ITB Projects The 53

The preseason is officially over. The next football games will count.

NFL teams have until 4 p.m. Tuesday to narrow their rosters to 53.

The whittling down has already started for some teams and will continue until Tuesday afternoon as teams create their initial 53-man rosters, and those rosters will change quickly after the first slate of waiver claims and corresponding moves will create a domino effect around the league.

ITB photo: Nick Sirianni’s second season will start after the Eagles finalize their 53-man roster.

ITB hosts Geoff Mosher and Adam Caplan and InsideTheBirds.com Senior staff writer Andrew DiCecco each submitted their 53-man projections.

Here they are:

Andrew DiCecco 

Quarterback (2)

Jalen Hurts, Gardner Minshew

Reid Sinnett’s fall from grace was sudden and abrupt. Then 25-year-old journeyman was among the pleasant surprises of training camp but struggled to carry that success into games. In his final showcase against the Dolphins – his former team – Sinnett completed 12-of-22 pass attempts for 104 yards and an interception, resulting in an abysmal 48.3 quarterback rating. He was also sacked twice. Sure, some of those shortcomings were a byproduct of his surrounding talent, but the reality is that Sinnett is not among the top 53 players on the roster and looks to be a long way from being a viable option if pressed into regular-season duty. Sinnett, along with virtually invisible camp arm Carson Strong, doesn’t appear to figure into the team’s immediate plans and should clear waivers, where one would presumably resurface on the practice squad to continue their development. For my money, the Eagles would be best served combing through the 864 cuts and bringing in another young developmental arm to nurture on the practice squad, akin to Nate Sudfeld.

Running back (3)

Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, Kenny Gainwell

Say what you will about Boston Scott, but the fourth-year running back continually delivers. While lacking prototypical size and top-end speed, Scott is a tough runner who showcases impressive contact balance and vision while working through traffic. If the preseason was any indication of how the backup running back snaps will be allocated, I get the sense that the Eagles will lean on Scott earlier than usual this season. Gainwell’s skill set lends itself favorably to what the Eagles would like to do offensively – think Nyheim Hines in Indianapolis – but needs to be more consistent. The group sorely lacks a power element, and I anticipate they’ll attempt to fill the void in the coming days.

Wide receiver (5)

A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Quez Watkins, Zach Pascal, Jalen Reagor

Pascal has really made up ground since returning from his bout with food poisoning that sidelined him for the early part of training camp. While I’m hardly suggesting that the former Colts receiver is suddenly poised for a sizable role in the Eagles passing game, I am of the belief that Pascal’s output will exceed expectations. Much like Andre Dillard, Reagor figures to be a topic of conversation in the coming days as teams inquire about his availability. While a fresh start would serve both parties well, the Eagles simply aren’t going to give away their former first-round pick, so in this scenario, I left Reagor on the 53, where he slots in as the No. 5 receiver and primary punt returner. As it turned out, Deon Cain – not Britain Covey – ended up becoming this year’s training camp darling once the dust settled. Cain showed well in the preseason games but offers next to nothing in terms of special teams upside, which is a required skill set for back-of-roster players. Every year, there are players across the NFL battling similar circumstances, and despite the initial outcry, those players typically clear waivers and resurface on the practice squad. Covey generated early buzz and performed well during camp, but likely didn’t show enough in the return game to warrant a spot on the 53-man roster. I think he returns on the practice squad.

 Tight end (3)

Dallas Goedert, Jack Stoll, Grant Calcaterra

Stoll enters the season as the top backup to Goedert after playing nearly 30 percent of the team’s offensive snaps and 51 percent of the special teams snaps last season. The 6-foot-4, 247-pound tight end is an asset in the running game as a blocker, an area in which Calcaterra must build up his play strength and hone his technique. The rookie tight end missed most of camp with a hamstring injury but brings some athleticism and pass-catching acumen to the room. Noah Togiai made the most of his snaps and contributes on special teams, but I don’t envision the Eagles parting with their sixth-round pick.

Offensive line (10)

Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Jason Kelce, Isaac Seumalo, Lane Johnson, Cam Jurgens, Andre Dillard, Jack Driscoll, Sua Opeta, Jack Anderson

This Eagles offensive line is so deep and talented that many of its reserves could conceivably start for a number of teams across the league. It remains to be seen what ultimately becomes of Dillard, as the Eagles are likely to field a multitude of calls from teams vying to acquire the former first-round pick ahead of Tuesday’s deadline. Unless the Eagles are proposed an offer they can’t refuse, it would behoove them to hold on to Dillard, as the left tackle represents greater value to the Eagles than most other teams. Kayode Awosika, the second-year pro from Buffalo who spent last season on the Eagles’ practice squad, initially appeared primed to be a contender for a roster spot, but he simply couldn’t leapfrog Anderson, who offers versatility at center and guard.

Defensive end (4):

Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat, Derek Barnett, Tarron Jackson

This quartet, for all intent and purposes, was etched in stone weeks ago. Barnett, a 45-game starter across five NFL seasons, should give the Eagles more juice in a limited capacity coming off the bench, but the big surprise to me was Jackson’s second-year leap. The Coastal Carolina product appears noticeably stronger and more decisive than a year ago, and far more polished as a pass rusher. I expect Jackson’s 2021 snap share percentage of 22.5 to increase this season.

Defensive tackle (5)

Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave, Jordan Davis, Milton Williams, Marlon Tuipulotu

Interior defensive line is the Eagles’ strongest position group, apart from offensive line. The three players atop the depth chart — Cox, Hargrave, and Davis — will all have defined roles, while Williams’ positional versatility figures to yield a healthy snap share. Many were taken by surprise when Tuipulotu made the 53-man roster this time last year, but the former Washington standout returned to the NovaCare Complex stronger, quicker, and more explosive off the ball in Year 2. While it’s unclear how Tuipulotu figures into the equation given the depth, he’s unquestionably among the team’s top 53 players and merely scratching the surface of his capabilities.

SAM linebacker (3)

Haason Reddick, Patrick Johnson, Kyron Johnson

A former seventh-round selection, Patrick Johnson provided value for the Eagles last season as a rookie, appearing in 17 games (2 starts) and establishing himself as a core special teamer. The 6-foot-2, 248-pound Johnson has had an active summer, developing as a pass rusher and showcasing a more refined skill set. Johnson also led the Eagles in special teams snaps in the preseason, which counts for something. He’ll serve as the immediate backup to Reddick. Kyron Johnson brings intriguing athleticism and fluidity to the position – in addition to special teams prowess — so the Eagles likely won’t want to expose their 2022 sixth-round pick to waivers.

Linebacker (5)

T.J. Edwards, Kyzir White, Nakobe Dean, Davion Taylor, Shaun Bradley

Both Edwards and White have had terrific camps and will serve as the team’s primary off-ball linebackers. Beyond that, however, is where things become murky, at least initially. While I believe Dean is poised to carve out a sizable role for defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon in his first season, it remains to be seen if the Georgia standout is ready for an elevated workload right away. That said, if I’m the Eagles, I’d be reluctant to trot Taylor – a former third-round pick – out as the first linebacker off the bench. The third-year linebacker played 62 percent of the defensive snaps against the Dolphins and underwhelmed in his extended action, mostly competing against deep reserves and a slew of roster hopefuls. Bradley is a key third phase component – he was a Pro Bowl alternate last season — so he’s a lock.

Cornerback (5)

Darius Slay, James Bradberry, Avonte Maddox, Zech McPhearson, Josh Jobe

McPhearson, a second-year pro, is the Eagles’ top backup on the outside, in addition to being a standout gunner in punt coverage. I’ve been bullish on Jobe since the pre-draft process – I even assigned the Alabama defender a fifth-round grade – and the undrafted rookie emerged from a crowded group of young defensive backs, including Tay Gowan, Mac McCain, and fellow UDFA Mario Goodrich, to give himself the inside track for the fifth slot on the depth chart. The recent elbow injury notwithstanding, Jobe earned second-team reps throughout the summer and garnered attention with his physicality, tenacity, and instinctiveness. Though he predominately manned the perimeter spot in training camp, Jobe offers inside-outside versatility, and like Josiah Scott, I believe he could cross-train at safety.

Safety (5)

Marcus Epps, Anthony Harris, Jaquiski Tartt, Josiah Scott, Andre Chachere

Sure, there’s the school of thought that the Eagles might be leery of moving on from K’Von Wallace, a former fourth-round pick, but sometimes it’s best to move on. Through two seasons, Wallace hasn’t been able to capitalize on his opportunities, either as a result of injuries or physical limitations. He spent a vast majority of training camp miring in relative obscurity before emerging late in the evaluation process.

Albeit one-dimensional, Tartt — whose resume boasts 64 NFL starts — gives the Eagles another veteran in the room. The team would have to guarantee Tartt’s contract if he makes the initial 53, but he can step in and capably fulfill the all-important third safety role in Gannon’s defense. Scott, 23, opened some eyes this summer and provides positional versatility. I kept Chachere on due to his third phase prowess and positional versatility. Chachere plays the game with urgency and an edge and would effectively give the Eagles another ace at the gunner position.

The Eagles will undoubtedly do everything they can over the next 48 hours to strengthen this uninspired group.

Specialists (3)

Jake Elliott (K), Arryn Siposs (P), Rick Lovato (LS)

Adam Caplan

Quarterback (2)

Jalen Hurts, Gardner Minshew

Running Back (3)

Miles Sanders, Kenny Gainwell, Boston Scott

Wide Receiver (5)

A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Quez Watkins, Zach Pascal, Britain Covey

Tight End (3)

Dallas Goedert, Jack Stoll, Grant Calcaterra

Offensive Line (10)

Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Jason Kelce, Isaac Seumalo, Lane Johnson, Andre Dillard, Cam Jurgens, Jack Driscoll, Sua Opeta, Jack Anderson 

Defensive Line (9)

Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave, Josh Sweat, Derek Barnett, Milton Williams, Jordan Davis, Tarron Jackson, Marlon Tuipulotu

SAM linebacker (3)

Haason Reddick, Kyron Johnson, Patrick Johnson

Inside Linebacker (4)

Kyzir White, TJ Edwards, Nakobe Dean, Shaun Bradley, 

Cornerback (5)

James Bradberry, Darius Slay, Avonte Maddox, Josh Jobe, Zech McPherson

Safety (5)

Marcus Epps, Anthony Harris, Reed Blankenship, Andre Chachere, Josiah Scott

Specialists (3)

Jake Elliott (K), Arryn Siposs (P), Rick Lovato (LS)

*Roster At 52, Extra Player Comes From Jalen Reagor Trade 

Geoff Mosher

Quarterback (2)

Jalen Hurts, Gardner Minshew

Running Back (3)

Miles Sanders, Kenny Gainwell, Boston Scott

Wide Receiver (5)

A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Quez Watkins, Zach Pascal, Britain Covey

Tight End (3)

Dallas Goedert, Jack Stoll, Grant Calcaterra

Offensive Line (10)

Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Jason Kelce, Isaac Seumalo, Lane Johnson, Andre Dillard, Cam Jurgens, Jack Driscoll, Sua Opeta, Kayode Awosika 

Defensive Line (9)

Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave, Josh Sweat, Derek Barnett, Milton Williams, Jordan Davis, Tarron Jackson, Marlon Tuipulotu

SAM linebacker (3)

Haason Reddick, Kyron Johnson, Patrick Johnson

Inside Linebacker (4)

Kyzir White, TJ Edwards, Nakobe Dean, Shaun Bradley

Cornerback (5)

James Bradberry, Darius Slay, Avonte Maddox, Josh Jobe, Zech McPherson

Safety (5)

Marcus Epps, Anthony Harris, Reed Blankenship, Andre Chachere, Josiah Scott

Specialists (3)

Jake Elliott (K), Arryn Siposs (P), Rick Lovato (LS)

*Roster At 52, Extra Player Comes From Jalen Reagor Trade