With all training sessions now out of the way, we decided it’s time to make an early 53 man Roster prediction..there are some shocks so strap yourself in.
Quarterbacks (3): Sam Bradford, Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow
Tebow’s experience and record would be enough to secure him a third spot in the roster alone, but his OTA performances have been pretty good. Despite being a little inconsistent, Barkley’s time with the Eagles may soon be up.
Running Backs (3): DeMarco Murray, Ryan Mathews, Darren Sproles
Running with 4 backs could be an option, but this is the most probable lineup. The two new signings will partner the Sproles train, leaving Barner in the training squad.
Wide Receivers (6): Jordan Matthews, Nelson Agholor, Josh Huff, Riley Cooper, Miles Austin, G.J Kinne
Here comes shock number one. G.J Kinne switched to Wide Receiver during the OTA sessions and actually looked pretty good. Whilst Seyi Ajirotutu is a great special teams player, I think Chip has an ace up his sleeve with Kinne.
Tight Ends (3): Brent Celek, Zach Ertz, Trey Burton
No real change or shocks here, Ertz is set to break out this season alongside the consistent Brent Celek. Whilst Eric Tomlinson has the right physique standing at 6-foot-6, 263 pounds, the chances of him beating Burton to the role are slim.
Offensive Line (9): Jason Peters, Allen Barbre, Jason Kelce, Matt Tobin, Lane Johnson, Andrew Gardner, Kevin Graf, David Molk, Julian Vandervelde
Since the release of Mathis and Herremans, the offensive line has been hugely unpredictable.However we think that it will be Molk who makes it as the backup center whilst Julian Vandervelde returns to the lineup.
Defensive Line (7): Fletcher Cox, Bennie Logan, Cedric Thornton, Vinny Curry, Beau Allen,
Taylor Hart, Brian Mihalik
The only real surprises here are Taylor Hart and Brian Mihalik. Hart was redshirting last season but we believe that may be enough to see him develop his game and raise Kelly’s opinion of him. The Eagles 7th round pick will make the squad due to his physicality and would be a great backup.
Inside linebackers (5): Kiko Alonso, DeMeco Ryans, Mychal Kendricks, Jordan Hicks, Brandon Graham
After last season, I never thought I would say our Defense looks tasty, but Kiko Alonso has great potential. Ryans and Kendricks are pivotal linebackers and will help Hicks develop his game. Graham reportedly still feels he has a lot to prove and got behind Tebow early on in OTA’s..now’s his chance.
Outside Linebackers (5): Connor Barwin, Bryan Braman, Brad Jones, Travis Long, Marcus Smith
We have already eluded to how important this offseason has been for Marcus Smith and this assumption is that he proves to Chip Kelly exactly why he was drafted. His injury last year saw him lose many reps and he expressed an inability to understand defense last season. We think he has improved vastly and will get the spot with Travis Long and his diverse ability. Acho also makes the squad alongisde Connor Barwin and Brad Jones.
Cornerbacks (5): Byron Maxwell, Nolan Carroll, Walter Thurmond, Brandon Boykin, Eric Rowe
No real shocks here, but Carroll to take the start to begin with alongside Maxwell.
Safeties (4): Malcolm Jenkins, Earl Wolff, Chris Maragos, Ed Reynolds
The only surprise here would be the 2014 pick Ed Reynolds revamping his game and making the squad. It’s something he’s more than capable of being and it’s not a spot that’s hotly contested right now with Thrumond’s versatility.
Specialist (3) Cody Parkey (kicker), Donnie Jones (punter), Jon Dorenbos (long snapper)
All’s stable on the specialist front with full faith in#LoveParkey
Agree? Disagree? Anything too wild, or even not wild enough? Let us know on twitter! @PhiladelphiaSN
