Eagles who need outstanding performances in the preseason finale

There's no point in wasting a ton of time here. We have discussed the Philadelphia Eagles roster in great detail. Everyone is aware of the particulars. Most of the starting lineup has been set for a while now.

Everyone knows what's at stake here. Some guys are auditioning for other NFL teams. Others eye one of the final roster spots. Others still may have a shot at staying home, but as members of the practice squad.

After two road games, the Birds return home for a final test before final roster cuts. The Minnesota Vikings are the adversary.

Don't be fooled. This game doesn't mean 'nothing'. There's a lot on the line. If you doubt that, just ask any of the guys on this list.

E.J. Jenkins

One brilliant preseason performance does not an NFL star make. E.J. Jenkins is clearly the third best tight end on the Eagles roster, but are the Eagles interested in keeping three tight ends on the 53-man roster? That might decide his fate.

He played very well during the second preseason game, but a standard has been set now. He can ill afford to follow a good game with a substandard one.

Patrick Johnson

You can take much of what was just said about E.J. Jenkins and apply it to Patrick Johnson. We're slightly more familiar with Patrick however. He's been a part of this team since 2021.

He's a decent pass rusher. He's a great special teams player. His continued employment on this team, however, might be partially tied to whether or not he can convince the coaching staff to keep six pass rushers instead of five.

Josh Sweat, Bryce Huff, Brandon Graham, Nolan Smith, and Jalyx Hunt are all ahead of him on the defensive depth chart.

Ainias Smith

We thought for a while that the Eagles depth chart come Week 1 would include someone who wasn't on the roster yet. Jahan Dotson has arrived, and Philly didn't add him because they were going to release him in a few days. What does that mean for Ainias Smith though?

Smith has come on as of late, but it may be 'too little, too late'. We'll see, but it appears that the rookie may be headed to the practice squad.

Ben VanSumeren

Nakobe Dean is suddenly this team's best linebacker. Good for him! Frankly we never doubted. he's healthy and is playing with a chip on his shoulder.

Devin White, Zack Baun, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. will all make this roster at the linebacker position. Who will claim the fifth spot (if Philly keeps a fifth spot open)? Will it be Ben VanSumeren or Oren Burks?

We won't lie. We're biased. We love Ben, and we are pulling for him.

John Ross

The Eagles brought John Ross in late, but they wanted to see if he had anything left. As it turns out, he does. How does Philly view him though? We know he's behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, Parris Campbell, and maybe Britain Covey on the depth chart, but where is he in relation to Ainias Smith, Johnny Wilson, and Joseph Ngata.

Frankly, we wouldn't be shocked if Ross made the roster. We also wouldn't be shocked if he didn't. He'll have much to do with whether or not he is. He needs a big showing in the final preseason game.

Brett Toth and every offensive lineman who isn't a part of the starting five

We know who the Eagles' starters are along the offensive line: Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Mekhi Becton, and Lane Johnson. Trevor Keegan and Fred Johnson will also make this team. We also feel like Dylan McMahon has showed us enough. All are good football players.

Brett Toth is 'iffy'. We'll see about everyone else. We expect ten O-linemen to be retained on the 53-man roster, but we also need to see a better performance from the second unit than we saw last week.

Efforts may determine a roster spot or two. It's also important that Johnson and Keegan play well to vault them into the regular season with some confidence. Keegan played 100% of the snaps versus the Patriots.