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McLane: Who makes grade on Eagles roster - the final 53

For the first time in eight years, finding 53 players to fill the Eagles' final roster has been arduous. In the past, the trimming of players before cut-down day has seemingly left worthy candidates off the list.

For the first time in eight years, finding 53 players to fill the Eagles' final roster has been arduous. In the past, the trimming of players before cut-down day has seemingly left worthy candidates off the list.

It is, of course, a subjective enterprise. Those Eagles teams that once appeared deep ultimately didn't meet expectations. But coach Doug Pederson's first squad does look light, particularly at running back, wide receiver, offensive line, linebacker, and in the secondary.

The Eagles have failed to specify if Pederson or Howie Roseman has final say over who does or doesn't make the team, but the executive vice president of football operations is believed to have the authority.

There are still days - and Thursday night's preseason finale against the New York Jets - remaining until the deadline at 4 p.m. Saturday, but here is one beat reporter's early roster projection (with the understanding that it could change over the next 24-36 hours):

Quarterbacks (3): Sam Bradford, Chase Daniel, Carson Wentz. No surprises here. The only remaining question is whether Wentz, once he's fully recovered from fractured ribs, will be active on game days as the third quarterback. Pederson has said that he plans to dress only Bradford and Daniel.

Cut: McLeod Bethel-Thompson.

Running backs (4): Ryan Mathews, Darren Sproles, Kenjon Barner, Wendell Smallwood. Five would be a big number considering the lack of accomplished players at the position, but the Eagles could initially be inclined to keep a handful with Smallwood recovering from a concussion after missing most of his rookie training camp. If the concussion is severe enough, the Eagles may be able to put the rookie on injured reserve. That could pave the way for the undrafted Byron Marshall or a waiver wire addition.

Cut: Marshall, Cedric O'Neal.

Wide receivers (5): Jordan Matthews, Nelson Agholor, Dorial Green-Beckham, Josh Huff, Paul Turner. The departures of veterans Rueben Randle and Chris Givens on Sunday drained the pool down to an obvious five. Turner shouldn't rest easy, though, unless the Eagles are committed to having six receivers. The undrafted rookie has earned a spot, but there should be prospects with higher ceilings on the street.

Cut: Marcus Johnson, Cayleb Jones, David Watford.

Tight ends (3): Brent Celek, Zach Ertz, Trey Burton. Pederson nearly had Chris Pantale on the roster as early as May. But the tight end, who has chipped in at fullback, has been inconsistent during the preseason and is low on the special-teams depth chart.

Cut: Pantale, M.J. McFarland.

Offensive linemen (10): Jason Peters, Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson, Brandon Brooks, Allen Barbre, Stefen Wisniewski, Isaac Seumalo, Matt Tobin, Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Josh Andrews. If Johnson's 10-game suspension is upheld before Saturday, he's off the roster (until Nov. 22) and either Darrell Greene or Dillon Gordon slides in as the beneficiary. The guess here is that Greene would get the nod. The Eagles gave Greene more guaranteed money than any other undrafted rookie and they still like his ceiling. Gordon has impressed, too, but he can be stowed on the practice squad.

Cut: Gordon, Barrett Jones.

Defensive ends (6): Connor Barwin, Vinny Curry, Brandon Graham, Marcus Smith, Steven Means, Bryan Braman. The Eagles will use four ends - possibly only three - on defense during game days. So six edge rushers is a lot. But Braman is more of a specialist, and the Eagles, frankly, have room to keep him because they're thin at other positions. Smith wasn't likely to be cut because of his first-round draft stock, but he did make a late push to eliminate any doubt. Means, despite a strong preseason, is on the bubble. Braman and Smith are ahead of him on special teams.

Injured reserve: Alex McCalister Cut: Jake Metz.

Defensive tackles (4): Fletcher Cox, Bennie Logan, Beau Allen, Taylor Hart. Allen and Hart gave testament to the theory that if you're talented and smart enough, you can play in almost any scheme. Curry will take some tackle snaps and help keep the Eagles comfortable with four tackles. Journeyman Bruce Gaston was added to the roster this week, most likely to compensate for the absence of Hart (knee/ankle) against the Jets.

Cut: Gaston, Destiny Vaeao, Aziz Shittu.

Linebackers (5): Jordan Hicks, Mychal Kendricks, Nigel Bradham, Stephen Tulloch, Najee Goode. The Eagles will probably be in the market for another linebacker after cuts. Right now, all five of the above will be active on game days. Tulloch, who was signed after rookie Joe Walker went down for the season, can help out on special teams.

Injured reserve: Walker Cut: Myke Tavarres, Quentin Gause.

Cornerbacks (6): Leodis McKelvin, Nolan Carroll, Ron Brooks, Eric Rowe, Jalen Mills, C.J. Smith. If the number is five, Smith is likely the odd man out. He has impressed the coaches and earned first-team playing time last week. But Mills was drafted (seventh round) and likely did enough early in camp. JaCorey Shepherd was a darling at last year's camp before suffering a season-ending ACL injury. But various injuries have sidelined him through most of this preseason.

Cut: Shepherd.

Safeties (4): Malcolm Jenkins, Rodney McLeod, Chris Maragos, Jaylen Watkins. Maragos hasn't played much on defense in the last two preseason games, but the coaches know what they have in the special-teams ace. Watkins is vastly improved as a tackler, and looks more comfortable after exclusively playing at safety this offseason. He edges out Ed Reynolds and seventh-round rookie Blake Countess, who has been a disappointment.

Cut: Reynolds, Countess.

Specialists (3): Caleb Sturgis, Donnie Jones, Jon Dorenbos. Cody Parkey has one opportunity left to turn the tide. It may not be enough. Sturgis has been more accurate and his kicks have been stronger.

Cut: Parkey.

jmclane@phillynews.com

@Jeff_McLane