The Philadelphia Eagles have continued to build and shape a talented roster that will chase a Lombardi Trophy and now the pressure is on Doug Pederson and his staff. The Eagles head coach will now have the task of blending some talented rookies and free agents with a talented roster full of veterans who many around the league view as a top-five offense and one of the best teams in all of football.
With new additions, possible holdouts and guys already having fringe roster spots and others being the center of trade rumors, here are our updated 53-man roster predictions pre-OTAs.
Quarterback
Quarterback Depth Chart: Carson Wentz, Nate Sudfeld 2
Analysis: A healthy, Carson Wentz is an MVP candidate and the second-best quarterback in the NFC. The Eagles drafted Northwestern’s Clayton Thorson in the fifth round, and he’s likely to become a practice squad player or a guy who’s released during training camp, based on how he grasps the NFL game and the nuances of the position. Nate Sudfeld is the backup and Luis Perez will likely just be a camp arm.
Running Back
Running Back Depth Chart: Jordan Howard, Miles Sanders (rookie), Corey Clement, Josh Adams 4
Analysis: Howard is currently the top running back on the roster, as he has developed into a productive starting NFL running back. You’ll see some depth charts with Corey Clement ahead of Miles Sanders, but with Howie Roseman using a second round pick on the former Penn State running back, and Sanders having some Fantasy Football value, Clement now falls to third. The Eagles will likely start out with a 1-2 punch of Howard and Sanders, with Clement, Adams, and Smallwood figuring in the mix at times.
Wide Receiver
Wide Receiver Depth Chart: Alshon Jeffery, DeSean Jackson, Nelson Agholor, J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Mack Hollins, Shelton Gibson 6
Analysis: The starters are set, but behind Jeffery, Agholor, and Jackson, Arcega-Whiteside is the next man up because he’s a second-round draft pick and because he’s better than Mack Hollins. The Eagles could look to add another veteran but will have a successful season if they can production of this group without Arcega-Whiteside having to ascend too early.
Tight End
Tight End Depth Chart: Zach Ertz, Dallas Goedert, Richard Rodgers 3
Analysis: The Eagles go with three talented tight ends instead of four here, understanding that Arcega-Whiteside offers versatility in certain packages. Ertz and Goedert are the duo you’ll see in the two tight end formations, but also as interchangeable parts. Rodgers and Perkins will battle for the final roster spot.
Offensive Line
Offensive line Depth Chart: Jason Peters, Brandon Brooks, Jason Kelce, Isaac Seumalo, Lane Johnson, Andre Dillard, Jordan Mailata, Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Matt Pryor 9
Analysis: Dillard is the first round pick, so regardless of the new deal Halapoulivaati Vaitai just signed, he’ll be regulated to third left tackle and could be traded. The drafting of Dillard could mean bad news for Mailata’s chances of getting on the field at left tackle, but the Eagles should still retain his value and potential.
Defensive Line
Defensive line Depth Chart: Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, Malik Jackson, Derek Barnett, Vinny Curry, Josh Sweat, Bruce Hector, Timmy Jernigan, Shareef Miller, Hassan Ridgeway 10
Analysis: Where proceeding with the pretense that Chris Long retires and walks away from the game. The Eagles acquired two more defensive tackles during the draft, signing Timmy Jernigan back and then trading a late round pick to the Colts for Hassan Ridgeway. Jernigan if healthy should make the team, while Ridgeway as a run-stuffer and guy who can allow Cox to rest is also possible. The Eagles will likely carry 5 tackles and 5 edge rushers.
Linebacker
Linebacker Depth Chart: Zach Brown, Nigel Bradham, Kamu Grugier-Hill, Nate Gerry, L.J. Fort, T.J. Edwards, Paul Worrilow 6
Analysis: With the Eagles addition, a thin group just improved leaps and bounds. The Eagles only play two linebackers at times, although the team could trot three out this season, allowing Kamu Grugier-Hill to start on the weak side. Undrafted rookie T.J. Edwards had a really good chance to make the team before Brown’s addition and still could be the most talented backer on the roster at the end of training camp. With L.J. Fort being a special team standout, it’s either Nate Gerry or Worrilow for the final roster spot.
Cornerback
Cornerback Depth Chart: Jalen Mills, Ronald Darby, Avonte Maddox, Sidney Jones, Cre’Von LeBlanc, Rasul Douglas 6
Analysis: The Eagles currently have seven cornerbacks on the roster and expect that each of them except for Josh Hawkins, to be on the roster and get significant playing time. If you go off merit, potential and his play from 2018, Rasul Douglas should get a shot to have significant playing time, as should LeBlanc. Avonte Maddox is talented and should see playing time at three positions.
Safety
Safeties Depth Chart: Malcolm Jenkins, Rodney McLeod, Blake Countess, Andrew Sendejo, Tre Sullivan Godwin Igwebuike 4
Analysis: Jenkins missing from offseason workouts is no big deal, but keep an eye out on any more safety additions. With Avonte Maddox being so versatile, Tre Sullivan was probably the odd man out and that’s still true, but Andrew Sendejo could also be cut with the addition of Blake Countess. The Eagles didn’t add a safety in the draft, with Rasul Douglas and Avonte Maddox able to transition, it was a good call.
Special Teams
Special teams: Cam Johnston, Jake Elliott, Rick Lovato 3
