Philadelphia Eagles 53-man roster projection: Training camp edition

It's training camp week. The Philadelphia Eagles' veterans and rookies both report on July 23rd. There is still so much to iron out, but so many questions have also been answered.

We don't have much to complain about with Philly's roster. Perhaps a lack of depth in some areas might be a concern, but there are reasons to be excited as well. There are seemingly stars at every position.

Let's piece a preliminary 53-man roster together.

Quarterbacks (3):

QB1: Jalen Hurts

Backups: Kenny Pickett and Tanner McKee
Out: Will Grier

Well, this one is pretty obvious. This is Jalen Hurts' team, and while Philly normally keeps four QBs through camp and the preseason, there's seemingly no way in heck that Will Grier will find his way onto the roster unless something unforeseen (and catastrophic) happens.

Running Backs (3)

Starter: Saquon Barkley

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

The questions here are about whether or not Philly will keep three running backs or four, but because we needed an extra roster spot for our theory, we shed one and went with the former theory.

Wide Receiver (6)

Starters: A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith & Parris Campbell

Reserves: Britain Covey, Ainias Smith, Johnny Wilson
Out: Joseph Ngata, Shaquan Davis, Jacob Harris, Austin Watkins Jr., John Ross

Some have argued about whether or not it makes sense to dedicate an entire wide receiver's roster spot to make room for what's essentially a full-time punt returner. Kellen Moore's hiring, however, does make us question whether or not his ingenuity may push him to find ways to use Britain Covey in the slot.

It's akin to our curiosity about Will Shipley's role. The latter also adds value as a returner. An improved special teams unit may be home to several playmakers.

Tight End (3)

Starter (TE1): Dallas Goedert

TE2 & TE3: C.J. Uzomah & Grant Calcaterra
Out: Albert Okwuegbunam, E.J. Jenkins, McCallan Castles

We don't know how we feel about Grant Calcaterra sometimes, but after Nick Sirianni made a point to call him by name earlier this offseason, we'll assume he's on the roster until further notice.

Offensive Line (10)

Starters: Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Tyler Steen, Lane Johnson

Reserves: Fred Johnson, Matt Hennessy, Trevor Keegam, Mekhi Becton, Dylan McMahon

Out: Brett Toth, Jason Poe, Lakin Vakalahi, Anim Dankwah, Gottlieb Ayedze, Darian Kinnard, Max Scharping

Once we figure out who the top man on the depth chart at right guard is (maybe Tyler Steen?), the starting offensive line is set. No one has to make guesses about who the other four starters are.

The depth along the line looks better than it did a year ago. Undrafted rookies have made the squad in consecutive seasons, but that won't be the case this time around.

Edge Rushers (5)

Starters: Bryce Huff & Josh Sweat

Reserves: Brandon Graham, Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt
Out: Patrick Johnson, Tarron Jackson, Julian Okwara, Terrell Lewis

We've known who the top four edge rushers are on the Eagles depth chart all spring and summer. Bryce Huff, Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham, and Nolan Smith make the roster. S does 2023 third-rounder Jalyx Hunt.

The 2024-25 season also doubles as the swan song for our beloved BG. Let's hope the Eagles send him off on a high note.

Interior Defensive Linemen (5)

Starters: Jalen Carter & Jordan Davis

Reserves: Milton Williams, Moro Ojomo, Marlon Tuipulotu
Out: PJ Mustipher, Gabe Hall, Thomas Booker

Philly drafted Jordan Davis in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft and added Jalen Carter in Round 1 one year later, Both will make the roster as will two more of the familiar faces (Milton Williams and Marlon Tuipulotu) and 2023 draftee Moro Ojomo.

Interior Linebackers (5)

Starters: Devin White & Zack Baun

Reserves: Nakobe Dean, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Oren Burks

Out: Ben VanSumeren & Brandon Smith

We're beginning to settle into a five-man interior linebacker depth chart. Until further notice (or we see the Eagles play during the preseason), Devin White, Zack Baun, Nakobe Dean, Jeremiah Trotter Jr, and Oren Burks will be at the top of that depth chart for a good while.

Cornerbacks (7)

Starters: Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, Isaiah Rodgers

Reserves: Kelee Ringo. Cooper DeJean, Josh Jobe, Eli Ricks

Out: James Bradberry, Zech McPhearson, Tyler Hall, Mario Goodrich, Parry Nickerson, & Shon Stephens

James Bradberry is out, one way or another. By way of a trade or something... So is former fourth-round pick Zech McPhearson. As was the case last season, we kept seven cornerbacks instead of six (which is the more common number league-wide). Josh Jobe and Eli Ricks earn their spots by virtue of there being a need for special teams help.

Safeties (3)

Starters: C.J. Gardner-Johnson & Reed Blankenship

Reserves: Avonte Maddox
Out: Tristin McCollum, Mekhi Garner, Andre’ Sam

Our hope is Philly may add a fourth safety that isn't here yet (fingers are crossed for a late Justin Simmons addition). In the meantime, if nothing changes between now and the first Eagles game, these are the guys.

Avonte Maddox is shifted to the backend of the defense, so while Sydney Brown, though out of a boot and seemingly moving better than we thought he'd be at this point of the offseason, will begin the campaign on the PUP (physically unable to perform list).

Thank goodness for the reacquisition of C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Say what you will, he gave Philly a toughness in 2022 that they lacked last season. This could be one of the defense's strengths as we settle into the back half of the regular season.

Specialists (3)

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

Perhaps the easiest unit to make guesses on. Don't expect us to change much about this unit from now until the end of training camp. This is your kicker, punter, and long snapper.