Eagles’ biggest training camp question centers on Riq Woolen

The Philadelphia Eagles don't have many glaring weaknesses entering training camp. That's a benefit of building one of the NFL's deepest rosters. Most of the starting jobs are settled. Most position groups feature proven veterans or ascending young talent. Championship expectations exist for a reason. Still, every contender has a few unanswered questions. For the Eagles, two stand above the rest. Welcome back to the yearly conversation about the safety position and 'that other starting outside cornerback'.

Most believe a change of scenery will be of benefit to the Eagles and Riq Woolen, and that the latter will rediscover the form that once made him one of the NFL's most exciting young cornerbacks. The belief is that the Eagles now have the premier trio at cornerback. The truth is no one knows if that's actually true until we see everyone play together (and against someone other than the guys on this team's roster). And, while we're on the subject, here's another question. Can Philadelphia's new-look safety group successfully replace the production lost when Reed Blankenship departed in free agency?

Prediction: Riq Wollen will indeed elevate an already talented secondary

The answers to the above questions will ultimately determine the answer to one that's much more important. How high can Vic Fangio's unit climb this coming season? Is Riq Woolen the X-factor? Some might say he is, but in terms of how he impacts the defense, here's a guess.

Riq Woolen will display All-Pro-level talent in 2026 (but Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean will be named All-Pros and find their way onto the Pro Bowl roster). NFL executives agree. Philadelphia is home to two of the league's top ten cornerbacks.

At his best, Woolen possesses the length, speed, and ball skills to match up with virtually any receiver in football. His athletic traits have never been questioned. Consistency has. If Fangio can unlock the version of Woolen that flashed Pro Bowl-caliber potential earlier in his career, the Eagles will indeed feature one of the NFL's elite cornerback groups.

Prediction: The final piece at safety isn't on the Eagles' roster yet.

Two things can be true even if they seemingly oppose one another. Yes, there are questions at the safety position, but that doesn't mean this team has reached desperation. The Eagles would win a lot of games if they rolled out this defense as is.

That doesn't mean, however, that Howie Roseman is done adding bodies. His roster-building process is always evolving. He tends to add defensive backs late in the process. Andrew Mukuba enters his second season looking to build on an injury-shortened rookie campaign, while Marcus Epps returns to familiar surroundings after spending time elsewhere. Cooper DeJean's versatility also gives Fangio another option, particularly in certain defensive packages.

Still, it can feel like something is missing, so if you need a prediction, here it is. Someone else will be added to the mix, either by trade or a waiver prediction. How this safety room looks now is not how it will look come Week 1 of the regular season. The Eagles' secondary has the benefit of playing behind what will be one of the NFL's strongest front sevens. If Woolen rediscovers his best football and the safety position solidifies itself, Philadelphia won't simply have another good defense. It could have one capable of carrying the franchise deep into January once again.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles’ biggest training camp question centers on Riq Woolen