As Howie Roseman said during the NFL Annual Meetings, the evaluation process never ends for the Eagles. So while free agency might appear to be over, and the NFL Draft is on the horizon, the Eagles — as evident by the trade for running back Jordan Howard — continue to look for ways to improve their roster.
While every team focuses on the future while making moves, the Eagles are in a particularly tricky situation. They are always going to be a team that wants to win now, and with a huge year coming up for quarterback Carson Wentz, adding talent that can contribute right away is crucial. Still, the Eagles are old along both of the lines and don't have much young, up-and-coming talent on the roster. Trying to take into account both the short-and-long term needs of the team is not easy when making moves.
With that being said, here is a look at some of the Eagles' biggest short-term needs, as well as the long-term needs they still need to address:
SHORT-TERM NEEDS:
Backup defensive tackle: The Eagles addressed their need for a starting defensive tackle opposite Fletcher Cox when they brought in Malik Jackson. The need for a top backup is also as crucial. The Eagles shift their defensive tackles in-and-out of the game regularly, meaning whoever is backing up Cox and Jackson will likely end up playing snaps similar to starters on other teams. Right now the Eagles have Bruce Hector and Trevyon Hester, both of whom have very little actual NFL experience and are still projects at this point. Adding a veteran defensive tackle that is a proven commodity is a must before Week 1.
Pass-catching running back: The addition of Howard did improve the Eagles' backfield, but they are still in need of a back that will be a threat in the passing game, something Howard has not yet proven he can do. Assuming Darren Sproles doesn't come back, the Eagles' best pass-catching back is likely Corey Clement at this point, although he is a bit of a question mark since he is coming off of a season-ending ACL injury. Making a trade for Cleveland running back Duke Johnson is something the Eagles should seriously consider.
Backup safety: Like backup defensive tackle, the third safety spot on the Eagles is essentially a starting position. If the Eagles plan on putting Avonte Maddox there, then the spot is fine. If not, trusting Andrew Sendejo is come in and play serious snaps is a risky move considering both his age and the fact he missed 11 games last season. Finding a veteran on the free agency market at this point won't be easy, so this is a role the Eagles could fill with one of their first three picks in the NFL Draft.
LONG-TERM NEEDS:
Cornerback: The Eagles are loaded at cornerback now, but the future outlook at the position could change quickly. Ronald Darby and Jalen Mills are set to become free agents after this season. Only Maddox is signed beyond 2020. The potential is there for the Eagles' young cornerbacks, but they do not have a sure thing on the unit just yet. If there is an elite cornerback prospect available to the Eagles early on, they shouldn't strongly consider taking him.
Safety: The Eagles have been extremely fortunate to have Malcolm Jenkins stay healthy over the last three seasons, because if he were to go down they would be in serious trouble. Jenkins hasn't shown any signs of slowing down, but starting to look for a player in the draft that could one day play the same role Jenkins does would be a wise idea.
Offensive line: The Eagles have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL entering 2019. It is beyond 2019 that could be an issue. Outside of Jordan Mailata, who is still a major question mark, the Eagles aren't exactly loaded with promising young players along the offensive line. Like they did with Matt Pryor last season, the Eagles should grab at least one offensive linemen in this year's draft to work on developing for the future.
Pass rusher: Brandon Graham, Vinny Curry and (hopefully) Chris Long will be impact players next season, but as talented as all three still are, the Eagles would be wise to keep one eye on the future with this position. Derek Barnett and Josh Sweat both have potential, but the Eagles should make sure they come out of this draft with at least one more strong prospect at defensive end.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
