to get some rest and recover from the short week. As the team gets ready to host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday http://www.eagleslockerroom.com/authentic-seth-joyner-jersey , head coach Doug Pederson spoke to the media about some injury updates, and also what they’re looking to do schematically against one of the best linebackers in the NFL.Here’s what the head coach had to say:On Carolina prepPederson was asked about how they prepare for a defender like Panthers’ linebacker, Luke Kuechly. The head coach talked about how Kuechly is a really smart guy, and he’s going to study the Eagles offense and be prepared to attack.He went on to say that Kuechly can often sniff out little intricacies that most wouldn’t be aware of, and he’ll know every call that Jason Kelce makes during the game, he’ll make adjustments on the sideline again like he did last year. Just overall, he’ll be ready for whatever Philadelphia brings on Sunday.Pederson also said Kuechly is a high energy guy who flies around the field, he’s a great tackler in space, and is a great player and very disruptive. He lamented that they just have to always be aware of where he is on the field Womens Jason Peters Jersey , and do their best to isolate him as much as they can.The head coach was then asked about having to prepare for a versatile offensive player like running back Christian McCaffrey. Pederson called McCaffrey an explosive player pound for pound, and continued to laud the back’s routes and noting he’s a misdirection guy.Pederson said that McCaffrey was everything they had expected him to be during the draft process, and he’s a guy that doesn’t have to come off the field. The running back is someone they definitely have to account for on Sunday, and they have to tackle him to prevent him from stretching the field.On coin toss strategyPederson was asked about winning the coin toss and his choice to defer, and where he picked up that strategy. The head coach mentioned that it’s about the number of touches the offense can get. He used last week’s game as an example, where they were able to kick a field goal right before half, and then come out and get the ball again to score.He emphasized that if you can get the offense another touch or two before the half, that’s what they want to do.On Injuries and Personnel DecisionsJalen Mills was out of practice on Thursday with a hamstring injury, but Pederson noted that isn’t longterm and that he’d be back on the field Friday. Nothing to worry about.Regarding the move to promote Bruce Hector from the practice squad — and waive Kamar Aiken — Pederson said they just wanted to add some depth to the tackle position. He noted that DT Haloti Ngata is progressing well Brian Dawkins Jersey , but is still day-to-day. Pederson also expressed confidence in Hector, and admitted he’ll be asked to take on a little bit more this week, but that he has the skillset to be No. 2 on the depth chart.The head coach also mentioned that he expects to see both Jason Peters and Lane Johnson on Sunday, and that they’re “resting well”.On IR receivers Mack Hollins and Mike Wallace, Pederson noted they are both doing well, but they aren’t at the point to consider if or when they’ll be able to return.Pederson also said that they are optimistic about Darren Sproles returning to practice next week, but the head coach doesn’t want to push the veteran before he’s ready.Rasul Douglas is back, Pederson noted he was out with a personal issue, but that he’s back for practice on Friday.On weekly prepPederson was asked if he is aware and plans for the referee groups each week http://www.eagleslockerroom.com/authentic-sidney-jones-jersey , and he admitted he discusses things with players about referees tendencies for certain calls. He went on to say that knowing who the crew is, is important, and it’s good to give the players some insights into those things.He was asked if he thought that made a difference, but Pederson was quick to answer, “No, I don’t think so.” He continued to say, that if anything, it brings a little awareness to things, but other than that it just gives the players a bit more knowledge about the situation.On Jordan HicksPederson noted that he thinks the linebacker is back to his former self after almost a year since the injury that landed him on IR to finish out the 2017 season. He went on to say that one of Hicks’ strengths was getting the rest of the defense lined up and getting the call out Womens Rasul Douglas Jersey , and that it’s good to have him back. Closer look at Philadelphia’s roster." />Skip to main contentclockmenumore-arrownoyesHorizontal - WhiteBleeding Green Nationa Philadelphia Eagles communityLog In or Sign UpLog InSign UpFanpostsFanshotsEaglesOddsAboutMastheadCommunity GuidelinesStubHubMoreAll 322 blogs on Horizontal - WhiteFanposts Fanshots Eagles StoriesScheduleRosterStatsYahoo Eagles NewsYahoo Eagles Team PageYahoo Eagles ReportYahoo Eagles Depth ChartYahoo Eagles TransactionsYahoo Eagles PhotosOdds About Masthead Community Guidelines StubHub ✕Eagles depth chart following the 2019 NFL Draft: Defense editionNew,47commentsCloser look at Philadelphia’s roster.EDTShareTweetShareShareEagles depth chart following the 2019 NFL Draft: Defense editionGeoff Burke-USA TODAY SportsThe Philadelphia Eagles acquired a total of five new players from the 2019 NFL Draft. The team also signed 10 undrafted rookie free agents. Now let’s take a look at what the team’s 2019 projected depth chart looks like with respect to these draft additions. We reviewed the offense on Monday. Now we’ll examine the defense and tomorrow will be special teams day. Then I’ll make a 53-man roster prediction on Thursday. (For more fun, look at how the roster looks compared to last year at this time.)DEFENSIVE END1 - Brandon Graham2 - Derek Barnett3 - Vinny Curry4 - Chris Long*5 - Josh Sweat6 - Daeshon Hall7 - Shareef Miller8 - Joe OstmanGraham only had four sacks last year but he also entered the season following ankle surgery in May 2018. The Eagles’ Super Bowl hero should be more effective in 2019. Philadelphia really needs Barnett to step up in a big way this season. The 2017 first-round pick showed some improvement before getting hurt last season but he needs to be even more threatening as a pass rusher this year. Curry returns to Philly as a “backup” but he’ll still play a lot since the Eagles heavily rotate their defensive ends. He’s yet another player the Eagles are counting on to rebound this year since injuries limited him to 2.5 sacks with the Buccaneers last season. Long is currently under contract for 2019 but it’s unclear if the 34-year-old will actually play for the Eagles or just retire inside. He seems to be leaning towards retirement but nothing has been made official just yet. It’d be really nice if Long does come back for one more season. Sweat has much to prove after not showing a whole lot as a rookie. Can the Eagles actually count on their 2018 fourth-round pick to be one of their top four ends if Long isn’t back? Hall is a dark horse to keep an eye on. The 2017 third-round pick has an elite athletic profile and he flashed in limited playing time last year. I have Hall above Miller, who I don’t think the Eagles are counting on to contribute much in Year 1. Maybe Miller is a phantom IR candidate? Philly’s coaching staff and front office alike have long sung the praises of the mighty Ostman. I don’t know if he’s more than a really good practice squad player to have around but he’ll certainly do his best to make the roster.DEFENSIVE TACKLE1 - Fletcher Cox2 - Malik Jackson3 - Tim Jernigan4 - Treyvon Hester5 - Hassan Ridgeway6 - Bruce Hector7 - Anthony Rush8 - Kevin WilkinsCox is only 28 years old; he’s still very much in his prime. Jackson’s presence is such an upgrade over the non-Cox defensive tackles options in 2018. His pass rush ability should allow the Eagles to generate even more interior pressure. If healthy, Jernigan figures to be a very good third defensive tackle who can both stop the run and push the pocket. Hester is perfectly fine to have as a fourth guy in the mix. Ridgeway will push for a fourth or fifth spot after the Eagles traded a late seventh-round pick to acquire him. Hector, Rush, and Wilkins are likely competing for a practice squad spot at best. LINEBACKER1 - Nigel Bradham2 - Zach Brown3 - Kamu Grugier-Hill4 - L.J. Fort5 - Nathan Gerry6 - Paul Worrilow7 - B.J. Bello8 - T.J. Edwards9 - Alex Singleton10 - Joey AlfieriWe could see Bradham move to middle linebacker now that Jordan Hicks is gone. Bradham has experience calling the defense. The same can’t be said for Brown, who has a reputation for not always being the most assignment-sound player. Still, Brown has talent and should make some plays. Grugier-Hill might resume his role as the team’s weakside linebacker but Fort could push for playing time. Gerry is fighting to make the team. Worrilow’s versatility and special teams contributions could earn him a roster spot if he proves he’s healthy enough to play well after coming off the ACL injury he suffered in May 2018. Edwards might be able to sneak onto the roster. If not Mack Hollins Jersey , he’ll be competing iwth the likes of Bello, Singleton, and Alfieri for a practice squad job. CORNERBACK1 - Ronald Darby2 - Jalen Mills3 - Avonte Maddox4 - Sidney Jones5 - Rasul Douglas6 - Cre’Von LeBlanc7 - Josh Hawkins8 - Jeremiah McKinnon9 - Jay LigginsJenkins2 - Rodney McLeod3 - Andrew Sendejo4 - Blake Countess5 - Tre Sullivan6 - Deiondre’ Hall7 - Godwin IgwebuikeJenkins reportedly hasn’t been attending offseason practices; there’s speculation he might want a new contract. He’s certainly deserving. Pay raise or not, Jenkins once again figures to be an incredible important starter for the Eagles. It’s unclear if McLeod will be ready to play Week 1 after suffering a major knee injury last September. It’d be nice to have him healthy. Sendejo is the current favorite for the third safety spot ... assuming the Eagles don’t cut him to save a fourth-round 2020 compensatory pick and $800,000 in cap space. Countess can essentially be this team’s new Chris Maragos: a top special teams contributor who provides some emergency depth at safety. Sullivan’s defensive snap counts in the Eagles’ two playoff games: 75% and 51%. A strong summer from Sullivan could encourage the Eagles to move on from Sendejo. The Eagles traded for Hall during final cuts last year but didn’t trust him to play much. This will be his first full offseason with the team so he’ll have a better chance to prove himself. Igwebuike is probably just a depth guy. It’s worth noting that Maddox could be in the mix at safety as well.