Eagles 53-Man Roster Prediction: How preseason week 1 impacted the depth chart

The Philadelphia Eagles have just two preseason games before it’s time to lock in the 53-man roster ahead of the new season. After a grueling Training Camp, here’s a look at how the depth chart may shape up by the time Week 1 rolls around.

Eagles 2024 53-man roster prediction

Quarterbacks: 3 (3)

Jalen Hurts, Kenny Pickett, Tanner McKee

While Kenny Pickett was anything but stellar in his preseason debut for the Eagles, I still think he makes the roster due to his previous starting experience. He kept passes short and although he missed routine throws, moved the offense fairly efficiently as a benchmark which Tanner McKee failed to improve on.

McKee possesses more upside as of right now, but he’s not at a reliable level just yet. That will come in time. The Eagles need some level of insurance behind Jalen Hurts, and Kenny Pickett provides more of that than Will Grier does.

Running backs: 3 (6)

Saquon Barkley, Kenny Gainwell, Will Shipley

Again, no shocks here. The depth chart may offer a surprise however, with Will Shipley stealing the spotlight against the Ravens and showing how good he could be as Saquon’s primary backup. The Eagles have a strong trio of running backs, with each backup offering something different which should benefit the offense in the long run.

Offensive line: 9 (15)

Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Lane Johnson, Tyler Steen, Trevor Keegan, Dylan McMahon, Mekhi Becton, Fred Johnson

The offensive line is a very interesting picture, especially at RG (starter) and RT (backup). The Eagles will likely give Mekhi Becton the starting RG role barring a Tyler Steen resurgence, while continuing to emphasize development for Fred Johnson and rookies Trevor Keegan & Dylan McMahon. The 4 entrenched starters need no introduction, but developing valuable backups has to be a priority, and Becton’s ability to play both inside and outside will be crucial while Jeff Stoutland is afforded time to help those younger players.

Tight end: 4 (19)

Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra, C.J Uzomah, Johnny Wilson

The Eagles are still fairly light at TE, and Calcaterra appears to be the developmental name they hang their hat on, but I think this is how they sneak Johnny Wilson onto the roster. The rookie wideout was used all over the line of scrimmage against Baltimore, highlighting a clear intent to get him on the field. The Eagles can afford to be creative with their roster structure and adding a big-bodied wideout who can run crisp routes down the seam is certainly something that would benefit them.

Wide receiver: 5 (24)

A.J Brown, DeVonta Smith, Ainias Smith, Parris Campbell, Britain Covey

John Ross looked weak off the line against the Ravens, and Britain Covey continues to surpass everybody’s expectations. He’s proven to be lethal in the return game and we’re now seeing him really take flight as a pass-catcher. The Eagles keep Parris Campbell as a safer option over the middle, while Covey brings some much-needed speed to the table to open things up for the starting tandem.

The Eagles keep Ainias Smith around despite a slower start to the summer. He has battled minor injury setbacks but did at least flash some upside during preseason play, they just have to get him to play within himself as opposed to trying to be a human joystick. That’s a very coachable thing and the rookie is worth keeping around as a result.

Defensive line: 10 (34)

Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat, Bryce Huff, Jalyx Hunt, Nolan Smith, Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Marlon Tuipolotu, Milton Williams, Moro Ojomo

The Eagles go a little heavier here. A 3-4 might hint that fewer defensive linemen would be needed, but with Milton Williams being able to line up over the B/C gaps, and Moro Ojomo enjoying a strong camp, it makes sense to stack the trenches. Jalyx Hunt temporarily joins the EDGE group despite being best deployed as an off-ball linebacker, but his versatility and unique skillset will add some depth behind a fairly light group of outside pass-rushers.

Linebacker: 6 (40)

Nakobe Dean, Devin White, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Zack Baun, Oren Burks, Patrick Johnson

Special teams is still an area of the team that needs focus, and both Patrick Johnson and Oren Burks can help that unit, while Trotter and Dean have both enjoyed spikes in production over the last week and figure to be rotational pieces behind the starting tandem of Devin White and Zack Baun.

Cornerback: 6 (46)

Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, Avonte Maddox, Isaiah Rodgers Jr., Kelee Ringo, Eli Ricks

The Eagles have an abundance of talent at cornerback and it’s impossible to retain all of their young starlets. However, Kelee Ringo’s preseason breakout partnered with the steady trajectory of Eli Ricks should be enough to cement both players a spot on the roster.

Avonte Maddox will likely start the season at Safety given the lack of depth there, but could float back to corner once Sydney Brown returns, possibly demoting Ricks to the practice squad.

Safety: 4 (50)

Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Reed Blankenship, Cooper DeJean, James Bradberry

Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and Reed Blankenship will head up the defensive backfield to start the year. Cooper DeJean could be another cornerback candidate once Sydney Brown returns, but James Bradberry’s presence is oddly important while depth remains scarce.

Specialists: 3 (53)

Jake Elliott, Rick Lovato, Braden Mann

The special teams unit has been cemented after this past offseason, so expect no changes here.