Eagles Wrap Up Preseason - Cut to 53

by adelfish | 4 years ago | 0 Comments

Eagles Finalize 53 Man Roster as they Complete the Preseason 3-1

We have finally arrived at the end of the preseason, where games will soon begin to mean something for the beloved birds. After a 3-1 preseason that saw zero action from any of the starters, it is time to check out how the roster was finalized, and any big notes from the 4 preseason contests.

Quarterbacks (3) - Carson Wentz, Jalen Hurts, Nate Sudfeld

No surprises here, the 3 quarterbacks that the team went into camp and preseason with all made the roster. Some predicted Sudfeld to be cut, but after such a strong preseason showing that saw him throw 4 touchdowns and just 1 interception, he became too valuable to let go.

Running Backs (3) - Miles Sanders, Alex Collins, Corey Clement 

Minor surprise that Boston Scott didn't make the final roster, but the addition of Alex Collins via waivers opened up that avenue for him to be released. Elijah Holyfield did find his way to the practice squad, and Scott was quickly signed by Houston.

Wide Receivers (7) - Alshon Jeffery, DeSean Jackson, Jalen Reagor, Marquise Goodwin, John Hightower, J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Quez Watkins

Now here is a surprise, most expected the Eagles to roster 5 or 6 wide receivers, but the performance of John Hightower and Quez Watkins made them too valuable to allow to hit the open market. With the likely departures of Jeffery, Jackson, and Goodwin next season, keeping their insurance policies around was very important to the Eagles. 

Tough preseason for Greg Ward, who despite receiving a fair amount of snaps, did little to impact games. He did find a home on the Houston practice squad. The Eagles dig agree to a practice squad deal with wide receiver Marcus Green.

Tight Ends (3) - Zach Ertz, Dallas Goedert, Joshua Perkins

The only tight end released from the group was Caleb Wilson, who did find his way to the practice squad. Really no surprise here, Ertz and Goedert are shoe-ins, while Joshua Perkins had a great preseason, showcasing his versatility lining up at tight end and fullback.

Offensive Line (9) - Andre Dillard, Donald Penn, Jason Kelce, Brandon Brooks, Lane Johnson, Prince Tega Wangoho, Isaac Seumalo, Jack Driscoll, Jordan Mailata

Despite getting injured in the first preseason game, Driscoll still wins the backup right guard spot behind Brandon Brooks. Jason Peters' trade opened up a spot on the line, and the waiver selection of Donald Penn filled it. Rookie Prince Tega Wangoho will back up Andre Dillard, while the projected starting 5 begin the season healthy.

Defensive Ends (6) - Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat, Dasheon Hall, Vinny Curry, Genard Avery, Shareef Miller

Casey Toohill did make the practice squad after a strong finish to the preseason, despite this there wasn't much competition at the position. The trade of Derek Barnett only solidified this group, with Graham a bonafide starter, and a rotation on the other side coming. 

Defensive Tackles (5) - Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave, Malik Jackson, Zach Kerr, Hassan Ridgeway

The only competition was between Ridgeway and Anthony Rush for the final spot, if there was one at all. Ridgeway did enough to stay on the active roster, while Rush heads for the practice squad. Zach Kerr's big preseason earned him a spot in the rotation.

Linebackers (6) - Shaun Bradley, Davion Taylor, T.J. Edwards, Duke Riley, Cassh Maulia, Nathan Gerry

Philadelphia opted for 6 total linebackers, with the projected trio of Bradley, Taylor, Edwards to start. Maulia was a free agency acquisition who did enough to crack a spot. Linebackers D'Juan Hines & Dante Olson were signed to the practice squad.

Cornerbacks (5) - Darius Slay, Nickell Robey-Coleman, Avonte Maddox, Sidney Jones, Cre'Von LeBlanc

The only cornerback to not make the roster was Craig James, who made the practice squad. Maddox worked his way up the depth chart to the #2 spot behind Slay, and Robey-Coleman will play the slot. The Eagles were actually very pleased by the play of Maddox, Jones, and LeBlanc this preseason.

Safeties (4) - Rodney McLeod, Rudy Ford, Will Parks, K'Von Wallace

Surprisingly, Morgan Burnett did not make the final roster, as he was one of the final cuts made. The starting safety jobs were given to Rodney McLeod and rookie K'Von Wallace, who had a great preseason.

Special Teams (2) - Jake Elliott (K), Cameron Johnston (P)

The roster has been set, and the flight has been booked for our Week 1 matchup against Washington. Next time we talk with you, we will be celebrating a victory!