The Philadelphia Eagles overachieved in 2021. They marched to the Super Bowl a year later and came with four points of winning. Last year… Well,.. We know how that went. Here we are. It’s 2024, and there’s a buzz brewing even though, the last time we saw them, they were putting the finishing touches on an epic collapse.
The NFL Draft nears. We have made several guesses about what the Birds might do. We did so as recently as the fallout began when Haason Reddick was introduced as a New York Jet. We even constructed one using a simulator.
The needs are well-known. We just don’t know what route they’ll take to address them, but no should be shocked if they use the selection meeting to address a need more than once.
Might we see the Eagles double dip at any of the following three positions.
The Philadelphia Eagles were very aggressive during free agency. Since then, they have invited some impressive prospects to the NovaCare Complex for pre-draft visits.
They haven’t tipped their hand about what the draft strategy is, but their current needs and history tell us much. The defense could still use some help. The same could be said about the O-line. Might that be where we see them focus?
Cornerback
The Eagles starting outside cornerbacks are James Bradberry and Darius Slay. We’ve been talking about their age for two seasons. Past them, there isn’t much of a succession plan outside of 2023 fourth-round draft choice Kelee Ringo.
Philly released Avonte Maddox on March 7th but brought him back. He’s their best option to start at slot corner. He is also extremely injury-prone.
The rest of the corners on the preseason roster are as follows: Eli Ricks. Josh Jobe, Mekhi Garner, Mario Goodrich, Tyler Hall, Zevh McPhearson, and Tiawan Mullen. Philly may not take two cornerbacks in the coming draft, but no one should be shocked (or upset) if they do so.
Edge Rusher
The Philadelphia Eagles’ best pass rusher of the past two seasons (Haason Reddick) is gone. Some of the pain has been eased by Bryce Huff’s addition. The rest of the depth chart is as follows.
Brandon Graham is in his final season. Josh Sweat is impressive, but he had a bad finish to the most recent Eagles season.
There are doubts about 2023 first-rounder Nolan Smith. There’s talent here, but it also feels like Philly doesn’t have enough horses. You know the saying. You can never have enough edge rushers.
Offensive Line
The Eagles need depth along the interior of the offensive line. One of their most underrated needs is at offensive tackle despite having Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson as the starters.
It’s hard to find a better tandem to bookend an O-line, but how confident are we in the backups if there are any injuries? Philly currently employs Le’Raven Clark and Fred Johnson as reserves, but adding insurance or an upgrade would be wise.
