Made The Cut?

PHILADELPHIA – While it might not have been very aesthetically pleasing, the Eagles on Saturday put a bow on an exhibition season that included lengthier, more physical practices; a joint practice in Foxborough, Mass.; and three games worth of evaluations.

The 2024 training camp – the most grueling of the Nick Sirianni era – was largely efficient and well-structured, with the intensity constantly ratcheted up.

As is the case every summer, some players met the moment, elevating their performances to position themselves within striking distance of fulfilling their dreams. Others, whether due to injuries, underwhelming returns or scarce reps, were unable to seize the opportunity.

The Eagles, slated to start the season Sept. 6 against the Packers in Brazil, will be busy at work over the next several days, trimming the roster down to 53 while perhaps providing unforeseen alterations as the final roster begins to come into focus.

Factoring in OTAs, mandatory minicamp, 16 training camp session and three preseason games for a considerable amount of data to formulate a stance, here’s my final 53-man roster projection of the summer:

Offense (24)

Quarterback (3): Jalen Hurts, Kenny Pickett, Tanner McKee

Little to dissect here, as Pickett remains entrenched as second-in-command behind Hurts. If the Eagles run into dire straits when a call to the bullpen is needed, at the most critical position, Pickett – who has appeared in 25 games (24 starts) – would be the logical choice to capably pilot the offense in the interim. McKee has had some nice moments this summer, but another season developing as the third quarterback in the room will serve him well for next season, when he presumably transitions to top backup. The Eagles are quite fond of the 2023 sixth-round pick.

Running back (3): Saquon Barkley, Kenny Gainwell, Will Shipley

The backfield belongs to the headliner – Barkley – though I’m not so sure how apt the team will be to overload the star running back early in the season. With that, it’s worth noting the impact and redefined explosiveness of Gainwell, who in his fourth season produced the most noteworthy camp of his NFL career. What the 25-year-old lacks in home-run hitting speed or slippery elusiveness he compensates with steady pass protection and ball security, along with situational awareness and surehanded-ness in the receiving game. Perhaps stepping into a role much like the one Tony Pollard held under Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore in Dallas, Gainwell will assuredly be involved. Then there’s fourth-round rookie Will Shipley, who’s expected to take a backseat to Gainwell initially, but could eat into the workload of the fourth-year running back later in the season.

Wide receiver (6): A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, Britain Covey, Johnny Wilson, Ainias Smith

The acquisition of Dotson not only upgraded the No. 3 receiver spot from an upside and dynamism standpoint; it also furnishes the room with adequate outside depth behind starters A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Look for offensive coordinator Kellen Moore to conjure plays to facilitate the ball to Dotson in space. Covey has had an exceptional camp, separating with regularity and garnering the trust from his quarterbacks. An impactful punt returner and wide receiver by trade, Covey couldn’t have done much more this summer to position himself to bear the fruits of his labor. The most notable inclusion here is Smith, who struggled to find his footing throughout much of camp before coming on a bit in the latter stages. When players begin to press, blunders tend to snowball, and it takes a succession of positive plays to build confidence. While Smith has seemingly regained his confidence, he’s clearly nowhere near ready to produce in the regular season. Still, the thought here is GM Howie Roseman showing deference to a draft pick.

ITB PHOTO: The Eagles’ offensive line will be a big topic of discussion this year with so many changes.

Offensive line (10): Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Mekhi Becton, Lane Johnson, Tyler Steen, Fred Johnson, Trevor Keegan, Darian Kinnard, Dylan McMahon

The starting unit is etched in stone, but the depth is relatively worrisome. While the Eagles presumably remain bullish on the long-term prospects of Steen and Keegan, they can’t be thrilled that the last they saw of both interior linemen were on the sidelines due to an ankle and hip injury, respectively. Kinnard, 24, played mostly right tackle this summer, but the 6-foot-5, 322-pound lineman also provides welcome versatility at both guard spots, which could potentially become a factor due to a numbers shortage. There’s also the fact that Kinnard has largely been an iron man throughout preseason play and produced his share of positive snaps in camp. On the waiver wire, it’s often youthful upside at premium positions, such as offensive line, cornerback and pass rusher that generate the most interest. Nick Gates, a vested veteran, could be stashed on the practice squad. And while Dylan McMahon is a ways away from being relied on as a viable depth solution, he’s another draft pick who it’s difficult to envision GM Howie Roseman parting with already.

Tight end (2): Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra

Calcaterra has been lights-out as a receiver this summer, seemingly turning the corner and primed for a more substantial role. Second-year pro E.J. Jenkins, a converted collegiate wide receiver, definitively had the inside track even prior to the C.J. Uzomah cut, but there just hasn’t been enough bright moments or down-to-down consistency for Jenkins to warrant an elusive roster spot. The lack of tantalizing game tape should only strengthen the Eagles’ chances of getting Jenkins through waivers and safely stowing him away on the practice squad. I do believe Jenkins gets a call-up or two, but he can’t be considered among the teams 53 best players.

GETTY IMAGES: LB Nakobe Dean (left) and DT Jordan Davis are expected to help anchor the defensive front.

Defense (26)

Defensive tackle (6): Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Milton Williams, Moro Ojomo, Marlon Tuipulotu, Thomas Booker IV

It wasn’t long ago that Eagles’ defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said there needs to be “a minimum of five to seven” defensive tackles on the roster. With that, Tuipulotu meets that quota at five – and can moonlight as a reserve nose tackle – but six feels like the sweet spot. The key addition here is Booker, who flashed throughout the summer with his burst, effort, and unrelenting motor. When he wasn’t wrecking drives, the Stanford product was demonstrating his use of leverage and power in 1-on-1s. Moreover, it translated to game situations. Booker cited his work behind the scenes, specifically with veteran Brandon Graham and fourth-year holdover Tarron Jackson, in working on his pass rush and change of direction. For the 24-year-old to prove disruptive in both practice and game scenarios is one thing, but his scheme familiarity and versatility could be what warrants him staying power.

“Similar system in college,” Booker said following the preseason finale. “So, in college, I was playing everything. I was playing 1 technique in this system, 3 technique, 5, all the rest of that. So, I can do all that stuff, I’ve shown that on tape before, so getting back to a similar setup, definitely highlights some of my strong suits and shows my versatility.”

EDGE (6): Bryce Huff, Josh Sweat, Nolan Smith, Brandon Graham, Jalyx Hunt, Patrick Johnson

The only real deliberation – if you want to call it that – centered on Johnson, and perhaps carrying six is a tad ambitious considering other needs on the roster. But the fourth-year edge rusher showcased refined skills as a pass-rusher, working in the offseason with renowned defensive line coach Pete Jenkins, while adding 10 pounds of lean muscle, which reflected in his ability to hold his own at the point of attack. The inclusion of Johnson is especially integral depending on where the Eagles believe youngsters like Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt are in their development. The Tulane product also figures to factor prominently on special teams, as a core member of Michael Clay’s unit.

Linebacker (5): Devin White, Nakobe Dean, Zack Baun, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Ben VanSumeren

Watching the game Saturday afternoon, it was evident veteran Oren Burks didn’t belong out there. The 29-year-old, who has played in 91 games, is a legitimate NFL player, forced to undergo an extended audition in the wake of his camp-long knee injury. But while Burks was stellar, collecting six tackles and a sack in his lone game action of the summer, the thinking here is the veteran receives the Nicholas Morrow treatment – relegated to the practice squad to begin the season, as not to guarantee his contract if he’s on the roster for Week 1. VanSumeren, 24, was a fast-riser throughout the summer, exhibiting enhanced instincts and eye discipline, continuously grasping the subtleties and nuances of the position quickly while playing with his hair on fire. His athletic attributes are off the charts and his special teams prowess is among the best of the roster, so I’m giving the nod to the younger player.

EAGLES PHOTO: Eagles rookie CB Quinyon Mitchell should see plenty of playing time, as a nickelback or outside corner – or both.

Cornerback (5): Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, Isaiah Rodgers, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo

As is typically the case over a weeks-long period, there was a discernible separation from the initial logjam of upside-laden youth at the position. While second-year cornerback Eli Ricks flashed in spurts and showcased a strong finish to camp – while also commanding considerable intrigue and moldable traits – the 22-year-old hasn’t been consistent enough and is a work in progress on special teams. “Eli has been doing a nice job,” Fangio said about a week ago when asked. Given Ricks’ profile, there’s always the chance another team is enticed enough to place a claim. He also represents the Eagles’ most feasibly valuable trade commodity at the position.

As for Josh Jobe, the Eagles’ top special teamer, he was among the more challenging omissions, particularly in light of the new kickoff rule. But the thought process here is that Jobe has become virtually unplayable at his position of trade, rendering it unlikely a team would place a claim on a special teams-centric player. Rather than occupy a roster spot, Jobe could, in theory, land on the Eagles’ practice squad, where he could be elevated on a given week. The Eagles have other players who can fulfill his role.

Safety (4): C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Reed Blankenship, Avonte Maddox, Tristin McCollum

PUP: Sydney Brown

IR: Caden Sterns

While I have the Eagles rostering four players at the position, I still consider depth to be razor-thin until Brown returns. This is a position in which it would be conceivable to envision the Eagles seeking an upgrade, but I have McCollum sticking to start the season, The third-year safety had a strong camp that also correlated onto the playing field. His range, physicality and football acumen consistently popped, and it seemed the coaching staff took a liking to him. McCollum also boasts a prominent role on the first-team kickoff and could double as a gunner opposite Ringo if Jobe doesn’t beat the odds. He’s repped at that position in camp as well as last season.

Specialists (3): Jake Elliott (K), P Braden Mann (P), Rick Lovato (LS)

The trio reprises their respective roles, ensuring the clockwork-like operation remains intact.

Practice squad:

RB Ty Davis-Price

OL Nick Gates

OL Brett Toth

OL Anim Dankwah

TE E.J. Jenkins

TE Albert Okwuegbunam

WR Joseph Ngata

WR Jacob Harris

DL Gabe Hall

LB Brandon Smith

LB Oren Burks

EDGE Julian Okwara

DL P.J. Mustipher

CB Josh Jobe

CB Zech McPhearson

S Andre’ Sam

*OL Laekin Vakalahi (exempt)

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