As I’m writing this on Friday, August 23rd, the Philadelphia Eagles have just one more preseason game before they start trimming their roster down to 53 by Tuesday. We’ve been waiting and anticipating these final days before the season begins for months, and now they’re finally here. I’m going to attempt to go 53 for 53 with this roster projection. For a bit of fun, you can also check out my 53-man projection from early June here and here.

Now, let’s dive into the position-by-position breakdown of the final 53-man roster.

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

This position group seems pretty set in stone. The one question going forward is how long it will take for Tanner McKee to take over the backup QB spot. I have a sneaky suspicion that Kenny Pickett could be traded before the deadline, especially if a team suffers a significant injury at quarterback.

Running Back (RB): Saquon Barkley, Kenneth Gainwell, Will Shipley

Another position group that appears solidified. Barkley is set to lead the pack in touches this year. Gainwell will have the task of trying to hold off Will Shipley from taking the majority of his snaps. While Davis-Price has looked good during preseason, I don’t see the Eagles going into the season with four running backs. This position could be a prime spot for a practice squad call-up during the season.

Wide Receiver (WR): A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, Britain Covey, Johnny Wilson, Ainias Smith

The Eagles’ recent trade for Jahan Dotson sets them up to have one of the best WR rooms in the NFL. Not many teams will be able to cover A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dotson simultaneously. I’m also curious to see if Covey makes any impact as a receiver—he’s shown glimpses of potential. Johnny Wilson had a strong week of training camp where he looked like he could make an immediate impact, but he’s cooled off and hasn’t practiced in a week due to a concussion. Ainias Smith is a tricky one—he’s my 53rd man on this roster. The Eagles might keep Smith to avoid exposing him to waivers, and I wouldn’t be shocked if he ends up on the IR. Paris Campbell was the early favorite for the WR3 spot, but injuries have likely cost him a roster spot.

Tight End (TE): Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra, E.J. Jenkins

Jenkins has shined throughout training camp, earning himself a roster spot. It’s unfortunate that no one else really stepped up, as the TE3 spot was wide open. Goedert and Calcaterra are locks for the roster.

Offensive Line (OL): Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Mekhi Becton, Lane Johnson, Fred Johnson, Trevor Keegan, Tyler Steen, Dylan McMahon, Brett Toth

The starting O-line is set, with the only surprise being Mekhi Becton winning his battle with ease. I went back and forth between Kinnard and Toth but ultimately chose Toth due to his versatility. Bold prediction: Trevor Keegan takes over at RG before the year is out and plays really well.

EDGE: Bryce Huff, Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham, Jalyx Hunt, Patrick Johnson, Nolan Smith

There’s been some concern around this unit, but I believe the EDGE group will surprise people this year. Huff and Sweat should lead the group in snaps and make a strong 1-2 combo. This is likely Brandon Graham’s final year, and if you know BG, he’ll leave it all on the field. I’m excited to see how Jalyx Hunt progresses; he could really surprise some people. Patrick Johnson has essentially earned his roster spot. Nolan Smith is looking to make the leap from year 1 to year 2. I’m not super high on him right now, but I’d love to be proven wrong.

Defensive Line (DL): Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, Milton Williams, Moro Ojomo, Marlon Tuipulotu, Thomas Booker IV

I’d love to see Jalen Carter take that next step. If he can maintain the level of play he showed early last year throughout the entire season, look out. Jordan Davis needs to step up this year and prove the doubters wrong. Milton Williams is playing for a contract, and I think he could be a sneaky candidate for defensive MVP. Moro Ojomo has looked good this summer and should see some playing time. Thomas Booker IV has been a training camp sweetheart for some fans and beat reporters—he’s played his way onto the team. Meanwhile, Marlon Tuipulotu, a coaches’ favorite, is on the bubble like Booker, but I think they both make the team.

Linebacker (LB): Devin White, Zack Baun, Nakobe Dean, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Ben VanSumeren

Finally, the Eagles enter a season without a huge hole at linebacker. It’s not perfect, but the depth and potential are there. If Devin White can turn back the clock, he’ll be playing on a steal of a contract. I’m not entirely sold on Zack Baun, but the coaching staff seems to love him. Dean and Trotter have been the best duo in preseason, and while they may not start together this year, it’s a possibility for the future. VanSumeren is a strong special teams player who saw some snaps last season, performing fairly well given the circumstances.

Cornerback (CB): Darius Slay, Kelee Ringo, Isaiah Rodgers, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean

Josh Jobe almost made the list but just missed out. Darius Slay is the starting cornerback, but the opposite spot is still up in the air. However, it’s worth appreciating the depth at this position—a rarity for the Eagles in recent years. My prediction: Slay, Rodgers, and Mitchell start, with Ringo as the top backup off the bench.

Safety (S): C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Reed Blankenship, Avonte Maddox

I expect Sydney Brown and Caden Sterns to start the season on the PUP list, which opens the door for Avonte Maddox to make the roster. Maddox has been solid but struggles to stay healthy. When he’s on the field, though, he’s a strong contributor. C.J. Gardner-Johnson is back, and he was a much-needed acquisition for the fire and intensity he brings.

Kicker (K): Jake Elliott

Never a doubt.

Punter (P): Braden Mann

Also, never a doubt.

Long Snapper (LS): Rick Lovato

Was there a doubt? Never.

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