Philadelphia Eagles: Way too early 53-man roster prediction

Jan 3, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) celebrates with teammates after a touchdown run against the Washington Football Team during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) celebrates with teammates after a touchdown run against the Washington Football Team during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia Eagles DeVonta Smith
Apr 29, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; DeVonta Smith (Alabama) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by Philadelphia Eagles as the number ten overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft at First Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Wide Receiver

DeVonta Smith, Jalen Reagor, Greg Ward Jr., Travis Fulgham, Quez Watkins, Trevon Grimes

The first main position group where some “tough” decisions are going to have to be made, I have a pair of recently drafted Philadelphia Eagles missing the cut.

For starters, DeVonta Smith and Jalen Reagor are obviously locks to make the roster. I’d argue Greg Ward is a safe bet as well, with Travis Fulgham slotting in as the team’s best overall “X receiver” should he have an above average training camp.

From there, it’s a bit of a toss up.

Trevon Grimes has the natural ability to beat out someone like JJ Arcega-Whiteside for a back of the depth chart role, and Quez Watkins flashed more than John Hightower during their rookie seasons.

With a whole new offensive coaching staff entering the building, my bet is on them prioritizing newer guys like Grimes and Watkins over someone like JJAW, who’s had two full seasons to show something in the big leagues.

Howie Roseman carried seven wideouts on the initial 53-man last year due to Alshon Jeffery being injured at the time – I have that number dropping down to six considering everyone should be healthy this go around.