The Eagles Top Four Offseason Needs
As the offseason begins to pick up, the Eagles will have their work cut out for them in creating a successful roster for next year. Looking at this team as is right now, it’s clear there are many roster holes need to be addressed.
Soon, the Eagles front office will look towards the draft and the free agency market to fix these roster issues, creating the best roster possible for next season. Here’s a ranked list of the Eagles biggest needs heading into the offseason, and how they may address them.
1) Running Back
Upgrading at the Running Back position is all the obvious. Riddled by injuries last season, the Eagles backfield was an absolute disaster. The backfield lacked consistency throughout the year, with a different guy taking the lead seemingly each game. As of now, the Running Back committee consists of: Corey Clement, Josh Adams, and Wendell Smallwood, with Jay Ajayi and Darren Sproles both potentially leaving in free agency. That right there is an issue, and is something that needs to be addressed immediately.
If the Eagles want any sort of success next season, fixing the issues in their backfield should stand near the top of priorities. In 2017, when Wentz and the Eagles endured all sorts of success, it was because they had a reliable running game, with guys like LeGarrette Blount, Jay Ajayi and Corey Clement always available. But last season, without a reliable back, the Eagles offense struggled and turned one-dimensional at times. This often lead to stagnant offensive possessions and drives turning into 0 points. While the Eagles do have a few ways of handling and fixing this hole, as outlined here, they must address this with full force as a successful running game almost always leads to a great offense.
2) Defensive Line
Heading into this offseason, the Eagles desperately need to address the Defensive line situation. This position is explained at length here, but briefly; outside of Fletcher Cox, an undisputed All-Pro tackle, the Eagles defensive line is most definitely a weakness. Beyond Cox, the line consists of question marks: Timmy Jernigan, Haloti Ngata, and Tayvon Hester, along with Derek Barnett (who played just 3 games last season), Brandon Graham and Michael Bennet on the outside.
Overall, while this defensive line has multiple high level players, it’s the depth that is the real issue. When Cox needs a rest, its Tayvon Hester who is forced to play snaps, a significant downgrade. And while the re-signing of Brandon Graham does wonders for this line, outside of him the Defensive End position is slim. While Barnett proved he’s a high level player in his rookie year, he is a question mark heading into next season, coming off a year of playing just three games due to injury. Moreover, Michael Bennet and Chris Long are doomed by age and their production next year is uncertain. So while it may not be this year’s defense that suffers, the defensive line may be in trouble in the coming years, making it plausible for Howie to look ahead and draft a younger Defensive Lineman this year.
Mainly, improving the roster on the defensive line is extremely important for the team moving forward, as everyone knows how important getting pressure to the Quarterback is. Without plays from Chris Long and Brandon Graham in the postseason, the Eagles would have struggled to win the Super Bowl. For now, football games are still won in the trenches, and if the Eagles want to repeat the success of the 2018 season, they must improve along the defensive line.
3) Offensive Line
On the opposite side of the ball, it’s no secret the birds must improve here as well. Come playoff football, a healthy and productive Offensive Line goes a long way, and if the Eagles want any sort of success in 2019, they must address this position now.
While this narrative changes slightly in wake of the reported news that Jason Kelce is returning, it is still important, as the offensive line unit is still one of concern. While Lane Johnson still holds his own as one of the best Right Tackles in football, the rest of the line is definitely under question. To the left of him, the Right Guard position is looking uncertain for 2019 as Brandon Graham rehabs from a torn Achilles suffered in the season-ending loss to the Saints. Alike the defensive line, depth is a question here, where replacements for Brooks would be Matt Pryor or Chance Warmack, if the two are still even on the team. Moving on, Jason Peters remains concern simply due to age and availability. And with underwhelming production from Big V over the last two years, it would be smart for Howie to get ahead and get a younger Tackle in the draft this year, stepping in for Peters whenever necessary.
Because of this, it’s important the Eagles address their offensive line issues sooner than later. With a coveted, franchise Quarterback in Carson Wentz under center, its important to have a top-notch offensive line to benefit his production and ensure his health. It’ll be interesting to see how the front office handles this situation, so keep note this offseason.
4) Wide Receiver
While this is not one of the more clear needs of this team, it is still one to look at. If the Eagles want to be an offensive powerhouse over the next few years, addressing the Wide Receiver depth chart is definitely important. Outside of main target Alshon Jeffery, the Eagles are slim at receiver in terms of production. Even with Tate and Agholor, the Eagles wide receivers struggled at times last season, failing to create separation from opposing cornerbacks and not being able to take the top off of defenses. Now, with Tate and Agholor both rumored to possibly leaving, the position is looking even worse.
In order for the Eagles offense to become a successful unit, they first need a guy capable of blowing past corners and safeties, something they lack as of now. To address this they will need a look at both free-agents, and players available in the draft, as explained at length here. Outside of a true deep threat, Carson Wentz needs to be paired with guys he can trust at all times, outside of just Ertz and Alshon Jeffery. Here, the free-agency market will be prevalent, where there are a multitude of solidified receivers on the market, such as Michael Crabtree and Terrance Williams. For the right price, either one of these guys, along with others on the market, would be a great addition to this offense. Regardless, providing Wentz with successful receivers is important for the Eagles as a whole, helping them to return as the Offensive powerhouse they have been in recent years.
While the Eagles roster as of now may suffice for an average season, changes are necessary if the Eagles want to make a run next year. Furthermore, while his outlines just a few of the most clear needs, the Eagles, like every team, can always improve at every position. Nevertheless, it’s now up to Howie and the rest of the front office to curate a roster capable of playoff run!
Featured Image: Hunter Martin, Philadelphia Eagles
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