Eagles 53 man roster prediction, pt 4 (CB, S, ST)

Cornerback

Keep: James Bradberry, Darius Slay, Avonte Maddox, Josiah Scott, Zech McPhearson, Josh Jobe

James Bradberry

While the addition of James Bradberry may not have been the biggest of the offseason, it will no doubt have the most significant impact on this Eagles team. Having two Pro Bowl corners is one of the greatest luxuries in Football. Good Dbacks are hard to come across these days and the fact that the Eagles have been able to get themselves two of the best corners in the game will automatically make this defense a force to be reckoned with.

Darius Slay

Since being traded to the Eagles in the 2020 offseason Darius Slay has continued to be one of the best corners in all of Football. Slay has been named to two Pro Bowls since coming to Philly and has simultaneously become a leader in the Eagles defensive backfield. Look for Slay to flourish now with the pairing of James Bradberry in the Birds secondary.

Avonte Maddox

Avonte Maddox has been the epitome of inconsistent since joining the Eagles as a 4th round pick in 2018. Starting out as a Saftey and eventually making the move to Cornerback, Maddox has been up and down over the last few seasons. However, reports out of training camp this year suggest that Maddox has found his stride with the addition of James Bradberry taking a lot of pressure off of him covering most teams’ number two receiver. We will see how it all shakes out for Maddox this season, as all signs point up for the Pitt product.

Josiah Scott

After being acquired by the Eagles via trade prior to last season Josiah Scott has done a lot of growing. He has since made the switch to Safety and while he hasn’t flourished Scott has shown potential as a multi-tool DB. The former Jaguar has done well this offseason and with a weak Eagles backfield should get a shot to prove himself.

Zech McPhearson

Zech McPhearson hasnt done all too much to make huge strides in his game over the last few seasons. That being said he has proven to be a solid depth piece, and the fact he was a fourth-round selection will make him a difficult cut. While I don’t know if a starting role is in his future, I feel the best is still ahead for McPhearson.

Josh Jobe

In his short time since being signed as a UDFA by the Eagles, Josh Jobe has proven that he belongs on this roster. Jobe spent 4 years at Alabama but saw limited playing time for the Crimson Tide. I feel with the right amount of development and snaps, the Eagles may be able to turn the young Jobe into a pretty nice player.

Cut: Tay Gowan, Kary Vincent Jr, Josh Blackwell, Mac McCain, Mario Goodrich

Tay Gowan

Gowan was a pretty up-and-down player for the Eagles in camp. I think if he was able to be more consistent at times he may have a shot at making this roster over a guy like Josh Jobe. However, I believe Gowan will be around for the season, most likely as a practice piece. I know the Eagles like what they have in him, and a little more work could be all it takes for him to earn himself a roster spot come next season.

Kary Vincent Jr

Kary Vincent is a guy who came into camp with some expectations and that may have been his downfall at the end of the day. Vincent was acquired via trade from Denver last season where he appeared in just two games totaling two tackles. However, the LSU product has been seen as vulnerability at times and puts a practice squad spot even in question.

Josh Blackwell

Josh Blackwell was released two times already during camp for roster space reasons but was brought back for the final preseason game. The 2022 UDFA has not shown us much in his limited sample size, he could possibly be a guy to bring back for camp next season if he improves. However, Josh Blackwell will most likely end up unemployed this season.

Mac McCain III

Mac McCain was a guy who struggled throughout camp, at first to stay on the field, and then to keep up with his competition. McCain spent some time with the Eagles last season but saw limited action. The former Bronco just didn’t show the Eagles enough to be considered for a spot, he does have an outside chance at a practice squad spot but time will tell.

Mario Goodrich

Mario Goodrich surprised many this summer becoming one of the best of the Eagles “bubble Corners”. Goodrich may certainly have a practice squad spot in his future, but a roster spot just dosent seem feasible at the time. A midseason call-up may end up being the Clemson Alum’s best bet.

Safety

Keep: Anthony Harris, Marcus Epps, Kvon Wallace, Jaquiski Tartt

Anthony Harris

The Veteran Harris surprised many this offseason when the Eagles elected to bring him back after a lackluster 2021 season. But it makes sense when you realize just how thin the Eagles are at the Safety position, it continues to be the only big glaring hole left on the squad. Harris had a decent camp but we are going to need to see a leap in production from last season if the Eagles want to sure up the back of the defense.

Marcus Epps

Marcus Epps has perhaps turned himself into the best Safety on this roster (not that there is all too much competition). But it is still impressive to say the least, After being claimed off waivers from Minnesota in 2019 Epps has only seemed to get better. While he started off as a backup safety all the way up until last season, he has flourished and really grown as a player. All signs point to another great offseason for Epps who will look to take his play to the next level this year.

Kvon Wallace

Kvon Wallace is another guy the Eagles have had high hopes for since being selected in the 4th round of the 2020 NFL draft and garnering heavy endorsement from Brian Dawkins. Kvon has since struggled to take that jump, he has seemed to be stuck at the same level of production since his rookie year. Hopefully, Wallace can make that jump this year, but as for now, I see no reason the Eagles would release him.

Jaquiski Tartt

(Tartt was released by the Eagles this morning but considering this is an opinion more than a realistic prediction I’ve chosen to keep this as is) Jaquiski Tartt was a name that opened a lot of eyes when the Eagles signed him to a 1-year contract prior to training camp. But the veteran Safety was away from the team for personal reasons for most of the beginning of camp and struggled amidst his return. However, I could see the Eagles overlooking Tartt’s struggles and looking at his veteran experience and production through years past.

Cut: Andre Chachere, Reed Blankenship

Andre Chachere

Chachere has been a nice surprise for the Eagles since being signed last off-season. He produced well in limited time last season and while not lighting the world on fire during training camp Chahcere definitely made himself a difficult cut. If he clears waivers I’d expect to see him back on the practice squad sooner rather than later and possibly even back on the roster at some point.

Reed Blankenship

Blankenship was signed as a UDFA this offseason and has always been seen as having an outside chance at a roster spot as all UDFAs are. Blankenship despite showing flashes, looked lost at times and he should be hoping for a practice squad spot at this point.

Special teams

Keep: Jake Elliot, Arryn Sippos, Rick Lovoto

Jake Elliot

Jake Elliot has proven year after year he is one of the best all-around kickers in the game. With the perfect mix of power and accuracy, the Eagles are lucky to have a guy such as Elliot putting balls through the uprights.

Arryn Sippos

Sippos replaced former punter Cam Johnston last season who was released for cap reasons. He has proven to be relatively inconsistent throughout his time in Philly. Struggling to adjust to bad weather situations and sometimes losing control of his punts resulting in them going on 20-30 yards. The Eagles clearly have hope considering they brought in no competition this summer, hopefully, Sippos can turn it around this year.

Rick Lovoto

Long-time Long Snapper Rick Lovoto has his job safely in hand this season, as he is still in the prime of his career and on top of his game.