By Denny Basens, Sports Talk Philly staff writer
Throughout the preseason, few positions have been under the microscope as much as the wide receivers for the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Birds have been trying to find some stability and playmaking ability at the position, and continue to receive mixed results from some key players as the preseason has gone on.
But with three games now in the books, the final roster is beginning to take shape more and more, with some wideouts making nice strides, while others fall out of the picture.
Here's a look at where the team's wide receivers currently stand, and who may be staying or going in the next week and a half.
There are few receivers that can truly be considered locks to make the team at this point. I would argue that only Jordan Matthews and Dorial Green-Beckham are 100 percent sure to be on the roster when the season starts.
Matthews is the most proven receiver on the roster, and still projects to be the team's No. 1 option. Green-Beckham, just recently acquired in a trade with the Titans, flashed in Saturday's game, pulling down a touchdown on a fade route. He's got a chance to be a go-to guy in the redzone, and could quickly establish himself as a starter.
The rest of the depth at wide receiver is a little hazy.
First, there's Nelson Agholor. Odds are that he's safe, given his status as a first-round pick last season. But he's had a bad preseason, and likely loses his starting position once Matthews comes back.
I don't think the Eagles would flat out release Agholor after just one season, but I do think there's a possibility that Howie Roseman could make the disappointing wideout available in a trade. The USC product isn't a fit for the slot, and might have some value to a team that wants to give him a change of scenery. In all likelihood, no move will take place and Agholor will be here, but a trade isn't something I'd rule out.
Before the Colts game, it seemed as though Josh Huff was on his way out of town. But a strong performance by the former third-round pick has put himself right back in the race for a roster spot. Huff has shown explosiveness throughout his career, but mental mistakes have always held him back. Given his ability, and the fact that the Eagles seemed to have developed a package of plays for him, I think he stays.
Undrafted rookie Paul Turner has made enough plays to make this team. The question is whether or not he can add anything to special teams. That's the only obstacle standing in his way at this point.
Veteran Chris Givens seems like he'll be sticking around. Givens took a lot of snaps with the first team offense, and did a nice job blocking down field. His speed is unlike anything the other receivers have, so his unique skill could give him an advantage.
Former Giant Rueben Randle seems unlikely to make it past the final cuts. He didn't play at all in the first half against Indianapolis, and seems to be well behind the rest of the candidates. Randle's questionable attitude and effort likely cost him a roster spot.