It's been a week since training camp started, and I think it's a good time to take a look at the potential 53 man roster. A lot is going to change between now and the end of training camp, but these are my thoughts on how the roster may play out so far.
QB-
Mike Kafka
Foles has shown his great arm in camp, and isn't in danger of being cut, but doesn't surpass Kafka as the number 2 due to inexperience with the playbook, which he supposedly has had trouble grasping.
RB-
Lesean McCoy
Lewis has performed well in camp so far, and barring some major setback or huge improvement by one of the rookie backs, the 2 spot seems to be his for the taking. Brown seems to be sliding into the 3 spot, while Polk hasn't gotten many opportunities at all during camp. Polk's the odd one out here.
FB-
Really not much to say here. Havili didn't face any real competition, and probably won't factor into the offense much, although the Eagles did use him in some single back sets in camp.
WR-
Desean Jackson
Once the pads came on, McNutt finally got to shine. He's looked great so far, and his speed has seemed better than I thought. His height is needed in the redzone, and ultimately I think he takes Cooper's spot on the team. Johnson gets the 5th spot because of his return potential and his speed, which could be used if Jackson ever goes down.
TE-
Reports are that the Eagles have been using a lot of 2 tight end sets in camp, a la the New England Patriots. I think they'll keep 3 tight ends, and Brackett could potentially see some time on the field.
OT-
Demetress Bell
Dunlap has shown his value as a backup tackle, and Kelly was drafted by Mudd, so he gets a chance.
OG-
After Mathis, there's a lot of youth on this line. But all these young guys were drafted by Mudd, and he certainly knows what to do with them.
C-
Had a solid year last year, and has taken a veteran role by directing the offensive line this year.
DE-
Philip Hunt
A lot of depth here, and all reports from camp are saying Graham looks great. Hunt played well in limited time last year, and Tapp gets the axe due to money.
DT-
I think Patterson lands on the PUP list, and they'll come in with 4 DTs. I struggled with this right here, as I wasn't sure where Cedric Thornton would fall. Unfortunately, I have him as a camp casualty, but that could change as reports have said Dixon hasn't looked very good at all so far. Jenkins has gotten some time at DE throughout training camp, and Landri has been running with the 1's . With those two and Cox, this interior has great depth.
OLB-
Casey Mathews
Another extremely young unit on the team, the outsides will be manned by a rookie and a second year player. Kendricks' speed will be a great asset, especially with covering tight ends. Jordan sneaks in due to his experience and special teams play.
MLB-
Demeco Ryans
No surprises here, and from all reports Chaney has looked good running with the second team.
CB-
Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie
Everyone has been raving about DRC, and it's going to be exciting to watch him play in a scheme he's more comfortable with. Brandon Boykin has looked good, too, and ultimately I think he unseats Joselio Hanson as the team's slot corner. Marsh is a project with a lot of potential, and Cliff Harris sneaks in due to potential and return ability.
Safeties
Philip Thomas
I don't see much changing in the starters, with Allen and Coleman remaining the 1's, but I could see Atogwe unseating Coleman later in training camp if he plays like his younger self. Jaiquawn Jarrett is still a major question mark, although he's looked better since the pads came on. Speed and instincts are something you can't teach, and if he doesn't have those, then there's not much the coaches can do. Philip Thomas gets the last spot on this team, but that was a player I was really iffy about. I think his status on the team could go either way at this point.
Specialists
Once McBriar gets in camp, I think he'll take over the starting position. Henry had a poor year last year, and if McBriar is healthy he's an elite punter. Dorenbos and Henery lock down the long snapper and kicker positions.
I have Mike Patterson and Colt Anderson on the PUP list. Since there really isn't a set timetable for Patterson to return, it's anyone's guess when we could see him back on the field.
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