My way-too-early Philadelphia Eagles initial 53-man roster begins today with the Offense. The players I have making the team are italicized, and my numeric projections for each position on the initial 53 are in parentheses. I have 26 offensive players on the initial 53. There are currently 46 offensive players on the Philadelphia Eagles’ 90-man roster.
Quarterback (3)
Jalen Hurts is the undisputed QB1, and Tanner McKee is the QB2.
Fighting for a spot or to be on the practice squad
A camp battle between Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Kyle McCord may ensue, but with more years of control, coupled with the Eagles drafting McCord in the sixth round, even after trading for DTR, suggests Kyle has an edge. DTR is a compelling option. Watching him during camp will be interesting. This is what I wrote about him during the 2023 NFL Draft process, when I projected him to be an Eagles draft pick
DTR is mobile and has an above-average arm, he can throw with a seemingly effortless and natural release from almost any angle. He has a skill set similar to Jalen Hurts, and it seems that Dorian would be an ideal backup to groom. Welcome to the QB factory!
Wide Receiver (5)
AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, Ainias Smith, and Johnny Wilson
Fighting for a spot or to be on the practice squad
Danny Gray, Terrace Marshall, Elijah Cook, Darius Cooper, Taylor Morin, & Giles Jackson
A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are the undisputed 1A and 1B. WR3 looks to be Jahan Dotson, despite the Eagles not picking up his fifth-year option.
Terrace Marshall could be one to watch if the Eagles carry six WRs. Taylor Morin adds value as PR and KR, which could help his chances if Avery Williams does not work out.
Running Back (4)
Saquon Barkley, Will Shipley, AJ Dillon, and Avery Williams (PR/KR)
Fighting for a spot or to be on the practice squad
Lew Nichols, ShunDerrick Powell, & Montrell Johnson
The Eagles had the best running back in all of football in 2024, and they expect more of the same in 2025. The only significant difference should be Will Shipley taking over RB2, which was left behind when Kenny Gainwell departed via free agency. A healthy AJ Dillon could be an interesting RB3 option. Dillon missed the entire 2024 season due to a neck injury. He has rushed for 2428 yards and 16 TDs during his four years with Green Bay. He also totaled 86 receptions for 763 yards and 2 additional TDs via the air.
Fullback (1)
Ben VanSumeren
Before his injury, BVS was an effective fullback. His versatility as an FB, emergency LB, and special teamer makes it likely he has a spot on the roster.
A potential, occasional FB could be recently drafted Defensive Tackle, Ty Robinson, who played the position some at Nebraska.
Tight End (3)
Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra, and Harrison Bryant
It would not be a surprise if the Eagles move on from Goedert, who is 30 years old and would cost the Birds approximately 15 million in his last year in Philadelphia. A trade for Mike Mayer from Las Vegas could be in the cards. This is the most fascinating position to watch over the next month.
Fighting for a spot or to be on the practice squad
EJ Jenkins, Cameron Latu, Nick Muse, & Kylen Granson
Offensive Line (10)
Starters
Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Tyler Steen*
As of now, many believe RG is Tyler Steen’s job. I would not rule out Drew Kendall. He played RG day one at rookie camp, and has the athleticism to move from Center to Guard. The Eagles have proven, with Cam Jurgens, that they are unafraid to change positions at OL with a rookie and start them.
Likely Reserves
Kendall Lamm, Myles Hinton, Trevor Keegan, Kenyon Green, Drew Kendall*
Fighting for a spot or to be on the practice squad
Darian Kennard, Cameron Williams, Hollin Pierce, Brett Toth, & Matt Prior
With the way Eagles OL Coach Jeff Stoutland crosstrains most linemen, all of them could be fighting for a roster spot inside or outside. They could all be candidates for a Guard position.
International Exemption
Laekin Vakalahi
Laekin had never played U.S. football, or even thought of doing so, until a friend of an Eagles scout, Chris Naeole, had a fortuitous conversation with Vakalahi’s father while vacationing in Hawaii. An example of how real “Eagles Everywhere” really is.
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REUTERS/Mike Segar
