Key Players to Watch for the Eagles in Preseason Opener vs. Ravens on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Eagles will kick off their preseason against the Ravens in Baltimore on Saturday night at M&T Bank Stadium. This game will not only provide an opportunity for the Eagles to test their new roster but also for coaches to evaluate players and make final cuts. With 11 training camp practices already completed, the team is gearing up for more intense competition and evaluation in these preseason games. The upcoming joint practices in New England will serve as another crucial opportunity to assess the team's strengths and weaknesses.

The Eagles have made significant changes to their roster, including drafting new players and trading established veterans. This has led to a mix of excitement and uncertainty among fans. As the team aims to improve their performance and make a deeper push in the playoffs, preseason games will be essential for evaluating the new pieces and making necessary adjustments. The Ravens, on the other hand, have a strong defensive unit and pose a significant challenge to the Eagles.

Let's take a closer look at 20 key Eagles players to watch in the preseason opener. Their performance in these games will be crucial in determining the final roster.

QB Cole Payton: Payton, the fifth-round pick from North Dakota State, has generated significant buzz during training camp with his bold approach to playing the position. While he has impressed with his arm confidence, he has also thrown five interceptions, highlighting the need for refinement in the NFL. This preseason will be an excellent opportunity for Payton to develop and correct his mistakes. Payton is expected to compete with Tanner McKee and Andy Dalton for the backup QB job, making his performance critical in this game.

RB Will Shipley: Shipley, a former fourth-round pick, is entering his third season in the NFL. He faces stiff competition from Saquon Barkley and Tank Bigsby for a roster spot but can solidify his position with a strong preseason performance. Shipley's ability to contribute beyond special teams will be essential in making a case for himself.

WR Darius Cooper: Cooper, a second-year UFA from Tarleton State, has stood out in training camp with consistently impressive performances. His roster spot seems secure, and he now targets playing time, making this a crucial preseason for him. Cooper needs to sustain his level of performance to prove he deserves a significant role in the team's rotation.

WR Elijah Moore: Moore, a former Jets second-round pick, has been making waves in training camp with impressive performances. He has surpassed fellow veteran Hollywood Brown, but the guaranteed $5 million in Brown's contract might make it challenging for both to earn a roster spot. This is a highly competitive battle to watch, and a solid preseason from Moore could shift the team's priorities.

WR Johnny Wilson: After missing the entire 2025 season, Wilson has been active in training camp with some notable performances. However, he still needs to demonstrate exceptional form to win back his roster spot. Wilson's unique body type provides him with an edge, but it remains to be seen how he can exploit this in game situations.

TE Eli Stowers: Stowers, a second-round tight end from Vanderbilt, has slowly regained his footing in the last week of training camp. While his performance is still uneven, this game will be a crucial opportunity for him to gain valuable experience and build momentum. Stowers needs to continue developing and showing promise to become a contributor in the upcoming season.

TE Cameron Latu: Latu, the tight end/fullback/special teams ace, is battling for another roster spot this summer. He has a number of strengths that make him a promising player in both pass protection and running games. This preseason opener presents a valuable chance for Latu to make his mark on the team.

OL Willie Lampkin: At 5-foot-11, 290 pounds, Lampkin is undersized for an offensive lineman. However, his strong leverage and strength have allowed him to thrive in his first training camp with the Eagles. He is competing for roster positions and will look to demonstrate a strong push in this game.

OT Markel Bell: Bell, the massive 6-foot-9 third-round pick from Miami, has garnered significant attention during his rookie training camp. His impressive first-team reps and coach Lane Johnson's endorsement position him as an exciting prospect to watch in this preseason opener.

OG Micah Morris: Morris, the sixth-round pick from Georgia, has had a quietly solid training camp. As the team aims to keep draft picks on the roster, Morris will need to demonstrate a strong showing in the preseason to secure his place.

DT Uar Bernard/OLB Joshua Weru: We've grouped these two players together due to their rookie status and the fact that it's their first-ever football game. The Eagles drafted Bernard in the seventh round, while Weru signed via the NFL's International Player Pathway program. With patience from Vic Fangio, both players are expected to have a long journey ahead but a promising beginning in this game.

DT Ty Robinson: Robinson, the fourth-round pick, didn't see significant playing time in his rookie season but is making a strong push this summer. His recent upsurge has him fighting for a roster spot, and a strong preseason will be essential in solidifying his position.

OLB A.J. Epenesa: Epenesa is competing with Arnold Ebiketie for a spot on the roster. Both have shown promise in training camp with significant moments, which could ultimately determine their playing time and roster chances.

LB Deontae Lawson: Lawson, the Alabama UFA, has had a stealthily good training camp. His college background and preseason performance provide a solid basis for developing a significant role on the team.

LB Chance Campbell: Campbell was encouraged by Coach Fangio, who mentioned not to "sleep on Chance." With a groin injury earlier in camp, Campbell has been a full participant in recent practices, increasing his chances to compete for a roster spot in the preseason opener.

DB Michael Carter II: Carter has been active in training camp, playing three different positions: nickel, safety, and dime. He's competing with Marcus Epps for the Eagles' starting safety job, and a strong preseason performance from Carter will be essential in securing this position.

CB Mac McWilliams: McWilliams, the second-year fifth-round pick, has been having a good training camp. He appears to be ahead of Kelee Ringo and Jakorian Bennett on the depth chart, but a strong preseason will be necessary to secure his roster spot.

DB Kapena Gushiken: Gushiken, the Mississippi UFA, earned the nickname "Gush" from Coach Fangio. He's been playing both nickel and safety in camp and has flashed a bit with his defensive capabilities. While there aren't many roster spots available, Gush is worth keeping an eye on this preseason opener.

S Maximus Pulley: We're not including Pulley in the list as the best name on the team. However, as a Wofford UFA, Pulley is still buried on the safety depth chart but possesses some developmental tools and could potentially contribute. He has shown flashes of getting close to making a couple of interceptions in training camp.

LS Rocco Underwood: The Eagles signed Underwood as a UFDA long snapper after his time at Florida. While there isn't direct competition at the position in camp, Underwood still needs to demonstrate his capabilities to earn his spot on the team. This preseason opener will be a crucial opportunity for Underwood to showcase his skills and secure a roster spot for the next decade.