Despite a strong showing in preseason, 2003 first round pick Jerome McDougle did not make the Eagles final cut. McDougle had 2.5 sacks in four games this preseason. But the birds have a plethora of talent at defensive end and didn’t have room for him. Trent Cole, Juqua Parker, Victor Abiamiri, Chris Clemons, Bryan Smith and Darren Howard did make the cut.

Trent Cole had a great year in 2007 with 12.5 sacks. Juqua Parker is hoping a name change (formerly Juqua Thomas) will help his game improve from a poor season last year when he mustered only 39 tackles and five sacks. Victor Abiamiri saw limited action last year playing in only three games, but the Notre Dame alum could see more this year. He got a roster spot despite having surgery on a dislocated wrist during training camp.

Chris Clemons is coming off a breakout year in Oakland. His future with the Eagles is exciting if he can continue his success. Bryan Smith was the Eagles third round pick from McNeese State this year, and is a two-time All-American and Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Lastly, Darren Howard returns after a terrible 2007 where he only played eight games.

Another pleasant surprise was the Eagles young core of linebackers, and their production this preseason. Rookie Joe Mays won the job as the backup middle linebacker. He hit hard and resembled a younger Jeremiah Trotter stuffing the middle. He was also able to adjust to conduct the defense’s second unit with the new radio device inside the helmet of the defensive captain. He was second in the NFL with 22 tackles in the preseason.

Tony Hunt will take a shot at fullback in 2008 for the Eagles (D. Hallowell/Philadelphiaeagles.com).

Fan favorite (only because he is a former Nittany Lion) Tony Hunt won the job at fullback, which was fairly unexpected. There was quite a crowd at that position going into the preseason, but Hunt emerged after switching from the tailback position halfway through the camp. Jason Davis, Jed Collins and for a short time, Dan Klecko were all the running.

Other than Hunt, there were really no big surprises on offense. It was sad to see the speedy Ryan Moats go, but there was no space for him behind Brian Westbrook, Correll Buckhalter, and Lorenzo Booker. Matt Schobel retained his roster spot from 2007 despite the signing of Kris Wilson that, at the time, looked to spell the end of his time in Philadelphia.

For the full 53-man roster, click here. Week 1 predictions for The ADD Show will be up later this week.