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5 Philadelphia Eagles Veterans Now on the Hot Seat Following 2015 NFL Draft

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5 Philadelphia Eagles Veterans Now on the Hot Seat Following 2015 NFL Draft

chip kelly
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Although they missed out on Marcus Mariota in the 2015 NFL Draft, the reality is that the Philadelphia Eafles had an excellent haul in the draft. Chip Kelly took on a bigger role in the team's draft plans this year and despite not moving up for Mariota, he did fairly well. With the Eagles' draft haul, these five players now have their jobs on the hot seat.

5. Brandon Bair

brandon bair
Al Bello/Getty Images

5. Brandon Bair

brandon bair
Al Bello/Getty Images

As a rotational defensive end, Brandon Bair was supposed to have a decent role for the 2015 NFL season. The Eagles drafted Brandon Mihalik in the seventh round. At 6-foot-9, 295 pounds, Mihalik is an absolute freak of nature, who can play multiple positions on the defensive line. I wouldn't be surprised if Mihalik played an impact as a rotational defensive end.

4. Brad Jones

brad jones
Getty Images

4. Brad Jones

brad jones
Getty Images

Despite signing Brad Jones this offseason, the Eagles' best move for the defense was trading for Kiko Alonso. With Alonso and Mychal Kendricks manning the inside linebacker positions, Jones really will be used a backup linebacker in 2015. However, the Eagles drafted Jordan Hicks out of Texas and his ability to read offenses will be huge. He needs to stay healthy.

3. E.J. Biggers

ej biggers
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

3. E.J. Biggers

ej biggers
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Despite signing E.J. Biggers this offseason, I have my doubts that he could make the final 53-man roster. Biggers wasn't anything special last season with the Washington Redskins. If he does make the roster, it would be for depth purposes. However, the Eagles drafted Randall Evans in the sixth round. Evans is a tough guy who excels because of his length and size.

2. Walter Thurmond

walter thurmond
Kirby Lee-USA Today Sports

2. Walter Thurmond

walter thurmond
Kirby Lee-USA Today Sports

It's a shame for Walter Thurmond that his career has gone on a bit of a downward spiral. During his tenure with the Seattle Seahawks, Thurmond was a playmaker. While that could've been because of the Seattle defense, an injury in 2014 could desperately hurt his 2015 self. Despite being an Oregon product, JaCorey Shepard is a guy who has excellent coverage and ball skills. As a No. 4 cornerback, Shepard could be a real good fit.

1. Riley Cooper

riley cooper
Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

1. Riley Cooper

riley cooper
Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Despite all of the rumors going around with Riley Cooper, the reality is that he will still be on the roster at the start of the season. He has the size and the jumping ability, but with the addition of Nelson Agholor, a guy who fits Chip Kelly's offensive scheme to perfection, Cooper could be moved to a No. 2 or even a No. 3 role. However, with Jordan Matthews emerging, I believe Cooper could split time inside and outside in the 2015 season.

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