Hindsight and Foresight: The Philadelphia Eagles’ Pre-Draft 2018 NFL Offseason Moves Outlook

They say that the future is brighter.

They say the future is clearer.

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But, how much could the future be for the Eagles after winning the Super Bowl? Where do the Eagles stand now as opposed to the day after they finally held up the Lombardi trophy?

Free agency is a period that provokes panic spending by teams - surely, it is the teams that spend less money on players that are sure to fit in that typically stand out as the “smart teams” come the playoffs. According to spotrac.com, the Eagles are ranked at 21st out of 32 teams in spending thus far in free agency. The Eagles aren't panicking, nor are they holding back.

"The Eagles aren't panicking, nor are they holding back."

First, the losses (the short version of players that have definitively left- let’s not cry over spilled milk):

(RB) LeGarrette Blount, (TE) Trey Burton, and (DE) Vinny Curry are definitely losses, although only in terms of “contributors” coming into the 2018-19 NFL Season for the Birds.

(DT) Beau Allen, (CB) Jalen Watkins, (WR) Torrey Smith, and (TE) Brent Celek should all be readily replaced (if they haven’t been already) while (K) Caleb Sturgis really didn’t have a place on the team in the first place.

The losses that stick out the most would be (CB) Patrick Robinson and (P) Donnie Jones. Robinson, the team’s BEST interior cornerback is surely going to be difficult to replace even despite the depth that the Birds already have at cornerback. Donnie Jones has always been a mainstay and fairly consistent for the Eagles at Punter. Yes, he was losing his abilities gradually, but he may still have a season or two in him- interestingly, he “retired” only to be asked to be cut and move on- it seems that the Eagles were wanting to move on in the first place.

"it seems that the Eagles were wanting to move on in the first place."

The new additions:

Mike Wallace (WR)

From Philadelphia Eagles

While older and a little less explosive than Torrey Smith (not to mention, more expensive), Wallace is a far more polished receiver with very good speed for his age, good size (6’0”), and he has outstanding hands and route running skills. Barring an injury to Mike Wallace (knocking on wood), Torrey Smith’s not going to be missed in the least- Wallace is a massive upgrade.

"Wallace is a massive upgrade."

Michael Bennett (DE)

From Philadelphia Eagles

Well, this may or may not be a good pickup for the Birds. Acquired in a trade with the Seahawks, Michael Bennett is an immensely talented defensive end that has been a bookend for the 'Hawks for many years now. The big downside is the off-field distraction that came two weeks after his trade after being charged for an assault that occurred two years ago. Bennett came very cheap, with the Birds sending a proverbial fourth-string Wide Receiver for his services, so we'll see if the Eagles decide to part ways. I don't see it happening, though, as Bennett is far too talented. Michael Bennett, if he stays, will make the Eagles' defensive line the most fearsome defensive line in the league.

"the most fearsome defensive line in the league."

Haloti Ngata (DT)

From Philadelphia Eagles

There’s not much to point out about a player like Haloti Ngata- once at the top of the game in terms of his abilities as a 3-4 DE, he has transitioned into a 4-3 DT due to his age. He still is a very good player and will contribute much in the same way as defensive end Chris Long.

"He still is a very good player and will contribute"

Corey Nelson (MLB)

From Philadelphia Eagles

Corey Nelson is an interesting case- he’s most certainly on the roster on a one-year “prove it” contract much alike WR Alshon Jeffrey and CB Patrick Robinson last year. He is a player coming in to his prime in terms of his age, but he had yet to break out with the Broncos. Worst case senario for the Birds: he contributes on special teams and provides valuable depth at MLB for Jordan Hicks.

"he contributes on special teams and provides valuable depth"

Paul Worrilow (LB)

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Paul Worrilow may be the most underrated of the pickups this offseason. He has the ability to play all linebacker positions, but he’s much more solid as a MLB. He’s an outstanding tackler but has always had issues in coverage- this is the sole reason that he found himself in free agency in the first place. He will bring a great skillset for special teams and depth for the Birds at linebacker.

"He will bring a great skillset for special teams and depth for the Birds at linebacker."

Richard Rodgers (TE)

From Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles got that Rodgers guy from the Packers...no, not that one. Well, I said it in my last article: if the Birds let either Trey Burton or Brent Celek go (or, in reality, both), the Eagles will need to bring in some veteran depth and diversity to the TE position. Richard Rodgers perfectly fits the build. Rodgers has good hands and is a decent receiver, but he also does a great job contributing as a blocking TE, which, I feel, is why he was brought in following the release of Brent Celek. He’ll find a ton of time on the field come the 2018-19 NFL season.

"a decent receiver, but he also does a great job contributing as a blocking TE"

It obviously isn’t immediately clear what the Eagles may do come draft day, but this year’s free agency period certainly provides a bit more insight as to what moves may lay ahead. As for addressing whether or not the Birds have gotten better since the Super Bowl, I’d say YES. The Eagles have kept their primary pieces, cut or traded some dead weight-contracts such as Torrey Smith, Brent Celek, and Vinny Curry, and have even found a way to upgrade. The Eagles have gotten slimmer and more talented since the Super Bowl. The Birds keep doing the impossible, but is a second straight Lombardi trophy a step too far?

talented on both offense and defense, which is surprising and almost impossible to do following a Super Bowl victory. The Birds keep doing the impossible, but is a second straight Lombardi trophy a step too far?

From PFF

The Birds keep doing the impossible, but is a second straight Lombardi trophy a step too far?

Let’s see what happens come Draft night, first!

From Boys to Men: How the Eagles' 2017 Rookie Class Fared in 2017-18.

The crowd roared once again as they trotted onto the sidelines. This time, though, it was different. A new city, a new uniform, a new team and a new life. The last time that they went through these circumstances was at college. Now, it’s their job. The rookie year of an NFL player should make a man out of a boy, but that’s not always the case. Nelson Agholor, for example, did not become the

NFL player that he was destined to be until two years after he was drafted. Some boys become men overnight, while others take time; some don’t become men at all. Being a man in the NFL is to overcome all adversity, distractions and obstacles to find one’s identity and place on an NFL roster. Some of the Eagles’ 2017-18 draft class stood out, while others faded into nothing. The Eagles don’t give up on their own easily, as was evident with Nelson Agholor, but some players are destined to play elsewhere, like Hall of Fame receiver Cris Carter, while others will drop from the league all together, like offensive tackle and former first round pick Danny Watkins. We will not know right away who will be future stars with the Eagles, future stars elsewhere in the NFL or who will flunk out, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t analyze their seasons regardless! So, how did the Eagles’ 2017-2018 draft class fare this season?

Offense:

Running Back

Corey Clement, Wisconsin- Undrafted Free Agent

19 games played. 80 carries, 354 yds, 4 TD; 20 receptions, 262 yds, 3 TD

Corey Clement, a Philadelphia native who has just seen his former Glassboro School District declare a day in his honor, had himself one heck of a season. From barely making the final cuts at the end of the preseason, to regular third-down back and Super Bowl hero, Corey became everything that nobody outside of Philly thought that he would. Once Darren Sproles went down due to injury, Clement snatched up the third-down back position, previously having to make a name for himself on special teams, and he never looked back. Corey gives a passionate Philly sports base a significant reason to be excited for the future.

Donnel Pumphrey, San Diego St., 4th Rd.

No games played: IR

Drafted to become, logically thinking at least, Darren Sproles’s heir-apparent, Donnel Pumphrey never even found his feet once the preseason rolled around. Donnel soon suffered a torn hamstring and was placed on injured reserve. Everyone expected more, but Pumphrey will have a full year of familiarity of the playbook and the NFL (from the sidelines, of course) to hit the ground running next season.

Wide Receiver

Mack Hollins, North Carolina, 4th Rd.

19 games played. 17 receptions. 235 yds, 1 TD

He was drafted to become a special teams demon, but Mack Hollins ended up as much more than that. Realistically, any receptions from playtime was a positive for Mack. In retrospect, Hollins had himself a solid rookie season and he can relax with a feeling that he can only get better next season. Mack had plenty of playing time in the offense, along with his expected time on special teams, and he made the most of the opportunities presented to him, posting 17 receptions from 24 targets. Not bad for a mid-round special teams rookie.

Shelton Gibson, West Virginia, 5th Rd.

8 games played. 2 receptions, 11 yds, 0 TD

There’s not a whole lot to be said about Shelton’s rookie season. He lost out time in the first half of the season to Marcus Johnson, but he eventually found a place on the field on special teams. Like Donnel Pumphrey, he struggled mightily in the preseason, but there was hope for Gibson. He finally got his chance against ‘Da Bears in November, and he played on special teams every game through the Super Bowl. He should only get better.

Defense:

Defensive End

Derek Barnett, Tennesse, 1st Rd.

18 games played. 23 combined tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 6 sacks.

Oh man, how Eagles’ fans love Derek Barnett after the Super Bowl; having recovered Tom Brady’s fumble resulting from Brandon Graham’s strip sack, Barnett surely sealed the victory for the Super Bowl-starved Eagles. With six sacks this season, Derek had himself an impressive rookie year, especially considering that he played behind Vinny Curry on the second team as part of the rotation of the defensive line. He came into the league very rough, but quick and full of potential and work ethic, and he has since developed into what may be a quarterback-sacking beast for the birds for years to come.

Defensive Tackle

Elijah Qualls, Washington, 5th Rd.

6 games played. 3 combined tackles.

To be fair to Elijah, nobody really expected anything from his rookie year with the Eagles. He found the field a little bit at the end of the season and into the post season, but he really didn’t get much time apart from the final game of the season against the Cowboys. If Beau Allen moves on in free agency, Qualls may have an opportunity to work himself into a more prominent role with the Eagles.

Linebacker

Nate Gerry, Nebraska, 5th Rd.

13 games played. 5 combined tackles.

Another player who played very little this season, Gerry was moved from safety, his college position, to linebacker. Nate looked the part of a player who didn’t know exactly what to do, who to be and how to close down players. It’s certainly worth noting that linebacker is vastly different from safety in every aspect, especially how one approaches closing down a ball carrier. Nate closed down like a safety as a linebacker. I expect that he’ll be a very different player come the 2018 preseason with the birds. After all, Gerry’s college film shows how much potential he really has.

Cornerback

Sidney Jones, Washington, 2nd Rd.

1 game played. 2 combined tackles.

Although he was likely frustrated with not getting to play for more time than he did, it’s almost a miracle that he made it on the field at all during this season; it was truly a treat for an Eagles fan to see what may be in Sidney Jones. Once a projected first round pick, a pre-draft injury pushed him into the second round and put him out of action until the final game of the season versus the Cowboys. Jones made a few mistakes, but he had not played football for over a year. He’s going to be good. Very good. Anybody that can wait until the 2018-19 is either still intoxicated from the Super Bowl victory or a Giants fan.

Rasul Douglas, West Virginia, 3rd Rd.

17 games played. 25 combined tackles. 2 interceptions.

The drafting of Rasul Douglas felt like more of a bandaid to an unsettled cornerback position than a long-term solution, especially after the birds drafted Sidney Jones, who was anticipated to miss the entire season, just a round before Douglas. Nevertheless, Rasul played with tenacity and swagger, being especially difficult for any receivers that weren’t quick enough to outpace him. Bagging a pair of interceptions this season shows his potential, but he lost time after Ronald Darby came back from injury. The Eagles see potential here, but I just don’t see how he fits at cornerback. I see him as a prototype safety, being willing to hit, a ball hawk and also being solid in both zone coverage and man coverage. It’ll be interesting to see how the Eagles handle his situation come next preseason.

Special Teams

Kicker

Jake Elliott, Memphis, 5th Rd.

18 games played. 33 of 38 field goals, 61 long. 46 of 51 PAT.

Perhaps Philadelphia Eagles fan hero for life, Jake Elliott’s 61 yard game winning field goal against the Giants wasn’t even his greatest moment in an Eagles uniform so far- I’d give it to his final 42-yard field goal in the Super Bowl which eventually helped give the Eagles a nearly unreachable eight-point lead. Sure, Elliott had his ups and downs, but he had a solid year for a starting rookie kicker. The Eagles didn’t even draft Elliott! Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2016, the Eagles were lucky enough that he narrowly ended up on the practice squad for the Bengals after losing the starting gig. The Eagles may just have found their franchise kicker (if there’s even such thing) on another team’s practice squad.

What a season the birds had this year. Just. Wow. Not to mention that the Eagles had many, many contributors from their rookie class of 2017. When you have such a solid year of bringing in rookies, that can only spell future success for

your team, and this team just won the Super Bowl! It's room for error, for sure, if any players like Donnel Pumphrey don’t pan out, but it sure does feel good after you bring in players that you didn’t draft like Corey Clement and Jake Elliott who then play key parts in your season. We still have a draft between our Super Bowl hangovers and the 2018 training camp and preseason, but I feel that I’m almost more excited to see how Corey, Sidney Jones, Mack Hollins et al use this offseason with a full season under their belts. Many became men this year, that’s for sure. Who’s next, though? Well, we’ll soon find out.

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Videos: Taken From Philadelphia Eagles and NFL YouTube pages

Unlikely, Unexpected, Underdogs. The 2017 Philadelphia Eagles: The Offseason State of the Roster

Boo’s rang out at the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum. “Okay, with the 14th pick of the 2017 NFL Draft… Time stood still. Philadelphia Eagles fans anticipated Roger Goodell’s next words: “the Philadelphia Eagles select Derek Barnett, defensive end, Tennessee.”

Cheers rang out welcoming Derek to the city that saw another defensive end from his alma mater, Reggie White, embarrass offensive tackles for seven seasons in an Eagles uniform. April 27th, 2018 surely would be a special day for Derek Barnett.

Ten months later, Philadelphia and its relatively new adopted son, Derek, was on the brink of playing in Super Bowl LII, which was an unexpected outcome to the quite eventful 2017-18 NFL season. Stalwart running back Darren Sproles was the first star player to drop due to injury, followed by linebacker Jordan Hicks, offensive tackle Jason Peters, and then quarterback Carson Wentz. Yet, despite these setbacks, the Eagles still made it to the Super bowl?! The 2017-18 season for the Philadelphia Eagles, regardless of the outcome of Super Bowl LII, will live on for generations in Eagles fan lore. As the season wore on, question marks on the roster dissipated, but new ones appeared in other areas. What do the Eagles need in the coming 2018 NFL Draft? The 2017 offseason saw the Philadelphia Eagles build a championship caliber NFL team, but will the 2018 offseason see the Eagles become the next great NFL dynasty? Only time will tell, but Eagles general manager Howie Roseman will be the man to have the most say in the matter. The 2018 NFL free agency period, along with the more important NFL Draft on April 26-28, 2018, may quite well be the deciding factors. So, which areas need to be addressed by the Philadelphia Eagles in the coming offseason?

Offense

Quarterback: No. If anything, the Eagles may have trade bait after backup quarterback Nick Foles helped propel the Eagles to the Super Bowl. They likely will not trade Foles nor will they address the position this offseason with both star quarterback Carson Wentz and well liked Nick Sudfeld on the roster.

Running back: No. What once looked like a position of need has since been addressed by the trade for Jay Ajayi and the emergence of undrafted rookie Corey Clement. Don’t expect the Eagles to re-sign Legarrette Blount, but it would not be totally surprising for the Eagles to bring in a few running backs in both free agency and the 2018 NFL draft to help make the running backs group more competitive and productive in the coming 2018-19 NFL season.

Wide Receiver: Yes. One of the quiet coups of the 2017 NFL free agency period was the Eagles’ snagging of Alshon Jeffery on a one year deal. He’s signed an extension after only a matter of months after having stepped in and become the best receiver in an Eagles uniform ever since the departures of Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson. Nelson Agholor has become one of the most electrifying receivers in the league as well. Also, remember Mack Hollins and Shelton Gibson? The Eagles have talented depth, but the hit-or-miss (well, mostly miss) Torrey Smith will probably be gone before the 2018 season begins. The Eagles have no #2 receiver, and they desperately need another explosive threat that can play opposite of Jeffery. Expect moves at the receiver position.

Tight End: Possibly. Zach Ertz is one of the best in the league, Brent Celek may have played his final NFL game, and Trey Burton is a very poor man’s Zach Ertz that is not the blocker that Celek is. Oh, and Burton’s a free agent. The Eagles would be well advised to bring in an tight end that can block, but whether they decide to keep Trey Burton is anybody’s guess. I expect a few players to be brought in at the least to bring some diversity to the play of the position.

Offensive Tackle: Yes. Left tackle Jason Peters is entering the last years of his illustrious career and right tackle Lane Johnson may be just entering the prime of his. Big Halapoulivaati Vaitai may be heir apparent to Peters, but the jury’s still out on him after good and not so good times filling in for Peters. Regardless, the Eagles will more than likely bring in a veteran and a rookie or two.

Offensive Guard: Yes. Brandon Brooks was steady next to Lane Johnson at right guard. Stefen Wisniewski stepped in and stabilized the left guard position after both Chance Warmack and Isaac Seumalo failed to hold it down. The Eagles would be wise to bring in some legitimate contenders to continue to build one of the most promisingly steady offensive lines.

Center: No. Jason Kelce is at his strongest with an offensive guard’s help. He’s quick, agile and very intelligent and has been one of the most underrated centers in the league. Also, Stefen Wisniewski is technically his backup, so the Eagles should think to build on the offensive guard position to ensure Kelce's continued great play, rather than address the center position.

Defense

Defensive Tackle: No. The Eagles may have the best 4-3 defensive front in the entire league. Fletcher Cox is arguably the best defensive tackle out there, and Tim Jernigan is an excellent cohort to play next to him. Beau Allen is a contributor too, but he’s also a free agent. I’d expect him to test free agency if he wants a raise, which leaves the Eagles with a need to provide the position with some depth if

that were to happen.

Defensive End: No. Brandon Graham has been excellent as always. Vinny Curry, on the other hand, has not been anything better than solid after disappearing in many games. Derek Barnett has picked up the game very quickly, having accelerated his adaptation of NFL-quality techniques necessary to be a starter. Meanwhile, Chris Long has been of help to the consistent play of the defensive line too. The Eagles have much more pressing needs at hand.

Outside Linebacker: Possibly. Mychal Kendricks has been a man possessed ever since Jordan Hick’s injury led to Kendricks' increased playing time. His opposite, Nigel Bradham, is a free agent and had excellent games along with very average games. The Eagles may desire an upgrade this offseason, but only time will tell.

Middle Linebacker: Possibly. Jordan Hicks is a great player…if he stays healthy. Generally speaking, he does. However, he’s had a few injuries now and it’s becoming a concern. Joe Walker struggled mightily when given the time, while Najee Goode is, truly, more of a special teamer; also, Najee's a free agent. Lastly, the true backup to the starting MLB, Darnelle Ellerbe, has been more injury prone than the player that he backs up. Jordan is young, so potential oozes out of him, but so do the concerns about his health. The Eagles should pick up a player that is a viable backup in the least.

Cornerback: Possibly. The Eagles have A TON of talent at the position- most of it is still up-and-coming as the median age of the position (Including 30 year old Patrick Robinson) is 24 years old. Ronald Darby and Jalen Mills should only get better, while Sidney Jones has the potential to be better than both of them. Patrick Robinson should have earned a contract to extend his stay with the Eagles, and I truly do not expect him to become a free agent this offseason. Oh, and then there’s Rasul Douglas; I still say that he’s every tool necessary to become Malcolm Jenkins’ successor as a safety at some point. Perhaps, the Eagles may feel the same? He did not have much time on the field towards the end of the season and throughout the playoffs. The Eagles need more sub-package contributors to free up Malcolm Jenkins to play his position, so expect a handful of moves.

Safety: No. I don’t care what analysts would say- Malcolm Jenkins and Rodney McLeod are one of the most underrated safety tandems in the league. Corey Graham has also been a great pickup, playing many minutes as the season wore on. The Eagles need to invigorate the position, for sure, but no wholesale moves will be expected.

Special Teams

Kicker: No. Caleb Sturgis has come and will go. Doug Peterson has already said so. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Eagles would bring him back, at least, until cuts begin in the 2018 preseason. Jake Elliot is a great kicker, well, if he can become it. He can make some of the most difficult long distance shots, but can’t hit short 25 yard “dinks” through the uprights consistently. It’s encouraging that he can refine that in the offseason at least. I believe that we do, in fact, have our next David Akers in Jake. Remember, David Akers was cut and signed by three teams before he finally stuck in Philly. Sometimes, a kicker just needs time to get used to the NFL.

Punter: Yes. Now in his late 30’s and in the final years of his career, I think that Donnie Jones is starting to lose his leg strength. As per usual, expect a player or two to be brought in for competition. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Eagles really went after someone to potentially replace Jones.

We’re still months away from the 2018 NFL Draft, but Philadelphia Eagles fans will be anticipating changes in the roster as soon as the Super Bowl ends. Rest assured, Howie Roseman has been preparing for the 2018 NFL offseason ever since the 2017 offseason ended. As the Eagles look to retain its staff and coaches to keep the momentum in the team going, Eagles fans will gradually get a better picture of the direction of the roster in the coming season and the long term future of the team. That all will culminate at the 2018 NFL Draft. Who is drafted remains to be seen. But, for sure, we know that if those draftees embody the hardworking blue-collar mentality as Derek Barnett did, they’ll quickly become adored by Philadelphia Eagles fans.

Photos taken from Philadelphia Eagles.

"Inside the Draft Room" video taken from Philadelphia Eagles YouTube.