Eagles Roster Assessment: Pre-Draft Needs
- By Mike Wilson
- mwilson@profootballtechs.com
This is part of an ongoing team-by-team review of NFL team rosters heading into the 2022 season. Continue following us on twitter: @FootballTechs for more.
The Philadelphia Eagles have 10 draft picks in 2022. This includes 2 first round picks (15 and 18), 1 second, and 2 thirds (83 and 101). That is 5 prospects in the first 101 selections.
Their biggest needs seem to be the defensive backfield, wide receiver, and TE. My prediction is for the Eagles to use their 1st rounders on a WR and DB. Their 2nd rounder will probably used on a DT or DE depending on who the best available is at the 51st position.
From a broad, bird’s eye view, the Eagles lost 3 players during Free Agency (DE, DT, LB).
They added 3 players during Free Agency (2 LBs, WR).
DEFENSE
The Eagles addressed their starting Linebackers by adding 2 via Free Agency (Reddick and White). The Eagles could use some depth along the defensive front. The biggest issue is at CB and SS. Both of these issues can be addressed during the draft. I am expecting the Eagles to use 1 of their 1st rounders on a DB. They will probably select at least 1 more DB in a later round. They can also draft a LB during the 3rd round, as many good prospects will still be available.
LDE: Josh Sweat (76.1 PFF, #21/108), Brandon Graham (62.6 PFF), Matt Leo (No grade)
LDT: Fletcher Cox (68.7 PFF, #29/109), Marlon Tuipulotu (29.2 PFF), Renell Wren (27.1 PFF)
RDT: Javon Hargrave (67.3 PFF, #32/109), Milton Williams (49.6 PFF, #82/109), Marvin Wilson (54.3 PFF)
RDE: Tarron Jackson (66.3 PFF), Derek Barnett (61.9 PFF, #69/108), Cameron Malveaux (51.5 PFF)
WLB: Kyzir White (FA via Chargers)(66.5 PFF, #20/87), Christian Elliss (73.3 PFF), Davion Taylor (38.6 PFF)
MLB: TJ Edwards (75.5 PFF, #10/87), Shaun Bradley (59.8 PFF), JaCoby Stevens (24.1 PFF)
SLB: Haason Reddick (FA via Panthers)(67.9 PFF, #42/108), Patrick Johnson (66.4 PFF), Joe Ostman (No grade)
LCB: Darius Slay (81.0 PFF Grade, Ranked #4 out of 116), Kary Vincent Jr (42.3 PFF, not ranked), and Craig James (No grade or rank)
RCB: Mac McCain III (67.9 PFF, not ranked), Zech McPhearson (64.2 PFF), Tay Gowan (60.8 PFF),
SCB: Avonte Maddox (71.0 PFF, #23/116), Josiah Scott (58.5 PFF)
FS: Marcus Epps (74.6 PFF, #18/92), K’Von Wallace (56.1 PFF), Andre Chachere (35.0 PFF)
SS: Anthony Harris (62.0 PFF, #53/92), Jared Mayden (46.5 PFF)
OFFENSE
The Eagles have good depth across their offensive front. They will probably not need to draft any lineman this year. They will need to address WR and TE this draft. I am expecting the Eagles to use 1 of their 1st rounders on a WR. They could be taking another WR in a later round as well.
LT: Jordan Mailata (88.3 PFF, #3/83), Andre Dillard (69.6 PFF, #45/83)
LG: Landon Dickerson (69.6 PFF, #22/82), Iosua Opeta (72.9 PFF)
C: Jason Kelce (84.5 PFF, #3/39), Jack Anderson (C/G)(71.0 PFF), Brett Toth (69.0 PFF)
RG: Jack Driscoll (T/G)(70.5 PFF, #20/82), Nate Herbig (68.1 PFF, #30/82), Kayode Awosika (G/T)(79.7 PFF), Isaac Seumalo (74.8 PFF)
RT: Lane Johnson (83.3 PFF, #10/83), Le’Raven Clark (62.5 PFF)
QB: Jalen Hurts (77.1 PFF, #14/37), Gardner Minshew (61.7 PFF)
WR: DeVonta Smith (77.7 PFF, #22/115), Quez Watkins (68.2 PFF, #62/115), Jalen Reagor (55.1 PFF, #105/115), Zach Pascal (52.7 PFF, #113/115), John Hightower (60.1 PFF), Greg Ward Jr (54.9 PFF), JJ Arcega-Whiteside (53.0 PFF), Deon Cain. There is a major drop-off from WR1 to WR2. The Eagles should be drafting at least 1 WR in this draft, WR Draft Rankings, to help the depth out at this position.
TE: Dallas Goedert (90.7 PFF, #2/70), Jack Stoll (54.4 PFF, #62/70), Tyree Jackson (54.5 PFF). The Eagles will probably be drafting a TE this year to fill in as TE2. One of their 3rd round picks should garner a decent TE prospect.
RB: Miles Sanders (70.2 PFF, #27/62), Kenneth Gainwell (72.0 PFF, #25/62), Boston Scott (71.9 PFF), Jason Huntley (52.4 PFF). The Eagles just drafted Gainwell in the 5th round during the last draft. Huntley was drafted in the 5th round in the 2020 Draft. Will the Eagles use another 5th round pick on a RB this year?