Philadelphia Eagles: Way too early 53-man roster prediction
By David Esser
Linebacker
Eric Wilson, Alex Singleton, Davion Taylor, JaCoby Stevens, Genard Avery, Shaun Bradley
The Philadelphia Eagles have repeatedly employed a “quantity over quality” approach when it comes to their linebacker group, and 2021 appears to be no different. While the addition of Eric Wilson in free agency adds a much needed veteran presence to the room, the team is still super weak at the position.
Outside of JaCoby Stevens (college safety) and Patrick Johnson (college defensive end), the Eagles didn’t draft any linebackers in the 2021 Draft..
Wilson and Alex Singleton should be locks as the team’s main two starting linebackers, and I expect last year’s third-round selection Davion Taylor to see far more playing time moving forward.
Shaun Bradley should crack the roster due to being a recent draft pick, and JaCoby Stevens looks like a high-upside special teamer who could see some time on defense as an in-the-box safety/outside linebacker.
The main training camp battle should be between Genard Avery and TJ Edwards, as both players offer vastly different skill sets. Edwards is a true run-stuffing MLB, whereas Avery is making the switch to OLB as a former defensive end.
I have seventh-round pick Patrick Johnson landing on the practice squad in this scenario.