NFL

Whose stock is up, whose is down as preseason nears end for Eagles?

Whose stock is up, whose is down as preseason nears end for Eagles?
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In the NFL, no game holds more weight in regards to personnel battles and starting spots than Week 3 of the preseason. This is no more evident than in the Philadelphia Eagles’ training camp, where a period of transition from the Chip Kelly era has left new head coach Doug Pederson and his staff with a wide array of decisions to make on who is deserving of which roster spot. Here is a look at whose stock rose, or fell the most, after the Eagles’ crucial third game of the preseason, against the Indianapolis Colts:

Up:

1. Sam Bradford — Despite drafting Carson Wentz and signing Chase Daniel, Philadelphia went to great lengths to assure everyone, Bradford included, that the former Heisman winner was their starting quarterback in 2016. So while Bradford was never in a true competition for his roster spot, many had little faith in his ability after a lackluster 2015 and a public feud with the team. Through three weeks of preseason games, however, Bradford has done quite a lot to prove his critics wrong; most notably against Indianapolis, Saturday night. The 28-year-old went 17-20, threw for 167 yards, as well as two touchdowns, and distanced himself from any notions of competition.

2. Dorial Green-Beckham — In Tennessee, Green-Beckham’s stock had never been lower, and as a result they moved on from the controversial wide receiver. Now, in Philadelphia, Howie Roseman is hoping that a change of scenery will help the 23-year-old finally showcase the talent he has been teasing for years. And so far, his stock is on the rise. Against Indianapolis, Green-Beckham had just two catches, but a 4-yard touchdown reception proved just how valuable the 6-foot-5, 237 pound receiver can be for a team that had trouble scoring in the red zone last year.

Down:

1. Mychal Kendricks — While Kendricks was seeing his first action of the preseason against Indianapolis, his performance was worrisome, especially after a mediocre 2015. For large stretches of the game the 25-year-old was notably absent, and in the end he did not manage to record even one tackle. Furthermore, he was subbed off in Philadelphia’s nickel package, which may be a sign that Pederson is preparing the former standout for a reduced role.

2. Nelson Agholor — Agholor’s rare flashes of brilliance will likely buy him many chances to prove himself going forward, but he has not capitalized on his playing time in 2016, to this point. The Eagles’ first-round pick in 2015 has just two catches in the three games Philadelphia has played thus far, and was targeted just onceSaturday night. Beyond that, the second-year wide receiver has shown a consistent propensity for dropping the ball, including his lone target against Indianapolis, which turned into an interception for the Colts. Agholor will make the roster, but his stock is plummeting in the eyes of the coaching staff and the fanbase.