The NFL season is just over two months away and many people are creating roster projections for the Philadelphia Eagles. Let’s see who has the best chance of making the initial roster.
Eagles Roster Projection – The Offense
Philadelphia Eagles Roster Projection 1.0 – The Defense and Special Teams
Defensive Line (8)
In: Fletcher Cox, Jordan Davis, Javon Hargrave, Derek Barnett, Josh Sweat, Milton Williams, Brandon Graham, Noah Ellis
Fletcher Cox is likely in his last season in midnight green. Cox was an elite three-tech but struggled to adapt to the 2i and 4i techniques that are more common in the odd fronts that Jonathan Gannon likes to run.
Jordan Davis is a no-brainer draft pick for a team looking to run odd fronts to take away opposing run games by improving the run fits while simultaneously providing help over the top in two safety looks. Davis has the size to handle double teams and can even switch a defense’s strentgh with his versatility to play as a 3-tech in an even front.
Javon Hargrave was an impressive pass rusher last season against single coverage. With Davis also being on the line, Hargrave should get much better looks as a pass rusher.
Derek Barnett was recently signed on a two-year extension. While Barnett is excessively aggressive and draws penalties in the worst situations, he has nice burst off the edge and creates a lot of quarterback pressures for the team.
Josh Sweat also recently received an extension and has nice burst off the line. Sweat should likely get reps at right end where his footwork is a better fit for his football game.
Milton Williams has experience both at a three-technique and at five-tech and while he can be a liability inside against the run, he has great explosion as a pass rusher.
Brandon Graham, like Williams, has scheme versatility and is used both to stop the run and as a pass rusher. This is likely Graham’s last season and he is likely to get a lot of reps this season.
Noah Elliss was signed as an undrafted free agent to provide depth at nose tackle. With the NFL moving to more split safety and odd front defenses, depth at nose tackle makes complete sense.
[pickup_prop id=”20023″]
Linebackers (6)
In: Haason Reddick, Nakobe Dean, Kyzir White, Kyron Johnson, T.J. Edwards, Davion Taylor
Haason Reddick was one of the top-rated pass rushers last season. Reddick is likely to get a lot of looks as the strongside linebacker playing on the line of scrimmage.
Nakobe Dean got a lot of attention in Georgia for his ability to blitz and chase plays laterally from the backside. In addition to his explosion defensively, Dean is competitive, smart, a leader and is quite skilled at man coverage.
Kyzir White is mostly a weakside linebacker and is an absolute asset in underneath pass coverage.
Kyron Johnson played edge in college but at his size a move to linebacker is likely and he could be a great pass rusher as an outside linebacker.
T.J. Edwards came in clutch last season in run defense and also showed skill in pass defense, especially against the New Orleans Saints. As a vet, Edwards is likely to get the first shot at middle linebacker.
Davion Taylor has nice measurables and can be a nice weakside linebacker, when healthy. Taylor is likely to make the roster but may not be with the Eagles all season.
Cornerbacks (6)
In: Darius Slay, James Bradberry, Avonte Maddox, Mario Goodrich, Josh Jobe, Jimmy Moreland
Darius Slay is easily the Eagles top corner and should excel guarding the boundary in one on one coverage, including man coverage.
James Bradberry is more of a zone coverage corner and should excel in man match coverage against trips and trey formations on the field side.
Avonte Maddox received an extension and played well as a slot corner for the Eagles last season. Though Maddox could get reps at safety and Gannon values versatility, Maddox’s fit at slot corner is hard to ignore.
Mario Goodrich and Josh Jobe are both undrafted free agents and should provide depth off the bench and should get reps on special teams.
Jimmy Moreland was another strong signing to develop depth at slot corner and Moreleand should get more looks against teams that use more 10 personnel.
Safety (4)
In: Marcus Epps, Jaquiski Tartt, Anthony Harris, K’Von Wallace
Marcus Epps got reps as a third safety last season and despite diminished reps he showed well both in the post (defending deep passes) and in the box (defending the run). Epps is super impressive in his ability to provide strong run defense from depth.
Jaquiski Tartt was signed to a one-year deal from San Francisco and is likely to provide support over the top in pass defense. Tartt excelled at in San Francisco and which Gannon wants to feature in his defense.
Anthony Harris and K’Von Wallace are both strong options in the box but are liabilities playing in the post. The big nickel defense is becoming quite popular in the NFL. Having large slot corners that can play man coverage is a major asset. Harris and Wallace are likely to get a lot of looks in big nickel packages.
Specialists (3)
In: Jake Elliott, Arryn Siposs, Rick Lovato
Wrapping up the Philadelphia Eagles roster projection are three players without too much competition. Jake Elliott performed well as a field goal kicker. Arryn Siposs struggled to punt late in the season. Both Elliott and Siposs are likely to be on the roster. Rick Lovato is likely to be brought back as a long-snapper.
