Eagles 53-man Roster Prediction: Post-Preseason Week 4

Sep 3, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tim Tebow (11) avoids being sacked by New York Jets outside linebacker Trevor Reilly (57) during first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Offense

Quarterback: Sam Bradford, Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow (3 QB/Total: 3)

That’s it ladies and gentlemen, Tim Tebow is officially here to stay in the NFL with the Eagles. While many won’t be able to fathom the Eagles actually using a final roster spot on the controversial quarterback, he played well in the team’s preseason finale, drastically outplaying his opponent for the final quarterback spot, Matt Barkley. With Sam Bradford and Mark Sanchez ahead of him, Tebow likely won’t see the field during the regular season unless it’s for a special package play.

Running Back: DeMarco Murray, Ryan Mathews, Darren Sproles, Kenjon Barner (4 RB/Total: 7)

The Eagles’ three headed monster at running back might have to grow another head. After the performance he put on throughout the preseason, both on special teams and offense, Kenjon Barner has earned a spot on the team’s final roster. He’ll join a stacked backfield but looks like a logical fit and a perfect compliment to a powerful backfield with players such as DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews.

Wide Receiver: Riley Cooper, Josh Huff, Jordan Matthews, Nelson Agholor, Miles Austin, Seyi Ajirotutu (6 WR/Total: 13)

Although youngsters such as Rasheed Bailey and Freddie Martino put up a good fight, they just won’t make the final cut for the Eagles this year. That means veterans Miles Austin and Seyi Ajirotutu join Riley Cooper and the team’s trio of young playmakers to form the team’s wide receiver group. Austin has missed most of the preseason due to a mix of injuries but he’ll likely stick around due to the guaranteed money the team gave him as well as his leadership. “Tutu” makes the team because of his ability on special teams and as a blocker.

Tight End: Brent Celek, Zach Ertz, Trey Burton (3 TE/Total: 16)

For the first time, undrafted free agent tight end Eric Tomlinson doesn’t make the cut for me. After an impressive start to the preseason, Tomlinson has gone missing during the team’s final three preseason games. On the other hand, Trey Burton continues to showcase his versatility as both the third tight end and a special team’s contributor. He’ll fill James Casey‘s old role with ease and offers more upside in case Zach Ertz misses more time than he expects to be out for.

Offensive Tackle: Jason Peters, Lane Johnson, Matt Tobin, Dennis Kelly (4 OT/Total: 20)

Now the offensive line is where things get interesting. Besides their starters, no players along the Eagles’ offensive line stood out during the preseason. That’s both concerning and scary considering a few of their starters have battled injuries over the past couple of seasons. Look for the team to keep Matt Tobin and Dennis Kelly around just because they know the system and have some starting experience. But don’t be surprised if they pull of a trade or sign a player for some added offensive line depth.

Offensive Guard: Allen Barbre, Andrew Gardner, John Moffitt (3 OG/Total: 23)

Although many believed the world was ending when the Eagles released Pro Bowl guard Evan Mathis, they’ve actually done just fine at the position without Mathis. Allen Barbre has done very well in Mathis’ former spot at left guard. Andrew Gardner has performed admirably at right guard but he needs to improve as a pass blocker. It’ll be interesting to see who the team keeps as a reserve guard but John Moffitt seems like a logical choice considering his experience. Although Moffitt has struggled during the preseason, the Eagles had to have expected the veteran would have some rust and they’ll likely keep him around to see if he continues to improve.

Center: Jason Kelce, David Molk (2 C/Total: 25)

David Molk has spent time at both center and guard throughout the preseason. Although he’s struggled at guard, Molk has fared well at center and looks to have locked up the back-up job there. His ability to also step in at guard only improves his chances of making the final roster and his experience with the team helps his case as well.

Next: Defense