NFL1000: Philadelphia Eagles 2017 NFL Draft Preview
The Philadelphia Eagles didn't have a bad year in 2016, despite what their record may otherwise suggest. For the second straight season, the team went 7-9. However, new head coach Doug Pederson began to establish stability, while new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz helped the defense improve overall.
Rookie quarterback Carson Wentz showed the skills necessary for a franchise quarterback. He had undeniable rough spots, but considering his unimpressive receiver corps and his adjustment from small-school opposition at North Dakota State, Wentz proved there's a lot to build on with his skill set. Philadelphia's free-agent additions of Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith should help in that regard.
In the upcoming 2017 NFL draft, the Eagles' needs are clear. Their cornerbacks gave up 13 touchdowns and only pulled in three interceptions last season, and Philadelphia gave up the third-most passing plays of 40 yards or more. The 2017 draft class touts a strong group of cornerbacks, and after releasing Leodis McKelvin and seeing Nolan Carroll sign with the Cowboys, the Eagles will have to go that route at least once.
Beyond that, more pass-rush help would help, the offensive line could use a few tweaks and the lack of a true bellcow running back could hurt the offense over time. The Eagles aren't too far away from contending for the playoffs, but they'll have to make the right moves when the draft comes around.
Methodology
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The NFL1000 team of scouts received a series of important attributes to grade for every player in their positional review. Using a scale starting at zero and going up to anywhere from five to 50 based on the position and the attribute, our scouts graded each player based on their own expertise and countless hours of tape review over the years. Our evaluators had specific positional assignments based on their proven fields of expertise.
- Doug Farrar: Lead scout/quarterbacks
- John Middlekauff: Running backs/fullbacks
- Marcus Mosher: Wide receivers/tight ends
- Mark Schofield: Wide receivers/tight ends
- Duke Manyweather: Offensive tackles
- Ethan Young: Offensive guards
- Joe Goodberry: AFC defensive ends
- Justis Mosqueda: NFC defensive ends
- Charles McDonald: Defensive tackles
- Zach Kruse: 3-4 outside linebackers
- Derrik Klassen: 4-3 outside linebackers
- Jerod Brown: Inside linebackers
- Kyle Posey: Cornerbacks
- Ian Wharton: Cornerbacks
- Mark Bullock: Safeties
- Chuck Zodda: Special teams
Each corresponding position slide was written by the assigned scout.
Quarterback
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Scheme: West Coast/Zone
Starter: Carson Wentz
NFL1000 Score: 65.1/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 29/38
The second overall pick in the 2016 draft, Wentz showed some of the mechanical issues and problems deciphering NFL defenses that skeptics thought might happen to a quarterback coming out of North Dakota State. He showed enough to build on, but until Wentz fully aligns his body with his decision-making process, he'll be a work in progress, and the Eagles will have to build around him accordingly. Having a more dynamic receiver corps in 2016 would have helped alleviate pressure, and the Eagles responded this offseason by adding Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith. Jeffery is the tough possession receiver, while Smith can take a safety off the top with his speed. Wentz must keep developing, but the future looks bright.
Backup: Nick Foles
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify.
The Eagles brought Foles back to town on March 13 after a two-year hiatus in St. Louis and Kansas City, signing him to a two-year, $11 million contract with $7 million guaranteed. That's good backup money, and that's what Foles is—a good backup in the right system. He struggles mightily under pressure and when improvising, but he's efficient in the right system. Though it's an extreme outlier, his 27-touchdown, two-interception season in 2013 is proof of that. Foles needs a system in which he has designed and defined openings, and the Eagles provide that.
Team Need: 5/10
Potential Draft Fits: Davis Webb, Cal; Josh Dobbs, Tennessee.
Running Back
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Scheme: Power/West Coast
Starter: Darren Sproles
NFL1000 Scores: 71.5/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 29/82
Darren Sproles, who will be 34 years old when the season begins in 2017, has established himself as one of the more unique and versatile chess pieces in league history. He is not an ideal starter due to his diminutive 5'6" frame, but he remains productive, having averaged 4.7 yards per carry last season. He only started five games in 2016, but he had 52 catches for 427 yards and continued to be one of the better pass-catching backs in the NFL.
Despite his small stature, Sproles has proven over the years to be a solid inside runner. He's powerful, quick and physical on contact. Defenders have to respect his ability to make them miss, so he rarely takes big hits. On outside runs, he still has the burst and vision to make things happen in space. Sproles fits perfectly in the Eagles' West Coast offense, but they need to provide him with more help.
Backup: Ryan Mathews
NFL1000 Scores: 71.9/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 25/82
Ryan Mathews has never lived up to his first-round billing due to a litany of injuries, but when he's healthy, he has been productive. Through his first two years in Philadelphia, he has scored 16 total touchdowns in 26 games. However, he went from averaging 5.1 yards per carry in 2015 to only 4.3 in 2016, which could convince the Eagles to release him this offseason. Mathews is a strong inside runner and excels in short-yardage situations. He still touts impressive burst and speed to use on outside runs, but he's not going to make something out of nothing if the play is not perfectly blocked, as he lacks elusiveness.
At this point, Mathews is a good rotational back who can make spot starts if needed. His track record suggests he'll struggle to stay on the field if asked to play significant snaps, however. If used correctly, he can help the Eagles win games.
Backup: Wendell Smallwood
NFL1000 Scores: 68.9/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 56/82
Smallwood made three starts as a rookie and flashed some promise for the future. While he did end the season on injured reserve with a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his right knee, Smallwood should be full go by the 2017 season. The former fifth-round selection is a quick back with excellent vision who could emerge as a draft-day steal. While he only had six catches in 2016, he has good hands and the skills to make things happen in the open field. Smallwood should carve out a bigger role in the passing game and operate as a security blanket for Carson Wentz this coming season.
Team Need: 7/10
Potential Draft Fits: Christian McCaffrey, Stanford; Dalvin Cook, Florida State; Joe Mixon, Oklahoma
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Wide Receiver
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Scheme: West Coast
Starter: Alshon Jeffery
NFL1000 Scores: 69.2/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 25/155
For years, the Philadelphia Eagles have been trying to find a true X receiver. Terrell Owens was their last one back in the mid-2000s, and they've struggled to replace him ever since. Now that the Eagles have their franchise quarterback in place, their biggest goal of the offseason was to add a legitimate No. 1 wideout to help aid Carson Wentz's growth.
Alshon Jeffery has his flaws, but when he's healthy and in shape, he can be a difference-maker on the outside. His best trait is his ability to make plays in contested areas of the field and win above his head down the sideline. He can also box out defenders on slants, comebacks and post patterns, all of which he'll need to run in Philadelphia's West Coast offense. He won't beat defenders after the catch very often, but he fills the Eagles' massive void on the outside and should thrive in a new setting in another contract year.
Starter: Torrey Smith
NFL1000 Scores: 62.3/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 105/155
Coming off the worst year of his career, Smith will move from his role as the 49ers X receiver to the Eagles, where he projects as the team's starting Z receiver. That's a far better fit for him and his skill set, as he will draw no longer a team's best defensive back. Instead, he will be asked to run a much smaller route tree, where his primary job will be to take the top off the defense and block on the outside.
Smith is a much better player than he showed in 2016, and he will now play opposite of a true X receiver for the first time in his career. With Philadelphia's offense touting a number of other options to help support him, 2017 could be the best year of his career.
Starter: Jordan Matthews
NFL1000 Scores: 67/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 50/155
With Jeffery and Smith now in Philadelphia, Jordan Matthews will finally be allowed to focus on his true position, slot receiver. At 6'3", Matthews can use his size to box out smaller nickel corners in the middle of the field. He lacks the elite quickness of the typical slot receiver, but his body positioning and control should allow him to thrive in that role. Matthews' route tree in 2017 should be similar to what we've seen from Larry Fitzgerald over the course of the past two seasons in Arizona.
Backup: Dorial Green-Beckham
NFL1000 Scores: 63/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 96/155
The Eagles brought Dorial Green-Beckham in via trade during the season to try to upgrade the outside receiver position, but he couldn't make a consistent impact. Despite all of his natural talent, he hasn't been able to put it all together at one time. He struggles with concentration drops and doesn't have a set of routes that he runs particularly well. He will try to make the roster as Alshon Jeffery's backup in 2017.
Backup: Nelson Agholor
NFL1000 Scores: 62.9/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 97/155
Agholor, who the Eagles selected with a first-round pick in 2015, has yet to crack 400 receiving yards in a season. The USC product quickly fell out of favor with the new coaching staff and is in real danger of not making the roster in 2017. If he does survive final cuts, he will likely be moved at some point next season.
Team Need: 4/10
Potential Draft Fits: Ryan Switzer, UNC; Trent Taylor, Louisiana Tech; Dede Westbrook, Oklahoma
Tight End
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Scheme: West Coast
Starter: Zach Ertz
NFL1000 Scores: 68.4/100
NFL 1000 Rank: 11/96
Zach Ertz had the best year of his career in 2016. As a move tight end, Ertz's athletic ability makes him a tough cover in the middle of the field. He's not a great blocker, but his best work comes when he's detached from the formation, either out wide or in the slot. With increased consistency from Philadelphia's outside receivers, Ertz should be able to exploit more matchups with linebackers in the middle of the field. He's becoming one of the more reliable receiving tight ends in the NFL.
Backup: Brent Celek
NFL1000 Scores: 62.2/100
NFL1000 Rank: 44/96
With two other receiving tight ends on the roster, Celek took a backseat in the passing game in 2016. After the Eagles added two reliable receivers on the outside in free agency, it's fair to assume Celek will slot into that role again in 2017. He's an above-average in-line blocker and a tough receiver in the middle of the field. He just doesn't possess the athleticism to be much more at this point in his career.
Backup: Trey Burton
NFL1000 Scores: 61.2/100
NFL1000 Rank: 53/96
Trey Burton is one of the league's most underrated tight ends, as the Eagles used him all over the field in 2016. His best fit is as an oversized slot receiver who can beat defenders down the field with his speed. When he gets in space, he's tough to tackle because of his lower-body strength and quick feet. He's a nice weapon to have in case Ertz ever goes down with an injury. With the Eagles adding more talent at receiver, his role may be reduced in the passing game, but he will find other ways to contribute to the offense.
Team Need: 1/10
Potential Draft Fits: None
Left Tackle
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Scheme: Zone-Flex
Starter: Jason Peters
NFL1000 Scores: 80.6/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 3/40
Thirteen seasons and 159 starts into his career, Jason Peters is still performing at a high level as Philadelphia's left bookend, having ranked third league-wide among left tackles in 2016.
Peters still shows top-end range and an ability to recover, which allows him to serve as a strong anchor in pass protection (he had a NFL1000 pass protection score of 19.4 out of 25). He also displays tremendous footwork efficiency, strong short-area quickness and elite power in the running game.
The 35-year-old Peters has only missed two starts in the last four seasons, so the Eagles know they can count on him. That said, the huge extension Philadelphia gave right tackle Lane Johnson last offseason suggests the team views Johnson as its left tackle of the future when Peters ends his Hall of Fame caliber-career.
Team Need: 1/10
Potential Draft Fits: None
Right Tackle
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Scheme: West Coast
Starter: Lane Johnson
NFL1000 Scores: 81.0/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 1/38
The NFL suspended Lane Johnson for 10 games during the 2016 season for violating its policy on performance-enhancing drugs. Despite the games he missed, Johnson graded out as our top right tackle of 2016 when all scores were averaged.
Johnson has established himself as one of the top offensive linemen in the NFL, as he excels in pass protection and in the running game, whether it be in-line or out in space. However, the 26-year-old has been suspended twice in the last three seasons for violations of the PED policy, so another slip-up could result in long-term banishment. This has to be a concern for Philadelphia after it rewarded Johnson with a huge extension in January 2016.
Backup: Halapoulivaati Vaitai
NFL1000 Scores: 70/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 26/38
While Johnson was sidelined by his PED suspension, the Eagles had to rely upon rookie Halapoulivaati Vaitai at right tackle. Big V had a rough first game against the dynamic pass rush of Washington's Alex Kerrigan, who beat Vaitai for two sacks early in the game. It took Vaitai two starts before the game seemed to slow down for him, but from there, he began making clear, steady progress weekly.
Vaitai still needs to continue to develop consistency in pass-protection technique, specifically expanding set points against speedy rushers. Consistency in his weight distribution will make recovering against counter moves and anchoring easier.
Overall, Vaitai gives Philadelphia an adequate option as a swing backup, although he does have starting experience and extensive game action at right tackle along with spot reps at left tackle.
Team Need: 1/10
Potential Draft Fits: None
Offensive Guard
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Scheme: Zone-Flex
Starter: Allen Barbre
NFL1000 Scores: 72.9/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 12/78
Coming into the 2016 season as the weak link on a great offensive line, Allen Barbre took a step forward in his age-32 campaign. He was able to quickly transition into Doug Pederson's West Coast offense thanks to his smooth footwork and mirroring ability. Barbre flashed starter-level tape and is someone to watch next season. The coaching staff may be higher on him than the front office is, as the Eagles gave him permission to seek a trade, according to B/R's Jason Cole, but his tape suggests he deserves a starting role next season.
Starter: Brandon Brooks
NFL1000 Scores: 73/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 10/78
Brandon Brooks may be one of the league's most underrated players, as with his power and drive-block ability, he deserves to be mentioned among the top group of NFL guards. Brooks may win with strength, but his footwork is impressive as well. He's quick enough to get out of his stance and reach his spot when he needs to, which is a nice touch given the physical presence he provides on the right side of the Eagles uber-athletic offensive line.
Backup: Isaac Seumalo
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify.
Isaac Seumalo will likely get a shot to take Barbre's job next season. While the 2016 third-round pick profiles as a tough and physical blocker in the run game, Barbre deserves a chance to retain his starting role if he plays like he did last season.
Backup: Stefen Wisniewski
NFL1000 Scores: 68.5/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 52/78
It was shocking to see Stefen Wisniewski return to Philly. Though he's one of the league's best interior offensive linemen without a starting gig, the former Raider wasn't even the first option off the bench for the Eagles last year. Regardless, he signed a three-year, $8.025 million deal with Philadelphia in mid-March. It's important to have depth on the interior to guard against injuries, but this feels like overkill.
Team Need: 0/10
Potential Draft Fits: None
Center
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Scheme: Zone-Flex
Starter: Jason Kelce
NFL1000 Scores: 70.8
NFL1000 Position Rank: 18/38
Jason Kelce has taken a step back from being one of the NFL's premier centers, but he still is a good starter and shows flashes of the brilliance we routinely saw a few years ago under Chip Kelly. He had a tough transition to the new offensive scheme early in the year, including some misreads in pass protection and blown assignment calls. But he got into more of a groove in the second half of the season, as Doug Pederson started introducing more space-based concepts to the Eagles' run game. As the unit gels more in 2017, Kelce should vault back up to being a top-10 center once again.
Team Need: 1/10
Potential Draft Fits: Freddie Burden, Georgia Tech
Defensive End
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Scheme: 4-3
Starter: Brandon Graham
NFL1000 Scores: 72.7/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 3/68
Brandon Graham is the poster child for how long arms don't always matter for pass-rushing positions. The 28-year-old only has 29 sacks across his seven-year NFL career, but he pressures quarterbacks far more often than the number of times he's able to get home. Our third-ranked defensive end league-wide, Graham is a surefire NFL starter for every team in the league. Last year, he was paired opposite of Connor Barwin, who has since become a cap casualty and signed with the Los Angeles Rams, but Graham's floor in 2017 should be a five- to seven-sack season, as he's improving yearly.
Starter: Vinny Curry
NFL1000 Scores: 64.8/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 45/68
The talent drop-off for the Eagles at their starting end positions may be the biggest of any team league-wide heading into 2017. Graham is widely considered to be a top-10 pass-rusher, but starting opposite him will likely be Vinny Curry, who has recorded just six sacks in the last two seasons combined and only has one season with more than four sacks in his five-year NFL career. That paltry output didn't stop Philadelphia from handing him a five-year, $47.25 million contract last February, though, which will keep the team tied to him at least until the 2018 offseason.
Curry should have every opportunity to earn his keep with the Eagles, but he's just an average end at best. If the team is willing to draft a pass-rusher in the early rounds this year, it would have a better chance to win in 2017 and beyond.
Backup: Marcus Smith
NFL1000 Scores: 66.1/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 28/68
Marcus Smith and Curry were the only pass-rushers to play regular snaps off the bench for Philadelphia behind Graham and Barwin last season. Smith was a first-round pick in 2014, but he hasn't started a single game and has just four sacks in three NFL seasons. He's heading into the last year of his rookie deal and appears poised for a training camp battle with Curry for a starting end spot, mostly due to the lack of depth on the roster. Smith may not be more than a reserve pass-rusher on other teams, but in Philadelphia, where there are only three real bodies at a heavily rotated, two-starter position, Smith is a virtual lock to make the team.
Team Need: 10/10
Potential Draft Fits: Derek Barnett, Tennessee; Taco Charlton, Michigan; Carl Lawson, Auburn
Defensive Tackle
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Scheme: 4-3
Starter: Fletcher Cox
NFL1000 Scores: 76.3/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 3/99
Fletcher Cox is one of the elite defensive tackles in the NFL today. In 2016, he finished third in the NFL1000 defensive tackle rankings behind Aaron Donald and Geno Atkins. He didn't post a monstrous stat line, but he was still a disruptive force for the Eagles. His ability to command double-teams is an asset for the rest of the Eagles front seven.
Cox is under contract until 2022, so Philadelphia needs to focus on acquiring a strong option next to him this offseason, as Bennie Logan left via free agency. With Cox representing a cap hit of $9.4 million, it may make more sense to find that option in the draft.
Backup: Beau Allen
NFL1000 Scores: 60.9/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 67/99
Beau Allen had decent flashes in 2016, but he shouldn't be relied upon as the starter next to Cox. He's not a dynamic pass-rusher or run-stuffer by any stretch of the imagination. Allen was a strong No. 3 option behind Cox and Bennie Logan, but the Eagles could stand to upgrade here this offseason.
As a rotational player, Allen can be a steady presence. It's fair to question whether he could hold up for a full 16-game season where he's closer to Cox's snap count than his number of snaps from this past season.
Backup: Destiny Vaeao
NFL1000 Scores: 57.9/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 92/99
For an undrafted player that was an unknown heading into training camp, Vaeao was a nice find. As the Eagles' fourth defensive tackle last season, he wasn't a complete liability. He struggled when Logan went down with an injury and he was asked to take on a greater number of snaps, but if the Eagles sign or draft a No. 2 defensive tackle, he shouldn't be an issue if he makes the final 53-man squad.
Team Need: 6/10
Potential Draft Fits: Caleb Brantley, Florida; Dalvin Tomlinson, Alabama; Jaleel Johnson, Iowa
Outside Linebacker
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Scheme: 4-3
Starter: Nigel Bradham
NFL1000 Scores: 72.8/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 2/46
Nigel Bradham was one of the best free-agent signings from the 2016 offseason. Prior to 2016, Bradham played for the Buffalo Bills, where he was a good-but-not-great player. Bradham was great for the Eagles in 2016, though, and he helped their defense be one of the toughest in the league.
In the final NFL1000 grades, Bradham was the best at his position in coverage, ranked top-five in run defense and posted above-average results as a blitzer and tackler. His blend of athletic ability, speed and confidence in his reads allowed him to make plays all over the field. Assuming he continues to play at or around the same level next year, the Eagles have zero reason to consider upgrading from Bradham.
Backup: Mychal Kendricks
NFL1000 Scores: 60.5/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 29/46
Due in part to a scheme switch and coaching regime change, Mychal Kendricks fell off the radar in 2016. The prior season, he was allowed to be overaggressive in the run game and was often asked to blitz on passing downs, largely because of his roller coaster production in coverage. Kendricks' play style requires some scheme specificity and freedom to be aggressive, but the new coaching staff in Philadelphia did not grant him that.
Instead, the Eagles cast Kendricks into a role as a third linebacker and a rotational player. It did not appear as though he took to the move well. He often looked lost, especially in coverage, and was not asked to rush the passer as often as he should have. Kendricks still had moments of success in the run game, but his aggression and overall confidence had deteriorated. He's still a talented player who may find a home elsewhere down the road, but the Eagles will likely try to replace him.
Backup: Najee Goode
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify.
Najee Goode is a special teamer and backup. The Eagles recently signed him to a one-year, $875,000 deal, likely to keep him as a stopgap who maintains familiarity within the unit. As a linebacker, Goode is a solid athlete who is best in run defense. He's a sturdy tackler and does a decent job of locking down his assignment gaps, making him serviceable in an emergency. Goode's value is mostly as a special teamer, though. Considering how the Eagles were unwilling to commit to him for multiple years at a time, it's easy to imagine them wanting to move on.
Team Need: 6/10
Potential Draft Fits: Kendell Beckwith, LSU; Marquel Lee, Wake Forest; Jordan Evans, Oklahoma
Inside Linebacker
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Scheme: 4-3
Starter: Jordan Hicks
NFL1000 Scores: 73.8/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 6/65
Jordan Hicks does everything at an above-average level. As the NFL transitions to speed at linebacker to handle coverage responsibilities, players like Hicks will become even more valuable. He has the athleticism, hip fluidity and speed to handle coverage down the field and laterally, and he touts the skills to diagnose run schemes, meet run fits and fill downhill with force.
The top inside linebackers in the NFL are relatively well-known, but Hicks continues to fly under the radar. Over the last two years, he has become a significantly better tackler and has proved to be an adequate run defender—a necessary skill for NFC East linebackers who have to go against the Dallas Cowboys' offensive line twice a year. The Eagles can sit comfortably at the inside linebacker position knowing Hicks can be a 10-year starter and a top-10 linebacker for years.
Backup: Joe Walker
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify.
Joe Walker was a seventh-round selection in the 2016 NFL draft and showed promise over the summer for the Eagles. However, Walker tore his ACL in a preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and missed the entire 2016 season. In limited preseason time, Walker impressed with an eager playing style that showed a more confident player than his draft slot may have suggested.
As a backup, he's exactly what a team would be looking for. He's athletic enough to play special teams at a high level, he can fill in admirably when needed and he comes on a cheap contract. Walker has had a year to recover and should make the roster if he's able to regain his form.
Team Need: 2/10
Potential Draft Fits: Undrafted free agents
Cornerback
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Scheme: Press Man
Starter: Jalen Mills
NFL1000 Scores: 58.3/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 132/192
Jalen Mills' rookie season started off strong, as he graded in the mid- to high 60s on our scale in four of his first six games of 2016. After that, he reached the 60s just twice the rest of the season, showing in part why he fell so far in the draft despite upside and physical potential. Mills is a raw technician and remains inconsistent throughout the coverage process. He had tough matchups last year, but that doesn't fully explain his drop-off, as his clunky footwork and grabby hands were much larger factors. If the Eagles don't add competition for Mills' starting job, he'll be in the running for one of the league's worst starters at the position entering the season.
Starter: Dwayne Gratz
NFL1000 Scores: 53.5/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 175/192
Earning just two grades last season before being benched, Dwayne Gratz was once an outside starting cornerback for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He isn't a playmaker at the position, and he greatly struggles to locate and play this ball. He's ideally a fourth or fifth corner on a roster, merely signed for depth. The Eagles cannot afford to start him if they have playoff aspirations, and a high draft pick should beat him out easily.
Slot: Ron Brooks
NFL1000 Scores: 60.8/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 96/192
Ron Brooks is another unreliable starting option for the Eagles. Brooks earned just five grades last year due to a quadriceps tendon injury. He's a slot and special teams contributor, but he's not the type of player who should be getting large snap counts for a playoff-caliber defense. If the Eagles can afford to take three cornerbacks this draft, they should.
Team Need: 10/10
Potential Draft Fits: Sidney Jones, Washington; Gareon Conley, Ohio State; Marlon Humphrey, Alabama; Fabian Moreau, UCLA; Corn Elder, Miami; Tre'Davious White, LSU
Free Safety
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Scheme: Cover 1
Starter: Rodney McLeod
NFL1000 Scores: 74.1/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 8/50
Despite a few struggles down the stretch in 2016, Rodney McLeod proved he was worth the five-year, $35 million contract he signed last March. The rangy free safety did exactly what the Eagles asked of him, playing single high and staying on top of everything. He anticipates routes well and breaks quickly on things underneath, with closing speed that allows him to impact more plays underneath than most deep safeties. His tackling was an issue at times, but he's fully entrenched at the position and allows the Eagles to play their preferred aggressive man-free style.
Backup: Chris Maragos
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify.
Maragos is nothing more than a special teams player. He has hardly played a snap on defense since joining the Eagles and has made his mark on the team by being an excellent special teams contributor. It's an ideal situation to have a key special teams player sitting behind a guy like McLeod to make the most of every roster spot. However, if McLeod were to get injured, the Eagles likely would not want Maragos to see extended playing time.
Team Need: 3/10
Potential Draft Fits: UDFAs for depth
Strong Safety
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Scheme: Cover 1
Starter: Malcolm Jenkins
NFL1000 Scores: 73.1/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 14/53
Malcolm Jenkins had some ups and downs in 2016. He started off fantastic, making his partnership with McLeod look like one of the best safety tandems in the league. But when the Eagles suffered injuries at cornerback, Jenkins was forced to rotate to the slot in nickel and dime packages, where he struggled. That was essentially the story of his season. When he was able to play strong safety, he made a huge impact and normally looked like one of the better players on the field. In the slot, he struggled. Assuming the Eagles find some depth at corner, Jenkins should be back to his best position full time in 2017.
Backup: Jaylen Watkins
NFL1000 Scores: 70.8/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 32/53
Jaylen Watkins only saw the field in nickel and dime packages to allow Jenkins to shift down to cover the slot. He embraced the switch from corner to safety and didn't look out of place when Jenkins had to cover the slot. He didn't have the same impact on games that Jenkins did from the same position, but he was solid in coverage responsibilities, which ranged from underneath zones to man against tight ends and running backs. He does need to improve his tackling and run fits, but overall, he's a good backup option for the Eagles.
Backup: Terrence Brooks
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify.
The Eagles only picked up Brooks a week before the season started, claiming him off waivers after the Ravens released him. Brooks hardly played a snap all season and is behind Watkins on the depth chart by a fair distance. The Eagles will hope he can come in and compete during training camp, but he isn't guaranteed to make the final 53-man roster.
Team Need: 1/10
Potential Draft Fits: UDFAs for depth
Kicker
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Starter: Caleb Sturgis
NFL1000 Scores: 68.3/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 12/38
Caleb Sturgis had a quietly efficient 2016 season. He does not have a particularly strong leg, but he is adept at ensuring mistakes do not snowball. As a result, he tends to avoid the streakiness that can plague kickers. While his upside is somewhat limited because of his lack of top-end leg strength, Sturgis finished the 2016 season with the highest accuracy of his career. He may be rounding into form as a dependable option for the Eagles at an affordable cost.
Team Need: 2/10
Potential Draft Fits: None
Punter
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Starter: Donnie Jones
NFL1000 Scores: 62.7/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 30/38
Donnie Jones was one of the most inconsistent punters in the league this year, with six games rated 70 or above as well as six games rated 60 or below. When striking the ball well, Jones has one of the stronger legs in the NFL, but he has significant fluctuations in his ball-striking from week to week that prevent him from tapping into his power on a regular basis. Jones' ball placement is slightly above-average, but it does not do enough to make up for his inconsistency.
Jones signed a three-year extension midway through the 2016 campaign, so the Eagles front office must be hopeful he can tap into his power with more regularity in future campaigns. With the new deal, Philadelphia is unlikely to make any changes at the position in 2017, but the dead money is relatively light in 2018 and beyond if Jones is unable to show greater consistency.
Team Need: 6/10
Potential Draft Fits: None
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.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
