The Philadelphia Eagles are eager to start training camp as they look to put last season’s miserable ending to bed. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman made several notable moves this offseason, addressing many of the biggest weaknesses.
Following Roseman’s latest moves, Philadelphia will have several difficult decisions to make during final cuts. As training camp begins, here’s a projection of what the Eagles’ 53-man roster could look like in September.
Philadelphia Eagles 53-Man Roster Projection
Quarterback (3)
Starter: Jalen Hurts
Backups: Kenny Pickett, Tanner McKee
While the addition of Kenny Pickett will likely stir up some unnecessary drama, Jalen Hurts is clearly QB1 in Philadelphia. Hurts’ issues with turnovers last season mean he’ll be looking to bounce back with new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore calling plays for the Eagles.
Hurts should take a significant step forward after a disappointing performance in 2023.
Running Back (3)
Starter: Saquon Barkley
Backups: Kenneth Gainwell, Will Shipley
Kenneth Gainwell will likely be the only running back to make Philadelphia’s final roster from last season’s team. He’s joined by two new faces: Saquon Barkley and Will Shipley.
It’ll be interesting to see if Shipley can steal the RB2 job from Gainwell, given his versatility and long-term upside.
Wide Receiver (6)
Starters: A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Parris Campbell
Backups: Ainias Smith, Johnny Wilson, John Ross
Wide receiver will be one of the most interesting positions to watch during training camp and preseason games. While A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are cemented atop the team’s depth chart, the other spots behind them are rather fluid.
Parris Campbell appears to be the early favorite at WR3. Ainias Smith could push him for that role, though, if he’s fully healthy for training camp.
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Johnny Wilson should join Smith on the team’s final roster, considering both were selected by the Eagles in the 2024 NFL Draft. I also have John Ross making the team over Britain Covey, given that Ross has experience playing on the outside and offers more than just being a punt-return specialist.
Tight End (3)
Starter: Dallas Goedert
Backups: C.J. Uzomah, Grant Calcaterra
The Eagles finally invested in a relatively notable TE2. C.J. Uzomah has starting experience and should be an upgrade over Jack Stoll, helpful given that Dallas Goedert is inevitably due to miss time. Grant Calcaterra should also beat out Albert Okwuegbunam, who struggled to see the field last season, for the final TE spot.
Offensive Line (10)
Starters: Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Mekhi Becton, Lane Johnson
Backups: Tyler Steen, Matt Hennessy, Max Scharping, Trevor Keegan, Dylan McMahon
The battle for starting right guard will certainly be interesting. Tyler Steen appeared to be in the lead for the job, yet Mekhi Becton’s tools could generate momentum.
I’m giving veteran offensive lineman Max Scharping the edge over Fred Johnson, given that the former has experience playing all five positions dating back to his college days.
Mekhi Becton on learning the offensive guard position: pic.twitter.com/gxSIGbbRxe
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) June 6, 2024
Defensive Tackle (5)
Starters: Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Milton Williams
Backups: Moro Ojomo, Gabe Hall
It feels like the Eagles could make another move along the DL interior. While Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Milton Williams are an intriguing trio, the group behind them is rather lackluster.
I’m going to give Moro Ojomo and Gabe Hall the nod due to their upside, but Philadelphia could make a move for more experienced depth at some point.
EDGE (5)
Starters: Bryce Huff, Josh Sweat
Backups: Nolan Smith, Brandon Graham, Jalyx Hunt
Many are concerned about Philadelphia’s edge defenders, but I think this group is underrated. Bryce Huff should thrive in a bigger role, and Josh Sweat is due for a bounce-back year, although switching his jersey number to No. 19 was a questionable decision.
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Nolan Smith showed flashes down the stretch last season, and Brandon Graham is a proven veteran. Jalyx Hunt is more of a long-term project, but his athleticism and versatility offer something that the Eagles are lacking on the edge in 2024.
Linebacker (5)
Starters: Devin White, Zack Baun
Backups: Nakobe Dean, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Oren Burks
Zack Baun was initially projected as an edge defender this upcoming season, though defensive coordinator Vic Fangio views him as an inside linebacker. He joins Devin White as an early leader for the two starting jobs in Philadelphia.
Nakobe Dean has been underwhelming to start his NFL career. Thus, he needs to prove that he won’t give up the starting job without a fight.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. likely won’t play much on defense during his rookie season. He’ll join Oren Burks, who I have beating out Ben VanSumeren, as likely key contributors on Philadelphia’s special-teams unit.
New #Eagles LB Zack Baun says he has experience playing both LB and EDGE
Isn’t sure what his role is yet for next season pic.twitter.com/Cp6UJuhUc9
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) March 14, 2024
Cornerback (7)
Starters: Darius Slay, Isaiah Rodgers, Avonte Maddox
Backups: Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, Tyler Hall
For several years, cornerback was consistently viewed as a weakness for Philadelphia. Roseman and the team’s staff, however, have completely revamped the position group this offseason.
Darius Slay is the clear-cut CB1, while Isaiah Rodgers is in the early lead for CB2. Avonte Maddox is serving as Philadelphia’s starting slot cornerback and backup safety. Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean should also each have a role in 2024.
Kelee Ringo showed promise last season and could compete at CB2, too. I’m giving Tyler Hall the edge over Josh Jobe and Eli Ricks due to his experience playing in the slot.
Safety (3)
Starters: C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Reed Blankenship
Backups: Sydney Brown
Considering that Maddox is cross-training at both slot cornerback and safety, the Eagles can go a bit lighter at the position.
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While C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Reed Blankenship, and Sydney Brown form a promising trio, they all have injury concerns. I wouldn’t be surprised if Philadelphia adds another safety at some point before the regular season begins.
Specialist (3)
Kicker: Jake Elliott
Punter: Braden Mann
Long Snapper: Rick Lovato
This trio helped form one of the best special-teams units in the NFL last season. Jake Elliott remains one of the best kickers in the league. Braden Mann will provide much-needed consistency at punter after the Eagles went through a turnstile at the position for each of the last two seasons.
