Adrian Fedkiw
Preseason champs!
Yes, I can see you sarcastically clapping in the distance.
The 2016 exhibition season is in the books and the Philadelphia Eagles went a perfect 4-0, allowing a total of just 46 points.
This is the time where I remind you that the Detroit Lions went 4-0 in the preseason of 2008 when they went 0-16.
More sarcastic clapping.
There were some great storylines, however. Undrafted Louisiana Tech wide receiver Paul Turner caught the most passes in the preseason with 17 to go with 165 yards and a 71-yard punt return for a touchdown.
Eagles head coach Doug Pederson essentially solidified him into the top five of the receiving core after the releases of Chris Givens and Rueben Randle on Sunday. But will Turner be on the roster? Will the Eagles trade for a wideout, pluck one that’s been cut on another team following Saturday afternoon’s cuts or keep him around?
This is the biggest question heading into Saturday’s cuts.
It’s going to be tough to cut defensive end Steven Means, who has caused a pair of interceptions due to his pressure on the quarterback and has consistently been bringing in all four games. He’s showed a quick get-off and translates speed to power well. He has a good bull rush to go with a quick and balanced spin move. There’s so much depth on the defensive line, though, it’s the strongest unit on the team. But if Means gets cut, he’s been so impressive that I believe he’ll land somewhere else.
Undrafted North Dakota State product C.J. Smith has fared well and broke up a bunch of passes due to solid ball skills. He and Eric Rowe appear to be in a battle for the fifth cornerback slot.
What’s going to happen with Lane Johnson and the offensive line. How many linemen does Pederson keep? If Johnson is suspended, he wouldn’t count towards the final 53. I am going to include him since nothing about a suspension has been announced as of yet.
How about the outside linebacker spot? Will the Eagles keep one of their own, work the waivers to add depth, or fill that spot at another position. Destiny Vaeao has had a really strong preseason, maybe that extra spot would go to him, or perhaps the Eagles would choose to go with an extra offensive linemen with Johnson’s potential suspension. Keeping six cornerbacks is the other option, which would mean Rowe and Smith both make the team.
Time for the predictions.
Projected 53-man Roster
QB (3)- Sam Bradford, Chase Daniel, Carson Wentz
RB (4)- Ryan Mathews, Darren Sproles, Kenjon Barner, Wendell Smallwood
WR (5)- Jordan Matthews, Dorial Green-Beckham, Nelson Agholor, Josh Huff, Paul Turner
TE (4)- Zach Ertz, Brent Celek, Trey Burton, Chris Pantale
OL (9)- Jason Peters, Lane Johnson, Brandon Brooks, Allen Barbre, Jason Kelce, Matt Tobin, Isaac Seumalo, Stefen Wisniewski, Halapoulivaati Vaitai
DE (6)- Brandon Graham, Vinny Curry, Connor Barwin, Marcus Smith, Steven Means, Bryan Braman
DT (4)- Fletcher Cox, Bennie Logan, Beau Allen, Taylor Hart
OLB (3)- Mychal Kendricks, Nigel Bradham, Najee Goode
ILB (2)- Jordan Hicks, Stephen Tulloch
CB (6)- Leodis McKelvin, Nolan Carroll, Ron Brooks, Jalen Mills, Eric Rowe, C.J. Smith
S (4)- Malcolm Jenkins, Rodney McLeod, Jaylen Watkins, Chris Maragos
K (1)- Caleb Sturgis
P (1)- Donnie Jones
LS (1)- Jon Dorenbos
Projected 10-Man Practice Squad
RB: Byron Marshall
WR: Cayleb Jones
WR:David Watford
TE- Dillon Gordon
OL- Darrell Greene
DL- Aziz Shittu
DL- Destiny Vaeao
LB- Myke Tavarres
LB- Quentin Gause
S- Blake Countess