Eagles roster projection 3.0 with practice squad: Competition is heating up

One game is in our rearview mirror. Two more remain. There's much that still needs to be ironed out. There is so much that we have learned already. For some of the players on this Philadelphia Eagles roster, the goal is to keep those bodies healthy and advance to the regular season with minimal wear and tear.

For others, the goals are different. The pressure is mounting. Things are tightening. Guys have to feel like they're running out of chances.

The depth chart may change a few more times between now and roster cutdowns. As expected, however, things are coming into focus. Here's another guess at the 53-man roster.

Offense

Get ready. Year one of the Kellen Moore experience figures to feature lots of scoring.

Quarterbacks (3):

Jalen Hurts, Kenny Pickett and Tanner McKee
Out: Will Grier

Nothing has changed here. Philly's QB room has been set for a while, and we don't need to question the obvious. All hope rests on Jalen Hurts.

Running Backs (3)

Saquon Barkley, Kenneth Gainwell, Will Shipley
Out: Kendall Milton, Tyrion Davis-Price, Lew Nichols II

If we had to name a fourth guy, we'd do with Tyrion Davis-Price, but it seemingly just makes sense to rock out with three guys here.

Wide Receiver (5)

A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Parris Campbell, Britain Covey, Johnny Wilson (with a sixth player to be named later, maybe).
Out: Joseph Ngata, Jacob Harris, Austin Watkins Jr., John Ross, Ainias Smith, Griffin Hebert

We aren't sure if we want to, but we'll hold on to Parris Campbell for a little while longer. We'll also go light here with five guys instead of six to make room at other positions.

If we were to guess, the Birds might keep six guys here, but it feels like the sixth guy isn't here yet. Maybe he's acquired via trade or after cuts are made?

Tight End (2, with a third to be named later, hopefully)

Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra
Out: CJ UZomah, Albert Okwuegbunam, E.J. Jenkins, Kevin Foelsch, Armani Rogers

It just doesn't feel like this team's third tight end is on the roster yet. We aren't in love with any of the guys after Grant Calcaterra.

Offensive line (10)

Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Mekhi Becton, Lane Johnson, Fred Johnson, Trevor Keegan, Dylan McMahon, Tyler Steen, Brett Toth
Out: Max Scharping, Nick Gates, Matt Hennessy, Darian Kinnard, Anim Dankwah

We keep trying to write Brett Toth off, but he has never written back. Don't be shocked if he's still here in September. Meanwhile, these coaches fell out of love with Matt Hennessy quickly, didn't they?

Defense

Nick Sirianni finally gets the defensive coordinator he wanted all along. Welcome to the Vic Fangio era on defense, but don't expect to see the second coming of Bud Carson or Jim Johnson.

EDGE (6)

Bryce Huff, Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham, Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, Patrick Johnson
Out: Tarron Jackson, Julian Okwara, Terrell Lewis

Patrick Johnson, despite making a great play to close the 1st preseason game, is probably not going to evolve into an elite pass rusher this season. He is probably also not going to play much. He is also a great special teams player, and that's why we believe he will make this team.

Don't be shocked if the Eagles make room for him by shedding talent and 'going light' at another position.

Defensive Tackle (5)

Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Milton Williams, Marlon Tuipulotu, Moro Ojomo
Out: Thomas Booker IV, PJ Mustipher, Gabe Hall

Vic Fangio told us that he wants five interior defensive linemen, and we think we all know who those five interior defensive linemen are.

Linebacker (5)

Devin White, Zack Baun, Jeremiah Trotter Jr, Nakobe Dean, Ben VanSumeren
Out: Oren Burks, Brandon Smith

Ben VanSumeren is better than we keep trying to give him credit for being. We haven't seen Oren Burks since the first training camp practice.

Cornerback (6)

Darius Slay, Isaiah Rodgers, Quinyon Mitchell, Kelee Ringo, Cooper DeJean, Josh Jobe
Out: Eli Ricks, Zech McPhearson, Tyler Hall,

Josh Jobe is still concerning if he's needed to play outside corner, but he's a valuable special teams player. He also played more ST snaps than Eli Ricks, and that could indicate that a roster spot is possible.

Cooper DeJean was expected to miss three weeks when we first heard about his injury from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. If Fowler is correct, he should return soon.

He has missed valuable time, but he's been taking mental reps and should catch up quickly. There is a lot to like here and several reasons to be excited.

Safety (5)

Reed Blankenship, CJ Gardner-Johnson, Avonte Maddox, James Bradberry, Caden Sterns
Out: Tristin McCollum, Andre' Sam, Mekhi Garner

We're not ruling out the possibility of Howie Roseman trading James Bradberry. So far, he hasn't. It also feels like Vic Fangio will grow more fond of him if he continues to hang around. The Caden Sterns acquisition is intriguing though.

Sterns played for Vic Fangio in Denver during his rookie season. Also, signing a guy this late while knowing he can't practice suggests he's here to be more than a camp body.

Avonte Maddox gives Philly some flexibility. He is Philly's most experienced slot corner who is now a backup safety. This coaching staff loves Tristin McCollum. He's in if Bradberry leaves and out if he stays.

Sydney Brown will begin the regular season with an injury designation seemingly (PUP - Physically Unable To Perform). Perhaps McCollum is shed once Brown is ready.

Special Teams

Kicker: Jake Elliott (1)
Punter: Braden Mann (1)
Long Snapper: Rick Lovato (1)

Nothing here should surprise you. This unit will remain as is all season.

Practice squad

Once roster cuts are made and Philly begins piecing a scout team together, you never know how these things will play out. That won't prevent us from making guesses. Here's how we see things playing out.

Zech McPhearson and Eli Ricks are among the tough cuts, but the Eagles probably wouldn't be able to welcome them back as they'll be scooped by other teams.

Running Backs - Kendall Milton, Tyrion Davis-Price
WRs - John Ross, Ainias Smith
TE - E.J. Jenkins
OL - Anim Dankwah, Darian Kinnard, Matt Hennessy
EDGE - Julian Okwara
DT - P.J. Mustipher, Thomas Booker IV
LBs - Oren Burks, Brandon Smith
Defensive Baxks - Tyler Hall, Mekhi Garner, Tristin McCollum
International exemption: Laekin Vakalahi