After the team’s first two preseason games, the Philadelphia Eagles have painted a clearer picture of what the final roster might look like.
While Eagles general manager Howie Roseman usually has another move or two up his sleeve at this point of the year, most of Philadelphia’s final roster is essentially set in stone.
With just one preseason game remaining, that will likely be the final chance for many players to prove their worth to Philadelphia’s 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
Philadelphia’s quarterback trio is cemented. While some believe Tanner McKee should be the primary backup quarterback for the Eagles, the team worked to shut that topic down rather quickly. Regardless of who is QB2 in Philadelphia, the Eagles are likely going to struggle if Jalen Hurts is forced to miss any significant amount of time.
Running Back (3)
Starter: Saquon Barkley
Backups: Kenneth Gainwell, Will Shipley
The Eagles are stacked at running back. Saquon Barkley is the clear workhorse in Philadelphia, yet Kenneth Gainwell and Will Shipley have showcased their versatility during training camp and preseason action. All three running backs will have a role in 2024.
Wide Receiver (5)
Starters: A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Johnny Wilson
Backups: Britain Covey, Parris Campbell
Wide receiver is where things could get interesting ahead of Week 1. While A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are regarded as a top WR duo in the NFL, the Eagles don’t have much proven talent behind them.
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Johnny Wilson and Britain Covey have certainly earned roles in 2024. Yet Parris Campbell’s roster spot certainly isn’t guaranteed, as many expect the Eagles to search for help at WR3 elsewhere ahead of the regular season.
Tight End (3)
Starter: Dallas Goedert
Backups: Grant Calcaterra, E.J. Jenkins
Dallas Goedert and Grant Calcaterra are clearly the top two tight ends in Philadelphia. Yet the team’s room behind them is rather uninspiring. E.J. Jenkins flashed his potential against the New England Patriots in Philadelphia’s second preseason game. Therefore, he currently gets the edge over veteran tight end C.J. Uzomah.
Offensive Line (10)
Starters: Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Mekhi Becton, Lane Johnson
Backups: Fred Johnson, Tyler Steen, Brett Toth, Trevor Keegan, Dylan McMahon
The battle at right guard has finally been decided as Mekhi Becton has won the job. Now the Eagles can move forward with one of the best offensive line rooms in the NFL. Fred Johnson and Trevor Keegan have really impressed during preseason action, which will help ease any concerns about Philadelphia’s depth in the trenches.
Defensive Tackle (6)
Starters: Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Milton Williams
Backups: Moro Ojomo, Marlon Tuipulotu, Thomas Booker IV
Thomas Booker IV is the latest addition to this position group, as he has reportedly been a standout player during training camp. Booker has also flashed during the team’s first two preseason games as well. Moro Ojomo has dominated during preseason action and could play a significant role on early downs in Philadelphia.
EDGE (6)
Starters: Bryce Huff, Josh Sweat
Backups: Nolan Smith Jr., Brandon Graham, Jalyx Hunt, Patrick Johnson
While the top five in this group have essentially been cemented for months, Patrick Johnson has added his name to the mix as Johnson continues to showcase his potential during preseason action. Given Johnson’s ability on special teams, he’s a virtual lock to make Philadelphia’s final roster in 2024.
Linebacker (5)
Starters: Devin White, Zack Baun
Backups: Nakobe Dean, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Ben VanSumeren
While Devin White and Zack Baun are viewed as the “starters” at inside linebacker, Nakobe Dean is surging toward a significant role in 2024. Dean has performed at a high level over the last week or so, showcasing the potential that made him a highly regarded prospect coming out of Georgia in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Cornerback (5)
Starters: Darius Slay Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, Quinyon Mitchell
Backups: Kelee Ringo, Cooper DeJean
After years and years of questionable depth at cornerback, the Eagles are absolutely loaded at the position in 2024. Roseman did a tremendous job retooling the team’s secondary, as the future looks bright in Philadelphia. Cooper DeJean’s recent return only added to the versatility of the team’s cornerback room.
Safety (4)
Starters: C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Reed Blankenship
Backups: Avonte Maddox, Caden Sterns
Given the silence surrounding Sydney Brown’s recovery, it feels like he could start the regular season on the PUP list. Therefore, the Eagles would have to make a decision between Caden Sterns and Tristin McCollum for the final safety spot.
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I’ll give the edge to Sterns right now, given his familiarity with Vic Fangio and the fact that Philadelphia signed him despite knowing he was already injured.
Specialist (3)
Kicker: Jake Elliott
Punter: Braden Mann
Long Snapper: Rick Lovato
There’s not much to say about Philadelphia’s trio on special teams. Jake Elliott is one of the best kickers in the NFL. Braden Mann brought some much-needed consistency at punter in 2023, which is why he signed a two-year extension with the team earlier this offseason.
