Predicting the Philadelphia Eagles 53 Man Roster in 2013

Predicting the Eagles 53 Man Roster

Last year was a season to forget for the Philadelphia Eagles. The Andy Reid era came to an end with a 4-12 record and many disappointments. The offense was terrible as quarterback Michael Vick turned the ball over at an unprecedented rate. The defense was awful as well, as they switched schemes and personnel all to no avail. It was disappointing that the team did not fight hard enough to save Reid’s job after everything he has done for this franchise, but nevertheless it was time to move on.

The Eagles appear ready to do just that with the signing of Chip Kelly as their new head coach. Kelly comes over from Oregon where he instituted one of the most exciting offenses in college football history. Fans are waiting eagerly to see Kelly unleash this monster in the pro game, but it remains to be seen if he has the personnel to do so.

Kelly has done great things since coming in as head coach. He convinced Vick to take a pay cut and got rid of Cullen Jenkins and Nnamdi Asomugha. Then they signed Cary Williams, Patrick Chung, Kenny Phillips and Bradley Fletcher to shore up a weak secondary. They drafted Lane Johnson out of Oklahoma to fill a major void on the offensive line and stole quarterback Matt Barkley out of USC late in the draft who could very well be the quarterback of the future.

For now, there is at least buzz surrounding the start of the 2013 Eagles season. It remains to be seen who will take the field when it all begins, but for now here’s who has the best shot.

Zach Slotter is a writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @zslot6, Like his Facebook page or add him to your network on Google.

Quarterbacks (3)

Michael Vick, Matt Barkley and Dennis Dixon

Vick will likely be the starter and they have their quarterback of the future in Barkley. Dixon gets the nod over Nick Foles because of his familiarity of Kelly’s system.

Running Backs (3)

LeSean McCoy, Felix Jones and Bryce Brown

McCoy is a Pro Bowler, but this system has touches for everyone so look for Brown and Jones to get a lot of looks in the backfield as well.

Wide Receivers (6) & Tight Ends (4)

Wide Receivers: Desean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant, Riley Cooper, Arrelious Benn and Damaris Johnson

Tight Ends: Brent Celek, Zach Ertz, James Casey and Clay Harbor

Benn should make the team as the fifth receiver as Johnson will more than likely be used as the punt returner. The Eagles will bring on four tight ends with the idea of Casey playing more of an h-back in the backfield like he did with the Houston Texans

Offensive Line (8)

Jason Peters, Evan Mathis, Jason Kelce, Todd Herremans, Lane Johnson, Dallas Reynolds, Dennis Kelly and Danny Watkins

The Eagles are solid at tackle and improving at guard. Kelly gives them versatility at the tackle and guard position. Danny Watkins is the player who needs to avoid becoming a first round bust.

Defensive Line (7)

Fletcher Cox, Isaac Sopoaga, Cedric Thornton, Clifton Geathers, Benny Logan, Antonio Dixon and Vinny Curry

Cox and Sopoaga are locks on the line and Thornton and Geathers will battle for the other end spot in the 3-4. Dixon and Curry provide depth and versatility on the line.

Linebackers (8)

Connor Barwin, Mychal Kendricks, DeMeco Ryans, Trent Cole, Brandon Graham, Casey Matthews, Phillip Hunt and Jason Phillips

The Eagles have a chance to have a great linebacking corps if Cole and Graham can adapt to the move from defensive end to 3-4 outside linebacker.

Defensive Backs (11)

Cary Williams, Bradley Fletcher, Kenny Phillips, Patrick Chung, Brandon Boykin, Brandon Hughes, Trevard Lindley, Nate Allen, Kurt Coleman, Colt Anderson and Earl Wolff

The Eagles finally have depth in the secondary, and they are going to need it with Phillips and Chung all coming off of injuries.

Special Teams (3)

Alex Henery, Brad Wing and Jon Dorenbos

Henery is one of the best young kickers in the league. Wing is a rookie but could come in and win the job. Dorenbos is the longest tenured Eagle.