On Friday morning, the Philadelphia Eagles made the first huge move prior to free agency, agreeing to a three-year, $40 million contract with defensive end Brandon Graham, locking up one of the NFL’s top edge rushers before anyone had a chance to throw enormous money at him.
With the edge rusher off the board for Howie Roseman and company, the Eagles don’t necessarily have to use to use a high draft pick on a defensive end but the options are still there. Graham’s new deal will impact Roseman’s strategy towards building new depth along the defensive front and could allow the Birds to target a skill player or defensive tackle with the first round pick at No. 25 overall.
The Eagles could still go defensive edge rusher, and target a combo player like Mississipi State’s Montez Sweat at No. 25, or Dexter Lawrence out of Clemson. Lawrence comes with questions about PED issues, but would definitely be a good fit next to Fletcher Cox on the inside, and could be a dominant edge rusher right away.
One interesting option for the Eagles at No. 25 because he may not fall to pick No. 53 in the second round is Alabama’s, Josh Jacobs. Jacob’s met with Eagles brass on Thursday at the Combine and would add that dynamic run/pass option that could take some pressure off of Carson Wentz.
