PRE 4Full →
NFL logoThink you can outpick the entire league? · Free NFL Season Predictor · No credit cardProve it →

Eagles' 53-man roster projection following rookie minicamp

By Morgan Lain8 min readPhiladelphia Eagles
Share:
Philadelphia Eagles logoThink you can outpick Eagles Nation? · Free Eagles Season Predictor · No credit cardProve it →

The Philadelphia Eagles have officially entered week three of their nine-week offseason workout program. With the arrival of eight NFL draft picks and approximately 10 undrafted free agents this past weekend at rookie minicamp, the roster picture is starting to come into sharper focus.

General manager Howie Roseman and head coach Nick Sirianni have assembled a deep, talented group poised to contend in the NFC East once again. As always, the 53-man roster will require some difficult decisions. With the full squad now participating in organized team activities, it's time to project who will make the cut when the Eagles finalize their roster ahead of the 2026 season.

Here is our latest 53-man roster projection following rookie minicamp.


Quarterbacks (2): Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee

Keepers: Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee
On the bubble: Andy Dalton, Cole Payton

There is no debate about the starter: Jalen Hurts remains the franchise quarterback and one of the league's elite signal-callers. The question is whether the Eagles carry two or three quarterbacks.

Tanner McKee, entering his third season, has shown enough in limited game action and practice reps to warrant the backup role. His arm strength and processing ability align well with offensive coordinator Sean Mannion's system.

Veteran Andy Dalton provides insurance and mentorship, but at this stage, he is less of a developmental asset. Rookie Cole Payton is a project prospect. Given the roster crunch elsewhere, the team may try to stash Payton on the practice squad. For now, a two-quarterback roster seems likely.


Running Backs (4): Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, Will Shipley, Dameon Pierce

Keepers: Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, Will Shipley, Dameon Pierce
On the bubble: Carson Steele

Saquon Barkley is the unquestioned RB1 after signing a significant contract last offseason. Behind him, the Eagles have versatile options.

Tank Bigsby brings a punishing downhill style complementing Barkley's elusiveness. Will Shipley is a versatile third-down back who contributes in the passing game. Dameon Pierce has flashed productivity when given opportunities and adds quality depth.

Carson Steele is a physical runner but likely a practice squad candidate in this crowded backfield. The Eagles are expected to keep four running backs, emphasizing a ground-focused offense under Sirianni and Mannion.


Wide Receivers (6): A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Hollywood Brown, Elijah Moore, Johnny Wilson, Makai Lemon

Keepers: A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Hollywood Brown, Elijah Moore, Johnny Wilson, Makai Lemon
On the bubble: Britain Covey, Danny Gray, Quez Watkins, Dontayvion Wicks, Darius Cooper

The top three receivers--A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Hollywood Brown--are firmly established. Brown and Smith form arguably the best wide receiver duo in football, with Hollywood Brown adding a legitimate deep threat to stretch defenses vertically.

Elijah Moore offers inside-outside versatility and rebound potential in a new offensive system. Johnny Wilson, a big-bodied target from last year's draft class, has impressed in camp and offers a unique red-zone threat standing 6-foot-6.

The sixth wide receiver spot is competitive, primarily between veteran returner Britain Covey and rookie Makai Lemon. Lemon, an undrafted free agent standout at rookie minicamp, is favored for his upside as a receiver. Covey's value lies mainly on special teams, making Lemon the projected choice.

Danny Gray, Quez Watkins, Dontayvion Wicks, and Darius Cooper remain on the outside looking in but could earn a roster spot if the Eagles opt to carry seven receivers.


Tight Ends (3): Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra, Stone Smartt

Keepers: Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra, Stone Smartt
On the bubble: E.J. Jenkins, Cameron Latu, Johnny Mundt, Dae'Quan Wright, Eli Stowers

Dallas Goedert remains the starting tight end and one of the NFL's most complete at the position. Grant Calcaterra has grown into a reliable No. 2 tight end who can both block and catch.

Stone Smartt, a recent acquisition, brings athleticism and special teams value. The Eagles typically keep three tight ends. This likely places E.J. Jenkins and rookie Dae'Quan Wright on the practice squad, while veteran Johnny Mundt and Eli Stowers may not fit this season's roster construction.


Offensive Line (9): Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Tyler Steen, Lane Johnson, Fred Johnson, Cameron Williams, Drew Kendall, Jake Majors

Keepers: Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Tyler Steen, Lane Johnson, Fred Johnson, Cameron Williams, Drew Kendall, Jake Majors
On the bubble: Myles Hinton, John Ojukwu, Hollin Pierce, Markel Bell, Willie Lampkin, Jaeden Roberts

The Eagles boast one of the league's best starting offensive lines. Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson are elite bookends. Landon Dickerson and Cam Jurgens form a Pro Bowl-caliber interior.

Tyler Steen is expected to step into the starting right guard role vacated during free agency. Depth remains solid with Fred Johnson's versatility at tackle or guard, Cameron Williams' developmental upside, Drew Kendall's interior depth, and Jake Majors' center backup potential.

Myles Hinton and John Ojukwu, with practice squad experience, likely miss out on the opening 53. Willie Lampkin, undersized but scrappy, could find a practice squad spot.


Defensive Line (9): Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Brandon Graham, Nolan Smith Jr., Jalyx Hunt, Arnold Ebiketie, Moro Ojomo, Gabe Hall, Ty Robinson

Keepers: Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Brandon Graham, Nolan Smith Jr., Jalyx Hunt, Arnold Ebiketie, Moro Ojomo, Gabe Hall, Ty Robinson
On the bubble: Ta'Quon Graham, Byron Young, Joshua Weru, Uar Bernard

Jalen Carter continues his ascent as a superstar defensive tackle. Jordan Davis has improved steadily as a powerful run-stuffer. Brandon Graham, though nearing the end of his career, remains a productive edge rusher.

Nolan Smith Jr. is poised for a key leap in his third year. Edge rushers Jalyx Hunt and Arnold Ebiketie provide speed and pass-rush upside. Interior linemen Moro Ojomo and Gabe Hall have earned trust from defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

second-year Ty Robinson adds depth at defensive tackle. Ta'Quon Graham, Byron Young, Joshua Weru, and Uar Bernard face stiff competition to make the roster, with some likely heading to the practice squad.


Linebackers (5): Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Keyshawn James-Newby, Deontae Lawson

Keepers: Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Keyshawn James-Newby, Deontae Lawson
On the bubble: Chance Campbell, Smael Mondon Jr., Jose Ramirez, Chandler Martin

Zack Baun emerged last season as a sideline-to-sideline playmaker and the leader of the linebacker group. second-year Jihaad Campbell, a third-round draft pick, has the athleticism to start immediately alongside Baun.

Jeremiah Trotter Jr. brings energy and football IQ to compete for rotational snaps. Keyshawn James-Newby and Deontae Lawson provide depth and special teams value.

Chance Campbell and Smael Mondon Jr. have talent but face a numbers crunch. The Eagles typically keep five linebackers, so some will miss the initial 53-man roster.


Cornerbacks (6): Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, Riq Woolen, Jakorian Bennett, Tariq Castro-Fields

Keepers: Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, Riq Woolen, Jakorian Bennett, Tariq Castro-Fields
On the bubble: Michael Carter II, Jonathan Jones, Ambry Thomas, Brandon Johnson, Mac McWilliams

Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean are a promising young cornerback duo with All-Pro potential. Mitchell excels as a lockdown outside corner, while DeJean's versatility allows him to play both outside and slot roles.

Kelee Ringo's length and speed project him as a quality starter. Riq Woolen, acquired in a trade, brings Pro Bowl-caliber ball skills. Jakorian Bennett and Tariq Castro-Fields provide valuable depth.

Michael Carter II is a strong slot corner but faces stiff competition. Veteran Jonathan Jones may struggle to make the cut if the team prioritizes youth.


Safeties (4): Marcus Epps, Andrew Mukuba, Andre' Sam, Kapena Gushiken

Keepers: Marcus Epps, Andrew Mukuba, Andre' Sam, Kapena Gushiken
On the bubble: J.T. Gray, Cole Wisniewski, Tucker Large, Maximus Pulley

Marcus Epps is a steady veteran familiar with the defensive system. second-year Andrew Mukuba has the range and instincts to compete for a starting role. Andre' Sam offers depth and special teams reliability.

Undrafted free agent Kapena Gushiken impressed at rookie minicamp with ball-hawking ability. Special teams ace J.T. Gray may lose out in favor of younger options.


Special Teams (3): Jake Elliott, Braden Mann, Rocco Underwood

Keepers: Jake Elliott, Braden Mann, Rocco Underwood

Jake Elliott remains one of the league's most reliable kickers. Braden Mann continues as the punter, and Rocco Underwood is the long snapper. Their spots on the roster are secure.


Final Thoughts

The Philadelphia Eagles' roster remains deep and talented, built to make another playoff run. The top battles entering training camp will primarily unfold at wide receiver, linebacker, and along the defensive line.

Rookie minicamp provided an initial look at the team's new additions, but the real decisions will come during the preseason. This 53-man roster projection reflects the Eagles' current trajectory: a roster blending star power, solid depth, veteran leadership, and young upside.

As the offseason program continues, fans can look forward to a team poised to compete at the highest level in 2026.

Stay tuned for ongoing updates as the Eagles advance toward kickoff.

Philadelphia Eagles logo
Free Pickem Challenge
Think you can outpick Eagles Nation?
Free to play · Climb the leaderboard · Earn bragging rights
Prove it →
Share: