The Philadelphia Eagles are less than one week away from a season-opening showdown in D.C. against Chase Young and the Washington Football Team.
With training camp over and several notable changes to the roster, here’s our final 53 man roster projection with two extra players added because the Birds technically can elevate two practice squad players per week, basically carrying 55 if they so choose.
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QB – 3 — Carson Wentz, Jalen Hurts, Nate Sudfeld
Sudfeld was the unquestioned backup but Hurts looked sharp at times during training camp. It wouldn’t be a shock if the Eagles moved on from Sudfeld, but if he makes the team he’ll be the backup one week from now.
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RB – 3 — Boston Scott, Corey Clement, Miles Sanders
The Eagles appeared prepared to enter the 2020 NFL season with two holdovers from last season and a refurbished Corey Clement, but it appears only three running backs will make the cut.
Look for the undrafted rookie Adrian Killins to find a role on the expanded practice squad after being a part of the first round of cuts.
WR –6– DeSean Jackson, JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Greg Ward, Jalen Reagor, Quez Watkins, John Hightower, (Alshon Jeffery PUP)
Jeffery will likely start the season on the PUP list with a foot injury, while DeSean Jackson looks to be healthy and needed after Jalen Reagor suffered a shoulder injury that’ll keep him out of the lineup for upwards of a month. Deontay Burnett made enough plays to warrant a roster spot, and now the Eagles will wait to see if he clears waivers. John Hightower and Quez Watkins should have integral roles as well after the Reagor injury.
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TE — 3 — Zach Ertz, Dallas Goedert, Noah Togiai
The Eagles will navigate through uncharted waters due to the pandemic and with the expanded practice squad rosters, the 53 man is likely to change from week to week. If Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert are both healthy, it’s not necessarily urgent to have three tight ends on game day but look for Noah Togiai to land that final spot in front of Caleb Wilson, Tyrone Swoopes thanks to his special team’s prowess.
OL — 9 — Isaac Seumalo, Jason Kelce, Jason Peters, Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata, Matt Pryor, Nate Herbig, Jack Driscoll, Prince Tega Wanogho
With Andre Dillard out, the Eagles will likely carry 9 offensive linemen. Luke Juriga was thought to be the Eagles center of the future and he could still assume that role while landing on the practice squad.
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DL — 10 — Brandon Graham, Javon Hargrave, Fletcher Cox, Malik Jackson, Derek Barnett, Josh Sweat, Vinny Curry, Casey Toohill, Joe Ostman, Hassan Ridgeway
Josh Sweat has been outstanding lately, while Joe Ostman’s and Casey Toohill’s motors and pass rush ability should land both players a roster spot. A healthy Malik Jackson will do wonders for the defensive front, especially if he can slide down and play end, allowing the Eagles to stash Raequan Williams on the practice squad.
LB — 5 — Nate Gerry, T.J. Edwards, Davion Taylor, Duke Riley, Shaun Bradley
This group has quietly gone about its business during training camp and could finish the season as a bright spot for the Birds. Alex Singleton could force the Eagles to carry a sixth linebacker. Nate Gerry will certainly start and gets better each day. Davion Taylor is a project and will likely make his name on special teams. Special teams captain and standout Duke Riley has earned himself some three-down reps and could provide a spark in passing situations, while T.J. Edwards figures to have a prominent role along with Shaun Bradley who can play all three spots.
CB — 4 — Darius Slay, Craig James, Sidney Jones, Avonte Maddox
Craig James has had a better camp at cornerback than Sidney Jones and his contract extension could signal the end for the former second-round pick out of Washington. Rasul Douglas has had a great camp but could still be the odd man out, while Avonte Maddox will start opposite Darius Slay.
Slot — 2 — Cre’Von LeBlanc, Nickell Robey-Coleman
LeBlanc is the least mentioned player on the list, but he’s solid and Jim Schwartz has to find a role for him. Robey-Coleman has had the hype this summer and if he can truly be the ‘slot-god’ in Philadelphia, the Eagles could have a top-5 secondary.
Safety — 5 — Rodney Mcleod, Rudy Ford, Will Parks, Jalen Mills, K’Von Wallace
Although he’s had a quiet camp, Wallace is the X-factor because of his versatility. McLeod returning was a huge move, while Jalen Mills should make that group even more talented. Will Parks’ ability to play in the slot as well bring even more versatility to the unit, but he’ll likely miss the first month of the season. Rudy Ford’s special team’s prowess gives him the final spot over the recently released Grayland Arnold.
Special Teams
Kicker — 1 — Jake Elliott
Punter — 1 — Cameron Johnston
Long Snapper — 1 — Rick Lovato
Three of the best in the NFL at what they do.
