Howie Roseman and the Philadelphia Eagles have built and shaped a talented roster that will chase Lombardi Trophies for years to come. Now the pressure is really on Doug Pederson and his staff to take this dynamic core and get the most out of it as one succinct unit. Pederson will now have the task of blending some talented rookies and free agents with a talented roster that many around the league view as a top-five offense and one of the best teams in all of football.
With the Eagles’ mandatory minicamp complete and the depth chart starting to take shape, here’s are our updated 53-man roster projection.
Quarterback (2)
Depth chart: Carson Wentz, Nate Sudfeld
Analysis: A healthy 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 cutting him would likely leave a blemish on the record of Howie Roseman, regardless of how well Cody Kessler plays during training camp. Thorson is 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. Sudfeld is the backup and a good one, at that.
Running Back (4)
Depth chart: Jordan Howard, Miles Sanders (rookie), Corey Clement, Boston Scott
Analysis: Initially before the NFL draft, Howard was the top running back on the roster, as he has developed into a productive starter. There were a ton of depth charts with Sanders ahead of Clement, but the Penn State product hasn’t been able to see the field because of a hamstring injury. With Howie Roseman using a second-round pick on Sanders, and him having some fantasy football value, Clement will still be third. The Eagles will likely start out with a one-two punch of Howard and Sanders with Scott snagging the final roster spot because of his ability to return punts and kickoffs.
Wide Receiver (6)
Depth chart: Alshon Jeffery, DeSean Jackson, Nelson Agholor, J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Mack Hollins, Shelton Gibson
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 is a name to watch for that final spot.
Tight End (3)
Depth chart: Zach Ertz, Dallas Goedert, Richard Rodgers
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 top duos in all of the NFL and also work as interchangeable parts. Rodgers and Perkins will battle for the final roster spot.
Offensive Line (10)
Depth chart: Jason Peters, Brandon Brooks, Jason Kelce, Isaac Seumalo, Lane Johnson, Andre Dillard, Jordan Mailata, Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Stefen Wisniewski, Matt Pryor
Analysis: Dillard is the first-round pick and former backup Halapoulivaati Vaitai is now flourishing at the guard position. 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. The re-signing of Wisniewski could leave Matt Pryor and undrafted rookie Ryan Bates as the odd men out.
Defensive Line (10)
Depth chart: Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, Malik Jackson, Derek Barnett, Vinny Curry, Josh Sweat, Bruce Hector, Timmy Jernigan, Shareef Miller, Hassan Ridgeway
Analysis: Chris Long has moved on and retired since our last projection, but the group is still strong and the Eagles acquired two more defensive tackles during the draft. They also signed Jernigan back and then traded a late-round pick to the Colts for Ridgeway. Jernigan, if healthy, should make the team, while Ridgeway is a talented run-stuffer and a guy who can allow Cox to rest. Sweat has impressed the coaching staff and has cemented a place in the rotation. The Eagles will likely carry five tackles and five edge rushers.
Linebacker (7)
Depth chart: Zach Brown, Nigel Bradham, Kamu Grugier-Hill, Nate Gerry, L.J. Fort, T.J. Edwards, Paul Worrilow
Analysis: With the Eagles’ addition of Brown and the signing of the undrafted free agents, 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 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 natural linebacker on the roster at the end of training camp. With Fort being a special teams standout, it’s either Nate Gerry or Worrilow for the final roster spot.
Cornerback (6)
Depth chart: Jalen Mills, Ronald Darby, Avonte Maddox, Sidney Jones, Cre’Von LeBlanc, Rasul Douglas
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. With Maddox asserting himself, the Eagles could look to trade a Mills or Jones. If you go off merit, potential and his play from 2018, Douglas should get a shot to have significant playing time, as should LeBlanc. Maddox’s ability to play three positions could save a roster spot for Douglas.
Safety (4)
Depth chart: Malcolm Jenkins, Rodney McLeod, Blake Countess, Andrew Sendejo,
Analysis: We told you that Jenkins missing offseason workouts was no big deal, and the heart and soul returned to participate in mandatory minicamp. It’s still unknown if Jenkins will get a new deal, but he made it clear that he would not hold out. With Maddox being so versatile, Sullivan could probably be the odd man out, but Sendejo could also be cut with the addition of Countess. 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
