An Early Look At The Potential 53-Man Roster

The Eagles have yet to strap on the pads, but they undoubtedly headline Philadelphia sports conversations.  Somehow, news about player attendance for voluntary practice has trumped the Phillies.   The dissection has begun of Chip Kelly’s “personality” as a coach.  The questions, the rumors and the speculation are all sizzling; this is an entirely “new” era of Philadelphia Eagles football.  Looking up and down at the current roster, figuring out the starting quarterback, which skilled players are required for both the new offensive scheme and 3-4 hybrid base defense; I penciled in my starting 53 man roster.  I had some fun with it, breaking out the crystal ball to decipher the final player cuts.  The list does not include a name or two that may be added, mainly veteran depth at linebacker and cornerback.  In the end, I have a few surprises, a couple of minor trades, but I’d argue with anyone that 90% of the names listed below will be suiting up in the midnight green on September 9^th.

QB (3) Vick, Barkley, Dixon (Foles traded)

The current hype with Foles getting more of the “snaps” to Vick is to sell high.  If an offensive minded coach like Kelly believes in the cement legged quarterback, the Eagles can be persuasive with landing a new home for him.  Kelly doesn’t see Foles as a long-term plan; and why should he?   I agree that Foles made us believe on a future without a running style quarterback as he showed the passion last year, especially in the game in Tampa Bay.  Nick also had several interceptions dropped and lingering questions outweigh answers with his skillset to be a long term stay in the NFL.  He has the size, but he was a 3^rd roundd selection last year, most knew little about him, only to over hype his preseason and mediocre production during the season.  Much of the Foles love has to do with the Vick hate, the tired fan who witnesses the turnovers and injuries like a bad nightmare.  Barkley was a 4^th round guy, but was a first round prospect at one point, they traded up to get him and he will see significant playing time this season.   Barkley has Chip licking his chops, your future quarterback fellow Eagle fans, embrace it now.

RB (3)-McCoy, Brown, Jones

All those Chris Polk fans, Felix Jones is a former first round back, who can catch and has pro experience in the return game, he will solidify the running back depth charts for the 2013 season.  I expect McCoy to look like player who made us draft him top three in fantasy football last year.  While the fumble issues of Brown worry me, I saw the flashes last year that have m excited of his potential, and Kelly likes to run the ball.  This will have to be something we become comfortable witnessing.   This is no longer a team where the second and third string running backs simply serve as names on a depth chart.  Kelly will run the ball, this is who he is.  All three of these backs will have the opportunity to make plays.

WR (6)- Jackson, Maclin, Benn, Cooper, Johnson, Sheppard

If you are already missing the sure handed Jason Avant, he will likely find a job with an offense with the need for a veteran wide receiver who is tough but does little after the catch in play-making terms.  He could find a home with the Vikings, Jets, or Lions in a trade nabbing the Eagles a 2014 6^th round pick and a conditional 2015 pick.  The Eagles will start the 2013 season with half of their receiving core over the six foot measurement.  It’s more than speed; it’s about taking advantage of the matchup the defense is giving you with how Chip Kelly and crew run the show.

TE (4)- Celek, Ertz, Casey, Harbor

The fact that Harbor’s name was witnessed on the defensive side of the ball strikes some fear in me that he won’t make the squad; but I don’t see an undrafted player or little used Igwenagu making the squad.  Celek is the big possession wide receiver, he just needs to re-claim the hands he had a few seasons ago when he was ranking as a top ten tight-end.  Ertz is going to get significant playing time and has the big play potential.  Casey is bit of a wildcard, able to line up both in the backfield and as receiver.  Harbor is a very gifted athlete, and I believe having a coach who uses multiple tight ends, his veteran resume will give him the nod in what I feel will be one of the final roster spot decisions.  Kelly will deploy tight end formations like we have yet to see, the options to choose from will include three veterans and a top second round rookie.

O-Line (9)- Peters, Hermanns, Kelce, Johnson, Mathis, Kelly, Reynolds, Barbe, Menkin

The fire-fighter Danny Watkins will be known as another bust for first round selections made by the Eagles.  When I listen to him talk, I don’t hear a football player and when coaches watch him on the field, I don’t believe they see a starting offensive guard at the NFL level.  Lane Johnson will be the starter at right tackle for the start of the season, and I think Hermanns will get back to form playing the guard position.

DT/NT-(5) Dixon, Geathers, Cox, Thorton, Logan, Sopoaga,

Last season Thorton and Dixon were the big bodies at DT, both weighing in at a little over 300 pounds.  In the hybrid scheme, Dixon who makes a second go around with the Eagles; is accompanied by Sopoaga and Geathers as men who will bring beef in both the 4-3 and 3-4 schemes.  Cox had a very good rookie campaign, and could see an invitation to the 2014 Pro-Bowl if he continues in the same direction.  Thorton will be joined by 3^rd rounder Logan, serving as gap clogs in the running game.   Please know that the statics for nose tackle and defensive tackles in the 3-4 schemes are marginal.  The players close gaps, take on the offensive line, consume the dirty work so the linebackers can rack up the statistics that glorify a productive season.

DE/OLB- (9) Curry, Cole, Square, Graham, Brown, Kendricks, Ryan, Barwin, Acho

Will Curry, Graham, Brown, and Cole all ease into the expectations of playing the pass and not just rushing the quarterback?  I can’t tell you an answer, but I do believe they will experience time both in the four point stance as well as drop back coverage.  This will not be the wide nine/4-3 scheme that immediately transforms into the 3-4.  There are pieces in place, but not a defense in place.

CB-(5)Fletcher, Williams, Boykin, Marsh, Poyer,

Remember when Asante was traded to Atlanta for nothing because we were so strong at the cornerback position?  Not so much the case, it’s all new, all uncertain, and suspect to say the least.  Williams looked good with the Ravens last year.  Fletcher is a physical player, with an injury history that worries us as fans.  Boykins had a decent season, but his size limits us to expectations to what he can do besides being a strong nickleback/slot style player.  Marsh is a former third round guy who has barely scratched the surface, and Poyer is a rookie who had a great collegiate resume, but the NFL is a different game.  We need help at this position, I see a trade acquiring a veteran being announced by week two of the preseason.  Target a player you like Eagle fans, I’ll all about helping this young, unproven area.

S- (5) Allen, Chung, Coleman, Wolfe, Anderson

I wish Kenny Phillups could stay healthy.  He has the size and has shown the ability to be a big time starter in this league.  I see Allen and Chung as your starters, and Kelly liking the special teams play and work ethic of both Coleman and Anderson to keep them on this roster.  Wolfe is a kid who loves to hit, Philly will really like what he brings to the field.  The safety position is not sexy.  Since the Dawkins departure we have used two second round picks as replacements, and we have nothing to show for it.  Very little money and contractual obligation is dedicated to this position.  We will see what we have, but hopefully the improved pass rush and linebacker play will defuse the focus on this mediocre area of our defense.

ST-(3) LS- Dorenbos, PK-Henery, P-Jones

Does it bother you as much as me that we waste a roster spot on player who is known more for his magic tricks than his NFL resume?   Bartrum was at least our third tight-end, Dorenbos; you have the ultimate gig in the NFL.  Henery still worries me with field goals past 45 yards.  Jones is yet another punter we hope can last more than just a season or two.

Well Philadelphia, this is your 2013 football team.  Like them or love them.  Hate them or have hatred for me?  So much is the same, yet quite different with a new sheriff in town calling the shots.  You feeling lucky or browsing the web for 2014 mock drafts to see who the next starting quarterback is going to be?  Let the sports mind unravel and true passion be heard, this is your sounding board!