Here's how confident we are in this 2025-26 Philadelphia Eagles team. The floor for this coming season is another NFC Championship Game appearance. They're light years ahead of the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants now. They're the cream of the crop in the NFC East.
Sorry Washington Commanders fans. We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but Deebo Samuel isn't lifting you to the Super Bowl.
Philly is better better than best the NFC North has to offer. The Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers will be formidable. They, however, lack something, and we can't put our finger on what it is.
The Los Angeles Rams will play a role in how the NFC is won, but Philly is better than the Rams and San Francisco 49ers.
The NFC South? Come on... What are we talking about here? Can you see it? A successful title defense is very possible.
A way-too-early 53-man Eagles roster projection is loaded with future NFL stars
Players can't be successful without great coaching. Brilliant coaches will still lose without great players. The Eagles check all of the boxes in both areas. The organization's leadership gets a passing grade. There is so much to be excited about moving forward.
We often hear about 'how good teams look on paper'. That won't win games, but it helps.
You're in luck, Birds fans. Despite losing talent, much of Philly's core group remains intact. They compensated for many of the departures with good draft picks, trades, and key free-agent signings.
What might a 53-man roster look like if it had to be released tomorrow? We're glad that you asked. Here are a few way-too-early ideas about a unit loaded with future stars.
Special Teams (4)
Placekicker - Jake Elliott
Punter - Braden Mann
Long Snapper: Charley Hughlett
Returner - Avery Williams
Guys like Will Shipley and Cooper DeJean give Philly some added depth at returner on kickoffs and punt returns, but Avery Williams was brought in specifically to fill those roles even if he's also listed as a tailback and cornerback.
Quarterbacks (3)
Jalen Hurts (starter), Tanner McKee, Kyle McCord
This shouldn't shock anyone. Philly traded Kenny Pickett for Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a draft selection, but exhausting a sixth-rounder on Kyle McCord means the ceiling for DTR is now a spot on the scout team.
Running Backs (3)
Saquon Barkley (starter), Will, Shipley, A.J. Dillon
Again, this shouldn't shock anyone. We've often seen Philly be comfortable with beginning the season with three tailbacks, and even though there are some talented youngsters in the mix, they'll compete for spots on the practice squad and other rosters because the three guys listed here are the only ones who are going to play.
Fullback (1)
Ben VanSumeren
Before Ben Van Sumeren's 2024 season ended after Week 12, he had found a role as a fullback/linebacker/special teams hybrid. Injuries cut things short, but the brass saw enough to re-sign him during the offseason. Something tells us he'll be on the roster.
Wide Receivers (6)
A.J. Brown (starter), DeVonta Smith (starter), Jahan Dotson (starter), Johnny Wilson, Ainias Smith, Terrace Marshall
The wide receiver room will look much like it did last season, minus swapping Parris Campbell out for Terrace Marshall. Hopefully, the latter is an upgrade.
Tight ends (2)
Dallas Goedert (starter), Grant Calcaterra
Dallas Goedert is still on the roster. We wouldn't be shocked if he's on this team come Week 1. We wouldn't be shocked if he's released. In this scenario, he and Grant make the initial roster. Philly keeps two tight ends to make room at other positions.
Offensive linemen (10)
Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Tyler Steen, Lane Johnson, Myles Hinton, Kenyon Green, Drew Kendall, Trevor Keegan, Kendall Lamm
There are minimal doubts about what the starting offensive line will look like. We'll see about the right guard position, but the key players are back. The depth looks better than it did last season, despite the loss of Mekhi Becton.
Defensive Linemen (4)
Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Ty Robinson
Jordan Davis's fifth-year option has been exercised. Moro Ojomo has improved as we've gotten to know him.
Ty Robinson is the future and potentially an upgrade over the recently departed Milton Williams. We hate to jump the gun, but Jalen Carter is already one of the game's best. What's funny is he hasn't even hit his ceiling yet.
Linebackers (5)
Zack Baun, Nakobe Dean, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Jihaad Campbell, Smael Mondon
Thank Heaven for Vic Fangio. The Eagles' linebacker unit is elite now, and it's been fun to watch.
Dean will enter the season injured, but All-Pro Zack Baun and newly drafted prospects Jihaad Campbell and Smael Mondon round out a nice room with the son of a legend, Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Edge Rushers (5)
Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, Azeez Ojulari, Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr., Patrick Johnson
While Jihaad Campbell adds depth at linebacker, he's also a talented edge rusher. There are other talented young edge rushers on the roster, including the guys you see named on this list.
Cornerbacks (6)
Quinyon Mitchell, Kelee Ringo, Cooper DeJean, Mac McWilliams, Eli Ricks, Adoree' Jackson (or a player to be named later)
Each glance at the Eagles' roster makes it easy to see who the cream of this crop is. The future seems secure with Q and Coop. Adoree' Jackson is a veteran bridge. Mac McWilliams, the rookie, is hopefully the backup slot corner needed after Avonte Maddox's departure.
Safeties (4)
Sydney Brown, Reed Blankenship, Andrew Mukuba, Lewis Cine
Sydney Brown's path to the starter's chair isn't assured with the addition of Andrew Mukuba. We're excited about the rookie. He seems like a nice trade-off for C.J. Gardner-Johnson minus all of the drama.
