Philadelphia Eagles 53-Man Roster Projection: Massive Changes to the Cornerback Room
Despite signing C.J. Gardner-Johnson to a three-year deal in free agency, the Philadelphia Eagles addressed the team’s secondary early in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Following a disappointing end to last season, it was time for change in Philadelphia’s secondary.
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman witnessed the team’s secondary be picked apart down the final stretch of last season. It was an embarrassing display that Roseman knew he had to attack aggressively this offseason, both in free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles 53-Man Roster Projection
While the Eagles have added a ton of new players on defense, it will force the franchise to make several tough decisions during final cuts. What were once weak spots on Philadelphia’s roster are now stacked with intriguing talent.
Although it’s still early in the offseason, it’s never too early to take a look into the future and try to predict what Philadelphia’s roster will look like in September.
After projecting Philadelphia’s 53-man roster on offense, it’s time to do the same on the defensive side of the ball and special teams:
Defensive Tackle (5)
Starters: Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Milton Williams
Backups: Moro Ojomo, Gabe Hall
Following the retirement of Fletcher Cox, Philadelphia is going to rely on the young guys stepping up in 2024. Carter will be the face of this position group for the Eagles and should be able to wreak havoc in Vic Fangio’s defensive scheme.
There will certainly be a battle for the final spots in Philadelphia’s defensive tackle room. I’m going to give Ojomo and Hall the edge right now due to their versatility, age, and upside.
Edge (6)
Starters: Bryce Huff, Josh Sweat
Backups: Nolan Smith, Zack Baun, Brandon Graham, Jalyx Hunt
There likely won’t be many surprises along the edge for the Eagles during final cuts. Based on salaries alone, this group of six seems to be the likeliest group. Although you could debate if Baun will be considered an edge or linebacker by Philadelphia.
I believe Baun will play a similar role to what Andrew Van Ginkel did under Fangio for the Miami Dolphins last season, which will likely involve a lot of alignments outside the offensive tackle. Terrell Lewis and Julian Okwara could make things interesting, though.
Linebacker (5)
Starters: Devin White, Nakobe Dean
Backups: Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Ben VanSumeren, Oren Burks
In recent years, the Eagles went light at linebacker during final cuts. Philadelphia elected to go heavier at defensive back, but that could change with the new kickoff rules. I believe teams will prioritize having more linebackers due to the quicker, closer engagements.
Teams will also want sure tacklers on special teams, which could be prioritized over the speed of defensive backs.
VanSumeren and Burks will likely be key contributors to Philadelphia’s special teams unit in 2024.
Cornerback (6)
Starters: Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean
Backups: Kelee Ringo, Isaiah Rodgers Sr., Tyler Hall
Cornerback is going to be the most entertaining position battle to watch in training camp and preseason.
Last season, Philadelphia’s cornerback room was full of a bunch of question marks and unproven players behind Slay, James Bradberry, and Avonte Maddox.
Fast forward to 2024 and there’s a strong chance that both Bradberry and Maddox won’t even make the team’s final roster. Given the additions of Mitchell, DeJean, Rodgers, and Hall, Philadelphia has added much-needed depth and youth to its cornerback room.
While it will be tough to move on from younger players such as Josh Jobe and Eli Ricks, they simply haven’t shown enough consistency to warrant a spot on the final roster.
DeJean’s ability to play all three positions in the secondary will come in handy as Roseman assembles Philadelphia’s final roster. In this scenario, I project DeJean as the team’s starting slot cornerback, with Hall as his backup.
Safety (3)
Starters: C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Reed Blankenship
Backups: Sydney Brown
Outside of Gardner-Johnson, Philadelphia hasn’t made a notable addition at safety this offseason. Therefore, they could go light at the position during final cuts once again. DeJean could also get a look at safety as well.
Obviously, the situation at safety will have a lot to do with Brown’s health. While he appears to be ahead of schedule in his recovery from a torn ACL, his status is still uncertain in 2024.
The Eagles could opt to take it slow with Brown, place him on the PUP list, and hold onto another defensive back in his place. Philadelphia could always get aggressive and sign another veteran in free agency, such as Justin Simmons or Eddie Jackson.
Specialist (3)
Kicker: Jake Elliott
Punter: Braden Mann
Long Snapper: Rick Lovato
No surprises here as the Eagles signed all three players to contract extensions this offseason.
Eagles special teams coordinator Michael Clay did an impressive job turning around Philadelphia’s unit last season. With all three specialists returning, Philadelphia should continue to excel on special teams in 2024 and beyond.
Anthony Dibona:
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