Envisioning Philadelphia Eagles' Starting Lineup for 2015 Season
Now that the draft has finally concluded, it's time people get used to the idea that Sam Bradford is the starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles. Sorry, but Marcus Mariota isn't walking through that door.
That being said, while the quarterback position seems settled—or is it?—what of the rest of the Eagles' starting lineup? It's been a wild offseason of change in Philadelphia, and that's led to a lot of turnover at various positions across the roster.
The regular season is still four months away, which means a lot could change between now and then. But if the home opener were this weekend instead, what might the Eagles look like when they take the field?
Quarterback
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Sam Bradford
There’s a chance Mark Sanchez might be the opening-day starter at quarterback for the Eagles in 2015. Bradford must learn Philadelphia’s offense while recovering from his second ACL surgery in as many years, so it’s not a given that he’s the best option come Week 1.
That being said, assuming Bradford is healthy and picks up the system, there’s no reason he shouldn’t be under center. Sanchez played nine games last season, and while he was better than at any point in his five years with the New York Jets, he wasn’t nearly good enough. There’s nothing more to see.
Bradford, on the other hand, should experience a similar bump in production playing in Philly’s offense, with a better supporting cast than he ever had as a member of the St. Louis Rams. It’s worth finding out what the 2010 first overall pick can do with actual talent around him, which is why as long as he’s ready to take the reins, Bradford will be the signal-caller when the season kicks off.
Running Back
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No doubt, the Eagles’ mighty fleet of backs will have their carries divvied up wisely. Regardless, you don’t sign the NFL’s reigning rushing champion to a massive long-term contract with the expectation that anybody else is going to be the primary ball-carrier.
That would not seem to be the case in Philadelphia, anyway, where Murray is expected to serve as the bell-cow back despite the presence of Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles.
Murray won't touch the ball nearly 500 times between the regular season and the playoffs like he did last season for the Dallas Cowboys, but he should see the bulk of the workload. That’s the way it was when LeSean McCoy was here, and that’s how it should continue with Murray in the fold, even with plenty of assistance.
Wide Receiver
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Nelson Agholor, Jordan Matthews, Josh Huff
Philadelphia's offense generally operates out of three-wide receiver sets, which means all three of its recent high draft picks should be able to get on the field. How, exactly, they're deployed will be interesting to see.
When all three are on the field, don't be surprised to see first-round pick Agholor out of USC and Huff on the outside, with Matthews reprising his role in the slot. Matthews' size creates a lot of mismatches against nickel cornerbacks, although Agholor will likely rotate in there to give defenses different looks. After catching only eight passes, Huff may be more likely to platoon with either Riley Cooper or Miles Austin in the other spot.
When the Eagles go with two receivers, the best guess is it will be Agholor and Matthews most of the time as the two most talented wideouts on the roster. Then again, with so many available bodies, the Eagles may not go with any one trio or tandem.
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Tight End
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Brent Celek
While third-year tight end Zach Ertz continues to make strides, particularly as a weapon in the passing attack, Celek remains atop the depth chart due to his prowess as a blocker. Even at 30 years old, Celek is still a deceptively good receiver himself, but he doesn't go out for as many routes these days.
If the Eagles fall behind, that's when we tend to see more Ertz, as he's clearly the bigger receiving threat of the two.
Offensive Line
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Jason Peters, Evan Mathis, Jason Kelce, Allen Barbre, Lane Johnson
The foundation of the offensive line returns. Future Hall of Fame left tackle Peters, All-Pro left guard Mathis, Pro Bowl center Kelce and 2013 fourth overall draft pick Johnson all reprise their roles from last season.
Barbre is the only newcomer, as he's projected to replace Todd Herremans at right guard. The 30-year-old journeyman will have competition, however, in the form of reserves Matt Tobin and Andrew Gardner, both of whom filled in last season while Barbre was on injured reserve.
As for Mathis, head coach Chip Kelly was adamant the Eagles have been unable to trade him, per Geoff Mosher for CSNPhilly.com. With that in mind, expect Mathis to pick up where he left off last season in midnight green.
Defensive Line
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Cedric Thornton, Bennie Logan, Fletcher Cox
No surprises here, with all three 2014 starters returning again.
Cox transformed into one of the most dominant defensive lineman in the NFL last season, really setting the table for everything Philadelphia's defense does. The 24-year-old is the foundation on which the unit should be built for the next five to 10 years.
Logan proved to be the right fit at nose tackle for the Eagles, despite some questions about his size. He's an excellent run defense, as is Thornton, who starts at the end opposite Cox. Thornton does come off the field in obvious passing situations for Vinny Curry, who's a far superior pass-rusher, but Thornton still receives the bulk of the snaps.
Outside Linebacker
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Connor Barwin, Brandon Graham
The Eagles appear to be set at outside linebacker for the next few seasons at least.
Barwin restructured his contract during the offseason, keeping him in Philadelphia for the next few seasons. The second-team All-Pro is so valuable to the Eagles. He rushes the passer, he sets the edge against the run, and he even shadows tight ends and wide receivers in coverage from time to time. That versatility is huge.
Graham also signed an extension with the Birds after testing free agency. Instead, he'll replace Trent Cole opposite Barwin as the primary pass-rush linebacker. Despite being selected 13th overall in the 2010 draft by Philly, this will be Graham's first real opportunity to start.
Interior Linebacker
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DeMeco Ryans, Kiko Alonso
Decisions, decisions at interior linebacker, where Philadelphia went about stockpiling depth this offseason. While it's unpopular to say, I still believe Mychal Kendricks could be traded between now and the beginning of the season, which my starting lineup reflects.
After all, the Eagles went out of their way to extend Ryans this offseason, despite the fact that he'll be 31, is coming off a torn Achilles and may not be a true three-down linebacker in this defense anymore. To me, that suggests the coaching staff really wants Ryans on the field.
But with the Eagles also acquiring Alonso from the Bills in the LeSean McCoy trade, there simply isn't room for all three. Alonso is going to start as well, as he may be the best of the bunch. At least, that's the way it looked his rookie season in 2013, when he racked up 159 tackles, 2.0 sacks, four pass breakups, four interceptions and a forced fumble.
Of course, Alonso is coming off a torn ACL himself. The injuries allow the possibility there could be a different lineup on opening day.
Cornerback
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Byron Maxwell, Eric Rowe
Philadelphia went out and invested huge sums of money in Maxwell during this free agency, hoping to solidify at least one half of the field at cornerback. Maxwell has the ideal size, fits the scheme and has a championship pedigree coming over from the Seattle Seahawks, although he's not the most established player with only 17 career starts under his belt.
The Eagles then used a second-round pick on Rowe, a versatile defensive back out of Utah. Rowe also has experience playing safety, and the Birds could still use help there as well, but Kelly gushed about the prospect's ability as a press cornerback, via Geoff Mosher for CSNPhilly.com.
When opponents run three receivers, Brandon Boykin has traditionally manned the slot. However, he'll have competition from free agent Walter Thurmond and possibly sixth-round picks JaCorey Shepherd or Randall Evans as well—if Boykin is still here. Ian Rapoport for NFL.com reports Boykin is on the trade block along with Kendricks.
Safety
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Earl Wolff, Malcolm Jenkins
At least the Eagles have Jenkins. Signed as a free agent last year to little fanfare, Jenkins turned out to be a perfect fit for Philadelphia's defense. He's excellent in coverage and seldom out of position against the run.
Who starts alongside Jenkins, on the other hand, remains to be seen.
The front-runner seems to be Wolff. The 2013 fifth-round pick started six games as a rookie and looked competent but was a non-factor last season with a knee injury and eventually required surgery. Who knows how far along his development is.
Wolff is expected to battle 2014 fourth-round pick Jaylen Watkins, according to Tim McManus for Philadelphia Magazine. Watkins only saw action in one game last season—Week 17 at cornerback—and is even more of a mystery.
There are other names in the mix, but as of now, those appear to be the best options—which, I'm sorry to say, is a little scary.
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