Howie Roseman’s roster math is already getting tricky, and it may not get any simpler before the Eagles settle on their first 53. The front office is expected to keep adding to a 91-man roster between now and Aug. 30, which makes any early prediction a moving target.
Still, there’s a clear outline of what Nick Sirianni and his staff could be working with when the Washington Commanders come to Lincoln Financial Field on Sept. 13.
The biggest wrinkle on the back end of the roster is how to protect a pair of developmental players from waivers: fifth-round rookie quarterback Cole Payton and seventh-round International Pathway player Uar Bernard. With the NFL’s expanded practice squad rules - 16 spots and the ability to stash six veterans there - Roseman has more flexibility than he used to.
The simplest path is to cut punt returner Britain Covey and waive long snapper Rocco Underwood, then bring both back on the practice squad. That would buy time and let each one be elevated for game day help.
But those elevations only last for three weeks, so by Week 4 both would need to be on the 53. Injuries could always change the equation.
Here’s how the roster could look in this first educated guess:
At quarterback, the Eagles could open with four: Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee, Andy Dalton and Cole Payton. Roseman would probably prefer to move McKee or Dalton, but if the market doesn’t cooperate over the summer, Philadelphia may start with all four for at least a short stretch.
Running back looks straightforward with Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley. If the Eagles want another veteran on the practice squad, Dameon Pierce or Elijah Mitchell could be that extra body.
At receiver, the group projects as DeVonta Smith, Dontayvion Wicks, Makai Lemon, Hollywood Brown and Johnny Wilson. Wilson’s size and blocking ability give him an edge in a scheme that leans on wide zone running, which puts him ahead of Darius Cooper and Elijah Moore.
Tight end could feature Dallas Goedert, Johnny Mundt, Eli Stowers and Cam Latu. Latu’s value comes from his versatility, since he can function as a blocking tight end, fullback and special teams piece.
Up front, the offensive line could include 10 players: Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Tyler Steen, Lane Johnson, Fred Johnson, Drew Kendall, Markel Bell, Micah Morris and Myles Hinton. Roseman usually keeps his draft picks in Year 1, so Morris has a strong chance to stick unless he struggles badly in camp. Hinton gets the nod over Cameron Williams because of his guard-tackle flexibility.
On the edge, the projected five are Jonathan Greenard, Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, Arnold Ekiketie and A.J. Epenesa. Epenesa still has to show he’s healthy after failing a physical in Cleveland, but if he is, he’s too good to leave out.
Defensive tackle is crowded with Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Byron Young, Ty Robinson and Uar Bernard. The Eagles are deep there and aren’t ready to give up on Robinson in Year 2. Bernard remains a long-term project, and the team can’t use the IPP exemption on him for the regular season until he clears waivers, so they won’t take that chance.
At linebacker, the five are Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Smael Mondon and Chance Campbell. Mondon and Chance Campbell are both on the bubble and will need strong summers to lock down their spots.
Cornerback projects as Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Riq Woolen, Jonathan Jones and Kelee Ringo. Ringo gets the last spot because of his work as a gunner in punt coverage, while Jakorian Bennett and Mac McWilliams could become trade options if they shine in the preseason.
Safety is the spot most likely to change, but the early guess is Drew Mukuba, Marcus Epps, Michael Carter and Cole Wisniewski. Wisniewski gets the benefit of the doubt as a rookie draft pick after missing the spring with an undisclosed injury.
And the long snapper situation may end up being a temporary shuffle. The Eagles are expected to play the shell game with Rocco Underwood for three weeks before putting him on the 53 in Week 4, unless a long snapper injury forces a different move before then.
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