The Eagles have had a few practices so far, and it’s way too early to project the 53-man roster. But we’re going to do it anyway. It’s fun, and this will give us a reference point to see how well or poorly I did. Today, we’re focusing on the offense, and later this week, we’ll cover the defense and special teams. Let’s take a look at who I think makes the initial 53-man roster. (Note: This was written before the Eagles signed OG Max Scharping, who I think is a solid depth piece. TBD if he makes the roster.)

QB: Jalen Hurts, Kenny Pickett, Tanner McKee (3)

This one seems pretty straightforward. Jalen Hurts is your starting QB. The Eagles traded a couple of picks for Kenny Pickett, who, in my opinion, is an upgrade over Mariota from last year. The only question mark is whether Tanner McKee will make the 53. The Eagles clearly love him and want him to develop, but his playstyle is much different from Hurts and Pickett. But for this exercise, I have them keeping three.

RB: Saquon Barkley, Kenneth Gainwell, Will Shipley, Miles Sanders (7)

I know what you’re thinking. Why? Why is Miles Sanders on here? It’s called making a bold pick. Miles Sanders should be cut by the Panthers at some point in the coming weeks, and why not get a quality guy to back up his former Penn State teammate? I have no doubts that he would want to come back. The other three on here are locks; not much more to say. The biggest question here is if and when Will Shipley passes Kenneth Gainwell on the depth chart.

WR: A.J. Brown, Devonta Smith, Paris Campbell, Ainias Smith, Johnny Wilson, Britain Covey (13)

A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are here for the long haul. Paris Campbell, if he stays healthy, is a much-needed upgrade over Quez Watkins. Ainias Smith could be a sleeper pick from this draft. With DeVante Parker retired, Johnny Wilson’s spot seems like a lock. Britain Covey’s roster spot is a significant talking point this offseason. I don’t feel confident that he’s on the team, but he should be. I think his return ability and his willingness to work on his WR skills should earn him a spot. John Ross making the team would be a great story, but I just don’t see it happening.

TE: Dallas Goedert, C.J. Uzomah, McCallan Castles (16)

This is what I feel is one of the Eagles’ biggest weaknesses this season. Goedert is a lock, but can he finish the season without getting hurt? If he goes down, who takes his spot? C.J. Uzomah will have to be that guy. He’s a big player who plays like it. He will get yards after the catch and break a few tackles. He has decent hands and is a solid blocker. He’s an upgrade from Jack Stoll. The third TE spot is up for grabs. Calcaterra has been in the offense for two years now but hasn’t really produced. Albert O is a physically gifted human being but also has zero production to show for it. To me, it comes down to E.J. Jenkins or McCallan Castles. I think the Eagles like Castles, and I expect him to be that third TE. Don’t be surprised if he plays well with the limited snaps he will get this year.

T: Mehki Becton, Fred Johnson, Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata (20)

Johnson and Mailata are locks. Mekhi Becton is currently enrolled in Stout U, hoping to reach his potential from when he came out of Louisville. If that ends up being the case, this could be the steal of the off-season. Fred Johnson is on the bubble. He signed an extension last season, which makes it seem like he will be back, but it’s a toss-up.

G: Landon Dickerson, Tyler Steen, Trevor Keegan, Matthew Hennessy, Darian Kinnard (25)

The guard position is a fun one to project. I think Dickerson and Steen will be the starting guards going forward, but I wouldn’t sleep on Trevor Keegan, whom my co host Bryce loves. Hennessy doesn’t get the start from me, due to him being able to play C/G. I think they want him to back up Jurgens. I also think he could be a trade piece later in the year, if McMahon progresses well. Kinnard was one of the Eagles first signings, has G/T versatility. I think the Eagles like him enough to keep him around.

C: Cam Jurgens, Dylan McMahon (27)

We know Jurgens will be starting; that was made obvious once it was known Jason Kelce hand-picked him to take over the reins once Kelce called it quits. He struggled at times at guard last year, but I believe playing next to Kelce will help him take a step forward this year. Dylan McMahon is an interesting player. The Eagles picked him in the 6th round, and they theoretically have a backup C. But exposing him to waivers to try and put him on the practice squad would be a mistake. I think he makes it, and as I mentioned before, if he progresses well, Hennessy could be a trade piece.