An early look at all 90 players on the Eagles roster

During the offseason, NFL teams are allowed to expand their rosters to 90 players. The Eagles roster is sure to change often even before we get to training camp, but we have our first official look. Prior to the start of the regular season, they will have to trim that number down to 53 active players. However, there are some changes for 2020 thanks to the new CBA that was signed in March.

For starters, NFL teams can now technically have 55 active players, though there are some stipulations:

Two practice-squad players per week may be elevated to the team’s roster, meaning game-week roster sizes could effectively increase from 53 to 55. And a player elevated from the practice squad to the 55-man roster could be sent back to the practice squad two times without having to clear waivers.

…The game-day active roster will increase from 46 to 48 players (although one of the extra players must be an offensive lineman, which will give teams more flexibility to have three extra linemen).

The practice squad is also increasing from 10 to 12 players this season:

Practice squads will expand from 10 players to 12 in 2020 and 2021 and to 14 starting in 2022.

The idea is to create more jobs, which benefits the players on the fringe of NFL rosters. That’s good news for players taken later in the NFL Draft and undrafted free agents who signed shortly after the draft. And while the names will most certainly change over the next few months, here’s an early look at the 90 (really 91, but more on that in a minute) players currently on the Eagles roster.

Offensive Linemen

Notes

It’s interesting that Isaac Seumalo is listed as simply “OL” and Matt Pryor is listed as “G/T,” while every other player has a specific position. Is there something to that? Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe the team is acknowledging that those two players have proven to be versatile but don’t want to put too much on a rookie like Jack Driscoll’s plate. Driscoll is listed at tackle but can play inside and had been working out at center leading up to the draft. The Eagles focused on adding depth to their offensive line in the draft and post-draft process, and there are still rumors that Jason Peters could return.

Offensive Skill Players

Notes

There are a lot of new faces here. The team drafted quarterback Jalen Hurts in the second round to much criticism. They also drafted three wide receivers, acquired another via trade, and signed two as undrafted free agents. One of those two wideouts is Khalil Tate, who was an exciting quarterback to watch in college. Noah Togiai has a chance to earn the third tight end job, while fellow undrafted rookie Mike Warren could earn the fourth running back job. The team emphasized speed and added number of potential weapons for franchise quarterback Carson Wentz.

Defensive Linemen

Notes

The surprise move in free agency for the Eagles was when they signed defensive tackle Javon Hargrave to a long-term deal. The team has numbers here, but they need to be better in 2020 than they were in 2019. They’re hoping Hargrave will help the interior of their defensive line alongside Fletcher Cox while also banking on Malik Jackson returning after missing nearly all of the 2019 season. On the outside, there are questions after Brandon Graham, Derek Barnett, and Josh Sweat. Barnett and Sweat need to be more consistent if they are going to be relied on. Geoff Mosher of Inside the Birds recently reported that the team remains in the mix to sign Vinny Curry.

Linebackers

Notes

The Eagles don’t typically invest in the linebacker position, which is the right move in today’s NFL. However, they did spend a third-round pick on Davion Taylor, who is an athletic developmental player at the position. The team will probably keep five of these names (Gerry, Edwards, Riley, Taylor, and Brown is the early guess here) while trying to stash a couple more (Bradley and Olson?) on the practice squad.

Defensive Backs

Notes

What a difference a year makes. The Eagles have drastically changed their defensive backfield. Whether or not it is for the better remains to be seen, but they sure are trying some new things. Malcolm Jenkins is gone. Darius Slay is here. They are also reportedly moving to more of a “positionless” setup, with players like K’Von Wallace who can play safety or slot cornerback. Here is one very interesting update from their team website, though:

Are we sure Jalen Mills is transitioning to a hybrid/safety role? This is worth monitoring.

Specialists

Notes

The Eagles haven’t added any competition here, and there isn’t much to say. Barring an injury, this group will remain unchanged in 2020.

International

Notes

The NFL’s International Player Pathway Program allows the team to keep a 13th player on the practice squad. This year, it will likely be Australian/Iowa State defensive end Matt Leo. If he is kept via this program, however, he will not be eligible for promotion to the active roster in 2020.  He’s already 27, but he’s a big developmental prospect similar to Jordan Mailata on the offensive side of the ball. From the team website:

The team receives a roster exemption for Leo through the cutdown to 53 players on September 5. At that point, the Eagles can place Leo on the active roster, the practice squad, or place an International Practice Squad exemption on him. If the Eagles choose the International Practice Squad exemption, he will remain there for the entire 2020 season and cannot be activated to the 53-player roster.