The Eagles had the lightest workload of all 32 NFL teams.
After wrapping up the offseason workouts and OTAs without any significant injuries or distractions, they’ll do the same during training camp.
Philadelphia is reconvening this morning for camp, and they’ll return with a revamped defense and the league’s most explosive offensive unit.
Several prominent named veterans had a limited role this spring, so several rookies took advantage of the offseason program.
We recently revealed a pre-training camp edition of our 53-man roster prediction, with surprises and upsets at critical positions.
With training camp fast approaching, here’s some breakdown and analysis of the 53-man roster prediction.
Quarterbacks (2)
Jalen Hurts
Marcus Mariota
Tanner McKee — third
Position notes: The All-Pro quarterback and MVP runner-up will arrive to training camp with a contract extension.
The Eagles’ new backup quarterback should be an improvement over Gardner Minshew from a scheme point of view.
Tanner McKee will battle Ian Book for the third quarterback spot. With backups and reserves getting most of the work in preseason games, McKee will get an opportunity as a developmental prospect.
Running Back (4)
D’Andre Swift
Rashaad Penny
Kenneth Gainwell
Boston Scott
Position notes: Swift will be the first Eagles player in franchise history to wear the No. 0, adding more excitement to his homecoming.
A true dual-threat running back, the former Georgia running back should be the starter from Day 1.
Rashaad Penny signed a one-year deal expecting to run behind the Eagles’ dominant offensive line. He’ll now share carries in Philadelphia’s committee approach and isn’t a roster lock according to some experts.
After looking like the early starter for 2023, Kenneth Gainwell could shift to the 2nd or third option at running back.
Scott returned to Philadelphia on a one-year deal and will resume his role as a dual-threat Giant Killer.
Trey Sermon is probably a more natural running back than Boston Scott.
Still, the Eagles only carried four at the position in 2023, and the former Ohio State star could be the odd man out unless Howie Roseman keeps five.
Wide Receiver (6)
A.J. Brown
DeVonta Smith
Olamide Zaccheaus
Quez Watkins
Britain Covey
Joseph Ngata
Position notes: The All-Pro will return to Philadelphia for his second year, looking to improve his franchise record of 1,594 yards.
The Heisman Trophy winner will look to take the next step as a Pro Bowler and potential All-Pro.
Watkins will enter a contract year with a chip on his shoulder and competition for the No. 3 wide receiver spot.
Olamide Zaccheaus made our list of five veterans Philadelphia should target at the wide receiver position, and on Wednesday, Howie Roseman addressed that need.
Zaccheaus gives Philadelphia a versatile player in the slot, and a local product is returning home as the Plainfield, New Jersey native attended St. Joseph’s Preparatory School.
Covey makes the roster over Jaden Haselwood thanks to his special teams prowess.
Former Clemson star Joseph Ngata gives Brian Johnson a big, physical pass catcher.
TE (3)
Dallas Goedert
Jack Stoll
Grant Calcaterra
Position notes: One of the NFL’s top five tight ends, Goedert will look to take the next step towards All-Pro status.
Stoll has carved out a role in Philadelphia as a talented blocker and capable backup, but he’ll see competition from Grant Calcaterra, and rookie, Brady Russell.
Calcaterra was expected to be the third tight end unless Philadelphia drafted at the position early on.
Howie Roseman didn’t draft a tight end, but former Colorado pass catcher Brady Russell offers an intriguing undrafted prospect who can flourish after the catch.
The Eagles signed Dan Arnold, another intriguing option.
In 59 career NFL regular-season games (11 starts), Arnold has 95 catches for 1,258 yards and seven touchdowns.
Offensive Line (9)
Jordan Mailata
Landon Dickerson
Jason Kelce
Cam Jurgens
Lane Johnson
Dennis Kelly
Jack Driscoll
Sua Opeta
Tyler Steen
Position note: The future Hall of Famer Kelce returned to the Eagles on a one-year deal.
Cam Jurgens has bulked up and he’ll likely win the right guard spot easily after some early questions following the NFL draft.
The All-Pro right tackle signed a massive extension and spent the offseason rehabbing from abdominal surgery.
Jurgens would be about 15 pounds lighter than the average NFL guard but has longer arms than third-round pick Tyler Steen. Depending on the usage rate for Jason Kelce during training camp, it could be Jurgens taking most of the first team reps at the center spot, similar to how things played out in 2022.
If that happens, Steen could spend the bulk of training camp practices getting first-team reps at right guard.
The versatile offensive guard/tackle Jack Driscoll is the primary backup for Lane Johnson but could see his role change drastically with Tyler Steen able to play both positions as well.
Dennis Kelly’s arrival gives Jeff Stoutland another veteran tackle with game experience, and makes Fred Johnson the odd man out.
Defensive Line (9)
Josh Sweat
Fletcher Cox
Jalen Carter
Brandon Graham
Jordan Davis
Kentavius Street
Milton Williams
Derek Barnett
Moro Ojomo
Position notes: Graham returns on a one-year deal, turning down more lucrative offers.
Davis returns for a more prominent role in year two.
Jalen Carter signed his contract and will get to work after attending the rookie minicamp.
Josh Sweat had his best season as a pro in 2022.
Kentavius Street can play multiple positions, giving Sean Desai, another versatile defender.
Milton Williams will also be more prominent with Javon Hargrave’s departure.
The long-time Eagle returned on a one-year deal.
Cox could certainly be a starter in 2023, but he’ll cede snaps to Jordan Davis and first-round pick Jalen Carter.
A solid defensive end and edge setter, Derek Barnett will return after a torn ACL.
Moro Ojomo can play multiple positions, giving him the edge over Marlon Tuipulot and Noah Elliss.
Linebackers (7)
Nakobe Dean
Haason Reddick
Nolan Smith
Patrick Johnson
Shaun Bradley
Nicholas Morrow
Christian Elliss
Position notes: Dean will be one of two starters at middle linebacker, with T.J. Edwards heading to the Bears.
Morrow played every defensive down for the Bears in 2022, and he’ll likely start opposite Dean.
Christian Elliss had a dominating spring and early summer, and should land a key role.
Entering his second year with the Eagles, Reddick will look to duplicate his 16.5 sacks in 2023.
Nolan Smith will join Haason Reddick as a primary edge rusher, but offers potential as a run stuffing linebacker as well.
Cornerback (6)
Darius Slay
James Bradberry
Avonte Maddox
Zech McPhearson
Kelee Ringo
Josh Jobe
Position notes: Slay is back on a two-year deal.
Bradberry returned on a three-year deal.
Entering his third year, McPhearson will battle Greedy Williams and Kelee Ringo for a roster spot.
A fourth-round pick, Kelee Ringo lands the fifth cornerback role as he continues to develop.
Former Alabama cornerback Josh Jobe saw first team reps when Darius Slay and James Bradberry were out during OTAs.
Safety (4)
Reed Blankenship
Terrell Edmunds
Sydney Brown
Justin Evans
Position notes: The 2022 undrafted rookie Blankenship is expected to battle Terrell Edmunds and Sydney Brown for the role of a starter.
A star at Illinois, Brown is a rookie who brings versatility and playmaking prowess.
Safeties in Sean Desai’s defense are positionless, and Evans could see time at multiple spots.
Special Teams (3)
Jake Elliott
Rick Lovato
Arryn Siposs
Zentner will battle Arryn Siposs for the punter position, and the veteran and former Auburn Tiger was victorious in Round 1 of OTAs.
