The Eagles still have three preseason games remaining, but it's never too early for a 53-man roster projection. Obviously, injuries and the availability of talent post-cuts make predicting all 53 an impossible chore, especially this far in advance. That being said, there have been plenty of hints as to which way the coaching staff is leaning at multiple positions.
Quarterback: Sam Bradford, Mark Sanchez, Matt Barkley (3)
The fact of the matter is Barkley looks worlds better than Tebow at executing the Eagles offense. In fact, Barkley looks worlds better than most people are willing to give him credit. There's a very small chance Barkley could be traded, which in turn would open the door for Tebow to make the team, but at this point, that seems unlikely.
Running Back: DeMarco Murray, Ryan Mathews, Darren Sproles, Raheem Mostert (4)
Why Mostert over Kenjon Barner? Mostert is bigger, younger and faster, but most of all, the undrafted rookie can fill multiple roles on special teams. Sure, Barner returns kicks, but so do Sproles, Nelson Agholor and Josh Huff, to name a few. Mostert actually threw a key block on Barner's 92-yard punt return against the Colts and he was in on the kick coverage unit as well. Of course, the Eagles may not carry four backs at all, but Mostert has more value and upside if they do.
Wide Receiver: Jordan Matthews, Nelson Agholor, Josh Huff, Riley Cooper, Miles Austin, Seyi Ajirotutu (6)
Nothing crazy here. Matthews, Agholor and Huff should form the core of the Eagles aerial attack for years to come, while Cooper and Austin have some guaranteed money coming to them for this year. Ajirotutu will stick as a special teams ace. Local product Rasheed Bailey has made some impressive catches and could be worthy of a spot on the practice squad.
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Tight End: Brent Celek, Zach Ertz, Trey Burton (3)
If Ertz's injury lingers into the regular season, the Eagles could choose to go four tight ends over four running backs. Undrafted rookies Eric Tomlinson or Andrew Gleichert seem to be in line for that spot. Otherwise, no surprises here.
Offensive Line: Jason Peters, Allen Barbre, Jason Kelce, Andrew Gardner, Lane Johnson, Matt Tobin, Julian Vandervelde, John Moffitt (8)
Eight offensive linemen seems a little light, but I had trouble finding a ninth who really warranted a spot. Plus, Tobin and Vandervelde are versatile backups. Tobin can play tackle or guard, Vandervelde guard or center. Gardner and Barbre can also swing outside to tackle if need be. There's a chance a David Molk or Kevin Graf crack the roster, but I could see the Eagles stashing a body or two on the practice squad for now.
Defensive Line: Fletcher Cox, Bennie Logan, Cedric Thornton, Vinny Curry, Beau Allen, Brandon Bair, Taylor Hart (7)
No changes here. Hart was inactive for all 16 games last season, but I doubt that will be the case again in 2015. That might make Bair expendable if the Eagles want the roster spot, but he is a capable reserve and contributes on special teams. Seventh-round selection Brian Mihalik should land on the practice squad.
Outside Linebacker: Connor Barwin, Brandon Graham, Marcus Smith, Brad Jones, Bryan Braman (5)
Smith's injury doesn't sound too serious, which is good, because the Eagles are extremely thin here, so much so that I foresee a permanent move outside for Jones. He's played the position before, so it's not the end of the world, but it speaks to some major dpeth issues. It wouldn't be a shock if they added somebody from the waiver wire after cuts.
Interior Linebacker: Kiko Alonso, DeMeco Ryans, Mychal Kendricks, Jordan Hicks (4)
Emmanuel Acho is a capable reserve, but not sure he does enough on special teams to stick, especially with the logjam ahead of him. Jones can always slide back inside if necessary, and Smith has lined up there as well, so just not seeing the need to keep Acho. Somebody is going to get a decent player.
Cornerback: Byron Maxwell, Nolan Carroll, Eric Rowe, Jaylen Watkins, E.J. Biggers (5)
Biggers has been terrible in previous stints with Washington and Tampa Bay, but the seventh-year veteran is having such a strong camp, I think he sticks. He can play inside or out and pitches in on special teams as well. That's a tough break for Denzel Rice, who's made some plays as well, but maybe the undrafted rookie makes the practice squad.
Safety: Malcolm Jenkins, Walter Thurmond, Ed Reynolds, Chris Prosinski, Chris Maragos (5)
Yes, Reynolds had just the one good preseason game after spending his entire rookie season on the practice squad, but the 2015 fifth-round pick's usage is very telling. He appears to be firmly entrenched as second-string safety, and saw a lot of action on special teams as well. Prosinski and Maragos are special teams standouts as well. My guess is the Eagles would like to sneak Jerome Couplin on to the practice squad, but not sure that's going to happen. Sixth-round pick Randall Evans seems destined for the scout team as well.
Specialists: Cody Parkey, Donnie Jones, Jon Dorenbos (3)
Nothing to see here. Parkey has had his issues, but the Eagles aren't going to give him the quick hook unless the second-year kicker loses all confidence. Honestly, who would be a better option?