Eagles Predicted to Make Exciting Roster Move With Fan Favorite Rookie

As the NFL preseason is winding down, with just one more week to go for all teams, it means roster cutdowns are approaching.

For the Philadelphia Eagles, that means some very tough decisions are going to have to be made. Of all the positions on the roster, the defensive tackle and edge rusher positions are maybe the most intriguing, thanks to two players emerging as fan favorites.

ESPN's Tim McManus, in projecting the team's 53-man roster, predicted that only one of the fan favorites between defensive tackle Uar Bernard and edge rusher Joshua Weru would make the roster. Unfortunately, only Bernard is projected to make the roster.

"Bernard, a member of the International Player Pathway program from Nigeria, hasn't played football at any level," McManus writes. "He has a ton of ability, and the coaching staff is invested in him."

Bernard is not NFL-ready yet. His preseason showing has proven as such. But that's to be expected. As physically gifted as he is, playing in the NFL with proper technique and understanding his role is completely different.

It's a learning process for Bernard, and it's going to take time. He was a fun addition for the Eagles and has turned into a fan favorite. McManus is predicting the Eagles will keep him on the 53-man roster, with a long-term goal of development.

In two preseason games, Bernard has recorded two assists on tackles, but that's it. He did have a few nice reps here and there, but he's clearly a work in progress.

Weru, on the other hand, has actually somewhat looked the part of a speed rusher. He even recorded a sack against the Patriots and has had a few standout moments during the preseason thus far.

While Bernard was a draft choice, Weru was an undrafted free agent. The Eagles could decide to risk it with Weru making it through waivers and landing on their practice squad. That's exactly what McManus is projecting will happen.

He's projecting the Eagles will risk it with Weru, but not Bernard. While keeping Bernard would be exciting for the fans, seeing Weru at risk of joining a new team, especially after his preseason showing, would potentially be worrisome for Eagles fans.

It might make more sense to keep both and avoid risking it, but it's going to be tricky to keep Weru and Bernard, players who likely won't actually be active for game days, on the NFL roster to begin the year.

Roseman's decision is going to be very interesting with these two rookie International Pathway Program players who've turned into fan favorites. Eagles fans might want to keep both Weru and Bernard, but McManus is projecting that only Bernard makes the cut.