GM Howie Roseman stayed true to his retooling effort, forgoing big named free agents at specific positions to add youth and speed to the roster.
In the NFL draft, Roseman made waves by selecting a quarterback in the second round and then securing Carson Wentz some speed via trade (Marquise Goodwin) and three solid draft picks in Jalen Reagor, John Hightower, and Quez Watkins.
With the training camp here and set to start here’s a look at the Eagles projected 53-man roster.
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QB – 3 — Carson Wentz, Jalen Hurts, Nate Sudfeld
Sudfeld is the unquestioned backup, but the Eagles have made it clear that Hurts will be involved from the beginning, meaning he’ll likely make the roster every week, especially with it expanding two more players.
A huge battle to watch will be Sudfeld and Hurts, with the rookie possibly ascending early on or struggling to learn the ropes as an NFL passer. Either way, Hurts is apart of the Eagles’ future and apart of the present.
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RB – 4 — Boston Scott, Corey Clement, Miles Sanders, Michael Warren
The Eagles appeared prepared to enter the 2020 NFL season with three holdovers from last season and Elijah Holyfield was the third name. After bringing Corey Clement back in free agency and signing undrafted free agent Michael Warren, this group will look different. Sanders will be a year stronger, while the Eagles brass loves Boston Scott and what he brings. Look for the undrafted rookie Michael Warren, to snag the role of goalline and short-yardage back if it isn’t Jalen Hurts there as well.
WR — 7 — DeSean Jackson, JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Greg Ward, Marquise Goodwin, Jalen Reagor, Quez Watkins, John Hightower, (Alshon Jeffery PUP)
The Eagles are stacked at wide receiver, but everyone won’t be able to play and the lack of an offseason program could hold a couple of the rookies back. Jeffery will likely start the season on the PUP list with a foot injury, while DeSean Jackson looks to be healthy and Marquise Goodwin should make the roster along with the three rookies.
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TE — 3 — Zach Ertz, Dallas Goedert, Noah Togiai
Josh Perkins is the veteran, but Howie Roseman gave the former Oregon State tight end big-money to sign with the Eagles and he’s pretty good.
OL — 10 — Andre Dillard, Isaac Seumalo, Jason Kelce, Jason Peters, Lane Johnson, Sua Opeta, Matt Pryor, Nate Herbig, Jack Driscoll, Prince Tega Wanogho
The Eagles still had the best unit in football and Dillard at left tackle wasn’t going to be a major dropoff. That’s until Brandon Brooks suffered another Achilles injury and Jason Peters was brought back as his replacement at right guard. The task for Jeff Stoutland now will be rebuilding the depth behind the starters, while teaching the Hall of Famer a new position on the fly.
DL — 9 — Brandon Graham, Javon Hargrave, Fletcher Cox, Malik Jackson, Derek Barnett, Josh Sweat, Genard Avery, Hassan Ridgeway, Shareef Miller,
Josh Sweat needs to take another step as a player, while a healthy Malik Jackson will do wonders for the defensive front, especially if he can slide down and play end.
LB — 6 — Nate Gerry, T.J. Edwards, Jatavis Brown, Davion Taylor, Casey Toohill, Shaun Bradley
With the Eagles looking to get faster and more versatile at the linebacker position, look for Jim Schwartz to employ more linebackers than he previously has. Casey Toohill will likely see more time as a pass rusher than a traditional linebacker, while Davion Taylor could be the middle linebacker on obvious passing downs, and safety K’Von Wallace could also move into the box as well.
CB — 4 — Darius Slay, Rasul Douglas, Sidney Jones, Avonte Maddox
The Eagles will finally have a shutdown cornerback in Slay, allowing Jim Schwartz to be more creative with his roster and lineups. Schwartz could very well have a set list of guys strictly at cornerback and a couple of guys for the slot position, with Avonte Maddox moving to the outside after the acquisition of Nickell Robey-Coleman.
Slot — 2 — Cre’Von LeBlanc,, Nickell Robey-Coleman
LeBlanc is the least mentioned player on the list, but he’s solid and should snag a roster spot, while the Eagles coveted Robey-Coleman and believe he’s one of the best in the business at playing the slot. The versatile K’Von Wallace could see time here as well.
Safety — 4 — Rodney Mcleod, Will Parks, Jalen Mills, K’Von Wallace,
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.
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.
