Following the Eagles preseason game against the Cleveland Browns, here is Version 2.0 of my Eagles 53-man roster prediction:
Quarterback (2): Jalen Hurts, Gardner Minshew
Reid Sinnett had a strong game on Sunday against the Browns but the Eagles would be foolish to waste a roster spot on a third quarterback. The reality is you can find other players like Sinnett. Sinnett definitely has some potential, so maybe the Eagles really want to develop him to be QB2 in 2023, but they are better off risking him to waivers than they are using a 53-man roster spot on him.
Running Back (3): Miles Sanders, Kenny Gainwell, Boston Scott
It wouldn't be surprising if the Eagles made a trade at this position, and if they do, they will keep four at running back. Otherwise they will go with Sanders, Gainwell and Scott, with one-or-two running backs on the practice squad they can elevate incase of injury.
Wide Receiver (4): AJ Brown, Devonta Smith, Quez Watkins, Zach Pascal
Receiver is a tough position to predict. The top four are obvious. After that? A lot could happen.
The first big domino that needs to fall is Jalen Reagor. If Reagor isn't traded he'll be on the roster. It's unlikely, but not impossible, they could cut him. The Eagles don't really have a fifth receiver worthy of a roster spot. It is possible they go really thin at receiver, and then add Deon Cain or Britain Covey to the practice squad and elevate for game day. Or eventually sign one to the 53-man roster. Cain has played well enough to make a roster spot but chances are he would make it through waivers if released.
An interesting choice the Eagles could have to make is if they don't think Cain makes it through waivers. Chances are they won't keep six receivers. Would they let him go or try to move Reagor simply to keep Cain? Cain has a lot to play for next week in Miami.
The bottom line is this — it don't feel like the Eagles are invested in Reagor anymore. There will be other players at positions they need help at that ultimately will be given a roster spot over Reagor.
Tight End (3): Dallas Goedert, Jack Stoll, Grant Calcaterra
Calcaterra has struggled to stay healthy during camp, something that might cause the Eagles to keep a fourth tight end. If they do it will likely be Noah Togiai, who has had an outstanding camp and might not clear waivers. Richard Rodgers could be back on the practice squad and be there for insurance is there were to be an injury to Goedert or Stoll.
Offensive Line (11): Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Jason Kelce, Isaac Seumalo, Lane Johnson, Andre Dillard, Cam Jurgens, Jack Driscoll, Sua Opeta, Kayode Awosika, Jack Anderson
Yes, 11 offensive linemen is a lot on a 53-man roster. But the reality is that the Eagles have more players likely to be claimed on waivers on the offensive line than they do at other positions. The Eagles value the lines and know how important depth is. My guess is they will value bottom-of-the-roster guys like Awoskia and Anderson over having extra bodies at receiver or running back.
Defensive Line (10): Hasson Reddick, Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave, Brandon Graham, Milton Williams, Josh Sweat, Derek Barnett, Jordan Davis, Marlon Tuipulotu, Tarron Jackson
The Eagles are loaded on the defensive line and their depth is a major strength at this position. Davis and Barnett could likely start for other teams. Tuipulotu has had a great camp and Jackson is showing some serious potential as well. The Eagles won't risk letting any player they like through waivers.
Linebacker (6): Kyzir White, TJ Edwards, Davion Taylor, Nakobe Dean, Shaun Bradley, Patrick Johnson
For the first time in a long time the Eagles have some impressive talent at the top of their linebacker depth chart. They have to prove it on the field but the team should feel good about the position heading into the regular season. The question is who fills out the final few spots at linebacker. Bradley seems like he'll get a spot due to special teams. Johnson has impressed at training camp. The odd player out could be Kyron Johnson, who has not stood out in training camp, and will likely make it through waivers.
Cornerback (6): Darius Slay, James Bradberry, Avonte Maddox, Zech McPhearson, Josh Jobe, Tay Gowan
Jobe has really helped his chances in training camp, going from getting third-team reps to being one of the top backups on the outside. Jobe had a strong game in Cleveland and his stock seems to be on the rise.
Safety (5): Marcus Epps, Anthony Harris, Jaquiski Tartt, Andre Chachere, K'Von Wallace
The Eagles safety situation is not great. Epps has had a good camp but there isn't much else at the position for the team to feel good about. It wouldn't be surprising if they bring in a veteran after final cuts. Tartt is a wild card, as he hasn't had a strong camp, but his seven-years of experience should give him enough to make the roster — unless he has a really bad week in Miami.
Special Teams (3): Jake Elliott, Rick Lovato, Arryn Siposs
The Eagles still haven't brought in another punter, which means as of now Elliott, Lovato and Siposs will be back for another season — but the team would be wise to be on the lockout for a new punter.
PUP: Tyree Jackson, Brett Toth
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com
