It’s been over a month since we last published a Philadelphia Eagles 53-man roster prediction. Since then, we’ve learned more about the team through watching their OTAs and minicamp practices. And so now it’s time for an updated projection that accounts for the winners and losers of the spring offseason workout program. We’ll learn even more about the Eagles via training camp practices and preseason games but, for now, here’s a look at how the roster is shaping up.
OFFENSE
QB: Jalen Hurts, Kenny Pickett, Tanner McKee (3) [3]
The Eagles might have to cut Hurts since he wasn’t a “winner” from spring practices. Not really. Pickett looked good relative to QB2 expectations; he’s the favorite to be Hurts’ backup. McKee deserves to get some chances with the second-team offense but I’ll believe he’ll get them when I see it. He’s put himself in a position to climb the depth chart if Pickett stumbles. Will Grier is a camp arm.
RB: Saquon Barkley, Kenny Gainwell, Will Shipley (3) [6]
Barkley didn’t flash in spring practices but he’s clearly paid to be RB1. Gainwell is a player the coaching staff seems to love much more than outside observers do. Shipley had a slow start to OTAs but then he turned it up in minicamp and showed some pass-catching chops. Kendall Milton is a name to watch for RB4 but I think the Eagles keep the fourth running back on the practice squad, not the roster.
WR: A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Parris Campbell, Britain Covey, Johnny Wilson, Ainias Smith (6) [12]
DeVante Parker’s unexpected retirement clears the way for Campbell to make the team as WR3. Hurts demonstrated a comfort level with targeting Campbell, which is significant. That being said, Campbell’s career body of work isn’t very inspiring and the Eagles could still look to upgrade on him. Covey’s too good of a punt returner to not keep on the roster and he provides depth in the slot. Wilson could be a role player but he’ll need to be trusted to play on special teams in order to be active. Smith might not make the team if he struggles in training camp like he did in OTAs. He might be someone the Eagles want to stash away on IR. For now, we’ll say he’s on.
TE: Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra, C.J. Uzomah (3) [15]
The Eagles need to figure out a better way to get Goedert going this season. Calcaterra had some nice spring moments and saw first-team action in 12 personnel. Uzomah didn’t really stick out as a receiver but he’s primarily going to be a blocker for this offense anyway. It’ll be interesting to see if E.J. Jenkins can continue to stand out after making some impressive catches in OTAs/minicamp.
OL: Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Tyler Steen, Lane Johnson, Mekhi Becton, Matt Hennessy, Fred Johnson, Trevor Keegan, Dylan McMahon (10) [25]
The starting offensive line is locked in ... for now. It seems notable that the Eagles have been moving Becton around, looking to make him the top backup at every non-center position. Perhaps he’ll overtake Steen at right guard? We’ll see. Hennessy could be the top backup center. Johnson provides extra tackle depth while Keegan provides more guard depth. McMahon could make Hennessy expendable if he really shines from the jump but it might be best to essentially redshirt the former.
DEFENSE
EDGE: Bryce Huff, Josh Sweat, Nolan Smith, Brandon Graham, Jalyx Hunt (5) [30]
Huff has a lot to prove in terms of being a full-time player. The Eagles really need to be right about him after moving on from Haason Reddick. There’s also a lot of pressure on Sweat, who faded down the stretch last year and will be a free agent after this season. Smith is yet another player who better step up; his success (or lack thereof) could be the difference between the Eagles having a really good pass rush or not. During my weekly guest appearance on Birds 365, John McMullen made an interesting point about the Eagles potentially relying on Graham a bit more than last year since it’s his last season. Obviously you have to consider how much work he can handle at his age but now’s the time for Graham to empty the tank. Hunt will likely be limited to special teams duty at most.
DT: Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Milton Williams, Marlon Tuipulotu, Moro Ojomo (5) [35]
The Eagles have used a six-man DT rotation in recent seasons but Vic Fangio’s track record suggests we might see less of that and more of the starters. Fangio stressed the importance of conditioning with both Carter and Davis. There’s every reason to feel great about Carter making a leap in Year 2 but Davis really needs to prove he can make an impact. There are quality rotational depth players behind the starters but the Eagles might want to add another body at this spot. And perhaps specifically a bigger-bodied nose tackle type.
LB: Devin White, Zack Baun, Nakobe Dean, Oren Burks, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (5) [40]
White and Baun were largely the first-team linebackers in spring practices. Both of them made some nice plays. Dean was mostly with the second-team unit; he is not merely being handed a starting job. Burks is an experienced backup who can contribute on special teams. Trot Jr. could take some time to eventually develop into a contributor, just like T.J. Edwards — who he’s regularly compared to — did. Ben VanSumeren and Brandon Smith are bubble players who could make the roster but might be better bets for the practice squad.
CB: Darius Slay, Isaiah Rodgers, Avonte Maddox, Kelee Ringo, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Josh Jobe (7) [47]
Slay is starting, this we know. Otherwise, things aren’t so settled. Rodgers had a really strong spring and was first up at first-team cornerback. For now, we’ll say the veteran is the favorite to start across from Slay. Ringo also looked pretty good, so he’s right in the mix to start ... or at least be a quality backup on the outside. Maddox figures to start in the slot. If Mitchell doesn’t secure the starting job on the outside, the Eagles could still look to find playing time for him (ex: using him as a dime linebacker). DeJean could be in a similar boat in terms of being a role player. DeJean might also get some returning opportunities. The Eagles like Jobe’s special teams ability. Tyler Hall might be able to sneak on to provide more nickel depth, which is something the Eagles didn’t have enough of last year. Eli Ricks could be a trade candidate. Barring multiple injuries, James Bradberry isn’t making this roster.
S: Reed Blankenship, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Sydney Brown (3) [50]
I’m bullish on Blankenkship; he’s going to remind people why he’s a rightful starter. CJGJ is also locked in as a starter. Brown wasn’t able to participate in spring practices; he’s still making his way back from his ACL injury. Three safeties is light but the Eagles regularly had Maddox rep at this position during OTAs/minicamp. The Eagles could also conceivably look to sign a veteran safety for more depth since there are quality players available. Eddie Jackson could be a fit in that regard.
SPECIAL TEAMS
K: Jake Elliott (1) [51]
Elliott is running unopposed as the Eagles’ kicker.
P: Braden Mann (1) [52]
Mann is running unopposed as the Eagles’ punter.
LS: Rick Lovato (1) [53]
Mann is running unopposed as the Eagles’ long snapper.
PRACTICE SQUAD
RB Kendall Milton, WR Jacob Harris, WR Joseph Ngata, TE E.J. Jenkins, OT Anim Dankwah, OG Gottlieb Ayedze, EDGE Julian Okwara, EDGE Patrick Johnson, DT Gabe Hall, DT PJ Mustipher, LB Ben VanSumeren, LB Brandon Smith, CB Tyler Hall, DB Mekhi Garner, S Tristin McCollum, S Andre’ Sam
International exemption: OT Laekin Vakalahi