Now that free agency and the NFL Draft are in the books, let’s take at what seem to be the biggest strengths and weaknesses on the Eagles’ roster:
Defensive Line: One of the more surprising stats about the 2020 Eagles, and maybe one of the only positive ones, is that they finished third in the NFL in sacks with 49. That was actually more than Washington, their division rival that is viewed as having a far superior defensive line. The good news for the Eagles is that their line could be even better in 2021 than it was in 2020.
The two main reasons the Eagles should have optimism their line could be better next season are Javon Hargrave and Josh Sweat.
Hargrave, the team’s big free-agency signing last offseason, had a slow start to 2020 after missing training camp due to injury. Hargrave picked it up as the season went on, however, finishing with three sacks and four quarterback hits in the final five games. The same can be said of Sweat, who after a bit of a midseason lull, finished strong with three sacks and five quarterback hits over his final five games. Assuming they both have healthy offseason and full training camps, there is real reason to believe both can have a much more consistent impact in 2021.
With Sweat, Hargrave, Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham, Derek Barnett and some intriguing rookies, the Eagles could once again have one of the best pass-rushing defensive lines in the NFL next season.
Offensive Line: Let’s start with the obvious, much-repeated caveat — health is a concern with the Eagles’ offensive line.
The truth is though that, even if they suffer the same injuries they did last season, the Eagles line could still be a strength.
Last season, despite going a new combination of starters almost every single game, the Eagles were still 16th in pass blocking, according to Pro Football Focus. Not great, but considerably better than the lines for Dallas (26th) and New York (32nd). They also were blocking for the worst starting quarterback in the NFL, which certainly didn’t make life easier.
This season, there is a pretty clear path to being much better.
First, getting more than the seven combined games they got last season from Lane Johnson and Brandon Brooks. If they get even 10 games from each, the addition of two All-Pro talents to the line will be a game changer. Second, hope Jordan Mailata continues to improve, something that is not a stretch considering how he ended the season. Third, Jason Kelce needs to keep being Jason Kelce.
Finally, add in some much-deserved good luck with injuries, and the Eagles’ line could be a real strength in 2021.
Running Backs: Unlike the other two units on this list, there wasn’t much to be encouraged about from the running back position in 2020. Miles Sanders certainly had his positive moments, but overall his production took a dip, and the backups behind him weren’t able to pick up the slack.
That should change this season.
With Sanders, Kerryon Johnson and Kenneth Gainwell, the Eagles have a set of running backs that could rival any in the league, and certainly the division. What makes this Eagles groups of backs so special is that all three are able to be playmakers in the passing game, giving head coach Nick Sirianni a chance to use them all over the field. That is especially true with Gainwell, who could see a decent amount of snaps lined up in the slot.
With a strong offensive line and a talented group of backs, plus a quarterback in Jalen Hurts that is an impact player on the ground, the Eagles should have a strong running game this year.
Weaknesses:
Cornerback: There is no getting around this one — the Eagles cornerbacks are a concern.
Outside of Darius Slay, who had a strong season last year, the Eagles don’t have another cornerback on the roster they can count on. If the season started today they would likely go with either Craig James or Avonte Maddox on the outside, or maybe even rookie Zech McPhearson. Maddox struggle last season, James has barely played and McPhearson is a rookie. That isn’t exactly an encouraging trio opposite Slay.
Howie Roseman hasn’t said it outright, but has made it pretty clear that he plans on making a move to improve the position. If he doesn’t, teams are going to spend all season targeting the team’s No. 2 cornerback, whoever it might end up being.
Wide Receiver: Like clockwork over the last few years the Eagles’ receivers have been either a concern heading into the season or an issue once the season begins. This year is no different.
There is no question that DeVonta Smith can be a difference maker, and the team’s decision to draft him at No. 10 overall was a smart one. He has the potential to make the same kind of impact that Justin Jefferson did last season for the Minnesota Vikings. For now, however, that is just potential, and certainly not a sure thing.
Behind Smith, besides maybe Greg Ward, the Eagles have a group that has yet to show they can consistently contribute in the NFL. Jalen Reagor had a disappointing rookie season. J.J. Arcega-Whiteside has had a disappointing first two seasons. Travis Fulgham disappeared last season after a few strong games.
Perhaps a new quarterback and coaching staff will turn things around for this receiving core. Until they do, however, this group remains one of the weakest in the NFL.
Safety: It is a good thing the Eagles were able to land Anthony Harris— because outside of Harris, the team doesn’t have much they can be excited about at safety.
The biggest concern at safety is the health of Rodney McLeod, who is likely to miss the start of the season due to a torn ACL he suffered last year. If he does indeed miss the start, the Eagles will have to choose from a group that includes Andrew Adams, K’Von Wallace or Marcus Epps.
While Wallace brings some upside, that isn’t an especially encouraging trio. There is also the scary reality for the Eagles that although Harris was a great signing, he is coming off of a down season, and was able to be had one a one-year, prove-it deal.
For all of the talk about the cornerback and linebacker position, the safety position has almost as many holes and question marks right now.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!