Projecting The 53-Man Roster

Quarterbacks (3): Sam Bradford, Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow

No surprises here. Tebow was the favorite to win the third quarterback job all along, and Matt Barkley took himself out of the running with a poor showing.

Running Backs (4): DeMarco Murray, Ryan Mathews, Darren Sproles, Kenjon Barner

I’m not sure that Barner is quite the lock to make the roster that everyone believes him to be. Remember, a year ago Henry Josey, Matthew Tucker, and Kenjon Barner were all in the conversation for a fourth running back spot, but Kelly ended up keeping just three.

However, I’ll still give Barner a spot, he really did show the team a lot of value and his Oregon background certainly doesn’t hurt either.

Wide Receiver (6): Jordan Matthews, Nelson Agholor, Josh Huff, Riley Cooper, Miles Austin, Jeff Maehl

There are a couple of uncertain spots here, but I still think it’s pretty clear how things will shake out.

Yes, Riley Cooper stays. Like him or not, his contract is structured in a way that it actually hurts the team’s cap if he is released. And I think Cooper would still be here anyway.

Miles Austin sticks around as a spare part, and a veteran mentor to the younger guys. Again, I’ve always compared this signing to when the Eagles picked up Antonio Freeman in 2002 at the end of his career, and I see Austin playing a similar role to that of Freeman.

Maehl makes it as the sixth guy, once again. His solid showing against the Packers, combined with his understanding of the offense, and his Oregon history with Chip Kelly gives him a clear edge over Seyi Ajirotutu (a good special teams guy that can’t catch a pass) and Rasheed Bailey (practice squad candidate)

Tight End (3): Brent Celek, Zach Ertz, Trey Burton

Eric Tomlinson had a chance at one point to stick as a fourth tight end, but he’s fallen off since the Colts game.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the Eagles added another veteran here to help fill the void while Ertz is out.

Offensive Line (9): Jason Peters, Alan Barbre, Jason Kelce, Andrew Gardner, Lane Johnson, Matt Tobin, Josh Andrews, David Molk, Dennis Kelly

Another position with some uncertainty.

The team has always been high on Matt Tobin, and he’ll stick around as the first guy off of the bench. Dennis Kelly sticks around again simply because there are no better options, and he at least has a couple of starts under his belt. David Molk hasn’t been seriously challenged by anyone for the backup center role.

Defensive Line (7): Fletcher Cox, Bennie Logan, Cedric Thornton, Vinny Curry, Beau Allen, Brandon Bair, Taylor Hart

No surprises here, the same group from last year returns.

Inside Linebackers (5): DeMeco Ryans, Mychal Kendricks, Kiko Alonso, Jordan Hicks, Brad Jones

Brad Jones’ ability to play the outside and contribute on special teams give him the edge over Najee Goodee for the final spot.

Outside Linebackers (4) : Brandon Graham, Connor Barwin, Marcus Smith, Bryan Braman

No shocks here unless you want to consider Marcus Smith one. No better options at this point for depth. Guys like Vinny Curry and Brad Jones will be on call to slide outside in emergencies.

Cornerbacks (5): Byron Maxwell, Nolan Carroll, Eric Rowe, Jaylen Watkins, E.J. Biggers

Biggers and Watkins were supposed to be challenged for their roster spots, but guys like Randall Evans and Denzell Rice have been completely invisible in the preseason.

Safeties (4): Malcolm Jenkins, Walter Thurmond, Chris Maragos, Jerome Couplin

A lot of people have been buying into Ed Reynolds, but I just don’t see it.

Reynolds can’t tackle anyone. At least Couplin brings some physicality to the table.

Special Teams (3): Cody Parkey, Donnie Jones, Jon Dorenbos