Who makes the Eagles roster: Linebacker

The Eagles have to narrow their roster to 75 players by Tuesday and to 53 by Sept. 3. Here's a look at each position as final cut-down day looms:

Aug 23: Offensive line
Aug. 24: Defensive line
Aug. 25: Linebacker
Aug. 26: Wide receiver/tight end
Aug. 29: Running back
Aug. 30: Defensive back
Aug. 31: Quarterback/specialist

LINEBACKER

LIKELY TO KEEP: 5

WHO STAYS

Jordan Hicks, Mychal Kendricks, Nigel Bradham, Stephen Tulloch, Najee Goode, Joe Walker (IR)

The Eagles could keep as many as six linebackers, and back when they were a 4-3 defense under Andy Reid, they often did. Linebackers, typically, make for multifaceted special teams contributors. But I think the Eagles keep just five this year for a couple of reasons. For one, they don't really have an obvious sixth man. And two, I'm assuming that six defensive ends make the squad, with Bryan Braman and Marcus Smith as the last two. Braman might as well be a "linebacker." He'll play on all four core special teams and won't sniff snaps on defense – unless there's an emergency. Smith has also started to practice on all four units, which should increase his chances of hanging on for another year.

Braman and Smith (if active) will help offset having Stephen Tulloch, who is unlikely to contribute on special teams, dress on Sundays. And you can bet that Tulloch will be up. There is some question as to his role. Jordan Hicks is currently the starting middle linebacker, and is likely to stay there when the regular season opens. The same applies to Mychal Kendricks (if healthy) on the weak side. But Hicks and Kendricks have little margin for error. If either struggles, Jim Schwartz could be quick to pull the trigger and either move Tulloch ahead of Hicks or shuffle Hicks outside in place of Kendricks. A rotation might be more likely. Tulloch, Hicks and strong-side linebacker Nigel Bradham would play in the base defense on obvious run downs, with Kendricks and Hicks as the two nickel linebackers.

Tulloch is 31 and coming off offseason ankle surgery. He isn't tall, listed generously at 5-foot-11. But he was Schwartz's on-field general for eight seasons in Tennessee and Detroit. Hicks is bright and shouldn't have much trouble with the middle-linebacker responsibilities of calling plays and lining up the front seven. But he's entering his second season and has only six starts to his credit. Tulloch knows Schwartz's scheme perhaps as well as any player. It could be more a matter of when rather than if in terms of when he'll start.

Najee Goode is a quality reserve. He can play all three spots and chip in on special teams. Joe Walker suffered a season-ending torn ACL in the second preseason game and will eventually be placed on injured reserve. The Eagles were encouraged by the seventh-round rookie's performance backing up Hicks. He should get another shot at making the team in a year, barring a setback.

WHO GOES

Myke Tavarres, Quentin Gause, Don Cherry

The Eagles will need at least one linebacker on their practice squad, and any of their three undrafted rookies could qualify. Myke Tavarres has flashed on the outside, but consistency has been an issue. The athleticism is there, but he needs time. The same evaluation could apply to Rutgers product Quentin Gause, who notched an interception in the preseason opener. Don Cherry was the third-string middle linebacker before Walker's injury. He has been active and typically knows where to be on any given play, but he might lack the speed to play at this level.