Philadelphia Eagles 53-man roster prediction ahead of training camp
By Smit Bajaj
Philadelphia Eagles 53-man roster: The safeties (4)
Anthony Harris, Marcus Epps, K’Von Wallace, Andrew Adams
PUP (Physically Unable to Perform): Rodney McLeod
Rodney McLeod, one of the more consistent Eagles over the past few years, is coming off of his second ACL tear in just three years. Considering he suffered the injury in Week 14, he’ll start the season on the PUP list in this scenario. This means he must be inactive for the first six weeks.
Filling this hole won’t be easy, but his replacement options are intriguing. Anthony Harris had an incredible 2019 season with six interceptions and lands in a Johnathan Gannon scheme that will be similar to Mike Zimmer’s. Gannon was even Harris’ assistant defensive backs coach for a few years in Minnesota.
Marcus Epps was an underrated bright spot last year and, according to PFF, was the 13th best safety in the NFL. He has been steadily outperforming his four-year, $2.7 million deal and is signed through the 2022 season. Under a Gannon defense that will run more two-high safety look, Epps will have an increased role with McLeod injured.
K’Von Wallace was considered a steal in the 2020 NFL Draft but struggled to get much playing time last year. He’ll likely fill the role of ‘box safety’ and play closer to the line of scrimmage. The Eagles don’t have a player (besides rookie LB JaCoby Stevens) who has Wallace’s skillset. He’ll play a niche role, but an important one.
Andrew Adams is a cut candidate, but his special teams ability gives him the nod here. The veteran can fill in at Rudy Ford’s role last season.