Philadelphia Eagles 53-man roster prediction ahead of training camp
By Smit Bajaj
Philadelphia Eagles 53-man roster: The linebackers (6)
Alex Singleton, Eric Wilson, T.J. Edwards, Shaun Bradley, Davion Taylor, JaCoby Stevens
The Eagles carried six linebackers on their initial 53-man roster in 2020 and did the same in 2019. History repeats itself here. Instead of actually solving the position, it seems like the team has constantly thrown objects at the wall hoping they’ll stick.
To their credit, Alex Singleton was an object that did stick to the wall last season. The former CFL player barely earned a roster spot in 2020, but after a phenomenal season, comes in as a top linebacker in 2021. Funny how things work, right?
Shaun Bradley and Davion Taylor are both rookies who weren’t ready to take the field much last season. As it currently stands, Bradley seems suited to take the field more often as a linebacker, while Taylor remains a project and will make the team solely because of his potential and special teams play.
Eric Wilson figures to be an excellent complement to Alex Singleton and his run-stuffing ability. As a former safety in college, Wilson is a very good pass defender, both in zone coverage and in man coverage. Wilson and Singleton will be an exciting duo to watch next season if the pieces fall together.
JaCoby Stevens makes the roster as an intriguing option. He played safety at LSU and was immediately converted to a linebacker when drafted by the Eagles.
If he adds weight, Stevens could emerge as a serviceable linebacker, but for the 2021 season, he projects as a nickel safety that will use his physicality and length to play in the box. At the very worst, he’ll be an above-average special teams player.