The Eagles are in the heart of their OTA program, but how does the current roster look? Who are the wildcards to take note of this offseason as the roster battles fall into place? Here's my first projection of the offseason. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Quarterback (2018: 3):
Carson Wentz, Nate Sudfeld, Clayton Thorson (3)
There are no real shocks here. Carson Wentz and Nate Sudfeld retain their current positions in the QB hierarchy, but Cody Kessler moves on. The former Browns and Jags QB shouldn't be seen as a threat to Sudfeld and if he does have a strong preseason as anticipated, a backup needy team will be more than happy to guarantee him a future with a slightly higher upside than Philly can offer.
It's a little too soon to risk exposing Clayton Thorson to waivers, but the practice squad is certainly a possibility for the fifth-round selection. It will be interesting to track his progress as the offseason goes on, but it's a possibility that the Eagles opt to keep two QB's on the main roster.
Running back (2018: 4):
Jordan Howard, Miles Sanders, Corey Clement, Boston Scott (4) (Total: 7)
The Wendell Smallwood era comes to an end in Philadelphia. Don't get me wrong, he's everything you could want in an RB4 and gives you impactful snaps in a pinch, but the jack-of-all-trades is the odd man out given that every other back listed has one area of key strength.
Boston Scott is one of my favorite wildcards to make this year's roster. Who is Boston Scott, I hear you ask? The Eagles' best kept secret at running back. The former LA Tech rusher has value as a returner and raised plenty of eyebrows during his first preseason in the NFL, as a member of the New Orleans Saints. For footage of Scott breaking ankles and becoming your new offseason crush, check out our film room below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_JhVw1-jw0
Wide Receiver (2018: 6):
Alshon Jeffery, DeSean Jackson, Nelson Agholor, JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Mack Hollins (5) (Total: 12)
The Eagles typically carry 6 wideouts, but I think they'll drop a slot here in order to carry one extra defensive back, given their current talent pool. Hollins, if healthy, should be a lock to make the roster. His rookie season was strong and he could well grow into a future slot-nightmare, eventually replacing Nelson Agholor.
Braxton Miller, Greg Ward, Charles Johnson, and Shelton Gibson are all names to watch, while 6'6 Carlton Agudosi brings intrigue to the table. But we're going to play it safe this early into proceedings.
Tight Ends (2018: 4):
Zach Ertz, Dallas Goedert, Richard Rodgers, Will Tye (4) (Total: 16)
Four tight ends almost seem like a necessity here. Pederson seems intent on running a lot of 12-personnel sets and the Eagles lost 13-personnel looks altogether when Rodgers went down with injury last year. Josh Perkins didn't show anything of note during his regular season snaps, but Will Tye absolutely could if he can provide a spark this offseason.
Offensive line (2018: 10):
Jason Peters, Isaac Seumalo, Jason Kelce, Brandon Brooks, Lane Johnson, Andre Dillard, Jordan Mailata, Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Matt Pryor, Stefen Wisniewski (10) (Total: 26)
There is a minor tremor here and that's Stefen Wisniewski not making the roster. Yes, I know he was oddly benched mid-season last year, but that has no impact on this offseason.
Somebody has to take the fall here and IF Brooks is only going to miss a couple of games, who's to say that Halapoulivaati Vaitai, whos cross-training at guard, or former TCU running-mate, Matt Pryor can't hold down the fort? Wis will be scrapping for a roster spot, so it will likely come down to Vaitai vs Wisniewski, given Pryor's size and versatility and Mailata's developmental roster lock. But, for now, all is quiet on the western front and they all just about make the cut.
Continued on the page below.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive line (2018: 9):
DE: Brandon Graham, Derek Barnett, Vinny Curry, Shareef Miller, Josh SweatDT: Fletcher Cox, Malik Jackson, Timmy Jernigan, Anthony Rush, (9) (Total: 35)
The Eagles go a little heavier at defensive tackle after depth costing them hugely during 2018. Fletcher Cox was forced to carry the entire unit on the shoulders during his career season and that simply cannot happen again. UDFA Anthony Rush is just an absolute behemoth who could swallow up double teams and allow the defensive ends to wreak havoc in one-on-one matchups.
At defensive end, it may come down to Sweat vs Ostman. The coaching staff LOVE Joe Ostman, but Josh Sweat was a fourth-round pick with a lot to prove. That will be a very fun battle to watch this offseason.
Linebackers (2018: 5):
Nigel Bradham, Zach Brown, Kamu Grugier-Hill, Nate Gerry, L.J. Fort, Paul Worrilow (6) (Total: 41)
All of the familiar names will make the roster here, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for surprises. T.J Edwards, Joey Alfieri and Alex Singleton are all players who could upset the apple cart this Summer, but the Eagles have a very strong linebacker corps following the signing of Zach Brown and the return of Paul Worrilow.
Cornerbacks (2018: 5):
Jalen Mills, Ronald Darby, Avonte Maddox, Sidney Jones, Cre’Von LeBlanc, Rasul Douglas (6) (Total: 47)
The Eagles find their 6 most talented cornerbacks making the roster. While there could be some wiggle room at CB2/3, the rotation of players should be the same regardless in what will be a crucial year for the secondary.
Safeties (2018: 4):
Malcolm Jenkins, Rodney McLeod, Blake Countess (3) (Total: 50)
Andrew Sendejo could become an offseason casualty with the compensatory pick formula working against him, but with Blake Countess on the scene and a group of very versatile corners who need playing time (Hey Avonte), there is every chance they run light at Safety as a result.
The only other shock here is Tre Sullivan not making the final 53-man roster. The signing of Blake Countess should provide the Eagles with enough upside to move into 2019 with full confidence. The former Eagles draftee became a special teams ace for the Rams and could inject that same tenacity to Fipp's prized unit.
Special teams (2018: 3):
Cam Johnston, Jake Elliott, Rick Lovato (3) (Total: 53)
Cameron Johnston's iron leg, Jake Elliott's clutch kicking and Rick Lovato's long-snapping all return without a single whisper of hesitation.
Practice squad:
CB: Jay LigginsLB: T.J EdwardsWR: DeAndre ThompkinsWR: Carlton AgudosiOT: Ryan BatesCB: Jay LigginsLB: Alex SingletonOG: Nate HerbigDT: Kevin WilkinsOG: Supa Opeta
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
