Eagles 53-man roster projection: Where does Jalen Reagor fit in a crowded picture at WR? Who plays it safe?

In just one week, the Philadelphia Eagles will have to finalize their roster of 53 players and prepare for Week 1 of the regular season. Philadelphia has a talented roster, but there are still spots on this team up for grabs.

Game 2 of the preseason against the Cleveland Browns added a little more intrigue to the roster bubble. There are still open spots available at wide receiver and safety, as well as the question of how many players at certain positions the Eagles are keeping on the initial roster.

Things can change in a week as the Eagles travel to Miami for joint practice with the Dolphins, followed by the final preseason game on Saturday. After the pre-season finale, there will be tough decisions to be made at the NovaCare complex.

Here’s the initial projection of the 53-player roster after observing training camp and two preseason games. Let’s see if things can change in a week.

Sinnett had an impressive start in training camp but failed to grab the No. 3 quarterback spot in the first game of the preseason. Game 2 was a different story, as the veteran justified it was worth staying behind Hurts and Minshew on the roster.

Carson Strong should end up on the practice squad, if the Eagles feel he’s worth developing. Philadelphia needs a developing quarterback somewhere, but he may not be on the 2022 roster.

Whether the Eagles actually bring in another running back is up for debate, but Scott and Gainwell explained why they should be the No. 2 options for Sanders. Scott showed his power as a short-range defender despite his small stature, while Gainwell showed he was a prolific third option.

The Eagles could keep four running backs, but Jason Huntley or Kennedy Brooks should show their skills in the return game for roster consideration. Huntley hasn’t shown much in that department and Brooks isn’t much of a comeback specialist. He may have a spot on the practice squad.

The top four spots at wide receiver are roster locks, giving the Eagles one of the deepest groups in the league. There’s still one spot to be determined, but we’re going with six because of Reagor. For the purposes of the salary cap, it costs the Eagles far more to remove Reagor than it does to keep him.

Sixth place is a hotly contested battle between Cain, Britain Covey and Greg Ward. While Ward and Covey add value in the return game, so does Reagor. Covey and Ward didn’t separate from the pack, leaving Reagor in line to return kicks and clearances in his new role.

Cain adds valuable depth to the lineup and is a reliable wide receiver that this offense will likely rely on at some point this year. It is worth keeping.

Goedert and Stoll are roster locks, but the Eagles have question marks at the position. Calcaterra missed some time in camp, but the Eagles invested a sixth-round pick in him. There is an advantage for a pass-catching specialist, which is why it is worth staying on the list.

Noah Togiai has been impressive in camp and will be tough to cut. The Eagles need a tight block, so Stoll could be the player Togiai needs to beat.

The Eagles’ starting offensive line is set in stone and the second team is very good – but also changing. Dillard could be traded, but the Eagles aren’t just going to give away a valuable left tackle for a third-day pick. Philadelphia is more valuable to guard Dillard and have excellent tackle depth.

Driscoll can play guard and tackle while Opeta gives the Eagles extra depth inside the line. Of course, Jurgens is Kelce’s heir apparent at center (was trained at guard this summer before Kelce’s injury).

This is the deepest group in the list.

Grouped these positions together because these players will primarily rush the setter in Jonathan Gannon’s defense, although he has Reddick and Johnson back in coverage. Johnson is also a good special team member and has value in kickoff and punt coverage – plus the Eagles used one of their five draft picks against him .

Patrick Johnson is a tough cut, but someone will be left out if the Eagles go for three quarterbacks or six wide receivers. Philadelphia also has a security issue that needs to be addressed. Johnson is one of the toughest cuts to make.

The Eagles are deep at defensive tackle with the top three positions, and Williams adds value by lining up inside and out. These four are roster locks and Tuipulotu has earned a spot on the roster based on his development and appearance this summer.

Sunday’s win over the Browns was daunting for defensive tackles, but it’s a great group.

This is the Eagles’ best linebacking lineup since Super Bowl LII, as Edwards and Dean continue to battle for the starting position at MIKE. White will start at WILL while Taylor will provide valuable depth – even though he struggled in Game 2 of the preseason. Bradley adds excellent value to special teams, which is why he makes the roster.

The battle is between Edwards and Dean for a starting job, with Edwards having the advantage going into the final week of preseason.

The top four spots at cornerback are roster locks, but the Eagles had a packed room heading into camp as Tay Gowan, Mac McCain, Kary Vincent and Jobe battled for a spot on the roster. Jobe has emerged above all the cornerbacks the Eagles have brought in over the past year with his outside cornerback play, a position the Eagles could use some quality depth.

Jobe is valuable on this team and shows why it’s good to bring in players from Alabama. He edges out Gowan for the fifth cornerback spot.

The Eagles have plenty of safety question marks and could add to that position after finalizing their initial roster of 53 players. Epps got a starting spot in training camp while Harris is expected to start at the other safety spot.

Chachere can find his calling playing for defensive snaps and is already a good special team player. Scott can play both cornerback and safety, which is how he finds his way up the roster. He adds depth in the nickel while edging out Jaquiski Tartt – who struggled in camp – at safety.

Reed Blankenship is still in contention for a spot on the roster, but he’ll have to knock down Scott or Wallace to do so. With Jobe making his way onto the roster, it hurts Blankenship’s chances. Wallace is still fighting for his place, but he had a good camp. It is worth keeping.

Nothing will change here. These are the three who will have these places for week 1.