Projecting The 53-Man Roster

Quarterbacks (3) 

Nick Foles, Mark Sanchez, Matt Barkley

No surprises here. G.J. Kinne most likely goes to the practice squad for another year.

Running Backs (4) 

LeSean McCoy, Darren Sproles, Matthew Tucker, Henry Josey

I have always been a fan of Chris Polk, but I just don’t see how he can make this team after sitting out the entire preseason. Polk has always been injury-prone throughout his entire career, and I think some of the guys behind him have developed enough that they bring just as much to the table (if not more) than what Polk can.

Matthew Tucker and Henry Josey have both earned a spot on this team.

Tucker is a physical guy who runs hard, and Josey has tremendous explosiveness, and seems to have great vision and shiftiness when he runs with the football. I think Josey may have the highest ceiling of any of the reserves. He’s also excelled as a pass catcher.

Kenjon Barner could sneak on to the roster, but if he survives this cut it won’t be on merit, it will be because of the Oregon connection. Barner has just looked “OK” at best to me in the two games that he’s appeared in. I don’t see nearly the same great explosiveness or vision that I see from Josey. Barner also hasn’t impressed as a return man.

Wide Receivers (6)

Jeremy Maclin, Riley Cooper, Jordan Matthews, Josh Huff, Brad Smith, Arrelious Benn

Much like the running back position, the Eagles have had too many standouts at this position for them to not figure out a way to hang to six wideouts.

Arrelious Benn is the leader in my mind for the final position. Benn has shown that he can be a contributor in the passing game, and on special teams, which is sure to give him a leg up on some of these other guys. Some of the receptions he’s made have been exceptionally difficult, and require great concentration. He’s also got good size.

Damaris Johnson is going to be one of the toughest guys to cut. He’s an explosive guy, and he’s shown that he can make things happen when he touches the football. However, I think he’s also a guy that is prone to some mental lapses at times, and doesn’t have the best hands in the world.

I’m not sure what Brad Smith has done to make himself a lock to make this roster, but the coaches seem to think pretty highly of him, and its widely expected that he’ll be safe.

Jeff Maehl is another tough cut. He’s one of Kelly’s favorites, and knows the system well. But he just doesn’t do anything particularly well.

Will Murphy is a strong practice squad candidate, he’s been solid throughout the preseason, but he’s caught in a deep numbers game.

Tight Ends (4)

Brent Celek, Zach Ertz, James Casey, Trey Burton

One interesting decision the Eagles have to make is the fate of Trey Burton.

Do they think they can get him on to the practice squad? If not do they try to find a trade partner for James Casey (though that’s pretty unlikely given his salary) or do they give any thought to moving on from Casey now?

I think they’re going to stick with Casey as the third tight end, and Burton did enough to make the team.

Offensive Line (9)

Jason Peters, Evan Mathis, Jason Kelce, Todd Herremans, Alan Barbre, David Molk, Matt Tobin, Dennis Kelly, Andrew Gardner

David Molk stood out and won the backup center job. Tobin and Kelly are the top reserves. Gardner holds down a spot until Lane Johnson returns from suspension.

Defensive Line (6)

Fletcher Cox, Bennie Logan, Cedric Thornton, Beau Allen, Vinny Curry, Taylor Hart

Taylor Hart beats out Brandon Bair because of his draft status combined with the Oregon connection.

Damion Square doesn’t survive the final cut after being outplayed by Beau Allen.

Linebackers (8)

DeMeco Ryans, Mychal Kendricks, Connor Barwin, Trent Cole, Brandon Graham, Marcus Smith, Bryan Braman, Najee Goode

If Casey Matthews makes this team again, there should be riots outside of the Novacare complex.

Travis Long has done well enough to make the team, but I can’t see the team keeping five reserves.

Emmanuel Acho also should get some roster consideration, but he’s not flashed enough.

Cornerbacks (5)

Cary Williams, Bradley Fletcher, Brandon Boykin, Nollan Carroll, Jaylen Watkins

Cornerback depth looks more solid than its been in some time.

Roc Carmichael and Curtis Marsh are the notable cuts here.

Safeties (5)

Malcolm Jenkins, Nate Allen, Earl Wolff, Chris Maragos, Ed Reynolds

No surprises here.

Reynolds is pretty raw, but has a chance to develop into a decent player.

Specialists (3)

Cody Parkey, Donnie Jones, Jon Dorenbos

Parkey’s success in the fourth preseason game should be enough to get him the nod over the inefficient Alex Henery.

Otherwise, expect to hear many collective groans when the cuts are announced on Saturday.