Before Thursday's first preseason game, the 53 man roster means absolutely nothing. Once the guys throw on the pads, jobs can be won and loss on one play. For now, the roster is based off of how guys have excelled in camp.
Note: An asterix symbolizes a player on the PUP list. He will not count towards the position count on this list.
Quarterbacks (3): Michael Vick, Mike Kafka, Nick Foles
As soon as the Eagles drafted Nick Foles from Arizona, Trent Edwards was as good as gone. With Foles spot on lock, Edwards was brought in to push Mike Kafka, but never really posed any threat. He's thrown quite a few interceptions, and the amount of reps he has seen have certainly gone down. With Kafka entering his third year with the organization, as opposed to Edwards first, he has a much better understanding of Andy Reid's offense. Although he didn't play to well, he was able to see some regular season action due to Michael Vick's injuries. If called upon again this year, his play will certainly be improved.
Running Backs/Fullbacks (4): LeSean McCoy, Dion Lewis, Bryce Brown, Emil Igwenagu
The battle for the backup running back positions is fierce. Although one would expect Dion Lewis to own the second running back spot, a strong preseason performance from Brown could vault him in front of Lewis. What is great about Brown is his speed and versatiity, making him a perfect 3rd down back, the role in which Lewis primarily plays. Polk is a good running back, but his durability will be his downfall. He had knee surgery before his senior season, and his shoulder injury caused him to go undrafted. He'll won't land a roster spot with Philadelphia, but he will certainly land on his feet somewhere.
After letting FB Owen Schmitt walk, the job came down to Stanley Havili, who spent last year on the practice squad and Emil Igwenagu, and undrafted Free Agent from the University of Massachusetts. Although Igwenagu only played one year as Fullback while in college, he fits the mold. He's 6-1, 249 lbs., while Havili is just 6-0, 230 lbs. Also, Igwenagu is an extremely versatile player (he played Tight End at UMass as well), and that will certainly help him lock down a roster spot.
Wide Receivers (6): DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant, Marvin McNutt, Riley Cooper, Damaris Johnson
The first five receivers are all locks to make the roster, but the last two Wide Receiver spots are strongly contested between Tiger Jones, Mardy Gilyard, Hall and Johnson.
There is nobody on the Eagles roster who will work harder than Chad Hall. The former Air Force product may only be 5-8, 187 lbs., but he does not let his height be a disadvantage. He's got great hands and good but not blazing. But with a logjam at Wide Receiver, and with the need for depth at other positions, he'll just miss out.
Damaris Johnson's return skills is the reason he'll make the Eagles roster. He is the NCAA's career record holder for kickoff return yards with 3,417 yards, as well as all purpose yards. In his last season at Tulsa, Johnson gained 904 yards on 34 kick returns and 292 yards on 23 punt returns, and scoring two Touchdowns. An Eagles team that has had severe troubles on Special Teams, Johnson will finally be able to solidify the position.
Tight End (2): Brent Celek, Clay Harbor
Although it would probably be in the team's best interest to work out a veteran Tight End like Jeremy Shockey, the Eagles seem content on keeping the tandem of Celek and Clay Harbor.
Offensive Line (9): Demetress Bell, King Dunlap, Todd Herremans, Jason Kelce, Evan Mathis, Dennis Kelly, Danny Watkins, Julian Vandervelde, Mike Gibson
Nobody too surprising left off this list. Eagles 6th round pick Brandon Washington will most likely be the only draft pick left off this team, just because there's no room for him at Guard. Julian Vandervelde could be a good player, as he has some serious potential.
Defensive Line (10): Trent Cole, Jason Babin, Brandon Graham, Vinny Curry, Fletcher Cox, Derek Landri, Cullen Jenkins, Antonio Dixon, Philip Hunt, Darryl Tapp, Mike Patterson*
The health of Mike Patterson is a serious concern after having brain surgery, and it's likely he starts the season on the Physically Unable To Perform List. Because of that, Antonio Dixon gets his job for the time being. Expect big things from Philip Hunt this year. He made a great transition from the CFL to the NFL, and worked his way to the Quarterback with relative ease. He's going to have a great season.
Linebackers (6): DeMeco Ryans, Jamar Chaney, Brian Rolle, Mychal Kendricks, Keenan Clayton, Casey Matthews
Akeem Jordan will be beat out by Keenan Clayton this year, in probably the most surprising move. Jordan has been with the Eagles for five years now, but doesn't possess anything too special. He's an average pass defender, and is not an effective blitzer. Clayton, who spent basically all last year playing special teams, recorded 31 tackles in 14 games. Jordan, who started 7 of the 15 games he played in, only had 40. A good preseason showing should win Clayton the job.
Cornerbacks (6): Nnamdi Asomugha, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Brandon Boykin, Joselio Hanson, Cliff Harris, Brandon Hughes
Curtis Marsh is the odd man out here. He has great speed, but really struggles in coverage, as he is still learning the position (a converted Running Back). Cliff Harris, meanwhile, is a complete ballhog. He's got great playmaking ability, and blazing speed. Also, be on the lookout for a battle between rookie Brandon Boykin and Joselio Hanson for the nickel cornerback job.
Safeties (4): Kurt Coleman, Nate Allen, O.J. Atogwe, Jaiquan Jarrett, Colt Anderson*
Surely no surprises here. The Eagles weak spot is definitely at the Safety position, and they need all the help they can get. Even coming off of a torn ACL, Colt Anderson should make the roster. He's a valued special teams player, and seems to be recovering more quickly than the expected time frame. However, he'll likely start the season on the Physically Unable To Perform List like Patterson.
Specialists (3): Alex Henery, Mat McBriar, Jon Dorenbos
Sadly, all the potential that Henery & Henry had is gone. McBriar was brought in to challenge the young Henry, but will end up beating him out for the job. He's been booming 60 yard punts at Training Camp, despite an injury on his plant foot.
Jake Pavorsky is a Contributor for Eagledelphia. You can follow him on Twitter @JakePavorsky
