The Philadelphia Eagles are set to host the Washington Redskins, one week from Sunday, and with the final preseason game in the books, the time to cut the roster down to 53 players is upon us. Howie Roseman and the Eagles have until 4:00 PM EST on Saturday to decide if Daeshon Hall showed enough, or if Josh Sweat is wasted talent that’ll be taking his talents elsewhere?
With the Eagles set to begin preparation for the season opener, here are the final roster projections.
Quarterback (3)
Depth chart: Carson Wentz — Starter, Josh McCown–backup, Nate Sudfeld
Analysis: Thorson has some talent, but he’s not better than Nate Sudfeld and the Eagles have to think long and hard about carrying four signal-callers and taking away from another position. The Eagles may feel that Thorson has suitors around the NFL and stashing him on the practice squad could result in a waiver claim from another franchise. McCown solidified the backup quarterback spot with his play against the Ravens, and his performance ended the Cody Kessler experiment in Philadelphia.
Running Back (4)
Depth chart: Jordan Howard — starter, Miles Sanders (rookie–starter), Corey Clement, Darren Sproles,
Analysis: Sanders is the real deal and should be listed as the co-starter, while Corey Clement made a case for extended playing time during two days of joint practices with the Ravens. Howard will still get a ton of touches and provide the Birds with one of the more formidable running games in the NFL. The Eagles will likely end up choosing between Josh Adams and Wendell Smallwood, although they could trade or stash one of the two.
Wide Receiver (5)
Depth chart: Alshon Jeffery–starter, DeSean Jackson–starter, Nelson Agholor–starter, J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Greg Ward
Analysis: The starters are set, but behind Jeffery, Agholor, and Jackson, while Arcega-Whiteside is showing that he could push Agholor for playing time in the slot. The Eagles could look to add another veteran after training camp, but this group looks locked and loaded and will be even more dangerous if one of the young guys can continue to take big steps. Ward has done enough and warrants the spot over Mack Hollins.
Tight End (3)
Depth chart: Zach Ertz–starter, Dallas Goedert–starter, Josh Perkins
Analysis: Goedert has been out with an injury, but he’ll still team up with Zach Ertz to form the best tight end duo in the NFL. Rodgers injury allowed Josh Perkins the necessary looks to take his job.
Offensive Line (9)
Depth chart: Jason Peters, Brandon Brooks, Jason Kelce, Isaac Seumalo, Lane Johnson, Andre Dillard, Jordan Mailata, Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Nate Herbig
Analysis: This lineup is set 8 players deep, Jordan Mailata has added to his value by playing well at right tackle in Lane Johnson’s absence. Stefen Wisniewski’s struggles at the center position will likely cost him a roster spot that Nate Herbig will channel into a long career.
Defensive Line (9)
Depth chart: Brandon Graham–starter, Fletcher Cox–starter, Malik Jackson–starter, Derek Barnett–starter, Vinny Curry, Josh Sweat, Daeshon Hall, Timmy Jernigan, Hassan Ridgeway
Analysis: Daeshon Hall and Josh Sweat will assume the fourth and fifth defensive end spots. Jernigan, if healthy, should make the team, while Ridgeway is a talented run-stuffer and a guy who can allow Cox to rest. The Eagles will likely carry five tackles and four edge rushers, with Shareef Miller possibly ending up stashed away for another roster spot.
Linebacker (6)
Depth chart: Zach Brown–starter, Nigel Bradham–starter, Kamu Grugier-Hill, Nate Gerry, LJ Fort, T.J. Edwards
Analysis: Undrafted rookie T.J. Edwards has gotten better and better since OTAs had a really good chance to make the team before Brown’s arrival. He now looks like the Eagles middle linebacker of the future. The Birds are hopeful Nigel Bradham can be ready for the season opener. Johnathan Cyprien’s arrival as a big safety could eliminate the need for a fourth linebacker, but With Fort being a special teams standout, he’ll likely grab the final roster spot.
Cornerback (5) PUP (1)
Depth chart: Ronald Darby, Avonte Maddox–starter, Sidney Jones–starter, Cre’Von LeBlanc, Rasul Douglas, Jalen Mills
Analysis: The Eagles currently have seven cornerbacks on the roster who could warrant a spot on the 53. Douglas has earned his shot at significant playing time, as well as Sidney Jones. Maddox’s ability to play three positions could save a roster spot for Orlando Scandrick, who could claim a spot on the roster because of his experience and LeBlanc’s injury.
Safety (5)
Depth chart: Malcolm Jenkins, Rodney McLeod, Johnathan Cyprien, Andrew Sendejo,Rudy Ford
Analysis: Cyprien’s size and aggressive play could also cost a linebacker one of the final roster spots. McLeod looked explosive in his return against the Ravens. Sendejo will play a major role at some point this season and with Ford being a special teams standout, he gets a spot as well.
Special Teams (3)
Cam Johnston, Jake Elliott, Rick Lovato
