Early Eagles 53-Man Roster Projection Ahead of OTAs
The start of OTAs is quickly approaching for the Philadelphia Eagles as players will hit the practice field beginning on May 27th. Following a dominant victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has been forced to deal with several changes this offseason.
Philadelphia has dealt with departures throughout the entire franchise including key players, coaches and front office executives. Roseman is no stranger to retooling a championship caliber roster and he’ll look to do so once again in 2025.
Despite losing talent throughout the NovaCare Complex, Roseman has addressed several of Philadelphia’s key needs on the roster as the team begins OTAs. While the position battles throughout training camp and preseason action will help provide clarity, it’s never too early to take a shot at predicting the Eagles final 53-man roster. Here goes nothing!
QB (3): Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee, Kyle McCord
The Eagles traded away Kenny Pickett because of the franchise’s confidence in Tanner McKee to be QB2. One of the most intriguing position battles will be between Kyle McCord and Dorian Thompson-Robinson. While “DTR” offers intriguing upside due to his running ability, McCord gets the nod here because of his arm talent and the simple fact that he was drafted by the Eagles in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Out: Dorian Thompson-Robinson
RB (3): Saquon Barkley, Will Shipley, A.J. Dillon
After handling a hefty workload last season, Philadelphia could look to lighten Saquon Barkley’s burden in 2025. While there are some that believe A.J. Dillon could be the Eagles RB2 next season, my guess is Will Shipley will win that job. Shipley showed impressive burst when called upon as a rookie and could provide the Eagles with an upgrade over Kenneth Gainwell, who signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency.
Out: Lew Nichols, Montrell Johnson Jr., ShunDerrick Powell
FB (1): Ben VanSumeren
Despite starting his NFL career as a linebacker, Ben VanSumeren returned to his natural position at fullback last season. Coming out of high school, VanSumeren was actually recruited by Michigan to play fullback. While “BVS” showed promise as a fullback for the Eagles in 2024, he suffered a season-ending knee injury at practice in November. Now VanSumeren is healthy and ready to embrace a full-time switch to fullback, as he officially changed his jersey number from #57 to #43. Although it’s worth noting that VanSumeren could certainly still provide depth at linebacker, if needed.
Out: N/A
WR (4): A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, Johnny Wilson
Philadelphia might be home to the best wide receiver trio in the NFL with A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Jahan Dotson on the roster. Yet beyond those three players, there is a significantly lack of depth at the position for the Eagles. Johnny Wilson has earned a role due to his size and blocking ability, yet he doesn’t offer much as an actual wide receiver. Ainias Smith dealt with injuries during his rookie season and failed to do enough to guarantee himself a roster spot in 2025.
Out: Ainias Smith, Terrace Marshall, Danny Gray, Elijah Cooks, Darius Cooper, Giles Jackson, Taylor Morin
TE (4): Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra, Harrison Bryant, Kylen Granson
Despite the return of Dallas Goedert, there is plenty of uncertainty at tight end beyond next season. The Eagles don’t have a single tight end under contract beyond 2025, which could lead Roseman to go a bit heavier at the position as the continue to evaluate their long-term options. Grant Calcaterra has shown promise as a pass catcher, yet his blocking ability is a legitimate concern. Both Harrison Bryant and Kylen Granson bring unique skillsets to Philadelphia that are worth keeping around on the final 53-man roster.
Out: E.J. Jenkins, Cameron Latu, Nick Muse
OL (10): Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Tyler Steen, Lane Johnson, Kenyon Green, Kendall Lamm, Drew Kendall, Trevor Keegan, Myles Hinton
Stoutland University is officially in session and Roseman will have several tough decisions to make as he’ll have to expel several players from the prestigious school. Kendall Lamm will likely stick around since he is the only experienced swing tackle option on the current roster. Kenyon Green should compete with Tyler Steen for the starting job at right guard. Drew Kendall will serve as Philadelphia’s back-up center. Trevor Keegan and Myles Hinton will be developmental players at guard and offensive tackle, respectively. Then Roseman will get creative by placing Cameron Williams on IR with a mysterious “injury.”
Out: Cameron Williams (IR), Matt Pryor, Darian Kinnard, Brett Toth, Hollin Pierce
IDL (5): Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Ty Robinson, Thomas Booker IV
Despite losing Milton Williams in free agency, Philadelphia is in good shape along the interior defensive line. Jalen Carter is one of the best defensive players in the NFL and the Eagles picked up Jordan Davis’ fifth-year option. Moro Ojomo has shown a ton of promise and appears ready to fill the void created by Williams’ departure. Ty Robinson will help fill Ojomo’s former role and Thomas Booker IV has an edge over Byron Young and Gabe Hall.
Out: Byron Young, Gabe Hall
EDGE (6): Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, Bryce Huff, Azeez Ojulari, Joshua Uche, Antwaun Powell-Ryland
Philadelphia is set to embrace a youth movement along the edge as Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt are expected to step up in 2025. While Bryce Huff’s first season with the Eagles was a massive disappointment, his hefty salary will likely keep him in the City of Brotherly Love. Both Azeez Ojulari and Joshua Uche have shown promise at times early in their NFL careers and are hoping to rediscover that success with the Eagles. Antwaun Powell-Ryland is a pass rush specialist that could develop into a role player.
Out: Patrick Johnson, Ochaun Mathis, K.J. Henry
LB (4): Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Smael Mondon Jr.
Zack Baun signed a massive contract extension to return to the Eagles and is clearly LB1 in Philadelphia. Jihaad Campbell has the potential to be an even better linebacker than Baun, yet offseason shoulder surgery could slow down his rookie year in the NFL. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Smael Mondon Jr. will be key contributors on special teams that are more than capable of holding their own if called upon at linebacker. Nakobe Dean will likely land on PUP after suffering a season-ending knee injury in January.
Out: Nakobe Dean (PUP), Dallas Gant, Lance Dixon
CB (5): Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, Adoree’ Jackson, Mac McWilliams
It’s a new day at cornerback in Philadelphia, as the Eagles moved on from Darius Slay, James Bradberry and Isaiah Rodgers. Now the franchise is ready to embrace a new era at the position, led by Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. The battle for the CB2 job between Kelee Ringo and Adoree’ Jackson will certainly be fun to watch. Mac McWilliams will provide the Eagles will inside and outside versatility off the bench. After clinging to a roster spot last season, Eli Ricks will be waived at final cuts.
Out: Eli Ricks, Parry Nickerson, A.J. Woods, Tariq Castro-Fields, B.J. Mayes
S (4): Reed Blankenship, Drew Mukuba, Sydney Brown, Maxen Hook
After trading C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Texans, Reed Blankenship is now the top safety in Philadelphia. Eagles second-round pick Drew Mukuba should have the upper hand in the competition for the other starting job, although Sydney Brown likely won’t go down without a fight now that he is fully healthy. There will be an intriguing competition for the final roster spot at safety, which I ultimately think will be won by undrafted free agent rookie Maxen Hook. The 23-year-old has a ton of experience playing on special teams and a close relationship with Mitchell from their days together at Toledo.
Out: Tristin McCollum, Andre’ Sam, Lewis Cine, Brandon Johnson
K (1): Jake Elliott
P (1): Braden Mann
LS (1): Charley Hughlett
RS (1): Avery Williams
There are no surprises with the first three players listed above. Yet Avery Williams could be the ultimate wild card during final cuts in Philadelphia. The Eagles signed Williams to a one-year contract relatively early in free agency and Nick Sirianni seemed genuinely excited about his potential. Williams has experience returning both punts and kickoffs, while also playing cornerback and running back. He could provide depth at several positions and serve as Philadelphia’s return specialist in 2025.
Out: N/A
PUP (1): Nakobe Dean
IR (1): Cameron Williams
Nakobe Dean is recovering from a season-ending knee injury that he suffered in January. There is no reason for the Eagles to rush Dean back onto the field and he’ll likely start next season on the PUP. While Cameron Williams isn’t currently injured, he is a raw player that the Eagles might not want to expose to waivers during final cuts. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Williams suffer a phantom injury in Philadelphia’s final preseason game.