Eagles roster projection after 2024 NFL Draft: Are these 3 veterans losing their jobs? (2024)

PHILADELPHIA − The Eagles made it a goal to get younger in the NFL draft while also putting the bitter memory of their 1-6 collapse to end the 2023 season behind them.

So they did something they hadn't done in 22 years by drafting a cornerback in Round 1 in Toledo's Quinyon Mitchell. Then they doubled down and took another in Round 2 in Cooper DeJean.

They didn't add an offensive tackle in a talent-laden position in the draft, and didn't take an interior lineman until Rounds 5 and 6.

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"It's just how the board fell," Roseman said. "I think there was a run on offensive linemen in some areas where we didn't pick. When we came back and picked in some of those rounds, it didn't really fit. We felt like it was more important to stay true to our board than to just kind of reach."

The Eagles did address the tackle position about 24 hours after the draft ended by signing massive left tackle Mekhi Becton to a one-year deal worth a reported $5.5 million on Sunday. Becton was the Jets' first-round pick in 2020 (No. 11 overall) who never lived up to his expectations.

The reverberations from the draft, however, could be felt with some veterans not only losing their jobs, but their roster spots. That could include cornerback James Bradberry, running back Boston Scott, and perhaps wide receiver DeVante Parker depending on how sixth-round rookie Johnny Wilson performs this summer.

Here's an early look at what the Eagles' 53-man roster will look like:

Quarterbacks (3)

Jalen Hurts, Kenny Pickett, Tanner McKee

No surprises here, even though the Eagles also added Will Grier, who is familiar with offensive coordinator Kellen Moore's system from his days in Dallas and last season with the Chargers. But McKee will get the third QB job because he'd likely get claimed if the Eagles tried to get him to the practice squad. In the meantime, Grier can serve as a mentor to all three QBs on Moore's system.

Wide receivers (6)

AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, Parris Campbell, DeVante Parker, Ainias Smith, Britain Covey

The Eagles didn't draft a clear-cut No. 3 wide receiver early, so it's possible that either veterans Parker or Campbell won't make the roster. Ainias Smith, the fifth-round pick, could develop into a No. 3 receiver. But Britain Covey, who averaged 14.4 yards per punt return last season, will stay over Wilson, who should end up on the practice squad.

Running backs (3)

Saquon Barkley, Kenny Gainwell, Will Shipley

Shipley, the Eagles' fourth-round pick, will have a role this season. Barkley will no doubt be the workhorse, and Gainwell will get some touches. But Shipley should get a chance if Barkley gets hurt, or in mop-up duty. That leaves Boston Scott, who has spent six seasons with the Eagles, as the odd man out.

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Tight ends (4)

Dallas Goedert, CJ Ozumah, Albert Okwuegbunam, Grant Calcaterra

The Eagles didn't draft a tight end, and they signed Ozumah in free agency to replace Jack Stoll, who signed with the Giants. Still, this position is basically Goedert, then everyone else.

Offensive linemen (10)

Center: Cam Jurgens, Dylan McMahonGuards: Landon Dickerson, Tyler Steen, Matt Hennessy, Trevor KeeganTackles: Jordan Mailata, Lane Johnson, Mekhi Becton, Fred Johnson

Becton addresses a need as a backup tackle to Mailata on the left side and Lane Johnson on the right. Keep an eye on undrafted free agent Anim Dankwah perhaps pushing Fred Johnson for the last tackle spot. Hennessy can also serve as a backup center if the Eagles don't feel McMahon is ready to play if Jurgens gets hurt. The big test will be at right guard, where Tyler Steen is the favorite to start as Jurgens replaces Jason Kelce at center.

Defensive tackles/edge rushers (10)

Edge: Bryce Huff, Josh Sweat, Nolan Smith, Brandon Graham, Jalyx Hunt, Zack BaunTackle: Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Milton Williams, Moro Ojomo

The Eagles used a third-round pick on Hunt, whom they consider a developmental player, so they're not going to risk losing him by trying to put him on the practice squad. But losing Fletcher Cox at DT is going to make this a young group, so don't be surprised if a veteran is added sometime before the season starts.

Linebackers (4)

Nakobe Dean, Devin White, Jeremiah Trotter, Oren Burks

The Eagles need much more from Dean than they got last season. White, signed to a one-year deal, hasn't lived up to his billing as a No. 5 overall pick by the Buccaneers in 2019. The Eagles drafted Trotter more for 2025, but if Dean or White are injured or ineffective, Trotter and/or Burks could get a chance.

Cornerbacks (7)

Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Avonte Maddox, Isaiah Rodgers, Kelee Ringo, Eli Ricks

This will be the most competitive position for jobs. And that could mean James Bradberry gets cut. Bradberry is coming off a disappointing season while Rodgers sat out 2023 to serve a suspension for gambling. Mitchell could end up starting Day 1, while DeJean should wind up as the starting nickel over Maddox.

Safeties (3)

CJ Gardner-Johnson, Reed Blankenship, Sydney Brown

The Eagles will be thin here, at least until Brown, who tore his ACL in the regular-season finale, is cleared to return. But players like Maddox and DeJean can play safety if needed.

Special teams (3)

Punter: Braden MannKicker: Jake ElliottLong snapper: Rick Lovato

No changes here. The Eagles signed all three to contract extensions this spring, and it's highly unlikely they bring in competition.

Contact Martin Frank at mfrank@delawareonline.com. Follow on X @Mfranknfl.