The Philadelphia Eagles addressed several pressing needs during free agency and the NFL draft, with cornerback possibly being the remaining glaring need.
With the virtual offseason progressing and training camp just in the distance, here’s a post-draft ranking of the Eagles’ 11 position groups, from best to worst.
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1. Defensive Tackle
Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave, Malik Jackson, Bruce Hector, Albert Huggins, Hassan Ridgeway, Anthony Rush
Analysis: As was the case heading into the 2019 season, Cox is still the best defensive tackle in the NFL behind Aaron Donald. Last season Malik Jackson was supposed to be the best defensive tackle he’s ever played with, but it never materialized. Cox will get another shot with Jackson and the game-wrecker known as Javon Hargrave. If Hassan Ridgeway can take the next step, this will be one of the top units in all of football.
2. Offensive Line
Isaac Seumalo, Jason Kelce, Brandon Brooks, Lane Johnson, Andre Dillard, Keegan Render, Nate Herbig, Sua Opeta, Matt Pryor, Jordan Mailata, Casey Tucker, Jack Driscoll, Prince Tega Wanogho
Analysis: A group that finished the season ranked No. 1 in the NFL could still have Jason Peters back before the season start. It’s a talented and high-level group that needs Dillard to take the next step. Brooks, Kelce, and Johnson are the best players at their position, Seumalo needs to take the next step, while one of the rookies should step up as well.
3. Tight End
Zach Ertz, Dallas Goedert, Josh Perkins, Noah Togiai
Analysis: Ertz and Goedert make up the best tight end duo in football, while Perkins a talented tweener who’ll likely find a place on the roster. Noah Togiai is an interesting player out of Oregon State and the undrafted free agent could give Perkins a run during training camp.
4. Quarterback
Carson Wentz, Nate Sudfeld, Jalen Hurts
Analysis: Wentz is in line for an MVP-type season if he can stay healthy, and Sudfeld was projected as a solid backup before the Eagles used a second-round pick on Jalen Hurts. If the Eagles can figure out a way to incorporate Hurts into the offense without disrupting Wentz, this group could move higher up the list.
5. Cornerback
Darius Slay, Avonte Maddox, Sidney Jones, Rasul Douglas, Cre’Von LeBlanc, Craig James, Nickell Robey-Coleman, Tremon Smith, Trevor Williams, Grayland Arnold
Analysis: Slay improves the group leaps and bounds, but the Addition of Robey-Coleman and the signing of undrafted free agent Grayland Arnold could loom large for the Eagles as the season progress. Avonte Maddox looks to start opposite slay, but Sidney Jones is expected to put up a fight and is probably the guy Howie Roseman would like to see secure the job. Rasul Douglas will work to secure his spot on the roster.
6. Wide Receiver
Alshon Jeffery (likely PUP), DeSean Jackson, J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Marquise Goodwin, Jalen Reagor, Greg Ward, Robert Davis, Quez Watkins, John Hightower, Deontay Burnett, Shelton Gibson, Khalil Tate
Analysis: On paper, it’s an impressive group and paired with the Eagles tight ends, should make the Birds offense one of the NFL’s best. They have to be healthy and available for that to happen. Jeffery will likely start the season out on the PUP list, while DeSean Jackson looks to regain his Week 1 form from last season. JJ Arcega-Whiteside has an important season ahead of him, while two of the rookies need to step up along with the acquired Goodwin.
Greg Ward is a player to watch and after having a taste of NFL life, may not be ready to give up his slot position. Ward was the Eagles’ most consistent pass catcher down the stretch.
7. Defensive End
Brandon Graham, Derek Barnett, Daeshon Hall, Josh Sweat, Shareef Miller, Genard Avery, Casey Toohill, Joe Ostman,
Analysis: Graham is the engine that makes this group go, but its Barnett that could take this group to another level. He had his fifth-year option picked up and the Eagles are looking for the talented defensive end to finally put it all together. Sweat, along with Miller, Aver and the rookie Toohill will be looked upon to provide pressure on passing downs.
8. Running Back
Corey Clement, Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, Adrian Killins, Elijah Holyfield, Mike Warren
Analysis: The group lacks big names, but from an overall talent and versatility standpoint, this group seems better than the 2019 version. Sanders will be the guy from day 1 and will look to improve on his record-breaking rookie season. Boston Scott flourished when given the opportunity to play and deserves the opportunity to get carries. Corey Clement returns with a renewed vigor, and Elijah Holyfield is lurking as a potential power back.
Undrafted rookies Adrian Killins and Mike Warren provide the best opportunity for high value, low-cost production at the position, and both players should make the 53 man roster.
9. Safety
Rodney McLeod, Will Parks, Jalen Mills, K’Von Wallace, Marcus Epps, Rudy Ford
Analysis: This group has the potential to be better than No. 9 and if Wallace displays the game-changing dynamics that he’ll bring along from Clemson, the safety position could return to the days of Brian Dawkins. Rodney McLeod looked impressive returning from injury last season and will attempt to fill the leadership void left by Malcolm Jenkins. Will Parks will provide versatility as well and gives Jim Schwartz a ton of options.
10. Linebacker
Jatavis Brown, T.J. Edwards, Nate Gerry, Dante Olson, Duke Riley, Alex Singleton, Davion Taylor, Shaun Bradley
Analysis: The Eagles have previously been viewed as a franchise that shies away from investing in the linebacker position. The Eagles lose Nigel Bradham and Kamu Grugier-Hill, but gained speed energy and versatility with the signing of Jatavis Brown and the drafting of Davion Taylor and Shaun Bradley.
11. Special Teams
K Jake Elliott, P Cameron Johnston, LS Rick Lovato
This group has been together three seasons now, and although there’s some inconsistency, they are among the best in the NFL at what they all do. If Jake Elliott can improve on his midrange game the Eagles will be dangerous. The Eagles lose Darren Sproles to the front office and DeSean Jackson will probably be removed from special teams. That could allow rookies like Jalen Reagor, Adrien Killins, and others to solidify the position.
