The Eagles have gone through the ups and downs of training camp and preseason with the intent of putting together the best 53-man roster that they can. With this being only the initial 53-man, this roster may look very different from until week 1. After a wild day of big cuts and moves let’s take a look at who made it to the initial 53-man roster.
Quarterback
Jalen Hurts, Marcus Mariota, Tanner McKee
This had to be the ultimate given. The Eagles were never going to move on from Mariota and allow McKee into the QB2 role during his rookie year. Although Mariota did struggle while McKee shined, the Eagles are trusting that the woes of the offseason won’t affect their veteran backup.
McKee has a very bright future with the team and could be the long-term answer in the backup role but for now, the title belongs to Marcus Mariota. With Hurts being the unquestioned QB1, Philly is going into the season with a solid trio of QBs.
Running Back
Kenneth Gainwell, Rashaad Penny, Boston Scott, D’Andre Swift
Many had their fingers crossed in hopes of Trey Sermon making the roster but it seemed as if the Eagles always knew that it would be this four. While the rotation will be focused on the abilities of Swift, Gainwell, and Penny, Boston Scott will probably help in special teams and on some passing downs and yeah, against the Giants.
As for who the Eagles will roll with as their RB1, nobody knows. But it will be an intriguing debate as they deploy their committee throughout the season.
Wide Receiver
A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Quez Watkins, Olamide Zaccheaus
The Eagles are a little light when it comes to the WR position but it could just be a temporary outlook. They will likely add another player to be a returner on special teams but the jury is still out on who that will be. The Eagles could look to bring Covey back onto the practice squad but that can only last so long. It will be interesting to see if they add a 5th wideout and who that may be.
But for now, the team has loaded up on playmakers for Jalen Hurts. While Watkins will look to bounce back after a tough season, Olamide Zaccheaus could provide a lot of firepower for the Eagles. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith will look to build on their incredible success last season in hopes of securing a Lombardi Trophy this time around.
Tight End
Grant Calcaterra, Dallas Goedert, Albert Okwuegbunam, Jack Stoll
While Dallas Goedert is the undisputed TE1 for the Eagles, the TE2 spot continued to have a big question mark until Tuesday evening. The Eagles made a move in trading with the Denver Broncos for Albert Okwuegbunam. Okwuegbunam is a 6”5’ monster that could prove to be a reliable playmaker behind Dallas Goedert.
I’d honestly be surprised if the Eagles kept four tight ends to start the season. It feels like Albert is an infusion of both Grant Calcaterra and Jack Stoll. He’s a solid blocker with good pass-catching skills.
Offensive Line
Landon Dickerson, Jack Driscoll, Fred Johnson, Lane Johnson, Cam Jurgens, Jason Kelce, Jordan Mailata, Sua Opeta, Tyler Steen
The offensive line is what they always have been. The main constant on the team that everyone else revolves around. The Eagles love to build through the trenches and have found continued success due to the great versatility of their offensive linemen.
After signing Fred Johnson to a two-year contract, the team solidified their second-team offensive line with the hole of having that needed depth to succeed.
Edge Rusher
Derek Barnett, Brandon Graham, Patrick Johnson, Haason Reddick, Nolan Smith, Josh Sweat
This is the position that may be the spiciest on the team. While we all know just how incredible of a weapon Haason Reddick is, the Eagles have quite the firepower around him. While Brandon Graham is entering his historic 14th season, tied for the most in franchise history by a single player, he’s still as efficient as ever. Graham’s motor never seems to be running low on energy.
Josh Sweat is looking to solidify himself as one of the premier pass rushers in the game while Nolan Smith looks to find his footing and be the threat that everyone knows he can be. With those four in heavy rotation, it’s no wonder why Derek Barnett requested a trade. But one thing that you have to remember is just how much the Eagles value their depth in the trenches. Johnson and Barnett will see playing time but won’t be asked of the work from them.
Defensive Tackle
Jalen Carter, Fletcher Cox, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Kentavius Street, Marlon Tuipulotu, Milton Williams
Look no further than the second-deepest unit on the roster. The defensive line is loaded with talent but this could be subject to change when the Eagles start to shuffle players in and out. While the focal point of the rotation may be Fletcher Cox, Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Milton Williams, I am curious to see just how the Eagles handle the rest.
Ojomo is a promising rookie while Street showed the Eagles enough to be a lock to make the team. We’ve seen Tuipulotu on the practice squad a bit but can he find a role on this crowded defensive line? One way or another, the Eagles have loaded up in talent at a position of value. Either of these players will be exciting to watch this season
Linebacker
Zach Cunningham, Nakobe Dean, Christian Elliss
A tough outlook for a unit that is so important to so many defenses. The Eagles kept only three linebackers which is much lighter than in years past but you have to wonder just how much this has to do with Sean Desai’s scheme.
Nakobe Dean and Cunningham will be the starting linebackers but don’t be surprised if you see Terrell Edmunds worked into the mix as well as Patrick Johnson. Christina Elliss has proven that he belongs but how much playing time will he receive in a small LB group?
Cornerback
James Bradberry, Mario Goodrich, Josh Jobe, Avonte Maddox, Eli Ricks, Kelee Ringo, Darius Slay
The oh-so-talented group off corners. What was once a weakness for the Eagles has officially become a strength. The team will go with Bradberry, Slay, and Maddox as they’re starting Cornerbacks but don’t be surprised when you see the young guys getting into the mix.
There was talk of Bradberry receiving reps in the slot which could lead to Josh Bobe being the outside corner as opposed to Avonte Maddox who has struggled out there. Eli Ricks, Mario Goodrich, and Kelee Ringo may not receive much playing time but I wouldn’t be surprised if Ricks found his way onto the field.
The Eagles UDFA had a very strong preseason which led to his arrival on the 53-man roster.
Safety
Reed Blankenship, Sydney Brown, Terrell Edmunds, Justin Evans
Another ground that is a bit light. While Justin Evans has been a great comeback story and could end up being the second starting safety, it doesn’t seem like they have that pass coverage safety in this group. Last year that role belonged to C.J. Gardner-Johnson but now I wonder if Evans can fill in those shoes or will Sydney Brown surprise us all?
I would expect the Eagles to explore the trade market for a starting safety but I am not confident in the potential options that are out there. Other than that, I am excited to see what Sydney Brown can do in this Eagles defense and if Blankenship takes another leap.
Special Teams
Jake Elliott and Rick Lovato
It’s Jake Elliott and Rick Lovato. I mean, they’ve been the guys for years now. Are you surprised? Well, you should be because the Eagles don’t have a punter at the moment! The team is expected to work out several free-agent punters after releasing Arryn Siposs.
Siposs had a tough season last year which is why the Eagles must find someone new. There are some decent names out there but only time will tell if the Eagles do move on from Siposs.
Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire
