The Race Is On …

The Eagles on Tuesday report to training camp, with the first practice of the summer slated for 10 a.m. Wednesday. Sifting up and down the team’s 90-man roster, seemingly since the conclusion of spring practices, it only takes a beat to acknowledge the lethal blend of premier talent laced with youthful upside comprising it.

That’s not to suggest there won’t be plenty of position battles, with key areas in need of settling, but the nucleus and fabric of the team remains intact, primed for sustained success.

With that, here’s a look at my annual pre-camp 53-man roster projection, with the next and final constructed in late August.

GETTY IMAGES: Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts is back to captain the Eagles’ offense again

Offense (25)

Quarterback (3): Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee, Kyle McCord

Hurts, the reigning Super Bowl MVP, pilots the Kevin Patullo-led offense ahead of what could potentially be his loftiest statistical season to date. With all eyes fixated on what he’ll do for an encore, expect Hurts – powered by an unmatched will to win – to answer the bell. McKee has steadily improved since joining the team as a sixth-round pick two seasons ago. The Stanford product now bumps up a slot on the depth chart as the Eagles’ No. 2 quarterback, arming the team with a capable and appealing second-in-command. Assuming his arrow continues to trend upward, it feels like it’s only a matter of time before McKee garners an opportunity elsewhere to compete for a starting job. Which brings me to … McCord, a Day 3 rookie with enough promise to become the Eagles’ long-term No. 2. Taking developmental upside and long-term vision into consideration, McCord completes the trio.

Out: Dorian Thompson-Robinson

Running back (3): Saquon Barkley, Will Shipley, A.J. Dillon

Barkley, fresh off a 2,000-yard rushing campaign, leads the way. But for preservation purposes, in light of a high-volume season, it’s possible the Eagles will be mindful of his usage. Will Shipley, expected to elevate to the role of Barkley’s immediate backup following a rookie season in which he sparingly appeared in the backfield, brings explosiveness and pass-catching prowess. The Clemson product adds a different dimension to the backfield and profiles as an ideal change-of-pace back. He has the ability to dazzle with more opportunities. Dillon, returning from a neck injury that deprived the veteran of his 2024 season, is a bit of a wild card. While we obviously need to see where Dillon is in terms of his recovery and how he handles contact, I’m leaving him on. The former Packers running back is a rugged runner who thrives in short yardage and projects as a closer. The usage of Shipley and Dillon could vary, depending on circumstance.

Montrell Johnson Jr., a punishing runner, is an interesting prospect and perhaps a case could be made for Robinson if he flashes as a kick returner.

Out: Montrell Johnson Jr., Keilan Robinson, Lew Nichols, ShunDerrick Powell

Fullback (1): Ben VanSumeren

VanSumeren, returning from a season-ending knee injury, is making the full-time transition from linebacker to fullback. The 25-year-old logged a smattering of reps last season at his new position, though the uber-athleticism and physicality was evident. VanSumeren has also established himself as a key special teams contributor, enhancing his value.

The Eagles have invested in VanSumeren’s development and appear keen on the third-year pro. While his offensive involvement is assumed to be minimal, VanSumeren’s multi-faceted impact and unique athletic profile make him someone they’d likely want to keep around.

Wide receiver (6): A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, Johnny Wilson, Danny Gray, Avery Williams

There’s little mystery when it comes to the three names atop the Eagles’ wide receiver hierarchy, where Brown, Smith and Dotson comfortably find themselves. Beyond the aforementioned? Well, there’s a host of players for which a case could be made. In this scenario, Wilson reprises his role as the team’s fourth wideout, again doing the essential dirty work as a blocker while also doubling as a special teamer. Gray, a 2022 third-round pick of the 49ers, brings the speed commodity that teams covet and can moonlight as a returner if need be.

Between Gray and veteran Terrace Marshall – who also had a nice spring – I went with the player who represents the greater upside and boasts a more diverse skill set. Not sure it’s a stretch to suggest that Marshall, with a big summer, could even overtake Wilson. Williams, a return specialist listed as a wide receiver, rounds out the room.

The number crunch made it difficult to leave Ainias Smith, a predominant slot receiver, on the pre-camp 53. A decorated punt returner at Texas A&M, Smith could increase his value and elbow his way into the roster conversation if he showcases enough in the return game to push Williams.

Out: Terrace Marshall, Ainias Smith, Taylor Morin, Darius Cooper, Giles Jackson, Elijah Cooks

Tight end (2): Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra

For now, I have the Eagles going with just two players at the position. Sure, free agent adds Harrison Bryant or Kylen Granson could elbow their way onto the roster with inspired special teams play, showcasing game day value. Both players, once fourth-round picks, bring experience and versatility. And don’t forget about holdover E.J. Jenkins, perhaps the Eagles’ second-best blocking tight end behind Goedert. The converted college wide receiver last summer enjoyed a productive camp and carries some upside. But most logical would be to preserve a valued roster spot while stashing one or two players on the practice squad. Similar to last season, the Eagles could always add a third, dependent on matchups, via game day elevations.

Out: Harrison Bryant, Kylen Granson, E.J. Jenkins, Nick Muse, Cameron Latu

Offensive line (10): Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Tyler Steen, Lane Johnson, Kendall Lamm, Matt Pryor, Drew Kendall, Myles Hinton, Darian Kinnard

The Eagles again field the league’s top offensive line, but the logjam of names in contention for roster spots makes for a fascinating storyline. Steen has the inside track at right guard, though Pryor could make things interesting. As of now, I’m projecting Pryor to undertake the key game day reserve role, fulfilled last season by Steen. Lamm, 33, probably becomes the Fred Johnson replacement as the all-important swing tackle, while Kendall slots in as the backup center. Hinton, one of the Eagles’ sixth-round picks, makes it as a reserve tackle. The Michigan product could potentially elevate as the team’s long-term swing tackle. The team likes Kinnard, a tackle by trade who offers guard versatility. It’s worth noting the team kept Kinnard, who in 2024 appeared in only two games, around on the 53 all season.

As for some of the names just missing, Green – a guard only – not only needs to string together a strong camp but probably also needs to outperform Pryor. Keegan, a second-year pro who has the ability to play any interior position, faces an uphill battle. I instead deferred to Kinnard, who provides versatility.

Out: Kenyon Green, Trevor Keegan, Cameron Williams, Brett Toth, Hollin Pierce, Marcus Tate, Laekin Vakalahi

GETTY IMAGES: Third-year DT Jalen Carter is on the precipice of superstardom.

Defense (25)

Defensive tackle (5): Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Ty Robinson, Thomas Booker IV

Carter headlines a youth-infused interior, continuing to ascend toward becoming the undisputed top player at his position in a season in which the 24-year-old could conceivably lead the team in sacks. Davis and Ojomo, the latter a third-year breakout candidate, team up to occupy the snaps vacated by the free-agent departure of veteran Milton Williams. Ojomo, who has showcased some juice as an interior disruptor, took a leap last season, suggesting he could be on the brink of another.

Robinson, a 2025 fourth-round pick, joins the rotation in the wake of a college career in which he appeared in 60 games. The Nebraska product could provide early returns as a situational piece. A largely under-discussed, albeit interesting – to me, at least – competition will be for the presumed final slot in the pecking order. Gabe Hall could be the sneaky player to watch here, but I have Booker, who appeared in every game for the Eagles last season, edging out his challengers.

Out: Gabe Hall, Byron Young

Edge rushers (5): Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, Azeez Ojulari, Joshua Uche, Antwuan Powell-Ryland

A rebuilt pass-rush contingent will be fronted by the youthful tandem of Smith and Hunt, whose rapid development has conjured widespread intrigue and optimism. Smith, who sustained a triceps tear in Super Bowl LIX, rolled up four postseason sacks and offers double digit sack potential. As for Hunt, the Houston Christian product has progressed at an encouraging pace, equaling his regular season sack total with another 1.5 in the postseason. He was tasked this offseason with adding weight to his frame, complementing a broadening skill set.

The free agent additions of Ojulari and Uche, in theory, provide proven depth. They could both factor as situational rushers, with Ojulari expected to assume the more prominent role of the two. Powell-Ryland, the team’s sixth-round pick on the heels of a productive college career, sticks as a developmental rusher who could potentially factor into the game day equation as a third phase contributor.

Out: Patrick Johnson, K.J. Henry, Ochaun Mathis

Linebacker (4): Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Smael Mondon Jr.

Baun, coming off a remarkable All-Pro campaign in his first season under Fangio, this offseason inked a three-year $51 million deal to remain in Philadelphia. He’ll be the glue binding together an inexperienced second level in what projects to be another banner campaign.

Campbell, whom Fangio expects on the practice field “sometime in August,” should impact multiple positions once full-go, and all indications suggest the team is pleased with the development of Trotter Jr. Trotter Jr., by the way, figures to log the bulk of the first-team reps in camp alongside Baun, with Campbell and Nakobe Dean mending. The rookie Mondon Jr. projects as special teams ace.

Out: Dallas Gant, Lance Dixon

PUP: Nakobe Dean

Cornerback (6): Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, Adoree’ Jackson, Mac McWilliams, Eli Ricks

Mitchell and DeJean, approaching their sophomore campaigns, become the faces of a new-look Eagles secondary. The tandem is already heralded among the best players at their respective positions. While the top of the pecking order is etched in stone, the competition between Ringo and Jackson — vying to replaced veteran Darius Slay — will be among the summer’s more intriguing developments.

McWilliams, a 2025 fifth-round pick, offers inside-outside versatility, though his initial role projects as a reserve nickel and vital special teams component. I went heavy once again at the position, with Rick’s hanging on for the third consecutive season. While the third-year defender last season appeared in only seven games — logging 14 defensive snaps, 51 on special teams — there’s a premium placed on young, cost-effective cover corners with NFL experience.

Out: Parry Nickerson, Tariq Castro-Fields, A.J. Woods, B.J. Mayes, Brandon Johnson

Safety (5): Reed Blankenship, Drew Mukuba, Sydney Brown, Tristin McCollum, Andre’ Sam

Blankenship, a budding team leader, heads a young safety room armed with varied skill sets. Among the marquee summer storylines, however, will be the battle to determine who seizes the starting role alongside the fourth-year pro.

The second-round rookie Mukuba, a rangy, instinctive and highly intelligent defender, enters training camp as the favorite. He’ll contend with Brown, a third-year pro, in a competition that could conceivably extend through the end of camp. Now afforded a full offseason after spending the previous one recovering from a knee injury, Brown joins the fray with the benefit of being versed in Fangio’s defense.

Fangio, during his spring availability, also threw McCollum’s name in the mix. Assignment sound and consistent, McCollum has been a good story of development and appears to have gained Fangio’s confidence. Sam, a second-year player, rounds out the room after spending the 2024 season on the Eagles’ practice squad. The thinking here is that he fulfills a key role on special teams.

Out: Lewis Cine, Maxen Hook

Specialists: Jake Elliott (K), Braden Mann (P), LS Charley Hughlett (LS)

Continuity prevails here with the exception of the veteran Hughlett, who signed in free agency, replacing long-time snapper Rick Lovato. Hughlett, 35, appeared in 152 games over 10 seasons.

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.