3 positions the Philadelphia Eagles need to address this offseason
1. Offensive Line
While it was mentioned that this list was in no particular order, injecting some more youth into the offensive line may be paramount to the Philadelphia Eagles success in the near future.
For years now, the Birds’ offensive front has been the backbone of the team, and a big reason why they have won so many games. We have been spoiled to watch All-Pro caliber players like Jason Peters, Jason Kelce, Brandon Brooks, and Lane Johnson for the better part of the last decade. Sadly though, father time remains undefeated, and the sand in the hour glass is running low for this unit.
Peters and Brooks can’t stay on the field, Johnson has also battled numerous ailments, and while Kelce has been a rock in the middle, he has flirted with retirement for a few seasons now.
The good news is the Eagles have identified this as an issue that needs to be resolved, as they did select Andre Dillard in the first round (22nd overall) in the 2019 NFL Draft, and also selected Jack Driscoll in the fourth round (145th overall) this past spring (he has shown flashes of being able to play a bit). Additionally, Jordan Mailata, the team’s seventh round pick in 2018 (233rd overall), has been fantastic in his appearances this year, and it appears the Birds may have struck gold when they selected the former Rugby star.
Issac Seumalo has even been servicable since the team selected him in the third round (79th overall) back in 2016.
So while there are some younger pieces in place, the reason for the importance of this position is the fact that every week Carson Wentz is essentially running for his life. So far this season, he has been sacked an NFL leading 35 times, which is insane when you consider the team has only played nine games. For a player that has a history of injury issues, this is obviously less than ideal to have him taking a beating week after week. You could even argue it has affected his play, as let’s be real, he has stunk so far this season.
Maybe, ya know, playing behind a stable offensive line would allow him to get comfortable again and regain his previous form under center.
Whatever the Philadelphia Eagles decide this offseason, it is paramount that these positions get addressed. If they continue to be overlooked, odds are we will continue to be underwhelmed by the product the front office puts on the football field. If the franchise has any plans to return to prominence and hoist another Lombardi trophy, it is clear where they need to begin to reconstruct their roster.