The Philadelphia Eagles 2019 training camp is now officially over, but we’re more than two weeks out from the start of the most important regular season in team history. The Eagles quarterback room has taken some lumps with Nate Sudfeld suffering a wrist injury and Cody Kessler dealing with a concussion.
With the Eagles set to have joint practices with the Ravens this week, here’s our updated 53-man roster projection.
Quarterback (2)
Depth chart: Carson Wentz — Starter, Nate Sudfeld
Analysis: A healthy Wentz is an MVP candidate and the second-best quarterback in the NFC. Sudfeld is the unquestioned backup but will be on the mend until at least mid-September with a broken wrist. Clayton Thorson went from a guy on his way to getting released, to now solidifying a likely roster spot as the team’s third quarterback. The Eagles drafted Thorson in the fifth round, but his performance against the Jaguars could give Howie Roseman pause on the subject of placing Clayton on the practice squad.
Running Back (5)
Depth chart: Jordan Howard — starter, Miles Sanders (rookie–starter), Darren Sproles, Corey Clement, Wendell Smallwood
Analysis: Miles Sanders is the real deal and should be listed as the co-starter for now, but don’t be surprised if the former Penn State star and not Jordan Howard, starts the season opener. Howard still gets a ton of touches and provide the Birds with one of the more formidable running games in the NFL. With Howie Roseman using a second-round pick on Sanders, and him having some fantasy football value, Clement will be the third running back who plays in spurts. The Eagles will likely choose between Josh Adams and Wendell Smallwood for a final roster spot if they carry five backs.
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, Arcega-Whiteside is the next man up and could prove to be just as valuable as Agholor, if not more important because of his skills in the red zone. 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 Arcega-Whiteside can start his ascension early. Marken Michel has been a name to watch for that final spot, and although it’ll likely go to Mack Hollins, look out for Greg Ward who could finally break through and land a roster spot.
Tight End (3)
Depth chart: Zach Ertz–starter, Dallas Goedert–starter, Richard Rodgers
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 has been listed as day-to-day since August 3 and Josh Perkins is a threat 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, Brett Toth
Analysis: Dillard is the first-round pick and former backup Halapoulivaati Vaitai is now flourishing at the guard position and could fetch quality trade value as the season nears. The drafting of Dillard was supposed to mean bad news for Mailata’s chances of getting on the field at left tackle in the future, but the Australian 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 roster now that Vaitai and Mailata are flourishing.
Defensive Line (10)
Depth chart: Brandon Graham–starter, Fletcher Cox–starter, Malik Jackson–starter, Derek Barnett–starter, Vinny Curry, Josh Sweat, Daeshon Hall, Timmy Jernigan, Treyvon Hester, Hassan Ridgeway
Analysis: This group is still strong and if Josh Sweat can take the next step, it could become lethal. Daeshon Hall has been stealing Sweat’s thunder and could end up being the fourth or fifth defensive end as well. 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 five edge rushers.
Linebacker (5)
Depth chart: Zach Brown–starter, Nigel Bradham–starter, Kamu Grugier-Hill, Nate Gerry, LJ Fort
Analysis: With the Eagles’ addition of Brown and the signing of the undrafted free agents, a thin group had improved leaps and bounds. Undrafted rookie T.J. Edwards had a really good chance to make the team before Brown’s addition but could spend his rookie season on the practice squad. With Grugier-Hill going down, Gerry had the chance to become a starter, but will likely be relegated to backup status. 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 (6) PUP (1)
Depth chart: Ronald Darby, Avonte Maddox–starter, Sidney Jones–starter, Cre’Von LeBlanc, Rasul Douglas-starter, Orlando Scandrick
Analysis: Things change on NFL rosters and Jalen Mills’s inability to play will likely see him start the year on the PUP list. The Eagles could also decide to do the same with Cre’Von LeBlanc, depending on how the injury situation at quarterback plays out. The Eagles currently have seven cornerbacks on the roster and you can expect each of them except for Josh Hawkins to be on the roster and get significant playing time at some point. With Maddox asserting himself, the Eagles could look to trade Mills since Sidney Jones has finally found his groove. If you go off merit, potential and his play from 2018, 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 Scandrick, who’ll likely get the nod on the roster because of his experience and LeBlanc’s injury.
Safety (4)
Depth chart: Malcolm Jenkins, Rodney McLeod, Johnathan Cyprien, Andrew Sendejo,
Analysis: Blake Countess was released with an injury settlement, and that opened a spot for Cyprien. Cyprien’s size and aggressive play could also cost a linebacker one of the final roster spots. McLeod is looking to return in this week against the Ravens. The Eagles didn’t add a safety in the draft, and with Douglas and Maddox able to transition, it was a good call.
Special Teams (3)
Cam Johnston, Jake Elliott, Rick Lovato
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