The way DE Jerome McDougle has come on during the preseason, he deserves a spot on the final 53-man Eagles roster due by 4 p.m. Saturday.

But McDougle might not stick around because the Eagles are unlikely to jettison free agent pickup Chris Clemons and his problematic calf only months after handing him a $4 million signing bonus.

Then there's rookie third-round pick DE Bryan Smith who, despite having a lot to learn, looks like a cross between Pro Bowl edge rusherTrent Cole and Derrick Burgess, the Eagle draft pick that made the Pro Bowl and has become one of the league's top pass rushers with the Oakland Raiders.

Moreover McDougle could wind up with the DE-desperate Giants if he's cut.

Tight end Kris Wilson also is in a tough spot as he hasn't really challenged Brent Celek or Matt Schobel, who are backing up starter L.J. Smith.

Other possible surrprise cuts: DE Clemons, LB Rocky Boiman, OL Winston Justice, DE Smith, TE Schobel and FB Tony Hunt.