Bleeding Green Nation
Projecting how position battles could play out.
Philadelphia Eagles training camp is here!
Players reported to the NovaCare Complex on Tuesday, July 22 ahead of the team’s first practice on Wednesday, July 23.
While we still have some time to kill, let’s run through everyone’s favorite summer activity: a 53-player roster prediction. The objective here is to get an early look at how the Eagles’ initial depth chart could play out. We’ll certainly update these projections throughout the summer to reflect meaningful developments from practices and preseason games.
QUARTERBACK: Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee, Kyle McCord (3) [3]
The reigning Super Bowl MVP will likely be tasked with throwing the ball more often than he did in 2024. McKee might be a future low-end starter in the NFL. At the very least, there’s hope he can be a quality QB2. McCord will likely beat out Dorian Thompson-Robinson for the emergency third quarterback role.
RUNNING BACK: Saquon Barkley, Will Shipley, AJ Dillon (3) [6]
How will Barkley follow up the best running back season in NFL history? Regression feels inevitable but doubt him at your own peril. The Eagles seem to be hoping that Shipley will be their direct Kenny Gainwell replacement. Dillon, who hasn’t played a regular season game since December 2023, isn’t a lock to make the roster. This could be another Rashaad Penny situation, for all we know. Then again, it’s not like the Eagles have great RB alternatives.
FULLBACK: Ben VanSumeren (1) [7]
The Eagles like BVS as a lead blocker who can also be a core special teams contributor for them. And he might still be able to play off-ball linebacker in a pinch.
WIDE RECEIVER: A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, Johnny Wilson, Avery Williams, Danny Gray (6) [13]
The passing game will continue to primarily operate through Brown and Smith, who are not easy to stop. It’ll be interesting to see if Hurts is more willing to throw to Dotson this year, especially if/when one of the top two receivers misses playing time. Wilson could stick around as a primarily blocking receiver who might see some occasional red zone looks. Williams is currently the top contender to return punts and kicks for the Eagles. The Birds might only keep five receivers but Danny Gray and Terrace Marshall showed some intriguing glimpses in spring practices. At least one of them might be worth keeping around.
TIGHT END: Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra, Nick Muse (3) [16]
The Eagles don’t have a single tight end signed beyond this season but Goedert is still the top guy for 2025. Calacterra has struggled as a blocker but he can catch the ball. I’m feeling bold so I’ll go with Muse, who made some eye-opening grabs in the spring, over more seasoned veterans like Harrison Bryant and Kylen Granson. E.J. Jenkins is also in the mix here. I don’t think the Eagles keep both four tight ends AND a fullback ... and I do think they’ll keep a...
