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Way-too-early Eagles 53-man roster projection: Does GM Howie Roseman move on from free agent bust?

Published 2 months ago5 minute read

In two months, the Eagles will begin their training camp practices.

The reigning Super Bowl champions have one of the best rosters in the NFL, so a few position battles and roster competitions will be fun to watch.

At this point of the offseason, it’s tough to predict who will make the Eagles’ final 53-man roster.

But we gave it our best shot.

Here is NJ Advance Media’s way-too-early Eagles’ 53-man roster projection:

Quarterback (3)

Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee, Kyle McCord

After spending the first two years of his career as the Eagles’ No. 3 quarterback, McKee will step into the backup role. He played well in his only career start against the New York Giants last season and has been a preseason star. Philadelphia could trade him next offseason for a Day 3 pick.

As a rookie, McCord will be inactive on game days, but he could be the future backup QB. He will likely bump Dorian Thompson-Robinson off the roster.

Cut: Dorian Thompson-Robinson

Running back (4)

Saquon Barkley, Will Shipley, AJ Dillon, Avery Williams

Shipley might have the edge over Dillon to become the Eagles’ top backup RB. Dillon is at a disadvantage because he’s coming off a neck injury and must learn a new set of plays. He could be a surprise cut, but we’ll predict that he makes the team for now.

Williams could carve out a role on offense as a gadget player and win Philadelphia’s punt return job. He needs to impress on special teams to make it.

Cut: Montrell Johnson Jr., Lew Nichols III, ShunDerrick Powell

Fullback (1)

Ben VanSumeren

Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said during a radio appearance with 94WIP Monday morning that the team is “going to try to resurrect the fullback position. Going forward, VanSumeren could fill that role.

Wide receivers (5)

A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, Johnny Wilson, Terrace Marshall Jr.

The depth of the Eagles’ wide receiver room could be upgraded. Wilson’s role as a blocker and Marshall’s potential as a former second-round pick could increase their chances of sticking around. However, the Eagles could sign a free agent to improve their wide receiver depth.

Gabe Davis, who was recently released by the Jacksonville Jaguars, could be a reasonable target at a lower cost. Overall, the wide receiver market is thin, but more WRs could become available during training camp.

The Eagles could keep Ainias Smith for his second year, but the former Texas A&M star struggled last summer and needs to take a big jump to crack the 53-man roster.

Cut: Ainias Smith, Taylor Morin, Giles Jackson, Danny Gray, Elijah Cooks, Darius Cooper

Tight ends (3)

Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra, Harrison Bryant

Bryant could push Calcaterra as the Eagles’ No. 2 tight end because he’s a better blocker. Kylen Granson, the former Indianapolis Colts tight end, could push for a spot as well.

Cut: Nick Muse, Cameron Latu, E.J Jenkins, Kylen Granson

Offensive line (10)

Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Tyler Steen, Lane Johnson, Darian Kinnard, Trevor Keegan, Drew Kendall, Kenyon Green, Cameron Williams

Williams, once viewed as an early round pick, might have more upside than Hilton. It could be tough to sneak him through waivers.

Cut: Myles Hinton, Hollin Pierce, Laekin Vakalahi (international pathway), Brett Toth, Matt Pryor, Kendall Lamm

Defensive tackle (5)

Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Ty Robinson, Thomas Booker

Ojomo will slide into Milton Williams’ role and Robinson will be the fourth DT in their rotation. Booker flashed last season on limited snaps and could continue to get better.

Cut: Byron Young, Gabe Hall

Edge rushers (5)

Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, Azeez Ojulari, Joshua Uche, Antwaun Powell-Ryland

It’s hard to imagine a scenario where Bryce Huff comes back and thrives in his second season with the Eagles. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman could trade Huff after June 1 to split Huff’s dead money between 2025 and 2026.

Cut: Bryce Huff, KJ Henry, Patrick Johnson, Ochaun Mathis,

Linebacker (4)

Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Smael Mondon Jr.

Campbell, the Eagles’ first-round pick, projects to be a hybrid linebacker/edge rusher role. He could start the season as Nakobe Dean’s replacement. Trotter and Mondon could both make an impact on special teams.

PUP: Nakobe Dean

Cut: Lance Dixon, Dallas Gant

Cornerback (6)

Cooper DeJean, Quinyon Mitchell, Kelee Ringo, Mac McWilliams, Eli Ricks, Adoree’ Jackson

Ringo should win the starting job opposite of Mitchell, and Jackson will be the Eagles’ top backup cornerback.

McWilliams could be a backup nickel and a special team’s ace. Ricks put together good moments during his rookie season (2023) and could stick around for a third year.

Cut: Tariq Castro-Fields, BJ Mayes, Parry Nickerson, A.J. Woods

Safety (4)

Andrew Mukuba, Reed Blankenship, Sydney Brown, Lewis Cine

Mukuba should be the favorite to start at free safety, but Brown could still push him for snaps if he has a strong training camp.

The Eagles signed Cine at the end of last year with the intention of developing him. That leaves Tristin McCollum as the odd man out.

Cut: Tristin McCollum, Andrè Sam, Maxen Hook, Brandon Johnson,

Special teams (3)

Kicker Jake Elliott, long snapper Charley Hughlett, punter Braden Mann

Hughlett takes over as the new long snapper for Rick Lovato.

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