The first week of Training Camp is in the books and the process of the Philadelphia Eagles trimming their roster from 90 downs to 53 is underway. It’s hard to really be certain how things will pan out before a whistle of preseason football has even sounded, but now that we’re officially less than a week away, we can at least get a rough idea of what we could expect based off of what we’ve seen at camp thus far.
Quarterback 3 (3)
Jalen Hurts, Marcus Mariota, Tanner McKee
No surprises here. The top two spots are obvious locks but rookie Tanner McKee has been impressive throughout camp. Our reporter, Mike Greger, noted that the tall signal-caller flaunted some impressive arm strength last week and could well be poised to displace Ian Book.
Running back 4 (7)
Kenny Gainwell, Rashaad Penny, D’Andre Swift, Boston Scott
Nick Sirianni’s offense doesn’t typically house many running backs, however, with injury concerns potentially still looming of Rashaad Penny & D’Andre Swift, Nick Sirianni would be wise to keep four names. The Eagles love their versatility and this backfield is loaded with that. I expect all four backs to make the cut.
Offensive line 9 (16)
Jason Kelce, Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Lane Johnson, Sua Opeta, Cam Jurgens, Dennis Kelly, Jack Driscoll, Tyler Steen
Shockingly enough, the offensive line picture really isn’t that different to the one Jeff Stoutland painted last year. The familiar names and faces are all still there, but Tyler Steen will make his arrival and complete what is an absolutely stacked unit.
The Eagles also brought Dennis Kelly back into the fold just before Training Camp, which not only gives them a veteran presence to mentor the younger guys, but gives them some reliability in a pinch, which affords Jeff Stoutland more time to work with those younger players away from the spotlight.
Tight end 3 (19)
Dallas Goedert, Jack Stoll, Dan Arnold
Dan Arnold isn’t an elite tight end, but the Eagles have tried and failed for multiple years now to develop a low-risk, high-reward backup. If Dallas Goedert goes down, there has to be someone to hold the fort. Tyree Jackson has had a good camp so far, but he’ll need a very strong preseason to overcome any concerns that have carried over from 2022.
The Eagles also keep Jack Stoll around due to his blocking prowess. Dallas Goedert specifically name-dropped him when discussing the TE group last week, stating how much info the young TE is soaking up and how he’s mentoring Stoll’s route-running. He seems to be held in a high regard which is bound to help his case.
Wide receiver 5 (24)
DeVonta Smith, A.J Brown, Quez Watkins, Olamide Zaccheaus, Britain Covey
While the Eagles do have some real star-power here, there is a lack of depth. Covey does have some nice upside but is yet to really kick into gear as a wide receiver, and there could still be an interesting WR3 battle between Watkins and Zaccheaus. Keeping all of the above on the roster should give the team enough to get by, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see a speedy Z receiver brought in on a tryout basis.
Defensive tackle 5 (29)
Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, Milton Williams, Fletcher Cox, Moro Ojomo
A dominant tandem of Davis and Carter headlines the DT spot and there is plenty of depth in behind. Moro Ojimo makes the cut while Marlon Tuipulotu will head to the practice squad. I had him making the roster before Monday’s linebacker additions and the Eagles will need to make room for them somehow.
Defensive end 5 (34)
Haason Reddick Nolan Smith, Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham, Patrick Johnson
This all depends on what you consider a ‘defensive end’, with both Reddick and Smith arguably counting as OLB’s too. With that said, they keep both Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham in their traditional roles and have Johnson in behind Smith and Reddick.
Linebacker 5 (40)
Nakobe Dean, Myles Jack, Shaun Bradley, Zach Cunningham, Christian Elliss, Nicholas Morrow
The Eagles released Davion Taylor on Monday and brought in a pair of proven veterans in the way of Zach Cunningham and Myles Jack. Nakobe Dean’s injury concerns have been rising and Howie Roseman had the foresight to ensure he had contingency plans at each spot. Christian Elliss has been having an outstanding camp and has been battling Nicholas Morrow for a starting role. Both should make the cut, with the Eagles arguably needing the reinforcements.
Cornerback 6 (46)
Darius Slay, James Bradberry, Avonte Maddox, Kelee Ringo, Zech McPhearson, Greedy Williams
I know 6 corners sounds like a lot…but it’s really not. I’m expecting rookie CB Kelee Ringo to play a niche role during his rookie season, which would technically give the Eagles 4 corners on the field in certain packages.
Greedy Williams has enough mettle to handle outside duties if needed and McPhearson has been moved full-time to the nickel, becoming the logical backup to Maddox.
Safety 4 (50)
Reed Blankenship, Sydney Brown, Terrell Edmunds, Justin Evans
The Eagles have a really solid rotation at Safety. Blankenship and Edmunds will likely lock down the starting roles, while Sydney Brown runs rampant as a versatile STAR defender. Justin Evans provides some special teams depth.
Specialists 3 (53)
Rick Lovato, Jake Elliott, Ty Zentner
THE ARRYN SIPOSS ERA IS OVER.
Be sure to let me know your thoughts on this roster prediction in the comments!
Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire
