Grok simulates the Philadelphia Eagles’ 53-man roster and starting lineup after the first week of training camp in South Philly

Things are about to get real at Eagles camp as padded practices become abundant and the preseason follows. But before it does, let’s take a look at where things stand following the first week of camp.

Rob Gregson NFL News Writer
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Jul 30, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Makai Lemon (9) looks on during training camp at Jefferson Health Training Complex.
Jul 30, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Makai Lemon (9) looks on during training camp at Jefferson Health Training Complex. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The Philadelphia Eagles have only been in camp for a week, but we have already learned a lot about this version of the Birds. The defensive line is on track to be a nightmare again, a secret offensive weapon might be emerging, and Jalen Hurts has made it clear that the offense will be different and ultimately better than it was in 2025.

But before the intensity really cranks up, let’s take a look at what we discovered thus far, and simulate the 53-man roster and starting lineup after Week 1 of training camp, with the help of Grok.

Jalen Hurts 2025 stats

  • 3,224 passing yards.
  • 25 touchdowns.
  • 6 interceptions.

Philadelphia Eagles simulated 53-man roster and starting lineup following Week 1 of 2026 training camp

Key early notes: Jonathan Greenard remains on Active/PUP (pec strain; not viewed as long-term), Jalen Hurts showed improving comfort in Sean Mannion’s offense by Day 4, Dontayvion Wicks and Jalyx Hunt stood out positively, DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon dealt with minor hamstring issues (not expected to be major), and the offensive line starters from 2025 return. Roster cuts are still weeks away (final 53 due ~Aug. 30), so this reflects early camp trends, draft capital, contracts, special-teams value, and positional needs after the A.J. Brown trade and scheme changes.

Numbers by position can shift slightly (e.g., 5–6 WRs, 3–4 QBs, OL depth). Practice-squad candidates and IR stashes are noted where relevant.

Offense (≈26–27)

Quarterback (3)

  • Jalen Hurts
  • Tanner McKee
  • Cole Payton (5th-round rookie)

Notes: Hurts is locked in while adjusting to Mannion’s system. McKee holds the primary backup edge over Andy Dalton in most recent projections; Payton is the developmental third option. Four QBs remain possible early but unlikely long-term.

Running Back (3)

  • Saquon Barkley
  • Tank Bigsby
  • Will Shipley

Notes: Barkley remains the lead back. Bigsby is expected to see an expanded role. Shipley edges Dameon Pierce/Elijah Mitchell on receiving and return ability; a fourth RB is more likely practice-squad material.

Wide Receiver (6)

  • DeVonta Smith
  • Makai Lemon (1st-round rookie)
  • Dontayvion Wicks
  • Marquise “Hollywood” Brown
  • Elijah Moore
  • Darius Cooper (or Johnny Wilson in some projections)

Notes: Deep room after the Brown trade. Smith is the clear WR1. Lemon is projected for a significant role; Wicks has impressed early in camp and is frequently listed near the top of the WR2/3 competition. Brown adds speed; Moore and Cooper/Wilson battle for the final spots (special teams/versatility matter).

Tight End (3–4)

  • Dallas Goedert
  • Eli Stowers (2nd-round rookie)
  • Johnny Mundt
  • Cameron Latu (versatile blocker/special teams/FB hybrid in some counts)

Notes: Goedert is the clear starter and could see more targets. Stowers has upside but may need time; Mundt provides blocking reliability. Latu’s versatility helps his case.

Offensive Line (9–10)

  • LT Jordan Mailata
  • LG Landon Dickerson
  • C Cam Jurgens
  • RG Tyler Steen
  • RT Lane Johnson
  • Fred Johnson, Markel Bell (3rd-round rookie), Drew Kendall, Myles Hinton, Micah Morris (6th-round rookie)

Notes: The 2025 starting five return and form one of the league’s strongest units when healthy. Depth prioritizes experience + drafted developmental pieces. Some projections go to 10; bubble players (e.g., Cameron Williams) could land on IR or the practice squad.

Defense (≈24–25)

Edge (5)

  • Jonathan Greenard
  • Nolan Smith Jr.
  • Jalyx Hunt
  • Arnold Ebiketie
  • A.J. Epenesa

Notes: Greenard is the high-upside addition (PUP for now; expected back). Hunt has stood out early in camp. Smith aims for a bounce-back. Ebiketie and Epenesa provide rotational depth (Epenesa’s health is monitored).

Defensive Tackle / Interior DL (5)

  • Jalen Carter
  • Jordan Davis
  • Moro Ojomo
  • Byron Young
  • Gabe Hall (or Ty Robinson)

Notes: Elite starting trio. Young has the edge for rotational snaps in many projections. Uar Bernard (international/developmental) is a candidate to be stashed or protected.

Linebacker (4)

  • Zack Baun
  • Jihaad Campbell
  • Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
  • Smael Mondon Jr.

Notes: Baun and Campbell form the top duo. Trotter and Mondon provide depth + special-teams value. A fifth (e.g., Chance Campbell) is possible if someone forces the issue.

Cornerback (5)

  • Quinyon Mitchell
  • Riq Woolen
  • Cooper DeJean
  • Jonathan Jones
  • Kelee Ringo (or Mac McWilliams/Jakorian Bennett)

Notes: Elite young trio of Mitchell–Woolen–DeJean (DeJean often plays nickel/safety in base). Jones brings veteran versatility; the fifth spot leans toward special-teams contributors.

Safety (4–5)

  • Andrew Mukuba
  • Marcus Epps
  • Michael Carter II
  • Cole Wisniewski (or Kapena Gushiken / special-teams option)

Notes: Mukuba and Epps project as the primary pair, with DeJean frequently involved in base personnel. Depth emphasizes versatility and special teams.

Special Teams (3)

  • K Jake Elliott
  • P Braden Mann
  • LS Rocco Underwood (or equivalent)

Returners: Will Shipley (KR), Britain Covey or similar (PR) — often practice-squad eligible.

Projected Starting Lineup (base personnel)

Offense

  • QB: Jalen Hurts
  • RB: Saquon Barkley
  • WR: DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon, Dontayvion Wicks (or Hollywood Brown in some packages)
  • TE: Dallas Goedert
  • LT: Jordan Mailata
  • LG: Landon Dickerson
  • C: Cam Jurgens
  • RG: Tyler Steen
  • RT: Lane Johnson

Defense (approximate base)

  • EDGE: Jonathan Greenard, Nolan Smith Jr. / Jalyx Hunt
  • DT: Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo
  • LB: Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell
  • CB: Quinyon Mitchell, Riq Woolen
  • Nickel/Slot: Cooper DeJean
  • S: Andrew Mukuba, Marcus Epps

Key caveats after Week 1: Greenard’s PUP status could temporarily open a roster/edge spot. Minor soft-tissue issues (Smith, Lemon, a few OL) are being monitored but not viewed as season-altering. Preseason games (starting mid-August) and the next 3–4 weeks of camp will reshape bubble battles (especially WR depth, backup QB, OL depth, and the final edge/LB/DB spots). Howie Roseman frequently uses creative roster management (IR designations, practice-squad elevations, late trades).

This is an informed simulation, not an official roster—real cuts and injuries will alter it.

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