Roob's roster predictions for the Eagles originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The activity doesn’t end at 4 p.m. That’s when it gets really interesting.
NFL teams must reduce their rosters from 80 to the regular-season limit of 53 by 4 p.m. Tuesday, and once that happens more than 800 players will instantly become available, vested veterans immediately as unrestricted free agents, the rest subject to the waiver claim system.
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Expect Howie Roseman to be active after final cuts looking for safety and perhaps linebacker help, possibly a fourth running back and maybe even a third quarterback.
Following final cuts teams can also begin putting together what is now a 16-man practice squad. Considering the game-day call-up rules now in effect, the practice squad is more of an extension of the active roster than ever before.
In this 53-man roster prediction, I’ve listed what I expect the Eagles to do as well as what I think they should do.
Quarterback [2]
On 53: Jalen Hurts, Gardner Minshew.
Cuts: Reid Sinnett, Carson Strong.
The only drama here was whether Sinnett would do anything to secure a spot on the 53, but he really played himself out of a roster spot the last few weeks. Other than the one bomb to Devon Allen, there really weren’t any encouraging signs. And the Eagles certainly gave him plenty of chances. Too many, if you ask me.
Running back [3]
On 53: Miles Sanders, Kenny Gainwell, Boston Scott.
Cuts: Jason Huntley, Kennedy Brooks.
Huntley had the nice long TD run Saturday night in Miami, but looking at the big picture he just didn’t do enough to warrant a roster spot. If you need him, he’s waiting on the practice squad, but there are better ways to use a roster spot than on a fourth running back.
Wide receiver [5]
On 53: A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Quez Watkins, Zach Pascal, Jalen Reagor [shouldn’t make it but will], Devon Allen [should make it but won’t].
Cuts: Devon Allen, Deon Cain, Britain Covey, John Hightower, Greg Ward.
OK, here’s where it gets interesting. I would flat-out keep Devon Allen and cut Jalen Reagor. Allen has shown he is potentially an elite special teamer and has come so far so fast it’s intriguing to imagine what his ceiling is. Reagor isn’t going to help this team, and if the only reason you’re keeping him is because of cap implications, you’re keeping the wrong guy. Cut Allen and you do risk losing him.
Tight end [3]
On 53: Dallas Goedert, Jack Stoll, Grant Calcaterra, Noah Togiai [should make it but won’t].
Cuts: Noah Togiai, Richard Rodgers.
Why keep Togiai as a fourth tight end? Because 1) He’s a terrific special teamer, and the Eagles need to keep special teams in mind while building this roster, and 2) He gives you both blocking and receiving ability, something neither Stoll nor Calcaterra really do. They’ll cut Togiai but I would keep him (read below to find out who I’d cut instead).
Offensive line [10]
On 53: Jack Anderson, Landon Dickerson, Andre Dillard, Jack Driscoll, Lane Johnson, Cam Jurgens, Jason Kelce, Jordan Mailata, Sua Opeta, Isaac Seumalo
Cuts: Kayode Awosika, Le’Raven Clark, Josh Sills, Cameron Tom
The only question here was whether the Eagles would keep nine or 10, but Anderson has really blossomed as a capable backup, and his versatility – he can play center or either guard spot – makes him even more valuable. Plus, if Stout wants 10, you gotta give Stout 10.
Defensive tackle [5]
On 53: Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave, Jordan Davis, Milton Williams, Marlon Tuipulotu.
Cuts: Kobe Smith, Marvin Wilson, Rennell Wren.
Pretty cut and dried here. I felt like Wilson was ahead of Tuipulotu not too long ago, but Tuipulotu moved past him in the past couple weeks and also was a draft pick last year, so he stays.
Defensive end [4]
On 53: Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat, Derek Barnett, Tarron Jackson.
Cut: Matt Leo.
Jackson was the one question mark coming into camp, but he’s been consistently productive all summer. Looks like he’s got a little juice.
SAM linebacker [3]
On 53: Haason Reddick, Kyron Johnson, Patrick Johnson.
Cut: None
It’s a little bit of a luxury keeping two young late-round SAM linebackers, but both Johnsons have had good summers, both will help on special teams and both are modest waiver claim risks.
Off-ball linebacker [5]
On 53: Shaun Bradley, Nakobe Dean, T.J. Edwards, Davion Taylor [shouldn’t make it but will], Kyzir White.
Cuts: JaCoby Stevens, Christian Ellis.
I think it would be a mistake to keep Taylor, but he was a 3rd-round pick just two years ago, and I’m guessing he stays, even though he’s had a dreadful stretch here the last few weeks. It’s not like there are any other promising off-ball linebackers to keep, so I would cut Taylor and keep Togiai on the initial 53 while keeping my eyes open for a linebacker on the waiver wire. If you get one on a waiver claim, Togiai goes.
Cornerback [5]
On 53: James Bradberry, Josh Jobe, Avonte Maddox, Zech McPhearson, Darius Slay.
Cuts: Josh Blackwell, Mario Goodrich, Tay Gowan, Mac McCain III, Kary Vincent Jr.
Jobe, an undrafted rookie from Alabama, separated himself over the past couple weeks from all the other young corners and gets that final spot as the fourth outside corner. Look for Goodrich and one or two of the others to resurface on the practice squad
Safety [5]
Reed Blankenship, Marcus Epps, Anthony Harris, Josiah Scott, Jaquiski Tartt [shouldn’t make it but will], [should make it but won’t], Andre Chachere [should make it but won’t].
Cuts: Andre Chachere, K'Von Wallace.
Deep down, I still feel like the Eagles are going to keep Wallace over Blankenship, but I just can't bring myself to accept it, so I'm keeping Blankenship. The undrafted rookie from Middle Tennessee outplayed Wallace every step of the way this summer. He's tough, smart, instinctive, and he's really earned a roster spot. Wallace? He's really regressed from last year and has had a disappointing summer. As for Chachere and Tartt, I feel like the Eagles are going to keep Tartt because of his experience and resume, but I'd keep Chachere not because of his safety ability but because he's a heck of a special teamer. Whatever they wind up doing, they'll still need help.
Specialists [3]
On 53: Jake Elliott, Arryn Siposs, Rick Lovato
Cuts: None
Practice Squad: Devon Allen, Kayode Awosika, Reed Blankenship, Josh Blackwell, Deon Cain, Andre Chachere, Britain Covey, Mario Goodrich, John Hightower, Jason Huntley, Mac McCain, Josh Sills, Kobe Smith, Noah Togiai, Cameron Tom, Marvin Wilson.
Practice Squad International Exemption Lifetime Achievement Award: Matt Leo
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