The NFL season is just over two months away and many people are creating a roster projection for the Philadelphia Eagles. Let’s see who has the best chance of making the initial roster.
Eagles Roster Projection: The Defense/Special Teams
Philadelphia Eagles Roster Projection 1.0 – The Offense
Quarterback (3)
In: Jalen Hurts, Gardner Minshew, Carson Strong
Jalen Hurts did a commendable job leading the Eagles to the playoffs in his first year as an NFL starter leading his team to the playoffs after a 3-5 start with rookie coaches and an arguably underdeveloped roster in 2021. While Hurts clearly has leadership and athleticism to be a weapon, there are questions about his patience, platform, and ability to read his progressions on time.
Gardner Minshew is a model of consistency with great charisma and is more of a scrambler than a runner. Minshew is great at throwing the ball on target and on time. Minshew’s issue is his lack of arm strength and ability to make the big play over the top.
Carson Strong is one of the best pocket passers in this past draft class and he has arguably the strongest arm. Strong is a statue in the pocket and has a massive injury history that scared away other teams. If he heals up, he can be an option to replace Hurts in 2023, assuming that Hurts doesn’t sufficiently progress.
Running Back/Fullback (5)
In: Miles Sanders, Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott, Kennedy Brooks, Jason Huntley
Miles Sanders is a one-tool back that isn’t a great fit for the Eagles running game and fans hardly get to see his explosion on the field because he has missed many games due to injury. The Eagles need to see more production on the field, which is why Sanders is likely to get the most reps at running back.
Kenneth Gainwell was brought in as a third-down specialist but he was arguably better as an inside runner, especially as a redzone back. Gainwell needs to work on his pass protection skills and could get reps as a slot receiver to show a 20s personnel look to keep opposing defenses in their base personnel. Gainwell is likely to get most of the reps on third down and in the redzone.
Boston Scott does nothing at an elite level but he does everything at a competent level. Scott is a strong runner both inside and outside the tackles, a receiver outside of the backfield, and is one of the strongest pass protectors in the running back room. If Scott had more vision and more explosion, he would likely be a great starter for the Eagles.
Kennedy Brooks was added as an undrafted free agent to address two concerns: short-yardage runs and pass protection. Brooks is likely a long-term replacement for Jordan Howard, as an inside running threat between the twenties and his film shows him to be another asset in pass protection.
Jason Huntley is likely to be on the roster as an asset for the Eagles return game.
Wide Receiver (7)
In: A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Quez Watkins, Zach Pascal, Devon Allen, Greg Ward Jr., Jalen Reagor
A.J. Brown is an elite receiver that produced in an offense that was focused on the running game. Brown has the athleticism to stretch the field, but with his large frame, he is likely to be a pre-snap alert or a hot read as a quick slant or skinny post on the backside of a three-by-one. With the new additions at receiver this season, the Eagles are likely to use more 10 and 11 personnel.
DeVonta Smith is one of the best route runners in the league and can thrive later in Hurts’ progressions. With the separation that Smith creates, Smith should allow Hurts to be more patient in the pocket and go through his progressions on time.
Quez Watkins played well at the Z as a field stretcher, and that is his main talent. Playing either at the Z or in the slot, Watkins has the ability to get a free release and do serious damage as a deep target. By the numbers, Watkins was the top performer against man press coverage.
Zach Paschal was signed both because of his familiarity with Nick Sirianni’s offensive system as a player with the coach and as size protection for Hurts.
Devon Allen is another deep threat. He played football at Oregon and set records in track. Allen is likely on the roster mostly for his role as a returner.
Greg Ward Jr. is the veteran of the group and a leader in the receiver room. Ward is likely to get work both on special teams and in the Eagles redzone offense.
Jalen Reagor was drafted for his special teams skills but has seemed to be a liability in this regard.
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Tight End (3)
In: Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra, J.J. Arcega-Whiteside
Dallas Goedert is a top-5 tight end in the NFL and has shown great potential, both as a receiver, and as a blocker in the running game.
Grant Calcaterra had concussion issues at Oklahoma but when healthy looked to be a weapon in the passing game. Hurts, as a leader, has a strong likelihood of connecting with former weapons with the Oklahoma Sooners.
J.J. Arcega-Whiteside earns one of the final spots on this Eagles roster projection primarily because he is another Roseman draft pick, which he might both regret, and feel the need to give a long leash to. JJAW is likely to make the roster both for 13 personnel sets and on special teams.
Offensive Line (8)
In: Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Jason Kelce, Jack Driscoll, Lane Johnson, Andre Dillard, Cam Jurgens, Isaac Seumalo
Wrapping up this Eagles roster projection is one of the better offensive lines in football. Jordan Mailata is still learning the fundamentals of the game, especially in pass protection, but he has the body mass and the aggression to be a bulldozer for the running game.
Landon Dickerson was originally drafted as a center and an eventual replacement and has stepped up and solidified the left side of the Eagles offensive line as an interior run blocker.
Jason Kelce might be the best center in the NFL. Between his toughness, intelligence, and athleticism, Kelce has all the tools to excel in Shane Steichen’s offense, at least for one more season.
Jack Driscoll was originally signed as a tackle but impressed the coaching staff filling in at right guard. Driscoll is likely to earn a roster spot even if not named a starter. Driscoll is versatile and Roseman highly values versatility and personnel depth.
Lane Johnson is a great right tackle and has the athleticism to spring runs off of his blocks on the second level.
Andre Dillard is a piece that Roseman is looking to trade. If a deal is not on the table, Dillard is likely to make the roster despite his lack of versatility within Steichen’s scheme.
Cam Jurgens was specifically drafted to be the eventual replacement for Jason Kelce at center. Jurgens has the same body type and a similar skill set with the athleticism of a former tight end.
Isaac Seumalo was drafted to be a replacement for Kelce at center and became a decent left guard during the Eagles 2017 Super Bowl run.
