Hindsight and Foresight: The Philadelphia Eagles’ Pre-Draft 2018 NFL Offseason Moves Outlook
- Bryce
- Apr 16, 2018
- 4 min read
They say that the future is brighter.
They say the future is clearer.
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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?
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