Tuesday marks the day of doom for many a young NFL prospect. Each team must cut its roster down to 53 players. That will be no easy feat for any team, especially the Philadelphia Eagles, who have a lot of solid young talent. I did one of these predictions a few weeks ago, but so much has happened in this preseason that I feel I must update it. These are not necessarily the ideal roster, but what I think it will be when all is said and done.
Quarterbacks: Jalen Hurts, Gardner Minshew II, Joe Flacco
Boy, oh boy, was Nick Mullens bad. I originally thought we would run with two QBs, but that would be bad for business in the Howie Roseman QB factory. The Eagles have had three rostered QBs since 2017, and Minshew is definitely a great number 3 or number 2 behind Hurts. This trade seals the fate of a depth piece somewhere on the roster, which is unfortunate, but at least we have insurance at the most important position on the field. One of these dudes will be a healthy scratch every week.
Running Backs: Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, Jordan Howard, Kenneth Gainwell
Unfortunately, I was right about Kerryon Johnson a few weeks ago, but if this is the running back room, I am quite excited. Sanders is an ideal 1st and second down speed back, Boston and Kenny are scat backs who can be lethal in this passing game, and Howard is the bruiser who can play a role in pass blocking or pile pushing in short-yardage situations. Guys like Huntley, Johnson, and Holyfield were very solid but did not have their own unique strengths and will probably end up on a practice squad somewhere.
Wide Receivers: Devonta Smith, Jalen Reagor, Quez Watkins, Greg Ward Jr., J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Travis Fulgham
I did not think there was a spot for JJAW on this team originally, but after yet another impressive offseason, I do not think Howie will cut him. I don’t think this past preseason game was the only thing that got JJAW on this team, but it definitely did not hurt. Speaking of the last game, I really was not planning on putting Travis Fulgham on this list. But despite the reports, I think Fulgham sneaks onto this roster. Watching him play on special teams in the preseason and cough up the ball going into the endzone against NYJ definitely had me skeptical of his role on this team. But I don’t think Sirianni is going to give up on Fulgham that easily after he led our team in yards last year.
Tight End: Dallas Goedert, Zach Ertz, Richard Rodgers
Not much to say here. We have excellent depth at the tight end position. One interesting development is the injury to Minnesota Vikings’ tight ends Irv Smith Jr. and Tyler Conklin. While I do not think a trade to send our beloved Zach Ertz to Minnesota will materialize before Tuesday, it is definitely something Eagles fans should be monitoring. At that point, maybe UDFA Jack Stoll will make the roster, but we shall cross that bridge if and when we get to it.
Editor’s Note: Tyree Jackson is a candidate to be kept here as the team is unable to place him on the PUP list to start the year. The thinking among some reporters is the Eagles will keep Jackson on the initial 53-man roster and then place him on injured reserve, making him eligible to return later in the season but costing the Eagles an initial roster spot.
Offensive Line: Lane Johnson, Brandon Brooks, Jason Kelce, Isaac Seumalo, Jordan Mailata, Andre Dillard, Nate Herbig, Jack Driscoll, Brett Toth
The Eagles have to be looking at depth in the trenches this season after trotting out 14 different offensive lines last year. I like Toth’s chances of making the roster this year over Sua Opeta, who unfortunately suffered an injury recently. Toth proved that he can play both tackle and guard similarly to Driscoll, which is crucial for depth. A lot of beat writers do not think Dillard should make the team, and they are wrong. Tackles are always late bloomers, and I do not think we should accept a discount deal for the 25-year-old former first-round pick, nor do I think we should just let him walk. I know it is hard to wait, but I still think he has the upside to get better.
Defensive Line: Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave, Josh Sweat, Milton Williams, Ryan Kerrigan, Derek Barnett, T.Y. McGill, Tarron Jackson
This D-line will have to continue to be deep and solid to help this team win week in and week out, and I remain confident in its ability. The rotation is still elite, the upside of the young dudes is killer, and the vets can still ball. This list is similar to the one I made a few weeks ago, but I am sold on McGill over Hassan Ridgeway, who can never seem to stay healthy. Eagles fans should stay excited about this unit.
Linebackers: Alex Singleton, Eric Wilson, TJ Edwards, Shaun Bradley, Davion Taylor, Patrick Johnson
This position has a surprising amount of depth in my eyes. I am hopeful that Davion Taylor gets back on the field soon after sustaining a quad injury that took him out of this preseason. But even without him, Singleton and Wilson look like stars, and Edwards and Bradley are consistently improving. I see Johnson more as a healthy scratch/special teamer, but he also hasn’t looked half bad in preseason. Hopefully, these backers shock the world.
Cornerbacks: Darius Slay, Steve Nelson, Avonte Maddox, Zech McPhearson, Craig James, Josiah Scott
3 outside guys, 3 slot guys. I like these guys enough to make the team, especially over a dude like Michael Jacquet III. Originally, I did not have Craig James making this roster, but I think he will add value to the special teams unit along with Josiah Scott, who has impressed this preseason. I am a little concerned about the depth here, but if the team fails, we can always grab Derek Stingley Jr. in the draft, right?
Safeties: Anthony Harris, K’Von Wallace, Andrew Adams, Marcus Epps
This defense has been improved by the presence of Anthony Harris. I believe Wallace will start next to him to begin the season but will be relegated to slot/box safety in dime sets once Rodney McLeod comes back. Adams and Epps both are special teamers who can step up and play meaningful time on defense if needed.
Special teams: Jake Elliott, Aaryn Siposs, Rick Lovato
Jake Elliott has seemed consistent this preseason. He must keep that up. Siposs has proven he can kick off and punt competently, and pro bowler Rick Lovato returns for his 6th season in Philly.
IR: Rodney McLeod, Kerryon Johnson
PUP: Landon Dickerson
Update: Rodney McLeod and Landon Dickerson were both activated on Monday and will be on the initial 53-man roster.
Practice Squad:
- John Hightower, WR
- Elijah Holyfield, RB
- Matt Pryor, OL
- JaCoby Stevens, LB
- Marlon Tuipolotu, DL
- Jack Stoll, TE
- Sua Opeta, OL
- Michael Jacquet, CB
- Keyvon Seymour, CB
- Elijah Riley, S
- Jason Huntley, RB
- Grayland Arnold, S
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Jish Sokolsky is a featured writer at The Birds Blitz. For more from Jish, check out his archive and read through our Eagles articles for the latest news about the Birds.
