Thoughts On The Eagles’ 53-Man Roster

Quarterbacks (3): Carson Wentz, Nate Sudfeld, Josh McCown

No surprises here. Cody Kessler wasn’t remotely worthy of a roster spot, and Clayton Thorson wasn’t either.

You really have to question the use of a fifth-rounder on Thorson. Developmental quarterbacks are a dime a dozen, and in a year where the team is built to win now, that fifth-rounder could have been used for something better.

Running Backs (4): Jordan Howard, Miles Sanders, Corey Clement, Darren Sproles

Wendell Smallwood finally used up the last of his nine lives, and failed to make the 53-man roster. The other notable cut, Josh Adams, didn’t show nearly enough progress in his two main weaknesses, pass catching and ball security, to seriously warrant a roster spot.

Wide Receivers (5): Alshon Jeffery, Nelson Agholor, DeSean Jackson, J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Mack Hollins

Greg Ward was the tough cut here. I think he certainly deserved to be on the team, and there were several guys further down the roster that I don’t believe should have made the club over him.

I do think keeping Mack Hollins was justified. People are far too down on Hollins following his injury troubles. Also, I believe he’s a better receiver than people want to give him credit for.

Offensive Line (10): Jason Peters, Isaac Seumalo, Jason Kelce, Brandon Brooks, Lane Johnson, Andre Dillard, Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Nate Herbig, Matt Pryor, Jordan Mailata

Super Bowl starting left guard Stefen Wisniewski found himself on the outs after a poor summer. Nate Herbig played his way onto the roster, beating out Wis as the second center.

I don’t think Matt Pryor did enough to warrant a spot on the 53. Would have much rather had a proven commodity like Wisniewski in reserve, or used the roster spot to keep a guy like Greg Ward.

Tight Ends (2): Zach Ertz, Dallas Goedert

The Eagles won’t stay this thin at the position for long. A third tight end will be added before next weekend’s game, and I believe safety Rudy Ford will be the odd man out to make room.

I was never big on Josh Perkins. He just offered absolutely nothing as a receiver. There are plenty of blocking tight ends available on the streets. Alex Ellis is a guy who I think comes back to the practice squad.

Defensive Ends (6): Brandon Graham, Derek Barnett, Vinny Curry, Daeshon Hall, Josh Sweat, Shareef Miller

Here’s hoping Daeshon Hall’s preseason play carries over to the regular season.

Defensive Tackles (4): Fletcher Cox, Malik Jackson, Timmy Jernigan, Hassan Ridgeway

The release of Treyvon Hester shows the Eagles are confident Fletcher Cox will be ready to go for Week 1.

Linebackers (6): Nigel Bradham, Kamu Grugier-Hill, Zach Brown, L.J. Fort, Nate Gerry, T.J. Edwards

Nate Gerry is basically the Wendell Smallwood of the linebacking group. I don’t think he was one of the best 53 players in camp, but injuries to Nigel Bradham and KGH made it more important for the Eagles to go heavier at the position than they have in recent years.

Cornerbacks (5): Ronald Darby, Rasul Douglas, Avonte Maddox, Sidney Jones, Cre’von LeBlanc

I would expect LeBlanc to go to IR, with the team possibly bringing back Orlando Scandrick to provide adequate depth.

Safeties (5): Malcolm Jenkins, Rodney McLeod, Andrew Sendejo, Jonathan Cyprien, Rudy Ford

Ford shouldn’t consider himself safe, as his roster spot would be the first to go if the Eagles need to add to another position.

Specialists (3): Jake Elliot, Rick Lovato, Camerson Johnston

No surprises here