Thursday, August 30, 2012

7 days of NFL: Predicting the 2012 Eagles Roster

By: Steve Johnson

We did an early prediction of the 2012 Eagles 53 man roster back in May . Has a lot changed? Probably not. We've seen 3 preseason games (final one tonight 6:30 vs the Jets), all 3 of which they've won so far. We've seen a full camp, and an injury free one for the most part. We've seen a rookie QB take over the number two job behind Mike Vick, and the Eagles fans overreact obviously. We've seen undrafted rookie free agents make a splash, positional battles, head coaches getting in players faces (wait what? REALLY?). None of this seems to matter as much as the concern with Mike Vick, but that's another day, another story. Let's get down to the 53 man roster, because the Eagles have to have their team submitted by 9pm Friday night.

Quarterback (3) Vick, Foles, Kafka

No one expected to see Foles do what he did in the preseason by standing in the pocket and making all the NFL throws. After Vick going down, some more optimistic Eagles fans were calling for him to start, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. Nick Foles is the second string QB with potential to be an NFL starter someday, but not now. Kafka has been Eagles groomed, making him the 3rd string over Trent Edwards, who will try out for other teams tonight vs the Jets.

Running Backs (4) McCoy, Lewis, Brown, Havili

Bryce Brown is the third string RB here, after showing what great potential he had when he was the #1 prospect coming out of high school four years ago. Brown has the size and speed that make him a great project for Reid over the new few years. There was speculation that the Eagles don't keep a fullback, but how often do they use it anyways. Havili will come in and play special teams with the potential of catching some balls out of the backfield, something he did very well at USC.

Wide Receivers (6) Jackson, Maclin, Avant, Cooper, Johnson, McNutt

Cooper will miss some time, but not enough to be put on the PUP or the IR. Johnson has impressed in the punt return game, and could be used for a couple plays a game on offense. Chad Hall doesn't make the team, but somehow is still eligible to be on the practice squad. Marvin McNutt can also be a practice squad player after no one has seen him all preseason.

Tight Ends (2) Celek, Harbor

Brett Brackett is on the bubble here, but not enough to originally make the 53 man roster. He could be waived and picked up on the practice squad, intriguing prospect.

Offensive Line (9) Herremans, Watkins, Kelce, Mathis, Dunlap, Bell, Kelly, Vandervelde, Vallos

Don't think for one second it was Bell who lost the starting Left Tackle job, Dunlap earned it. Yeah, yeah we know it's hilarious, but seriously Dunlap has played well. Bell is owed over $3 million, earning him a roster spot in case Dunlap were to go down. The front office still likes second year man Vandervelde, rookie Dennis Kelly and Vallos will likely be the backup center.

Defensive Line (10) Cole, Babin, Jenkins, Cox, Hunt, Graham, Curry, Dixon, Thornton, Landri

Hunt earned his spot once again, making Tapp expendable (look for a trade tomorrow). Graham saved himself one tryout this year to prove he's not a busy. Dixon will be kept as a run stuffer after many thought he would need more time back from his injury. Patterson's injury (which will likely keep him out the year) opens the spot for Thornton, a second year player they really like.

Linebacker (7) Ryans, Kendricks, Jordan, Chaney, Matthews, Rolle, Clayton

Clayton is on the bubble after Jordan took possibly the final linebacker spot when he won the weak side job from Brian Rolle this week. Something could be done with Matthews and Chaney's injuries. Kendricks shined during the preseason and excites the coaching staff at the strongside position.

Cornerback (5) Asomugha, Rodgers-Cromartie, Marsh, Boykin, Hughes

If Boykin was ready or if Marsh wasn't strickly an outside corner, Joselio Hanson is unemployed. They've cut him before, and they've attempted to get rid of him recently, it comes down to if they've seen enough from the other corners. I have Hanson not making the team because of keeping Clayton, who has shown he can match up vs athletic tight ends. This gives the coaching staff the ability to put safeties in the nickle if they don't feel Marsh or Boykin can do the job.

Safety (4) Allen, Coleman, Atogwe, Jarrett

Special Teams stud Colt Anderson will start the year on the PUP list, meaning Atogwe and Jarrett have 6 weeks to fight for the backup safety spot.

Special Teams (3) Henery, Henry, Dorenbos

I originally thought the job was McBriar's to lose, well I guess it was. McBriar is the better punter, but the Eagles value the Holder position more than the Punter. The Eagles will release McBriar after the Jets game, barring injury to Henry.