Philadelphia defeated Cincinnati 34-27 in their preseason opener, and we're looking at an Eagles' 53-man roster prediction with a few surprises
After weeks of waiting, the Eagles returned to the NovaCare Complex for an entertaining matchup against the Bengals that saw plenty of action, and several under-the-radar skill players make their case for roster spots and critical roles in the Philadelphia offense.
After watching 12 players depart in free agency, Roseman added two dynamic SEC linebackers, an All-American pass rusher, three offensive linemen, and an accomplished quarterback from Philadelphia.
The defense has undergone an overhaul after defensive tackle Milton Williams (New England), Josh Sweat (Arizona), cornerback Darius Slay (Pittsburgh), cornerback Isaiah Rodgers (Minnesota), and linebacker Oren Burks (Cincinnati) all departed via free agency.
With the preseason opener, and training camp practice complete, we're examining an updated look at the Eagles Wire 53-man roster predictions.
QB: 3
Jalen Hurts
Tanner McKee
Kyle McCord- Drafted Rookie
Philadelphia drafted Kyle McCord in the sixth round, and the expectation was that he'd beat out Dorian Thompson-Robinson for the third quarterback spot. During the win over the Bengals, McCord did nothing to further that belief.
RB: 4
Saquon Barkley
A.J. Dillon
Will Shipley
Ben VanSumeren
Toughest cut: Montrell Johnson/ShunDerrick Powell
A.J. Dillon and Will Shipley both looked explosive in the preseason opener. Ben VanSumeren will make the roster as a fullback, while Montrell Johnson and ShunDerrick Powell are making things tough.
WR: 6
A.J. Brown
DeVonta Smith
Jahan Dotson
Johnny Wilson
Darius Cooper
Ainias Smith
An undrafted free agent wide receiver out of FCS, Tarleton State, Cooper has been a training camp standout and dominated the Bengals with six catches on seven targets for 82 yards and a touchdown.
Toughest cut: Elijah Cooks
TE: 2
Dallas Goedert
Grant Calcaterra
Toughest cut: Kylen Granson
Goedert is back on a reworked contract, and the Eagles had success moving tight ends on and off the practice squad for game days.
OL: 10
Jordan Mailata
Landon Dickerson
Cam Jurgens
Matt Pryor
Lane Johnson
Tyler Steen
Kendall Lamm
Laekin Vakalahi -Roster Exempt
Drew Kendall- Drafted Rookie
Myles Hinton-Drafted Rookie
Darian Kinnard
Toughest cut: Kenyon Green
We have two rookies making the club over Kenyon Green, who was one of the worst graded offensive guards in the NFL last year. Kendall Lamm will assume the swing tackle role until Myles Hinton is prepared to take over, while Darian Kinnard is a consistent backup.
DL: 5
Jalen Carter
Moro Ojomo
Gabe Hall
Jordan Davis
Ty Robinson -Drafted Rookie
Toughest cut: Byron Young
Philadelphia saw Milton Williams depart for New England, but it could be even better at the position with a slimmed-down Jordan Davis and a rugged rookie in Ty Robinson. With Thomas Booker in Las Vegas, second-year defensive tackle Gabe Hall becomes the biggest winner.
Edge Rusher: 5
Jalyx Hunt
Azeez Ojulari
Nolan Smith Jr.
Josh Uche
Patrick Johnson
Toughest cut:Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr. -Drafted Rookie
Josh Uche was the biggest winner from Bryce Huff getting dealt to the 49ers. Ojulari has Josh Sweat-like athleticism and could have an eight-sack season.
LB: 4
Zack Baun
Nakobe Dean (PUP)
Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Jihaad Campbell-Drafted Rookie
Smael Mondon Jr. -Drafted Rookie
Dean is rehabbing without a knee brace, but he's on the PUP list. Mondon Jr. saw first-team reps during OTAs and training camp, giving him the upper hand over Dallas Gant.
CB: 6
Quinyon Mitchell
Cooper DeJean
Kelee Ringo
Eli Ricks
Jakorian Bennett
Mac McWilliams -- Drafted Rookie
Toughest cut: Adoree' Jackson
Ricks is on the roster bubble, but makes the roster, while Kelee Ringo lost the edge opening up a chance for Jakorian Bennett to snatch the starting spot.
Safety: 4
Andre Sam
Reed Blankenship
Sydney Brown
Andrew Mukuba- Drafted Rookie
Toughest cut: Tristin McCollum
Lewis Cine has done nothing to give himself a competitive advantage over Tristin McCollum and Maxen Hook. Andre Sam offers special teams prowess and could overtake McCollum down the stretch.
Specialist: 3
Jake Elliott
Braden Mann
Charley Hughlett
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Philadelphia Eagles 53-man roster prediction
Category: Football