Eagles from last season's roster who may have tougher times making the 2024 team

It's sometimes hard to sit back and marvel while the action is taking place, but this is shaping up to be one heck of a roster, isn't it? Free agency brought us one signing after another. The Philadelphia Eagles have added pieces. Don't look now, but they're right back in the conversation.

The 2024 NFL Draft cometh. If nothing changes, Philly owns eight picks. It will be interesting to see who's added and how that changes the depth chart.

As is always the case, seats will warm as we play musical chairs at certain positions. Competition is part of every training camp and preseason.

Guys left during free agency. The same will occur come time for roster cuts. Might that mean we part with some of the familiar faces?

Here are a few Eagles from last season's 53-man roster who might have tougher times making the squad in 2024.

The Eagles have done a good job at finding talent before and after the draft. In 2022, four undrafted free agents eventually made their way onto the roster (Reed Blankenship, Josh Jobe, Britain Covey, Josh Sills).

Sills plays for the Colts now. Reed, Josh, and Britain have found their roles. Keep an eye on the former Alabama cornerback though.

Josh Jobe, Zech McPhearson, & Eli Ricks, cornerbacks

If we had to create a 53-man roster and do so right now, Josh Jobe, Zech McPhearson, and Eli Ricks would have high chances of making the roster. That could change by the time we reach September.

What if the Eagles draft a cornerback? What is another is added? All three of these guys deserve to play somewhere. The question is this. Will they be playing in Philly?

Darius Slay, James Bradberry, and Kelee Ringo are all making the roster. That means Jobe, Ricks, McPhearson, Mekhi Garner, Mario Goodrich, Tyler Hall, and Tiawan Mullen will all compete for what might be three spots along with anyone who might be added during the NFL Draft and afterward.

Grant Calcaterra, tight end

Grant Calcaterra was a low-risk, high-reward draft addition in 2022. So far, we haven't seen him transform himself into the 'steal' we thought he had the potential of becoming.

Dallas Goedert will make the 2024 roster. Albert Okwuegbunam might be around. He signed a one-year extension in February. Calcaterra isn't safe though, and any addition the Birds make will complicate his journey to being on the active roster for a third season.

Moro Ojomo, defensive tackle

The Eagles added seven prospects during the 2024 NFL Draft. The seventh was Moro Ojomo, a defensive tackle the Birds found in the seventh round out of Texas. Those guys typically are always fighting for their roster lives.

Fletcher Cox retired. That opens the door for Ojomo to some degree, but Philly is stocked along the interior of their defensive line.

Fletch's exit means this is Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Milton Williams' show. Marlon Tuipulotu will again be in the mix for a roster spot,

There's always the chance that Philly could draft someone, but even if they don't do that, Ojomo is competing with Thomas Booker IV, Noah Elliss, and PJ Mustipher for a roster spot. Make no mistake. Despite being active for eight games last season, the former Longhorn's path to the 53-man roster won't be easy.

Ben VanSumeren, linebacker

The Eagles added Ben VanSumeren as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2023 NFL Draft. He worked his arse off and that combined with injuries at the position catapulted him into the spotlight.

Here's someone who played for Michigan AND Michigan State. That alone is intriguing enough, but nine in-game appearances and a start resulted in 50 defensive snaps and 180 more on special teams.

There's something here, but Philly added Julian Okwara, Devin White, and Oren Burks in free agency. Nakobe Dean will also return from injury. Don't forget about him.

Worth mentioning (but probably safe): Fred Johnson, offensive lineman

We don't discuss the offensive tackle positions with the same frequency that we offer our theories about what should be done at cornerback, running back, and safety. Think about something though. What happens if Lane Johnson or Jordan Mailata go down with an injury? Things certainly would change in a hurry, right?

Many were surprised by Fred Johnson's addition to the roster last season. He was active for all 17 games and played 35 offensive snaps and another 78 on special teams.

Jeff Stoutland loves the kid, and that's good enough for us. Maybe he's safe. He is signed through the 2024 NFL season, and Philly seemed content to let Jack Driscoll walk. That says a lot. There's no doubt about it.

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