Reed Blankenship’s journey from an undrafted free agent to a key player on the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense serves as a reminder of the significance of preseason games for those hoping to make an NFL roster. After five years at Middle Tennessee State, Blankenship joined the Eagles in 2022 following the NFL Draft. His performance in the final preseason game that year, which included five tackles and strong defensive play, contributed to his making the team.
“I remember it just like it was yesterday. I felt like I played every snap and by the end of the game, I was like, ‘If they don’t like me, I’m sure somebody will. I left it all out there.’ I played every snap like it was my last snap,” Blankenship said after a recent Training Camp practice at the NovaCare Complex. “If they didn’t like me, then it wasn’t meant to be. As it turned out, they liked me and here I am.”
Blankenship has since become a three-year starter for Philadelphia and has appeared in two Super Bowls with one championship win. He remains a central figure in the Eagles’ secondary and is popular among fans.
“Absolutely, they do. Players are out there trying to earn jobs. This is how we make our profession,” Blankenship said about preseason games. “All you want is to get a fair chance, an opportunity, and then the rest is up to you. That’s how I have always looked at it and that’s the advice I have for the players who are on the so-called bubble. It’s tough. It’s stressful and it can impact you if you allow it to happen.
“You have to stay healthy, put yourself in the best position you can to succeed, and then go out and give it everything you have on every play and see what happens after that.”
The upcoming preseason finale against the New York Jets will showcase several players competing for roster spots before Tuesday’s cut deadline.
“I’ve been through it and you just have to learn to control what you can control,” said cornerback Parry Nickerson, who has played in 30 NFL games across five teams and contributed last year on Philadelphia’s practice squad. “Lay it all on the line. You know you are playing for every team in the league and you never know what is going to happen. Just prepare the right way, go out and have fun, and play your best ball.”
Among decisions facing coaches are questions about who will serve as backup quarterback behind established starters; Kyle McCord and Dorian Thompson-Robinson are expected to take snaps as this competition continues.
Newly acquired wide receiver John Metchie III will also make his debut after only two days of practice with Philadelphia following his trade earlier this week. The coaching staff will assess how quickly he adjusts alongside other receivers competing for positions behind A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jahan Dotson.
Offensive line depth remains under evaluation by coach Jeff Stoutland as he looks for reliable backups for a long season ahead.
In the defensive secondary, coordinator Vic Fangio has yet to announce plans regarding starting roles next to Blankenship or which young defensive backs might secure roster spots.
Special teams performances could influence final roster decisions as well; standout plays such as Ainias Smith’s punt return against Cincinnati earlier in preseason remain under consideration by coordinator Michael Clay when assembling coverage units after cuts are made.
Coaches are also watching for any standout performances similar to Cooper DeJean’s emergence last year during his preseason debut that led him into a starting role by Week 5 of 2024.
As final decisions approach, coaches stress that each play matters—a lesson underscored by Blankenship’s rise from unknown prospect to vital contributor on one of football’s top teams.
