As the Philadelphia Eagles approach their final roster cuts ahead of the upcoming NFL season, multiple players have emerged as significant contributors while others face challenges due to injuries. The team must set its final 53-player roster by 4 p.m. ET Tuesday. The looming deadline of this draft brings uncertainty as to who will fill those important roles.
Jalen Hurts is supremely likeable, and he is in command of the quarterback position for the Eagles right now. Tanner McKee and Kyle McCord would be waiting as his backups. McKee has particularly impressed during training camp, demonstrating his ability to step in and perform at a high level when called upon. His strong performance has certainly made him a more viable option should Hurts need to miss time at any point during the season.
We like our running back quartet of Saquon Barkley, AJ Dillon and Will Shipley. Dillon, who missed last season with a neck injury, has been an impressive bounce-back story and lead-pipe lock of training camp. Fans, teammates and coaches alike are excited for his return. That makes him an intriguing weapon to be used in the team’s rushing attack.
Wide Receiver Depth and Tight End Contributions
The Eagles wide receiver core is impressive. Other important cogs in the machine are A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, Ainias Smith, Darius Cooper and John Metchie III. This unique and versatile mix of talent gives the commanders newfound flexibility when crafting their offensive gameplans on a weekly basis. Just as important though, each receiver brings unique skills to the field which affords the coaching staff plenty of the ability to create diverse mismatches against opposing defenses.
Tight ends are a huge part of the Eagles’ offensive scheme as well. Goedert continues to be a top target and Calcaterra and Granson have developed into dependable receiving threats. Granson, specifically, emerged as a real asset throughout these offseason workouts, building chemistry with McKee and earning his way onto the roster.
The team is dealing with significant injuries that might make roster decisions for them. Johnny Wilson was the favorite to get one of the last spots, until he injured his knee and ankle late in camp. The suddenness of the situation puts doubt about his availability during the regular season and makes decision-making that much more difficult for his coaches.
Defensive Line and Secondary Developments
To outsiders the Eagles defensive lineman group is all star level. Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Ty Robinson and Gabe Hall look poised to power a ferocious defense. This corps should form the backbone of the defensive front and help generate regular pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
The defensive unit is well-rounded, with linebackers Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. tacking on to a strong defensive core. At the same time, safeties Reed Blankenship, Andrew Mukuba, Sydney Brown and Tristin McCollum give this secondary good depth. Though Mukuba played a great preseason debut, giving a glimpse of just how dynamic he can be. Sadly, he pulled a hamstring at the close of training camp, which would likely affect his readiness for the regular season.
The Eagles’ roster moves all depend on straddling the line of new talent and the previously injured who have returned to form. The team continues to prepare for their last cuts, coming ahead of Tuesday’s deadline. Each player’s performance during training camp will be vital to figuring out where they fit on the 53-man roster.
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