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Philadelphia Eagles 53-man roster prediciton: Post-NFL Draft edition

What will the Eagles final roster look like?

Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Over the past few days, BGN has projected the Philadelphia Eagles' 90 man depth chart now that the 2015 NFL Draft is over. We started with the Eagles offense, moved on to the defense, and then finished up with special teams.

Now that we've sorted out the 90 man roster, it's time for an early projection of who will actually make the final cut down to 53. A lot of position battles are still yet to be won but this activity will provide us with a general sense of what the final roster should look like. We'll revisit this activity multiple times throughout the offseason.

OFFENSE

QB: Sam Bradford, Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow (3)

Mark Sanchez might think there's an open quarterback competition, but it's hard to think the Eagles gave up a second round pick and are paying Sam Bradford $13 million to sit the bench. The former No. 1 overall pick is likely to be under center for Philadelphia if he can stay healthy. As for Tim Tebow, he gets the edge because the team has already tried to move on from Matt Barkley. He'll likely be inactive on game day anyway.

RB: DeMarco Murray, Ryan Mathews, Darren Sproles, Matthew Tucker (4)

The Eagles are going to run the ball a lot. DeMarco Murray was obviously rewarded with a big contract but he'll be able to split time with Ryan Mathews. Veteran Darren Sproles is still an offensive weapon who can also contribute as a returner. Matthew Tucker's combined stats from the last two preseasons: 49 attempts, 214 yards (4.4 average), 6 touchdowns. Tucker could replace Chris Polk's role as a backup who will mainly contribute on special teams. Four running backs makes sense for the Eagles because Murray and Mathews have an injury concerns while Sproles will turn 32 this summer.

TE: Brent Celek, Zach Ertz, Trey Burton (3)

Chip Kelly still loves Brent Celek due to his blocking ability. Zach Ertz needs to step up in that regard to earn more playing time. Trey Burton might actually be able to see a few offensive snaps this year the way James Casey infrequently did during his tenure. The Eagles might keep four here if one of their three UDFA tight ends steps up.

WR: Jordan Matthews, Josh Huff, Nelson Agholor, Riley Cooper, Miles Austin, Seyi Ajirotutu (6)

Jordan Matthews might have a bigger role than just merely playing the slot this season. Josh Huff is reportedly looking shredded after putting on some muscle this offseason. Nelson Agholor can contribute right away but Kelly will likely make him earn his spot. Riley Cooper's bad contract kind of prevents the Eagles from cutting him but they can try to limit his role. The Eagles gave Miles Austin $1 million guaranteed so they must expect him to make the team. Seyi Ajirotutu will earn a spot due to his standout special teams ability. He's the new Brad Smith.

OT: Jason Peters, Lane Johnson, Andrew Gardner (3)

Jason Peters and Lane Johnson make a great starting combination. Kelly said he expects Peters to be the best offensive tackle in football this year. The depth behind them, however, is questionable. Andrew Gardner has the benefit of being in the system for a year but perhaps one of the UDFA offensive linemen can challenge for a depth spot.

OG: Evan Mathis, Allen Barbre, Matt Tobin (3)

It remains to be seen how the Evan Mathis situation will play out. He could be traded. For now, he's here. Allen Barbre has the leg up at right guard but Matt Tobin has a chance to beat him out.

C: Jason Kelce, David Molk (2)

Jason Kelce will start. David Molk proved to be a serviceable backup at times last year but his inability to play guard hurts his roster chances.

DEFENSE

DE: Fletcher Cox, Cedric Thornton, Vinny Curry, Taylor Hart (4)

Fletcher Cox is a beast. Meanwhile, Cedric Thornton and Vinny Curry will likely split time at defensive end. Thornton's such a good run stuffer and Curry is such a great pass rusher. If only you could combine them into one. The last spot goes to 2014 fifth round pick Taylor Hart, who has added weight this offseason and could be ready to contribute after basically redshirting his rookie year.

NT: Bennie Logan, Beau Allen (2)

Same deal as 2014. Bennie Logan is a good starter and Beau Allen is a decent backup.

OLB: Connor Barwin, Brandon Graham, Marcus Smith, Bryan Braman, Travis Long (5)

Connor Barwin is the only full-time starter returning now that Trent Cole is gone. Brandon Graham will step up into a starting role after being re-signed in the offseason. Marcus Smith could replace Graham's former role as a rotational linebacker who plays about 30% of the team's snaps per game. Bryan Braman and Travis Long can contribute on special teams.

ILB: DeMeco Ryans, Kiko Alonso, Mychal Kendricks, Jordan Hicks, Brad Jones (5)

DeMeco Ryans, Kiko Alonso, and Jordan Hicks are three absolute locks. It seems like Mychal Kendricks might be traded so it might not make sense to keep him on here, but here he is. Brad Jones figures to be a special teams contributor. If Kendricks does get traded, Najee Goode's chances of making the team definitely increase.

S: Malcolm Jenkins, Jaylen Watkins, Chris Maragos, Chris Prosinski (4)

Malcolm Jenkins is the starter at one spot but what will happen at the other spot is totally unclear. For now it seems like 2014 fourth round pick Jaylen Watkins could be moving to safety. Chris Maragos and Chris Prosinski are both special teams aces.

CB: Byron Maxwell, Eric Rowe, Walter Thurmond, Nolan Carroll, JaCorey Shepherd, Randall Evans (6)

This situation assumes Brandon Boykin gets traded. Byron Maxwell is the starter and it seems possible Eric Rowe could start across from him if he's not being used at safety. Walter Thurmond is the team's slot cornerback if/when Boykin is gone. Nolan Carroll is the team's dime linebacker. JaCorey Shepherd and Randall Evans can both make the team but they won't have much chance to contribute.

SPECIAL TEAMS

K: Cody Parkey (1)

No competition.

P: Donnie Jones (1)

The veteran can defend his job from UDFA rookie Kip Smith.

LS: Jon Dorenbos (1)

Easy call.

Practice Squad (10):

QB/ST G.J. Kinne, TE Eric Tomlinson, S Ed Reynolds, S Jerome Couplin, NT Wade Keliikipi, DE Brian Mihalik, WR Devante Davis, OL Cole Manhart, OL Kevin Graf, WR Quron Pratt

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