5 best training camp battles for Eagles in 2019

1. Middle linebacker

L.J. Fort vs. Zach Brown vs. Paul Worrilow

Although he was one of those key components at wound up missing the playoff run in 2017, middle linebacker Jordan Hicks was a solid performer for the Eagles for four years when healthy. A year ago, he played and started in 12 games and finished third on the club with 91 tackles. The four-year pro also totaled three sacks while knocking down five passes. But he’s now a member of the Arizona Cardinals.

Over the last few months, general manager Howie Roseman has moved quickly to fill the hole. The team inked L.J. Fort, a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers the previous four seasons, and also added productive inside linebacker Zach Brown – cut loose by the rival Washington Redskins this off season. The latter has been one of the most productive players at his position in recent seasons, both with the Buffalo Bills and ‘Skins. His two-year stay in D.C. saw him lead the club with 127 tackles in 2017 and finish second with 96 stops this past year – the latter in just 12 games.

As for Fort, he saw the most extensive action of his four-year career this past season with the Steelers. For the second straight year, he played in 15 contests but logged a career-best two starts. He logged 43 tackles and five more stops on special teams.

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While Brown would be the logical choice and Fort a big-plus for both the defense and the kick coverage units, Paul Worrilow is an interesting sleeper. The longtime Atlanta Falcons’ defender spent 2017 with the Lions and signed with the Eagles a year ago. But he missed all of ’18 with a torn ACL. Once completely healthy, could he be a factor on defense as well?