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Eagles quarterback Kyle McCord threw his first NFL touchdown in the team's preseason game with the Cleveland Browns Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field.
As NFL roster projections go, the Eagles’ is easier than most. They are, after all, the defending Super Bowl champion, which means a lot of the guys they had on their roster last year are back to try to repeat what they did a year ago.
Apologies to the coaches and players disturbed by the use of defending and repeat, but, to be honest, you’re living in a euphemistic world.
Anyway, the Eagles played their second preseason game Saturday against the Cleveland Browns and the only opening-day starters on the field were the ones who are still competing for their jobs on defense.
Not sure anybody secured one of those jobs during the unsightly 22-13 loss to the Browns, although rookie safety Drew Mukuba definitely added intrigue to his competition with Sydney Brown.
Another battle that came to the forefront against the Browns was the one for the No. 3 quarterback job. Tanner McKee, the backup to Jalen Hurts, was given the day off after a brilliant performance in the preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, leaving Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Kyle McCord to take all the offensive snaps.
This wasn’t Ali-Frazier or any other classic prize fight you can think of, but if a winner had to be delcared it was McCord, thanks to his second-quarter touchdown throw to Ainias Smith. McCord finished 8-for-16 for 47 yards.
Thompson-Robinson also threw a touchdown, but it was scored by the Browns after the quarterback mishandled a snap from center Brett Toth and was hit as he threw the football. DTR was 5-for-8 for 17 yards, thanks to one completion that resulted in a rare 12-yard loss.
With one three training-camp practices and one preseason game remaining, here’s my projected 53-man roster. If you don’t like it, remember this: I could be wrong.
OFFENSE
Quarterback (3)
Hurts, McKee and McCord
In order for Thompson-Robinson to win this job, it was going to take some really good preseason performances. He didn’t deliver one in either the first or second game.
Practice-squad candidate: It’s possible the Eagles look elsewhere after rosters across the league are trimmed.
Running back (4)
Saquon Barkley, Will Shipley, A.J. Dillon, Ben VanSumeren
It was easy to forget that VanSumeren, a former linebacker, is at fullback this season because before Saturday the Eagles had opted not to show that power package during the preseason. VanSumeren finally got some offensive reps against the Browns and it should not be forgotten he is a mainstay on special teams.
Practice-squad candidate: Shunderrick Powell would be my choice to keep around.
Wide receiver (6)
A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, Johnny Wilson, Ainias Smith, Avery Williams
The Eagles went with five receivers at the start of last season and that’s how they’ll likely open this season despite the number you see above. Ainias Smith, after an uninspiring rookie season, has put together back-to-back strong performances in the preseason and that will likely keep him around for another season. Undrafted rookie Darius Cooper has flashed a lot in training camp and in the first preseason game, but will it be enough to get him a spot on the 53-man roster? If the Eagles keep a sixth wide receiver it will most likely be Avery Williams, an established punt and kick returner who won’t ever see the field as a wide receiver
Practice-squad candidates: Cooper has at the very least earned a spot here. Elijah Cooks and Taylor Morin have also had strong camps.
Tight end (3)
Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra, Kylen Granson
We knew Goedert and Calcaterra had the team made coming in, leaving veterans Granson and Harrison Bryant fighting for the third spot at tight end. Granson has been better in training camp and in the preseason.
Practice-squad candidates: Bryant could be claimed by another team. E.J. Jenkins could return to the practice squad for the third straight season.
Offensive line (10)
Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Tyler Steen, Lane Johnson, Brett Toth, Drew Kendall, Matt Pryor, Darian Kinnard, Myles Hinton
It’s rare that a draft pick doesn’t make the team, which is why it wouldn’t be surprising to see sixth-round selection Cameron Williams end up on injured reserve because he’s not ready for the NFL after just one season as a starter at Texas. Trade addition Kenyon Green is also likely headed to IR with the shoulder injury that will sideline him through the remainder of training camp. The Eagles might also find a spot for veteran tackle Kendall Lamm.
Practice-squad candidates: Trevor Keegan spent all of last season on the roster, but his stock has not gone up in training camp.
DEFENSE
Edge rushers (5)
Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, Azeez Ojulari, Josh Uche, Ogbo Okoronkwo
This will cause some of the longer discussions between head coach Nick Sirianni and general manager Howie Roseman with Okoronkwo and Patrick Johnson battling for the fifth spot. Okoronkwo’s resume might win out. Rookie Antwaun Powell-Ryland, the team’s final draft pick, has shown very little in camp and will likely have to be stashed on IR.
Practice-squad candidates: Johnson would definitely stick around unless he was claimed by another team the way he was by the Giants in mid-September last season. Ochaun Mathis could also land here.
Defensive tackle (5)
Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Ty Robinson, Gabe Hall
The first four on this list are locks. Hall has performed well enough to make the team and his ticket may have been punched when Thomas Booker was dealt to the Raiders for cornerback Jakorian Bennett.
Practice-squad candidates: Byron Young is definitely a guy the Eagles will want to keep around. Jacob Sykes also could land here.
Linebackers (4)
Zack Baun, Jeremiah Trotter, Jihaad Campbell, Smael Mondon
Nakobe Dean won’t be ready for the start of the season, but add him to the mix and this might be the strongest linebacker corps the Eagles have ever had. Trotter, with a lot of teams, might have locked down a starting job already, but Campbell has pushed hard for that role and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the rookie first-round pick in the lineup on opening night.
Practice-squad candidates: The Toledo duo of Lance Dixon and Dallas Gant could both stick around.
Cornerbacks (6)
Quinyon Mitchell, Adoree’ Jackson, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, Jakorian Bennett, Mac McWilliams
The Eagles kept seven cornerbacks to open last season and given the unsettled situation and the importance of the position, they will likely keep at least six to open this season. It’s possible that if Jackson doesn’t win the cornerback competition he ends up being released, which would open a spot for Eli Ricks.
Practice-squad candidates: The Eagles would likely lose Ricks if he doesn’t make the team. Parry Nickerson has a chance to remain here.
Safety (4)
Reed Blankenship, Sydney Brown, Drew Mukuba, Tristin McCollum
In reality the Eagles have five at this position because of DeJean’s ability to play safety. Before Saturday it looked like Brown had taken the lead for the safety spot when the Eagles are in the nickel, but with two takeaways, including an interception return for a touchdown, Mukuba is very much back in the competition, if not the new leader.
Practice-squad candidates: Andre’ Sam and Maxen Hook have both had bright spots in camp.
Specialists (3)
Jake Elliott, Braden Mann, Charley Hughlett
Elliott, after a rough 2024 regular season, has looked great in training camp.
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Bob Brookover can be reached at [email protected]
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