Here are the Philadelphia Eagles three biggest needs after the feeding frenzy to begin 2017 NFL free agency.
In 2016, it was pretty evident that the Philadephia Eagles had a huge hole at wide receiver. It was obvious—at times too much so—that their 2016 first-round pick Carson Wentz did not have much help in his rookie season. The lack of weapons was a huge need heading into 2017 and the Eagles clearly agreed with anyone who watched them play last season.
They decided to attack free agency, first signing former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith. He is known to stretch the field and his 17.0 yards per reception will help the Eagles vertical passing game. Nothing against Smith, but that signing wasn't enough. Philadelphia needed a No.1 receiver and someone that Wentz could trust.
That is exactly what they got when they signed former Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. The 6-3 big-bodied receiver will instantly become Wentz's go-to guy and his No. 1 target. He will take the Eagles offense to the next level and elevate the game of the players around him.
Along with attacking the wide receiver position in free agency, the Eagles also had a need on the offensive line. Last season a suspension and some injuries made it near impossible for the Eagles to protect Wentz. Luckily for the second year signal-caller, the Eagles signed two offensive linemen (Chance Warmack and Stefen Wisniewski). Along with signing both of those linemen, the Eagles kept two of their own under contract amid rumors they may be released (Jason Kelce and Allen Barbre). These moves solidify their offensive line and give them the proper depth needed to protect a young quarterback.
Philadelphia filled those two holes on their roster during the free agency frenzy period, but they still have some needs to fill. Here are their three biggest needs they need to fill, whether it is a late free agent signing or a 2017 NFL Draft pick.
Sep 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Bennie Logan (96) reacts after a sack in the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
3. Defensive Tackle
Free agency can be great for a team because you can fill holes, but it also can be tough when one of your players leaves for another team. Though he hasn't signed anywhere yet, it is likely that defensive tackle Bennie Logan won't be back with the team in 2017.
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That leaves a huge hole on the Eagles defensive line that needs to be filled. Logan may not have been a stat sheet stuffer, but he was an important part of the Eagles defense. He was one of their best run defenders and a guy that could help open up holes for others to make plays. Logan was a great complement to the Eagles elite defense tackle Fletcher Cox.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Logan is visiting the Washington Redskins, which means they could lose him to a division rival. Ironically, the Eagles may replace Logan with a division rival's former defensive tackle, Johnathan Hankins of the New York Giants. According to Ed Valentine of Big Blue View:
I'm told that the NFC East-rival Philadelphia Eagles have been showing Hankins "lots of love" in the event they lose their own free-agent defensive tackle, Bennie Logan.
It remains to be seen how the Eagles will be able to afford Hankins, or why they wouldn't just re-sign Logan instead if they were going after Hankins. With the salary cap tight, the Eagles will most likely look for help in the 2017 NFL Draft. Regardless of where they get the help, they will need it in 2017.
Oct 30, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Ryan Mathews (24) celebrates a second quarter touchdown with center Stefen Wisniewski (61) against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
2. Running Back
Flipping to the offensive side of the ball, the Eagles may have filled two important holes, but they still have a big need on offense. Once he passes a physical from the herniated disk in his neck, running back Ryan Mathews will almost certainly be released. He's been injury prone his entire career and proved that it was a mistake for the Eagles to sign him last offseason. Philadelphia obviously needed help at wide receiver, but they also need the help at running back.
Wentz needed targets to throw the ball too, and he has plenty after free agency, but he also needs someone to carry the load. Mathews would have been a solid choice, but his injuries give you no reason to trust him for a full 16-game season.
The Eagles have Darren Sproles and Wendell Smallwood, but both players aren't every down backs. Sproles is elite on third down and is an excellent option out of the backfield. Smallwood is solid, but after just one season in the NFL, it seems like he isn't a legitimate starting running back.
Philadelphia needs a running back that can carry the ball 20 plus times a game and can close out games, something the Eagles running backs couldn't do. They could look back into the free agency market at Jamaal Charles. The former Kansas City Chiefs running back played for Pederson when he was the offensive coordinator before he took over as the head coach in Philly. Another option could be former Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy, but he may be out of the Eagles price range.
However, just like defensive tackle, the Eagles should look at the 2017 NFL Draft for their new running back. This year's running back class is stacked and you can find a starter in the first three rounds. If they can find a starter before the season starts, they could have one of the better offenses in the NFL.
Dec 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver Jamison Crowder (80) makes a reception past Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Jalen Mills (31) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. The Washington Redskins won 27-22. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
1. Cornerback
Wide receiver was a huge need for the Eagles, but it wasn't the biggest. Cornerback is the biggest need on the Eagles roster, but they did not address it in free agency. Some may think this was a poor idea, but those people must have a terrible memory. The Eagles have tried to fill their need at cornerback through free agency for years and it has not worked. It has actually failed miserably.
Philadelphia needs to attack the 2017 NFL Draft to find their new starting cornerbacks, yes plural. Jalen Mills plays okay last year, but counting on him to be a starter for your defense isn't smart. The draft is filled with cornerback talent and it has been called the deepest class in years by many, and I agree.
There is no doubt in my mind that the Eagles can find two starters in the first three rounds of the draft this year. It also would not surprise me if the Eagles drafted a cornerback in the first and second round because their two starters from last season are no longer on their roster.
The last time the Eagles took a cornerback in the first round was in 2002, selecting Lito Sheppard out of Florida. In that draft, the Eagles also took a cornerback in the second round, Sheldon Brown out of South Carolina.
Philadelphia needs to follow that draft strategy once more and try to get an even better tandem for their future. And for those who disagree, do you know who the Eagles took with their third round pick in the 2002 NFL Draft after going cornerback in rounds one and two?
Running back, out of Villanova, Brian Westbrook. In 2002, they got two starting cornerbacks and a starting running back in the first three rounds. That is exactly what they need in the 2017 NFL draft and that will help fill two of their three biggest needs.
