With the two week long minicamp wrapping up with Thursday’s practice at the NovaCare Complex, 
Geoff Mosher takes a quick look at the Philadelphia Eagles position battles, saying…
•One of the most scrutinized position jockeys next month will be in the secondary, where second-year pro Quintin Demps hopes to fend off free-agent signee Sean Jones.
•The running back battle between Lorenzo Booker and LeSean McCoy. Ankle rehab will likely sideline Brian Westbrook, giving Reid an honest look at McCoy, the second-round pick, and the incumbent Booker. If neither stands out, the team could be forced to acquire veteran help.
•The left defensive end jostle between third-year pro Victor Abiamiri and Juqua Parker. Abiamiri had the edge last year before his camp ended early with a broken wrist. For the second straight year, Parker’s sack total declined as the season deepened.
•The punt- and kick-return challenge. First-round pick Jeremy Maclin will have to dethrone DeSean Jackson in a showdown between the team’s two most explosive receivers. Demps and cornerback Ellis Hobbs will lock horns at kick return.
•The odd receiver out. The Eagles traditionally keep six wideouts. That means Jackson, Kevin Curtis and Jason Avant will be tested by Maclin, Hank Baskett, Reggie Brown, Shaheer McBride and sixth-round pick Brandon Gibson. Two of those probably won’t make it.
PCPTAKE
Safety – Look for Jones to win this position battle.
Running Back – We all better hope McCoy’s at least good enough to beat out Booker! My bet is he will be. I also think, even if Westbrook is healthy, McCoy will get at least 8-12 carries per game and will be a solid contributor.
Defensive End – Doesn’t really matter who wins the battle since the Birds utilize a heavy rotation but Abiamiri should be able to edge out Parker as the starter.
Punt/Kick Return – With this many capable return men, I’d be surprised to see the team risk injury to DeSean Jackson. Maclin is explosive and, despite being a first round selection, the team will probably be willing to have him return punts during his rookie year like Jackson did last year. How the secondary battles shake out may determine who gets the primary kick return duties. If Jones beats out Demps, look for Quintin to be the primary guy once again.
Wide Receiver – The team will try to trade Reggie Brown but if they are unsuccessful don’t assume he’ll be cut. With Curtis’ injury history and Jackson and Maclin’s size, the Birds might opt for the depth. Gibson has been impressive but is most likely destined for the practice squad.
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