Eagles defensive back Jaylen Watkins is fighting for one of the safety spots on the 53-man roster. Watkins beat out former Eagles safety Ed Reynolds to become the No. 3 safety last year.

Watkins signed a one-year, $690k contract with Philadelphia during the offseason. There are zero cap ramifications if the Eagles don’t put Watkins on the 53-man roster. Conversely, if they keep him, they have a reasonably priced veteran that can play multiple positions in the secondary.

As of late, Watkins is lining up at left corner rather than safety. It’s a decision that both Watkins and the coaching staff arrived upon to take advantage of his versatile skill set.

“With my understanding of the defense at the safety position, and being as though I can play corner, it’s good to get me some reps there so they can evaluate,” Watkins said. “I am pretty sure it’s based off what I can add to the team.”

Moving to corner is in no way an action based off of surrender. Rather, it’s his confidence that he has done enough at safety that allows him to go back to his days as a cornerback at Florida.

“I think I have done well enough at safety in their eyes to make the transition. They know that I can do it,” Watkins said. “From my standpoint, I still have the mentality of a safety. I am just focusing on corner right now. I am trying to bring my game up at corner. That’s another thing to add to my game.”

With camp in the books and two games left in the preseason, Watkins wants to show good technique but also wants to get some splash plays on film. He has two games left to do so.

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Watkins put in two solid days of work in joint practices with the Dolphins this week. Tuesday was his best day as he showed textbook coverage on a Miami receiver running a fade route in the red zone. He picked off Matt Moore in the corner of the end zone, and his teammates went crazy as he threw the ball in the air for emphasis.

The addition of veteran safety Corey Graham didn’t do anything to help Watkins’ chances. The third-year defensive back won’t take the move personally. Instead, he’ll put his best foot forward.

“I don’t think it’s anything to do with me. When Corey came in, I understand the business and how it works,” Watkins said. “All I can do is get better at whatever I need to so I can make this team. Mentally, when that happens [bringing in someone at the same position] you just have to keep pushing forward.”