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 Darius Slay
Dec 6, 2020; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) catches a pass to score a touchdown as Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay (24) defends during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Cornerback

Darius Slay, Avonte Maddox, Zech McPhearson, Josiah Scott, Craig James

The Philadelphia Eagles current cornerback room is bad, there’s no way around that reality.

The drafting of Zech McPhearson gives the team another guy to experiment with, but outside of him, the corner additions this past offseason have all been lackluster.

Darius Slay should remain the team’s CB1 on the boundary, and the hope is he can bounce back after a poor debut season with the Eagles. It’s unclear who Jonathan Gannon plans to start opposite Slay in 2021, but the logic here says McPhearson and Maddox will battle it out, with the loser taking primary slot duties.

Recent trade acquisition Josiah Scott is similarly built to Maddox, and should takeover the backup nickel job previously held by Cre’Von LeBlanc. Craig James rounds out the CB room as a plus special teamer who can fill in on the outside if necessary.

The likes of Shakai Taylor, Kevon Seymour, Michael Jacquet, Lavert Hill, and Nate Meadors all get released in this scenario, with a few of them likely sticking around via the practice squad.

I wouldn’t rule out Roseman still going out and signing an established CB2, but at the moment, internal options are limited.