know what Anderson can do. He is an exemplary special teams player. However, he did work in on defense in some dime packages towards the end of last season. Anderson should see an extensive amount of time on defense here and could sway the coaches to keep him not only for his special teams prowess, but his defensive ability as well.
LB Keenan Clayton - A fast cover linebacker, Clayton has four tackles and a pass deflection to date in this year's preseason. He was expected to compete for a starting job on the outside or at least work in with the nickel defense this year. With plenty of reps in both the base and sub-packages, Clayton should get a chance to remind the coaches of the promise he displayed as a rookie in 2010.
WR Chad Hall - Hall is a do-it-all offensive weapon, who has been remarkably consistent and productive in his second preseason with the team. Hall is the team leader in receptions and yards this preseason with nine catches for 116 yards. Hall has return experience and special teams coordinator Bobby April told PhiladelphiaEagles.com that one of the jobs that remains unclear is kickoff returner. The Eagles know what Hall can do, but if given the opportunity Thursday night he could add even more value to his spot on the team.
TE Clay Harbor - An athletic pass catcher with good blocking ability, Harbor has yet to register a reception in the preseason. Celek is at the top of the depth chart and Harbor is penciled in as the backup. Could the Eagles only keep two tight ends with the depth at some other positions? It's possible and veteran Donald Lee is not going to go down without a fight. Lee, the No. 3 tight end, has six catches for 40 yards this preseason.
DT Trevor Laws - A hip injury sidelined Laws for the entire preseason up to now. The Eagles have added quality depth at the defensive tackle position with Cullen Jenkins, Anthony Hargrove and Derek Landri. Laws was very productive for this team last season and is expected to show marked improvement in Jim Washburn's scheme. But he has to be on the field to show that he can be dependable. A strong outing for Laws is very important Thursday night.
CB Curtis Marsh - With the talent at the cornerback position, the third-round pick should not see the field much in 2011. With that in mind this could be the last time fans get to see how Marsh develops for the remainder of the season. Marsh is athletic and tall in the mold of teammate Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Having only played the position for the last two years of college, Marsh is still fine tuning the footwork and technique needed to play in the NFL. However, Marsh has flashed in the preseason and with the Eagles there isn't pressure to be thrown into the fire immediately.
DE Dan Te'o-Nesheim - The former third-round pick has looked much more comfortable in Jim Washburn's scheme where his hustle and athleticism allow him to attack the quarterback. Te'o-Nesheim has not had much of a chance to flourish with the play of starters Trent Cole and Jason Babin. Te'o-Nesheim has four tackles and a sack this preseason and will look to wrap up a reserve role as Washburn wants to bring waves of rushers at opposing quarterbacks.
G Danny Watkins - The first-round pick said that he asked the coaches to play in the preseason finale, a game in which starters are typically given the night off. Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said that it would be "tempting" to play some of the starters. It remains to be seen whether the coaches will play Watkins. If he does then he will get the benefit of cleaning up the mental mistakes he made in the Browns game and adjust to a road-game atmosphere before the season opener in St. Louis.
G/T Reggie Wells - Wells could be the starter at the right tackle position on Thursday night. The move to bring Wells back was a curious one at first since he was not utilized much last season. However, the move could be an important one for the Eagles as they try to narrow the roster down to 53. Wells' experience as a guard and playing time now at the tackle spot could shore up a job as a backup at both of those spots.
QB Vince Young - Young said that he's expected to play the entire first half against the Jets. Fans should look to see an increased comfort level and command of the offense. It will be intriguing to see what the offensive line will look like for Young, especially if Watkins does indeed start. This is hopefully the last time we see Young play all season (except garbage time of course), but he will look to instill confidence in the coaches.
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