With the preseason ending, the 2024 Eagles roster is now initially set ahead of their first game against the Green Bay Packers in Brazil. While there are still some changes the Eagles can make, and a few players they could still acquire. The Eagles have already made a boatload of moves this offseason.
There could be a dramatic shift for fans watching Week 1, this being a new era of Eagles football. While the young core is intact on offense, there will be many new faces along the offensive line and defense. There are reasons to be excited about the new-look Eagles, but there’s also some caution.
The Good and The Risky of the 2024 Eagles Roster
Good: Eagles Third Receiver is Solved
The Eagles brought in receiver Jahan Dotson from the Washington Commanders. It was a rare intra-division trade, and it was with a former first-round pick to boot. While Dotson hasn’t lived up to the billing of a first-rounder with the Commanders, it’s a perfect move for the Eagles roster.
The Eagles had trouble finding someone to be the third receiver in Kellen Moore’s offense. They brought in veterans, Parris Campbell and John Ross, but both were cut on Tuesday. There was some hype around late-round rookies Johnny Wilson and Ainias Smith, but they are still too raw.
Watch: Why Johnny Wilson Was Worth the Roster Spot
Dotson can come in right away as a third receiver who works both in the slot and the outside. He’s not a star at this point of his career, but he’s a solid dependable receiver who can move the chains. Alongside Devonta Smith and A.J. Brown, he can be the underneath threat that helps the Eagles offense get back to dominance.
Risky: Tight End Depth Looks a Little Scary
The tight-end room is looking very thin this year for the Eagles. Only two tight ends made the initial roster, Dallas Goedert and Grant Calcaterra, while last year’s acquisition Albert Okwuegbunam Jr. was moved to injured reserve. As it stands, the Eagles will only have two tight ends for at least the first four weeks of the regular season.
It’s a scary thing when you look at Goedert’s injury history. He’s missed eight games in the last two years, while the backup, Calcaterra, is a smaller tight end by league standards. It’s a little worrying even if it will be a new offense under Moore that relies less on two tight end sets. However, there’s still some time for the Eagles to find another player to round out the tight end room. Former Eagles tight end, Jack Stoll, was recently cut by the New York Giants and is an easy candidate for the 2024 Eagles roster.
Good: The Defensive Line Depth Looks Impressive
There was some doubt and apprehension this year with the Eagles defensive front. However, they look to be on par with years past, just with some different names. The interior defensive line is as good as any in the NFL. Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis are ascending young players who are already very good. Milton Williams would be a starter on many other teams in the league and even Moro Ojomo has shown flashes of quality play.
On the edge, Bryce Huff and Josh Sweat are the starters, with Brandon Graham still in the mix. While Nolan Smith still hasn’t seemed to take a big leap, he among others will be valuable contributor. Rookie Jaylx Hunt has looked awesome and explosive and should be able to contribute in a limited role. Not to mention, the hype on veteran Patrick Johnson during training camp should have fans even more excited about what the defensive front will look like on the 2024 Eagles roster.
Risky: Offensive Line Is Not Looking as Impressive as Usual
The starting offensive line for the Eagles is still looking like a great unit. However, with Jason Kelce retiring, the starting line may not only see a downgrade, but it also hurt the depth of this unit on the 2024 Eagles roster. The Eagles kept nine offensive linemen, four guards, four tackles, and one center. A positive of this year’s Eagles offensive line is the versatility among the starting linemen. Landon Dickerson played center in college and could fill in there, while Mekhi Becton and Tyler Steen have played tackle before.
Yet, Becton has struggled with injuries throughout his career, and Lane Johnson is only getting older. Tyler Steen hasn’t been too impressive in training camp and has dealt with injuries of his own. That would leave unproven players to help fill the voids like Darian Kinnard, Fred Johnson, and rookie fifth-round pick Trevor Keegan.
Any injuries to anyone on the Eagles offensive line would spell big trouble in 2024. At its best and when fully healthy, the Eagles offense line will still be among the league’s best, but they’re going to need a bit of injury luck in 2024.
Main Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
