Eagles Release First Depth Chart
The NFL’s annual four-game preseason slate gives teams a chance to evaluate players that are hopeful to make the team. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the league to cancel this year’s preseason, making it harder for young players and fringe players to showcase their talents. Regardless, teams still had to cut it down to 53, so here is the Eagles final 53-man roster in depth chart form.
Quarterback: Carson Wentz, Nate Sudfeld, Jalen Hurts
No surprises here. While Jalen Hurts hasn’t officially taken over Nate Sudfeld as the team’s backup quarterback, it’s bound to happen at some point this season. The Eagles are in good hands at this position. Josh McCown is also on the practice squad as an emergency QB.
Running Back: Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, Corey Clement, Jason Huntley
At first, it appeared as if the Eagles were only going to keep three backs, but they scooped up Jason Huntley at the last minute. The rookie Huntley was actually someone the Eagles wanted in the draft, so they wasted no time signing him after he was cut by Detroit. Sanders, Scott, and Clement as the top three backs is no surprise, but Philadelphia has no true power back on the roster.
Wide Receiver 1: Alshon Jeffery, Jalen Reagor
It’s a good sign for Jeffery that he’s still listed as the top receiver on the depth chart. Unfortunately for Philadelphia, both guys here are injured. Fortunately for Philadelphia, they’re both expected to come back sooner than originally expected.
Wide Receiver 2: DeSean Jackson, J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, John Hightower
Wide Receiver 3: Greg Ward
Greg Ward won the slot job! Looks like the former college QB may be more than just a three-game wonder. Overall, the Eagles receiving corps is looking pretty good. Carson Wentz himself called this group the most explosive he’s ever been a part of.
Tight End: Zach Ertz, Dallas Goedert, Richard Rodgers
Once again, the Eagles return the best tight end duo in football in Ertz and Goedert. A familiar face in Richard Rodgers also returns. Hopefully, Goedert fully breaks out this season because nobody knows how long Ertz will be around for.
Center: Jason Kelce, Nate Herbig
Left Tackle: Jason Peters, Jordan Mailata
Thanks to Lane Johnson’s cooperation, the Eagles gave Peters the pay bump he wanted and he returned to LT. Carson Wentz should feel a lot better about his blindside.
Right Tackle: Lane Johnson, Jack Driscoll
Lane Johnson has been dealing with an ailment lately, but the right side is still fine as long as he’s there. Jack Driscoll made the team over college teammate Prince Tego Wanogho.
Left Guard: Isaac Seumalo, Nate Herbig
Right Guard: Matt Pryor, Nate Herbig
Nate Herbig is the main backup for the entire interior of the offensive line. With Peters kicking back out to LT, Matt Pryor will be the replacement for Brandon Brooks.
Right Defensive End: Derek Barnett, Josh Sweat, Genard Avery
If Josh Sweat is as good in real action as he is in practice, this Eagles DE rotation should be very stout. Avery has to prove that he’s worth the draft pick that Philadelphia gave up for him.
Left Defensive End: Brandon Graham, Vinny Curry, Casey Toohill
Two longtime Eagles in Graham and Curry headline this position. It was surprising to see Toohill, this year’s seventh-rounder, make the team.
Right Defensive Tackle: Javon Hargrave & Malik Jackson
On the Eagles website, both of them are listed as starters at the same position. The Eagles have a ridiculously good defensive tackle rotation.
Left Defensive Tackle: Fletcher Cox, Hassan Ridgeway
Cox, the defense’s superstar, should be able to get adequate rest in-game with Ridgeway backing him up. Ridgeway, a decent player in his own right, will be fine next to Hargrave/Jackson.
Right Outside Linebacker: Nathan Gerry, Alex Singleton
Middle Linebacker: T.J. Edwards, Shaun Bradley
Left Outside Linebacker: Duke Riley, Davion Taylor
Linebacker is currently the weakest part of the Eagles roster. Nathan Gerry, at best a decent but inconsistent starter, is their best player here. Riley is a special teams ace who hasn’t contributed much on defense. It was nice to see Bradley, who went to college local at Temple, make the final roster.
Right Cornerback: Avonte Maddox, Nickell Robey-Coleman
Left Cornerback: Darius Slay, Craig James
The cornerback position has been absolutely REVAMPED for the Eagles. Darius Slay is the first elite CB the Eagles have had in years, and behind him are Maddox and NRC, two high-level slot corners who can contribute on the outside. Craig James is a special teams ace who showed enough this offseason to be named a captain. The Eagles also brought back fan-favorite Cre’ Von LeBlanc, but he did not appear on the depth chart.
Free Safety: Rodney McLeod, K’Von Wallace
No surprises here.
Strong Safety: Jalen Mills, Marcus Epps, Rudy Ford
We will finally get to see Jalen Mills at safety, a position he’s probably better suited for than CB. Epps and Ford round out the depth chart.
Punter: Cameron Johnston
Kicker: Jake Elliott
Punt Returner: Jalen Reagor, Greg Ward, DeSean Jackson
Kick Returner: Boston Scott, John Hightower, Jason Huntley
I can’t imagine the Eagles risking Reagor and Jackson on punt return duties. I expect Ward to handle the bulk of the returns. Boston Scott was the primary kick returner last year and will likely continue that role this year.
*Depth chart comes from the Eagles Official Team Website
