Oh No for the Eagles’ OL! Saved by the Rookies?
I just want to see some football. I need to see some football.
Sure, this time of year, every year is a dead zone in terms of my favorite sport, but now more than ever, I’m really missing the weekly ups and downs that happen in a professional football season.
As of right now, the word is that NFL training camps are expected to start on time. What those camps will look like when players report is still a little cloudy, but at least we can pencil in our favorite late July camp battle headlines.
There are a ton of questions and speculation heading into training camps and the 2020 season as a whole. Most of these questions won’t have answers until the helmets go on but it’s still fun to ask! My training camp questions this week have to do with this year’s rookie offensive linemen from Auburn.
Will Prince Tega Wanogho contribute in his first year as an Eagle?
This may seem like a strange place to start because he was picked late in the 6th round but there are a number of intriguing things about Prince, the pick, and his role moving forward that make it an important conversation. First, coming out of college he was expected to go much higher in the draft but fell presumably because of the potential injury risk his knee presented before the senior bowl. A quick scan of the headlines suggests that he’s a potential steal.
With the recent injury to Brandon Brooks and the shuffling that is likely to occur on the Eagles offensive line because of it, Tega Wanogho may get a chance to contribute right away.
In the draft, I’m a big fan of the late-round offensive line picks. The risk is always small and the reward potentially massive. When a late-round OL pick makes the team you have at worst competent depth but at best a hidden gem to anchor the line. A reminder no one needs is that future Hall of Famer Jason Peters went undrafted in 2004. And, of course, there is also fan hero Jason Kelce who was drafted in the sixth round and may eventually have a statue of his own on the steps of the Art museum when his career is over.
Prince Tega Wanogho is relatively new to football and while this has been listed in some outlets as a knock against him, it is one of the things I like most about him. Most pro players have been in pads and helmets since they were kids, but Prince came to the US in high school to play basketball.
It’s easy to say that lack of experience is a limiting factor to production on the field, but it also means that he’s had less time to develop bad habits. Bad habits can turn a player that is a freak athlete into a mediocre positional player.
If you have a good athlete that hasn’t had the time to lean on bad technique there is a greater potential for growth. Couple that with the previously mentioned low-cost draft pick, you’ve got a potential winner I’ll be watching in training camp.
So, what’s the deal with Jack Driscoll?
We talked about Ok, full disclosure, I like the offensive and defensive lines are probably my favorite positional groups of football. Nothing happens offensively or defensively without a good line. The Eagles offensive line has seen quite a shakeup this offseason. Not only did Jason Peter’s expired contract have him looking for a new team but the second Achilles injury to Brandon Brooks has knocked one of the best guards in the NFL out for the 2020 season.
There are now two big holes on the line that needs to be filled. And, while many in the fanbase are screaming for the Eagles to make a trade to acquire safety Jamal Adams from the Jets, I’m standing back and looking at the big picture.
If the Eagles give up the world (ok maybe not the world, but it would definitely cost them in picks, players, and an expensive restructured contract) for Adams where would that leave the O-line?
As it stands, without pads or proof, there is potential for Jack Driscoll to start in Brandon Brook’s right guard spot at the open of the 2020 season. If there is one thing I like about the word coming out about Driscoll is his versatility. Prince Tega Wanogho is slated to fall into a tackle position, whereas Driscoll could fill holes across the interior of the line and early reports are that he’s already been tasked with learning the center position with the retirement of Jason Kelce looming. Jimmy Kempski, of the PhillyVoice, has compared him to former Eagles and journeyman offensive lineman Allen Barbre. Barbre played mostly at the guard position in 44 games across 4 seasons as an Eagle. His versatility allowed him to move around on the line, and that is exactly what the Eagles need to get from Driscoll.
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I love both of these picks. Neither came in the expensive early rounds so the Eagles have the opportunity to get these guys rolling without major monetary investment. Unfortunately, both of these players may be forced into starting or contributing very early in their careers in a year that is very much up in the air.
Continuity is key for a good offensive line and since both of these guys came from starting positions on Auburn’s offensive line they will likely have a rapport that will benefit the Eagles moving forward.
It’s true that Prince Tega Wanogho has a lot to learn, but he’ll be learning from one of the best O-line coaches in the league in Jeff Stoutland.
If Driscoll gets some guidance from Kelce, I’m confident the Eagles will have 2 players that will keep their offensive line in the top tier of the league moving forward.
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