Eagles roster projection 4.0: One final guess before final roster cuts

There's no sense in wasting anyone's time here. You guys value your time, and so do we. Everyone knows where we are on the preseason schedule. The Philadelphia Eagles and each of the other 31 NFL franchises must trim their rosters to 53 men.

We're certain about 47 guys we believe to be locks. We're pretty sure about three more guys. We're still debating the final three roster spots.

Anyway... Here's what we're thinking!

Also read: Parris Campbell's chances to make the Eagles roster may have quietly evaporated

Here's one final guess on the Eagles 53-man roster before final cuts are announced.

The Specialists (3)

Jake Elliott (kicker), Braden Mann (punter), Rick Lovato (Long Snapper)

We have had zero doubt about who would be named the Eagles' kicker, punter, and long snapper for the entirety of the 2024 offseason.

The quarterbacks (3)

Jalen Hurts, Kenny Pickett, Tanner McKee

Something tells us you all probably are already familiar with the following information, but this is Jalen Hurts' team. He's the starter. Pickett, whether you like it or not, is his backup. Tanner McKee is the third-stringer.

Running Backs (3)

Saquon Barkley, Kenneth Gainwell, Will Shipley

We've seen enough. There's no need to keep more than three tailbacks on this roster, but Tyrion Davis-Price is worthy of a spot on the practice squad.

Tight Ends (3)

Dallas Goedert. Grant Calcaterra, EJ Smith

Dallas Goedert is one of the few tight ends who catch the ball and block effectively. Grant Calcaterra is a more than capable backup who continues to improve. EJ Jenkins has proven to be this team's third best tight end.

Wide Receivers (6)

A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, Britain Covey, Johnny Wilson, Parris Campbell

We feel like we may be wrong here. We feel like there's a strong chance that Ainias Smith will make the roster for no other reason than being a fifth-round draft choice (and, that would be the only reason).

Smith got off to a rough start and heated up after a nice coaching call gave him some confidence. Parris Campbell got off to a decent start before missing a lot of time because of an injury. The final roster spot will, more than likely come down to a conversation mentioning them.

Again, we can see why Philly would keep Smith. We, however, side with the guy Jalen Hurts has more chemistry with.

Besides, even if Smith were cut, he'd pass through waivers without issue and be back on Philly's practice squad.

Update: Ainias Smith to undergo an MRI

Hold those horses! NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the following:

"Ainias Smith reported discomfort in his ankle and hamstring after completing Saturday’s game, sources say. The fifth-rounder is getting an MRI and his availability for the start of the season is in some doubt."

Here's what that means... maybe... Smith could be one of Philly's two non-season-ending injured reserve designations. That strengthens Campbell's case. It looks like he could indeed be in line for a roster spot.

Offensive Line (10)

Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Mekhi Becton, Lane Johnson, Fred Johnson, Trevor Keegan, Dylan McMahon, Tyler Steen, Brett Toth

Unlike what we've seen these past two years when the initial 53-man roster was announced, we won't see a UDFA make the roster. We're aware of who the starters are. We know who some of the reserves will be. Don't be shocked if a surprise is announced.

Another necesary read: Eagles WR depth chart following Jahan Dotson acquisition

EDGE (5)

Bryce Huff, Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham, Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt

The only surprise here will come if Philly determines they will keep six pass rushers. If they do Patrick Johnson will be the sixth. He has earned it, and we already know he's a monster on special teams. We already know who the top five edge rushers are.

Defensive Tackles (5)

Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Milton Williams, Marlon Tuipulotu, Moro Ojomo

This was another of those easy layups. Vic Fangio already said he wanted five interior defensive linemen. We took the top five.

We apologize to Thomas Booker. He can ball. We go with the 2023 NFL Draft pick here though. Book was a difficult cut we made.

Linebackers (5)

Devin White, Zack Baun, Nakobe Dean, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Ben VanSumeren

All of a sudden, Nakobe Dean is this team's best linebacker. He should start, but he may not. Regardless, we're excited about this group.

Oren Burks was another of our tough cuts. He came on late and is very competent. We go with VanSumeren here, honestly, because we just are more familiar with him because of his history here.

Cornerbacks (5)

Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, Isaiah Rodgers, Kelee Ringo, Cooper DeJean

Hear us clearly here. We love Eli Ricks and Josh Jobe, but we can't argue them onto the roster.

Philly's decision to draft Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean have made them expendable. Plus, it appears the Eagles will keep two 'safeties' that we know can play cornerback.

Safeties (5)

Reed Blankenship, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, James Bradberry, Avonte Maddox, Tristin McCollum

We knew it! We knew the longer James Bradberry hung around, he'd become someone that Vic Fangio liked. He didn't dress during the final preseason game. We're assuming that means he has made the roster.

Avonte Maddox's addition shouldn't shock anyone. He's the Eagles' most experienced cornerback and has had a good summer. Tristin McCollum rounds out our group of five.