The Eagles have finalized their 53-man roster after releasing defensive tackle Antonio Dixon.
Here’s how it looks:
(Updated to include David Sims trade.)
Quarterbacks (3): Michael Vick, Nick Foles, Trent Edwards.
Edwards was a real longshot at the start of camp, and Kafka had a seemingly firm grip on the No. 2 spot. Then Kafka got hurt, Foles flourished and Edwards showed drastic improvement. Now Kafka is off the team. Funny game.
Running backs (5): LeSean McCoy, Dion Lewis, Bryce Brown, Chris Polk, Stanley Havili.
As a wise man predicted in his projected 53-man roster, the Eagles decided to go with four tailbacks and a fullback. Polk showed a bruising style of play that could be useful to the Eagles in spots.
Wide receivers (5): DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant, Riley Cooper, Damaris Johnson.
With Cooper still recovering from a collarbone injury, the Eagles will be a bit thin at receiver to start the season, assuming the roster stays this way. Hall was likely a casualty of the decision to roll with five backs.
Tight ends (2): Brent Celek, Clay Harbor.
Brett Brackett and Chase Ford had their moments, but didn’t make the grade.
Offensive linemen (8): King Dunlap, Evan Mathis, Jason Kelce, Danny Watkins, Todd Herremans, Demetress Bell, Dennis Kelly, Dallas Reynolds.
Sheil and I both had Steve Vallos making it, but Reynolds gets the nod. This is a unit with plenty of question marks, and may very well look different in the coming weeks. Julian Vandervelde originally made the team, but was released after the Eagles traded for Browns safety David Sims.
Defensive linemen (10): Trent Cole, Jason Babin, Cullen Jenkins, Fletcher Cox, Derek Landri, Brandon Graham, Phillip Hunt, Vinny Curry, Cedric Thornton, Darryl Tapp.
Antonio Dixon was the Eagles’ final cut. Chances are they tried to find some trade value for him, but couldn’t get anything done.
Linebackers (6): DeMeco Ryans, Mychal Kendricks, Brian Rolle, Jamar Chaney, Casey Matthews, Akeem Jordan.
No great surprises here. Keenan Clayton says goodbye after 21 games in green. Ryan Rau became a fan favorite late but did not secure a spot.
Cornerbacks (6): Nnamdi Asomugha, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Curtis Marsh, Brandon Boykin, Trevard Lindley, Brandon Hughes.
Joselio Hanson just can’t buy security here despite generally solid play in the interior. A big responsibility falls to the rookie Boykin, with Hughes potentially backing him up. Lindley not projected by many to make it.
Safeties (5): Nate Allen, Kurt Coleman, Colt Anderson, Jaiquawn Jarrett, David Sims.
Sims was acquired late Friday for a conditional draft pick. The 5-9 safety bounced around to a few teams in his rookie season last year but didn’t see any action. Thought here was that Anderson would be heading to the PUP, but the Eagles apparently don’t want to wait six weeks to get their special-teams artist on the field.
Specialists (3): Alex Henery, Chas Henry, Jon Dorenbos.
It took a while, but the veteran Mat McBriar was eventually cut well after his agent leaked the news on Twitter. Henry still has to prove it.
Notable cuts: Mike Kafka, Joselio Hanson, Chad Hall, O.J. Atogwe, Mat McBriar, Antonio Dixon.
Follow Tim on Twitter and e-mail him at tmcmanus@phillymag.com
