The Philadelphia Eagles are almost one week out from the start of the 2019 NFL regular season and a lot has changed since the start of training camp. The Eagles quarterback room has a new addition after Josh McCown ended his retirement to sign with Philadelphia.
After Thursday night’s performance, McCown will likely be the new backup quarterback as well.
With the Eagles set to have one final week of preseason preparation as the team works towards cutting down to a 53 man roster, here are our latest roster projections.
Quarterback (3)
Depth chart: Carson Wentz — Starter, Josh McCown–backup, Nate Sudfeld
Analysis: McCown may have solidified the backup quarterback spot with his play against the Ravens, and his performance may have ended the Cody Kessler experiment in Philadelphia. The Birds will have to hope that no other teams see potential in Clayton Thorson while they attempt to stash him on the practice squad.
Running Back (5)
Depth chart: Jordan Howard — starter, Miles Sanders (rookie–starter), Corey Clement, Darren Sproles, Wendell Smallwood
Analysis: Sanders is the real deal and should be listed as the co-starter for now, but 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 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, 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. 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 breakthrough.
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 injury has allowed Josh Perkins to become 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: This lineup is set 8 players deep, but it’ll be the battle for the final spot that piques fans attention. 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. 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 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: Daeshon Hall is pushing Josh Sweat for the claim of most improved in this group 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: This once thin group has 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 LJ fort is pushing him for time.
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 (6) PUP (1)
Depth chart: Ronald Darby, Avonte Maddox–starter, Sidney Jones–starter, Cre’Von LeBlanc, Rasul Douglas-starter, Orlando Scandrick, Jalen Mills
Analysis: 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. 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 (4)
Depth chart: Malcolm Jenkins, Rodney McLeod, Johnathan Cyprien, Andrew Sendejo,
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.
Special Teams (3)
Cam Johnston, Jake Elliott, Rick Lovato
