Philadelphia Eagles: A way-too-early guess on the final 53-man roster
The linebackers (5)
Verdict:
Zach Brown, Nigel Bradham, T.J. Edwards, L.J. Fort, Kamu Grugier-Hill
We mentioned the fact that the NFL is moving into an area where it seems as though three-wide receiver sets are the base set for most of the league’s offensive units. Teams simply don’t employ quite as many linebackers as they used to.
Still, with so much talent here, and with the constant threat of injuries, Philly will keep five (six at the most), and the names we’ve listed are among the five best guys at the position.
No disrespect to Nathan Gerry or Paul Worrilow. We expect both to become a victim of the numbers game, but don’t be surprised if Gerry beats out Fort either or, again, if the Eagles go with six guys.
Cornerback (6)..
Ronald Darby, Rasul Douglas, Sidney Jones, Cre’Von LeBlanc, Avonte Maddox, Jalen Mills
Jalen Mills and Sidney Jones have frustrated quite a few pundits and fans, but they’re clearly better than the likes of Blake Countess and Josh Hawkins. They’ll fuel the competition at the position, but in the end, they’ll both probably get left behind.
Maddox and Douglas can play both corner and safety and do both with ease. They’re in as well.
light. Related Story. That Lane Johnson and Zach Brown beef, 2 years later
Safety (4)
Malcolm Jenkins, Rodney McLeod, Tre Sullivan, Andrew Sendejo
We won’t waste a ton of time here. Jenkins and McLeod are among the best safety tandems in the entire NFL. Sullivan has proven he can play in this league and at a high level. Sendejo wouldn’t start on many NFL rosters, but he’s close to a starting-level reserve who should provide quality minutes when given an opportunity.