Eagles 53-man roster prediction: Philly finally settles on their Darius Slay replacement, but it won’t be the same
The Philadelphia Eagles wrapped up their preseason on Friday night with a 19-17 win over the New York Jets.
Now, players will wait to hear their phone ring between now and the cutdown deadline on Tuesday, August 26 at 4 p.m. ET to see if they’ve made the 53-man roster.
Until then, we’re predicting who gets to live out their NFL dream in 2025.
Quarterback (3)
Starter: Jalen Hurts
Backups: Tanner McKee, Kyle McCord
The skinny: Originally, I had thought the Eagles would just keep two quarterbacks since Tanner McKee has proven he’s a legit backup. However, there’s lingering concern that he hurt his right hand, which means the Eagles must have another backup ready to go for Week 1. I don’t think Kyle McCord or Dorian Thompson-Robinson did enough to earn the spot, but if they don’t think anyone hitting the waivers after cuts is going to be worth it, then they’ll probably stick with the one they drafted.
Running back (3)
Starters: Saquon Barkley
Backups: Will Shipley, A.J. Dillon
The skinny: This was an obvious camp battle. Of course, the Eagles will naturally rely heavily on Saquon Barkley, though second-year rusher Will Shipley should see more opportunities this fall.
Fullback (1)
Starter: Ben VanSumeren
The skinny: Ben VanSumeren is someone the Eagles can rely on in various roles, either as a fullback, linebacker, or special teams contributor. He’s worth a roster spot.
Wide receiver (6)
Starters: A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson
Backups: John Metchie, Darius Cooper, Ainias Smith
The skinny: I think UDFA Darius Cooper gets the perfect ending to his Cinderella training camp story, while Ainias Smith barely makes the cut because Johnny Wilson landed on injured reserve.
Tight end (3)
Starter: Dallas Goedert
Backups: Grant Calacaterra, Kylen Granson
The skinny: Remember when we thought Dallas Goedert was going to be traded ahead of the NFL Draft? Thankfully, he’s here to stay. This tight end room is exciting.
Offensive line (10 )
Starts: Jordan Mailata (LT), Landon Dickerson (LG), Cam Jurgens(C), Tyler Steen (RG), Lane Johnson (RT),
Backups: Brett Tott, Drew Kendall, Myles Hinton, Matt Pryor, Kendall Lamm
The skinny: The Eagles’ offensive line depth looked a bit concerning after the preseason finale, but I think keeping both swing tackles Matt Pryor and Kendall Lamm is important.
Edge Rusher (5)
Starters: Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt
Backups: Joshua Uche, Azeez Ojulari, Patrick Johnson
The skinny: Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt are set to take major steps in 2025. Let’s hope they live up to the hype. But if they don’t, the Eagles have proven quality backups to take their place.
Defensive Tackle (6)
Starters: Jalen Carter, Moro Ojomo, Jordan Davis
Backups: Gabe Hall, Byron Young, Ty Robinson
The skinny: Gabe Hall and Byron Young are the underrated ones at the defensive tackle position. If Vic Fangio doesn’t like what he sees from Jordan Davis right out of the gate, expect one of them to take his place immediately. Even rookie Ty Robinson has what it takes to be a starter in Year 1.
Linebacker (4)
Starters: Zack Baun, Jeremiah Trotter Jr
Backups: Jihaad Campbell, Smael Mondon Jr.
The skinny: Nakobe Dean would be here too if he were healthy, but the Eagles can use his roster spot elsewhere until he returns. I think the Eagles go with second-year linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. to start alongside Zack Baun, but rookie Jihaad Campbell is ready to go Week 1, too.
Cornerback (5)
Starters: Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Adoree’ Jackson
Backups: Jakorian Bennett, Mac McWilliams
The skinny: Replacing Darius Slay was far from easy for Philly as nobody looked the part, but it sounds and looks like Adoree Jackson earned the starting job at CB2 opposite Quinyon Mitchell.
