After an eventful preseason opener, the Philadelphia Eagles gained a bit of clarity on the team’s current roster.
While several position battles have been settled, there are still players fighting to survive final cuts in Philadelphia.
As the Eagles continue with their remaining slate of preseason games, there is still time for players to impress Philadelphia’s coaching staff and front office.
Here is a projection of what the team’s final 53-man roster could look like in Week 1.
Philadelphia Eagles 53-Man Roster Projection
Quarterback (3)
Starter: Jalen Hurts
Backups: Kenny Pickett, Tanner McKee
Jalen Hurts enjoyed the night off for Philadelphia’s preseason opener, but Kenny Pickett did little to cement himself as the team’s QB2. It’ll be interesting to see if Tanner McKee is given a chance to work with Philadelphia’s second-string offense in the remaining two preseason games.
Running Back (3)
Starter: Saquon Barkley
Backups: Kenneth Gainwell, Will Shipley
Saquon Barkley watched from the sidelines as Philadelphia’s running back group put on a physical display against the Ravens. Kenneth Gainwell and Will Shipley each had a strong performance and seem to be competing for the RB2 spot behind Barkley. It’ll be tough for the Eagles to find another roster spot for a fourth running back.
Wide Receiver (5)
Starters: A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Johnny Wilson
Backups: Parris Campbell, Britain Covey
Wide receiver remains an underrated position of need for the Eagles. While A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are arguably the best wide receiver duo in the NFL, Philadelphia’s depth behind them is lacking.
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Johnny Wilson certainly has a ton of upside, but there is room to improve the depth chart behind him. In this projection, I have John Ross and Ainias Smith missing the cut as the Eagles go heavier on the defensive side of the ball.
Tight End (3)
Starter: Dallas Goedert
Backups: Grant Calcaterra, C.J. Uzomah
While Dallas Goedert is clearly the top tight end in Philadelphia, Grant Calcaterra has separated himself from the pack at TE2. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Eagles make an outside addition for help at TE3, but C.J. Uzomah should stick around until they do so.
I love what Kellen Moore did here. The Eagles stacked up the right size of the LOS with CJ Uzomah and Grant Calcaterra.
Then Kenny Pickett faked the pitch to Will Shipley and threw it to him on that right side. Smart offensive design pic.twitter.com/RSjP8YACXf
— Chase Senior (@Chase_Senior) August 10, 2024
Offensive Line (9)
Starters: Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Mekhi Becton, Lane Johnson
Backups: Fred Johnson, Tyler Steen, Brett Toth, Trevor Keegan
Mekhi Becton appears to have won the starting job at right guard, as Tyler Steen played deep into the team’s preseason opener. Fred Johnson appears to be the top backup offensive tackle, while Brett Toth and Trevor Keegan have shown flashes as well.
Despite being selected with the No. 190 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Dylan McMahon has yet to show much potential and could be cut in favor of more proven depth.
Defensive Tackle (5)
Starters: Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Milton Williams
Backups: Marlon Tuipulotu, Moro Ojomo
The Eagles could look to make an outside addition at defensive tackle, as the current group is significantly lacking experience. Marlon Tuipulotu and Moro Ojomo have each shown flashes during training camp and the team’s first preseason game. They currently have the upper hand over P.J. Mustipher and Gabe Hall.
EDGE (6)
Starters: Bryce Huff, Josh Sweat
Backups: Nolan Smith, Brandon Graham, Jalyx Hunt, Patrick Johnson
Philadelphia’s group of edge defenders has become a relatively easy position to project in this exercise. But fourth-year edge rusher Patrick Johnson could make things interesting after a clutch strip sack against the Ravens. Johnson also offers special teams value, which is incredibly important for players at the end of a team’s roster.
Linebacker (5)
Starters: Devin White, Zack Baun
Backups: Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Nakobe Dean, Ben VanSumeren
Devin White and Zack Baun have claimed the starting spots at inside linebacker in Philadelphia, and rookie Jeremiah Trotter Jr. enjoyed a very impressive NFL debut on Friday night.
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Nakobe Dean has shown flashes but needs to be more consistent in his third season. Ben VanSumeren gets the nod over Oren Burks, as the veteran continues to miss time due to injury.
Cornerback (6)
Starters: Darius Slay, Isaiah Rodgers, Quinyon Mitchell
Backups: Kelee Ringo, Cooper DeJean, Avonte Maddox
Isaiah Rodgers and Kelee Ringo continue to battle for the CB2 opposite of Darius Slay, as each player had a strong performance against the Ravens. Quinyon Mitchell already looks comfortable in the slot and nearly had an interception in Baltimore.
Tyler Hall, Eli Ricks, and Josh Jobe failed to stand out in the team’s preseason opener and likely won’t make the final roster in Philadelphia.
Safety (5)
Starters: C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Reed Blankenship
Backups: Sydney Brown, James Bradberry, Caden Sterns
James Bradberry didn’t make any flashy plays during his debut at safety, but that could be a good sign as he was rarely targeted. Newly signed Caden Sterns gets the edge over Tristin McCollum, if healthy. Sterns has experience working under Vic Fangio and is still just 24-years old.
Specialist (3)
Kicker: Jake Elliott
Punter: Braden Mann
Long Snapper: Rick Lovato
Jake Elliott certainly didn’t have the best performance against the Ravens, missing an extra point and a 50-yard field goal. Elliott made up for his late-game hiccup, nailing a 49-yard field goal to win the game in Baltimore. Philadelphia’s special teams trio should remain one of the top units in the NFL in 2024.