The Philadelphia Eagles introduced their initial 53-man roster Sunday, but general manager Howie Roseman has rarely treated the NFL’s roster deadline as the end of the personnel-building process.
Philadelphia kept five defensive linemen, five outside linebackers and nine defensive backs. Cornerback Jakorian Bennett will begin the season on injured reserve with a designation to return. The Eagles also released their two most experienced return candidates, Britain Covey and Quez Watkins. Philadelphia’s initial roster leaves several areas Roseman could continue evaluating.
The following players are vested veterans who were released during final cuts. Unlike younger players placed on waivers, they can negotiate with any team immediately. Each remained
listed among the NFL’s available free agents entering Monday.
Greg Dortch, wide receiver and returner
Dortch may offer the cleanest fit on the list. He has extensive experience returning punts and kickoffs and can provide depth from the slot.
Philadelphia does not have an established return specialist on its initial roster.
Marcus Davenport, edge rusher
Davenport offers size, power and experience as a rotational edge defender. When healthy, the former first-round pick can set the edge against the run and generate pressure without requiring a full-time role.
Kader Kohou, cornerback
Kohou has played outside and in the slot during his NFL career. That versatility would be valuable while Bennett is unavailable.
Philadelphia has three high-level cornerbacks in Quinyon Mitchell, Riq Woolen and DeJean. Kohou would provide experienced depth behind them.
Ifeatu Melifonwu, safety
Melifonwu offers an appealing combination of size and versatility. He has aligned at safety, in the box, and near the line of scrimmage.
Emmanuel Ogbah, defensive end
Ogbah would not represent a long-term investment, but he could provide dependable rotational snaps. He has experience rushing from multiple alignments and playing against the run.
Kaiir Elam, cornerback
Elam, a 2022 first-round selection, has yet to establish himself as a consistent NFL starter. His physical traits, however, remain intriguing.
Khalen Saunders, defensive tackle
Philadelphia kept only five defensive linemen on its initial roster. Saunders would give the Eagles an experienced interior defender who can absorb blocks and contribute against the run.
Isaiah Simmons, linebacker and safety
Simmons has never settled into one permanent NFL position, but that versatility could still make him useful in a specialized role.
Philadelphia could deploy him against tight ends, use him as a subpackage linebacker and ask him to contribute on special teams.
Jack Sanborn, linebacker
Sanborn is a physical linebacker with starting experience and special-teams value. He could provide proven depth behind Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, Smael Mondon Jr. and Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Mecole Hardman, wide receiver and returner
Hardman would offer speed, return experience and familiarity with playing a complementary role on a contender.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles free-agent targets: 10 vested veterans who fit roster needs
