The Philadelphia Eagles stunned the world with another big trade on Thursday afternoon, but how has that impacted their 53-man roster outlook?
Eagles 53-man Roster prediction
Quarterback (3):
Jalen Hurts, Kenny Pickett, Tanner McKee
The Quarterback hierarchy seems set, even if Tanner McKee has outplayed Pickett this summer, Hurts is QB1, Pickett will be the backup, and McKee QB3.
Running Back (3):
Saquon Barkley, Kenneth Gainwell, and Will Shipley.
The excitement fans have for Saquon Barkley this upcoming season can not be overstated. He has looked good, but nobody will see how lethal he will be in their offense until week one.
Gainwell has looked strong and is making the most of his opportunities. He is also getting a lot of reps as their kick returner.
New Eagles OC, Kellen Moore, regularly rotated the RBs during his time in Dallas which could have rookie Will Shipley on the field more than some think. He has looked good in space this summer and with an improved pass protection may play more than some thought.
They will have a handful of interesting candidates to choose for their practice squad. Kendall Milton, Tyrion Davis-Price, and Lew Nichols.
Wide Receiver (6):
A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, Britain Covey, Johnny Wilson, Ainias Smith
A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are the undisputed 1A and 1B. WR3 looked like it would end up being a committee effort until the team shocked the world by trading for Jahan Dotson. WR3 solved.
Covey is valuable due to his punt-returning ability, but he has shown promise as a slot receiver. He has good hands and has shown a knack for getting open. Covey could have a role in the offense in the hybrid WR3 role.
Before sustaining a concussion, Johnny Wilson was showing off his blocking chops and could play a vital role in the red zeon this season as both a blocker and a receiver.
The battle for the sixth spot will be an interesting one. I went with Eagles 5th round draft pick Ainias Smith over Ross, and the field, as they have more invested in him and he started camp behind the eight ball to do injuries. He has unique skill sets for the position. The Eagles are excited to see what he can evolve into in their offense.
Fighting for a roster spot; Parris Campbell, John Ross, Joseph Ngata, Austin Watkins Jr., Jacob Harris, and Shaquan Davis.
Tight End (3):
Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra, EJ Jenkins
The Eagles like carrying four tight ends, and I may look back and think I should have added another player here, but they just released C.J. Uzomah and I do not see another TE on the roster worthy of the initial 53. I love the receiving ability of all 3 TEs, their blocking has yet to be determined.
Offensive Tackle (5):
Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata, Fred Johnson, Darian Kinnard, Tyler Steen
The Eagles need more depth at tackle, but the starters are set in stone. I moved Steen to Tackle as he could be a backup to both iOL spots now that he is not to start.
Offensive Guard and Center (5):
Cam Jurgens, Landon Dickerson, Mekhi Becton, Dylan McMahon, Trevor Keegan
Toth was a tough cut. I went back and forth between him and Kinnard. Toth has value as a backup center, so it will be an interesting decision to watch unfold.
Other offensive linemen fighting for a roster spot are; Matt Hennessy, Max Scharping, Nick Gates, Anim Dankwah, Gottlieb Ayedze, Brett Toth, Darian Kinnard, Jason Poe, Laekin Vakalahi (roster exempt). Brett Toth was my final cut amongst this group. Stoutland likes him a lot, and seeing how this plays out will be interesting.
Defensive Tackle (5):
Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Milton Williams, Moro Ojomo, Thomas Booker IV
Jalen Carter has the talent to be the defensive player of the year, he is that good. Jordan Davis looks to be in great shape, and the team needs more snaps and a full season of health from him. Milton Williams is in a contract year and could make a lot of money by taking on the snaps future Eagle Hall of Famer, Fletcher Cox, left behind. This is a big season for Milton.
I chose Thomas Booker IV over P.J. Mustipher, despite PJs ability to be the NT. Booker has outplayed the others and earned a roster.
Others; Marlon Tuipulotu, P.J. Musitpher, and Gabe Hall
EDGE (6):
Bryce Huff, Josh Sweat, Nolan Smith, Brandon Graham, Jalyx Hunt, Patrick Johnson
Heavy for the Edge spot, but needed. This position has a mix of veterans and unproven talent. They are relying heavily on Huff being able to play more snaps and be as productive with a heavier workload as he was for the Jets. Nolan is being counted on to take a sophomore leap in production. He has the physical talent to be a game-wrecker.
I initially was keeping 5 Edge, but Patrick Johnson played too well to release.
With Josh Sweat likely gone at season’s end, Edge will likely be addressed very early in next year’s draft.
Others fighting for a spot on the roster; Tarron Jackson, Julian Okwara, and Terrell Lewis.
Linebacker (5):
Devin White, Zack Baun, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Nakobe Dean, and Ben VanSumeren
Could this be the most talented LB core the Eagles have had since 2017? They have youth and ability on their side. It will be fascinating to watch how the position evolves.
Ben VanSumeren was already an asset on special teams and has seized the opportunity to make the 53 with the extra defensive reps he received while Oren Burks was injured.
Brandon Smith is a player that could find himself on the practice squad.
Cornerback (6):
Big Play Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, Josh Jobe, and Isaiah Rodgers
The Eagles may get creative and find a way to keep Eli Ricks. Possibly by PUP Ainias Smith for 4 weeks or placing Maddox on the PS. Corners are valuable and they should be able to get some return for him. If they only keep six, I think Jobe beats him out due to his special teams prowess. Cutting Eli Ricks is a hard choice.
DBs are the positions claimed the most in waivers on cutdown day. Last season 10 of the 24 players claimed were DBs, including the one that the Eagles cut, K’Von Wallace.
Safety (3):
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Reed Blankenship, Tristin McCollum
Sydney Brown PUP Caden Sterns PUP
Avonte Maddox, hide for a few days as a vet on PS
Sydney Brown has looked great recovering from a torn ACL he sustained in January and Reed Blankenship is developing into a reliable defensive back.
Maddox can be added to the practice squad (with a handshake and a wink)with his veteran status without the Eagles worrying about being poached by another team. His situation bears monitoring if they place him on the PS squad for a week. That transaction could open the door for someone else to make the team.
Likely auditioning for other teams or the practice squad; James Bradberry and Andre’ Sam.
Bradberry deserves praise for trying another position to make an impact on the team, but I do not believe he did enough to stay on the roster. His status is one of the more interesting to watch next Tuesday.
Special Teams (3):
Jake Elliott, Braden Mann, Rick Lovato
There is zero intrigue amongst the depth chart for the three special teams players, which is a good thing!
As always, Thank you for reading!
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Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
