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Predicting the Philadelphia Eagles’ 2015 Starters Before Training Camp

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Predicting the Philadelphia Eagles' 2015 Starters Before Training Camp

Philadelphia Eagles Chip Kelly copy — The Philadelphia Eagles shook up the roster quite a bit this past offseason. Whether it was signing DeMarco Murray, trading Nick Foles for Sam Bradford or releasing Evan Mathis, the Eagles' roster will look a lot different in 2015. There very well could be a dozen new starters for the Eagles this season. With camp battles and injuries, that number will probably change headed into 2015. Here are my predicted starters headed in training camp:

The Philadelphia Eagles shook up the roster quite a bit this past offseason. Whether it was signing DeMarco Murray, trading Nick Foles for Sam Bradford or releasing Evan Mathis, the Eagles' roster will look a lot different in 2015. There very well could be a dozen new starters for the Eagles this season. With camp battles and injuries, that number will probably change headed into 2015. Here are my predicted starters headed in training camp:

QB: Sam Bradford

QB: Sam Bradford

There may be some hype about a quarterback competition that comes from the national media, but I just dont see it. The Eagles openly traded for Bradford and are paying him over million. Unless he flat out lays an egg in camp, Mark Sanchez will be the backup quarterback. Bradford has experience in the spread which will give him an edge as well as makes it very possible that he takes this offense to the next level.

RB: DeMarco Murray

RB: DeMarco Murray

Once again, this is a player who the Eagles made an effort to go get and pay big money for. They replaced star running back LeSean McCoy with last season's NFL rushing leader. Not a bad trade off. Murray could see less than 392 carries, splitting them with Matthews, but no way does Murray not end up starting from Day 1.

WR1: Nelson Agholor

WR1: Nelson Agholor

With the departure of Jeremy Maclin, the obvious replacement will be first-round pick Nelson Agholor. It might be a lot of pressure for Agholor to be the team's No. 1 receiver, but from what happened in OTAs, it looks like the rookie will have earned it. He's better than Cooper and Huff, making him the team's go-to guy.

WR2: Josh Huff

WR2: Josh Huff

The Eagles are going to give Josh Huff all the opportunities he needs to take over for Riley Cooper on the outside. If the former Oregon receiver can redeem himself from last year's disappointment, it very well could happen. Huff has the talent, he just needs to show it.

WR3: Jordan Matthews

WR3: Jordan Matthews

Just because Matthews is listed as the No. 3 receiver, doesn't mean he's the team's third best receiver. It just means he'll continue his role that he dominated last season, the slot. Matthews broke numerous rookie records and will be a big part of the Eagles' offense in 2015.

TE: Zach Ertz

TE: Zach Ertz

Brent Celek took the majority of the snaps at tight end last season, but this year, Kelly hands over the reigns to the third-year tight end Zach Ertz. He's improved his blocking and has proved his potential as a pass catcher. Bradford loved his tight ends in St. Louis, therefore, Ertz could become the quarterback's favorite target.

LT: Jason Peters

LT: Jason Peters

Little to debate here. Peters is one of, if not the best left tackle in the league right now. He brings the attitude and leadership that this offensive line is going to need if it's going to be successful this season. Sam Bradford has never had a left tackle like Peters and because of that, it could help him stay upright and, therefore, healthy.

RT: Lane Johnson

RT: Lane Johnson

Lane Johnson is well on his way to becoming not only possibly the Eagles' left tackle of the future, but also one of the best tackles in the league. Taken fourth overall in the 2013 NFL Draft, Johnson has lived up to the hype. Like with Peters, there is little to debate here. Johnson will clearly be the guy to help keep Bradford upright.

C: Jason Kelce

C: Jason Kelce

Bradford played with a veteran center in St. Louis in Scott Wells, unfortunately however, Wells struggled in pass protection. Jason Kelce, on the other hand, is very good at it and is one of the best centers in the league. The trio of Kelce, Peters and Johnson, will be key in Bradford's development in an Eagles uniform.

RG: Matt Tobin

RG: Matt Tobin

Inside at guard is where things get tricky for the Eagles, especially after the release of Evan Mathis. Battling it out at right guard will be Tobin along with Andrew Gardner and Dennis Kelly. The Eagles are high on Tobin and his experience last season could give him an edge. This will be a battle won in camp, and I see Tobin coming out on top.

LG: Allen Barbre

Pittsburgh Steelers v Philadelphia Eagles

LG: Allen Barbre

To finish up the offensive side of the ball, Allen Barbre takes the spot at left guard. The Eagles have confidence in Barbre, so much so that they released Mathis. Kelly went as far as to call Barbre an "outstanding football player." There will be some competition here, but I Barbre starts training camp and the season as the No. 1 guy.

RDE: Fletcher Cox

RDE: Fletcher Cox

Why not start the defense out with the best player on the team? Cox was a monster inside for the Eagles last season and simply made plays. Cox was second team All-Pro last year and at 24 years old he is one of the bright spots on the Eagles' defense. The Birds have one of the best front sevens in the NFL and a lot of it has to do with Cox.

NT: Benny Logan

NFL: Philadelphia Eagles at Green Bay Packers

NT: Benny Logan

Benny Logan provides the run-stuffing nose tackle that the Eagles need on the inside of their defense. Among 3-4 nose tackles, Logan had the most stops with 38 and was the fifth best when it came to stopping the run. Logan doesn't excel rushing the passer, but for what the Eagles need him for, Logan is solid. Not much of a chance he doesn't start on the team again this year.

LDE: Vinny Curry

LDE: Vinny Curry

Cedric Thornton is a solid player, but in fewer snaps, it could be argued that Curry did more in 2014. Nine sacks in just 397 snaps compared to Thornton's one is mind blowing. Thornton is better against the run putting together 28 stops, but if Curry can prove he can play against the run, plus do his thing rushing the passer, he very well could start. Curry just needs to prove he can play all three downs.

ROLB: Brandon Graham

ROLB: Brandon Graham

Philadelphia Eagles-Brandon Graham — Considered a bust before last season, Graham was one of the more impressive players on the Eagles' defense last season. Graham gave quarterbacks headaches last season as he was always on the prowl. He signed an extension with the team in the offseason, therefore there will be pressure for him to grow off of last season's momentum.

Considered a bust before last season, Graham was one of the more impressive players on the Eagles' defense last season. Graham gave quarterbacks headaches last season as he was always on the prowl. He signed an extension with the team in the offseason, therefore there will be pressure for him to grow off of last season's momentum.

LOLB: Connor Barwin

LOLB: Connor Barwin

Another player who impressed last season was Connor Barwin. Posting the third most sacks among 3-4 outside linebackers, Barwin proved to be one of the best Eagles linebackers. He was the pass rusher the Eagles needed to have one of the most ferocious linebacking corps in football. With Barwin and Graham, it leaves little chance for Marcus Smith to start.

ILB: Kiko Alonso

ILB: Kiko Alonso

At inside linebacker is where things get crowded for the Eagles. The depth is nice as it's something the team didn't have last year, but it could leave a player unhappy. The Eagles traded for Alonso in the offseason, giving up McCoy to do so, and if healthy, he will end up getting the nod. In his rookie year, he ranked third in the NFL in tackles and was named PFWA's Defensive Rookie of the Year.

ILB: DeMeco Ryans

ILB: DeMeco Ryans

This is where things get difficult. Mychal Kendricks or DeMeco Ryans. Given Kendricks' uneasiness with the Eagles, he might not even be on the roster when the season starts. As of now, Rayns gets the nod and it is likely the two would split time during the year.

CB: Byron Maxwell

CB: Byron Maxwell

This is a player who the Philadelphia Eagles made a point to go get in free agency. They knew they needed a top cornerback and they went out and got one. The Eagles' secondary got a whole lot better with the signing of Maxwell who was a big part of the Legion of Boom in Seattle.

CB: Eric Rowe

CB: Eric Rowe

Drafting Eric Rowe in the second round had to be frustrating for a guy like Brandon Boykin. However, according to Byron Maxwell, Rowe is the real deal and the Eagles have a good player in the rookie. Boykin will continue his spot in the slot while Rowe takes the outside. With Rowe and Maxwell, the Eagles significantly improved their secondary.

SS: Malcolm Jenkins

SS: Malcolm Jenkins

malcolm jenkins philadelphia eagles — Jenkins was arguably one of the best free agent signings last season. In just the first four weeks, Jenkins recorded all three of his interceptions of the season. With better cornerback play on the outside, Jenkins could have more success if 2015.

Jenkins was arguably one of the best free agent signings last season. In just the first four weeks, Jenkins recorded all three of his interceptions of the season. With better cornerback play on the outside, Jenkins could have more success if 2015.

FS: Walter Thurmond

FS: Walter Thurmond

Walter Thurmond has been getting time at safety in Eagles OTAs and mini-camps and has looked the part. According to Eagles beat writers, Thurmond has been impressive at safety. Earl Wolff could be in play here, but injuries continue to set him back. As much of a surprise as this might be as he is in fact a cornerback, it does makes sense for the Eagles.

ST: Cody Parkey and Donnie Jones

ST: Cody Parkey and Donnie Jones

This should really come as no surprise. Parkey was one of the best kickers in the NFL last season and Jones has been an excellent punter throughout his career. We shouldn't anticipate any changes here.

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Philadelphia Eagles

Blaine Grisak is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter

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