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Philadelphia Eagles 53-man roster prediction: Preseason Week 2 Edition

Who will make the final cut?

Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Now that the Philadelphia Eagles have been through over two weeks of 2015 training camp practices and one preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts, it's time to take a look at an updated 53-man roster prediction. Let's see how much things have changed since the last prediction done prior to training camp.

This roster projection is based on everything I've seen from not only the Eagles' first preseason game on Sunday against the Colts but also from personally attending the Eagles spring practices (organized team activities/mandatory minicamp) and summer training camp practices every day.

OFFENSE

Quaterback (3): Sam Bradford, Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow [3]

I said all along that the notion of a real quarterback competition was silly. Sam Bradford has taken about 95% of the team's first team reps in practice, if not more. He's looked pretty great throwing the ball around this summer. His quick release, laser accuracy, good decision making, and strong arm have been on full display. Now he needs to prove he can do all of that when he's facing pressure and taking hits. Bradford is scheduled to play against the Ravens on Saturday. Backing up Bradford is Sanchez. The veteran struggled against the Colts but he'll still be the No. 2 guy. As for the No. 3 spot, some people might think Matt Barkley is ahead of Tim Tebow after Sunday's performance, but I don't buy it yet. Barkley has been available in trade for quite some time now. I think Tebow ends up sticking.

Running Back (4): DeMarco Murray, Ryan Mathews, Darren Sproles, Kenjon Barner [7]

The top three here are obvious. DeMarco Murray has been limited in practice recently so the team will hope he'll be fully healthy the start of the regular season. Until then, Ryan Mathews is plenty capable of carrying the workload. Darren Sproles is still a valuable weapon to have on offense and on special teams. Kenjon Barner makes the cut here since the team because #OregonBias! Just kidding, but the Eagles might keep four running backs considering Murray and Mathews are injury prone while Sproles is aging and is expected to be used as more of a receiver.

Wide Receiver (6): Jordan Matthews, Josh Huff, Nelson Agholor, Riley Cooper, Miles Austin, Seyi Ajirotutu [13]

This group is pretty much locked in. Jordan Matthews is the starter in the slot. Josh Huff is poised to take a step forward in Year 2. Nelson Agholor still makes some rookie mistakes but he's flashed legitimate talent. Riley Cooper is still around. Miles Austin figures to get some playing time in some fashion. Seyi Ajirotutu is a special teams ace and decent depth receiver to have.

Tight End (4): Brent Celek, Zach Ertz, Trey Burton, Eric Tomlinson [17]

Zach Ertz is expected to return for Week 1 of the regular season after being ruled out of the entire preseason due to a core muscle injury. Ertz being shaken up opens the door for more playing time for second-year tight end Trey Burton. It also could open up a roster spot for a fourth tight end. In this case, I have the Eagles keeping rookie undrafted free agent Eric Tomlinson because he shined in practice and the first preseason game.

Offensive Tackle (3): Jason Peters, Lane Johnson, Matt Tobin [20]

Jason Peters and Lane Johnson are studs on the outside. Peters lost weight this offseason in order to be in the best shape of his life. With Matt Tobin not having gotten right guard reps since early on in training camp, it seems like the team has been working him out at tackle, which is his original position.

Offensive Guard (3): Allen Barbre, Andrew Gardner, John Moffitt [23]

Allen Barbre is a lock at left guard. Though Chip Kelly won't officially commit to him, it appears Andrew Gardner is the recent favorite to win the right guard job. He's taken the bulk of the first team reps there in practice and he started against the Colts. John Moffitt is in the mix for a starting job but he's rusty after having been out of the league for two years. A backup spot seems more realistic for him for now.

Center (2): Jason Kelce, David Molk [25]

David Molk still appears to be the top backup to Jason Kelce. For what it's worth, PFF graded him favorably against the Colts.

...

DEFENSE

Defensive End (4): Fletcher Cox, Cedric Thornton, Vinny Curry, Taylor Hart [29]

Fletcher Cox and Cedric Thornton are an awesome starting tandem. Vinny Curry will get rotated in but also might see some work at 3-4 outside linebacker. If that's the case, that could open up some playing time for Taylor Hart. The Eagles might opt to keep the more experienced Brandon Bair over the younger Hart here, but for now I'm leaving Bair off.

Nose Tackle (2): Bennie Logan, Beau Allen [31]

Bennie Logan looks like a beast. He's not going to let people run on him. Beau Allen looks like a sturdy backup and rotational player.

Outside Linebacker (4): Brandon Graham, Connor Barwin, Marcus Smith, Bryan Braman [35]

Brandon Graham and Connor Barwin are the full time starters on the outside. Marcus Smith will look to have a rotational role. He's shown some signs of progress this summer, but he's still far from proven. Bryan Braman is a great special teams player to have who can suplex the crap out of people.

Inside Linebacker (5): Kiko Alonso, Mychal Kendricks, DeMeco Ryans, Brad Jones, Jordan Hicks [40]

Kiko Alonso, Mychal Kendricks, and DeMeco Ryans have been missing time recently but they'll be the three main players on the inside. Brad Jones looked great on defense against the Colts and also contributed on special teams. Plus he has the versatility to play some outside linebacker. As a third round pick, Jordan Hicks is a lock to make the team.

Cornerback (5): Byron Maxwell, Nolan Carroll, Eric Rowe, E.J. Biggers, Jaylen Watkins [45]

Byron Maxwell and Nolan Carroll are likely the starters on the outside. Eric Rowe will push for playing time even if he's not a starter. Veteran defensive back E.J. Biggers earns a spot due to his ability to play outside, inside, and some safety as well. The final spot here could come down to Jaylen Watkins versus Randall Evans versus Denzel Rice. Watkins gets the benefit of the doubt here for now since he got first team nickel reps but he's not guaranteed a roster spot.

Safety (5): Malcolm Jenkins, Walter Thurmond, Chris Maragos, Chris Prosinski, Ed Reynolds [50]

Malcolm Jenkins and Walter Thurmond are the starters. Chris Maragos and Chris Prosinski are great on special teams. Prosinski has flashed at times on defense this summer as well. Chip Kelly praised Ed Reynolds after the Colts game not only for his two interceptions but his special teams contributions as well.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kicker: Cody Parkey [51]

The missed kicks are a little bit concerning, but he's still the guy for now.

Punter: Donnie Jones [52]

Kip Smith doesn't stand a chance.

Long Snapper: Jon Dorenbos [53]

Still one of the best in the league at age 35.

...

Practice Squad (10):

QB/RB/WR G.J. Kinne, RB Raheem Mostert, WR Rasheed Bailey, CB Randall Evans, DE Brian Mihalik, NT Wade Keliikipi, OL Brett Boyko, OL Josh Andrews, OLB Diaheem Watkins, S Jerome Couplin

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