Looking at the Eagles top offseason needs

[time2rock]

Looking at the Eagles top offseason needs

Glenn Erby 

 

November 12, 2021 2:30 pm ET

 

The Eagles currently have two first-round picks in April’s NFL draft and the potential to turn a second into a first if Carson Wentz meets a snap count threshold.

It’s never too early to start projecting the biggest needs, as ESPN and PFF took a look at the top offseason needs for all 32 NFL teams, and adding another edger rusher took precedent over addressing the linebacker position.

Philadelphia Eagles
Biggest needs: Edge rusher, linebacker, safety

The Eagles lost their top edge rusher in Brandon Graham early in Week 2 this season after he had seven straight seasons with grades of 80.0 or better, clearly a monumental loss. However, Graham will be 34 years old in 2022, so they can’t just rely on his return to fix everything opposite Josh Sweat. The Eagles’ 2017 first-round pick, edge rusher Derek Barnett, is set to hit free agency and has been underwhelming in 2021 — generating a quarterback pressure on just 7.2% of pass-rush snaps.

At linebacker, the unit ranks 26th in coverage grade with a 44.7 mark and has allowed a 91.6% completion percentage that ranks dead last. The numbers are similarly bleak at safety, and both starters are set to be free agents after the season.

Philadelphia stands to have three first-round selections in the 2022 NFL draft, so they can make major strides in getting this team back in contention in a hurry.

The Eagles’ conflict with countering versatile tight ends and pass-catching running backs should make upgrading the linebacker position a priority early in April’s draft regardless of needs at edge rusher.

Even if Derek Barnett moves on, Brandon Graham will be returning, Tarron Jackson offers potential, and Howie Roseman will have the draft assets and free agency to find a suitable pass rusher.

https://theeagleswire.usatoday.com/2021/11/12/philadelphia-eagles-offseason-needs-nfl-draft-edge-rusher/

[PoconoDon]

I fully expect the Eagles to have Three 1st round picks. Since LB'er won't be on their radar until Day 3 at best, I'd prefer they move a 1st into next year for a 1st  and a little extra then if they can. I'd like them to have Two 1st round picks in 2023. They may very well need them.

With the other two 1st rounders, Secondary and D-line look fairly deep, so if the talent is still there, one of each please. O-line looks pretty deep too, so middle rounds there. As always, when in doubt, BPA...This is the way.

[GreenbleedinNC]

CB should rank up there

[ManchesterEagle]

2 hours ago, PoconoDon said:

I fully expect the Eagles to have Three 1st round picks. Since LB'er won't be on their radar until Day 3 at best, I'd prefer they move a 1st into next year for a 1st  and a little extra then if they can. I'd like them to have Two 1st round picks in 2023. They may very well need them.

With the other two 1st rounders, Secondary and D-line look fairly deep, so if the talent is still there, one of each please. O-line looks pretty deep too, so middle rounds there. As always, when in doubt, BPA...This is the way.

Eagles have needs throughout the D. Maybe DT isn't an immediate need, but DE, LB, S and CB are. As you say - ideally take the best Defensive players available in the first then look at an OL or two and another weapon for Hurts in rounds 2-5.

I actually think it's possible they surprise us and take a LB at some point in the first. Gannon's scheme needs good LBs in my opinion.

[UK_EaglesFan89]

6 hours ago, time2rock said:

Philadelphia Eagles
Biggest needs: Edge rusher, linebacker, safety

Hard to argue that to be fair. They also need DT and CB. And that's just the D side of the ball. 

[birdman#12]

So much can change with the salary cap going up and the eagles in a better position than last year.  If Howie gives up the farm for a QB, then we're back to low draft picks and 2nd & 3rd tier free agents.  

I expect Howie to do a lot of wheeling and dealing in the draft and continue to put bandaids on the linebacker positions.  There's no way he uses 3 1st round picks on defensive players.  I doubt he even keeps the all 3 1st round picks......he either trades down or trades for draft picks in 2023. 

But knowing that his priorities are inexplicable, he could reach for a QB in the first or draft another WR or offensive lineman when the most urgent needs are on the defensive side of the ball.  Right now, this is what I think the biggest needs are:

1) Defensive End

2) Linebacker

3) Defensive Tackle

4) Corner

5) Safety

6) Center

7) WR

8) Guard

[rrfierce]

someone to replace barnett when we trade him

[time2rock]

6 hours ago, rrfierce said:

someone to replace barnett when we trade him

Can't trade him ... the trade deadline has already passed and he'll be a UFA after this season.