Philadelphia Eagles: Top positional needs for 2020 offseason

 Defensive Tackle

When most people think about the Philadelphia Eagles draft needs in 2020, defensive tackle is low on the list of priorities. But after reviewing general manager Roseman’s draft history, it becomes clear that the defensive tackle position is likely to be a priority in this year’s draft.

The team currently has Fletcher Cox at the lead defensive tackle position. Most seasons, Cox is rated one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL. The problem has always been finding a second defensive tackle to team up with Cox.

During the 2019 offseason, the team brought in Malik Jackson from the Jacksonville Jaguars to the tune of $10 Million a year. The goal of bringing in Jackson? Help create pressure and draw double-teams away from Cox.

Cox draws double-teams constantly from opposing offensive lines. Cox may be a generational talent, in the same stratosphere as Aaron Donald. But his ability to disrupt opposing offenses is consistently hampered by two or more offensive linemen taking him out of the picture.

Jackson was injured during Week 1 last season and spent the rest of the season on injured reserve, once again leaving Cox as the key focus for opposing offenses.

In 2019 Cox was only able to rack up 3.5 sacks and 21 pressures, according to Pro Football Reference. That was a stark contrast from 2018, where he logged in 10.5 sacks and 45 pressures.

General manager Roseman has always prioritized the offensive and defensive lines while building the Philadelphia Eagles roster. “Building through the trenches” has been a staple of Roseman’s draft strategy since 2010. This includes last year’s draft when Roseman selected a left tackle with their first-round pick despite still having Jason Peters for the 2019 season.

Since Roseman was named the general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2010, the team has exclusively drafted offensive or defensive lineman in the first round. The notable exception to this rule was in 2016 when they broke tradition and drafted franchise quarterback Carson Wentz.

During the 2019 NFL Draft Roseman even attempted to move up in the draft and select defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. This was after the team had brought in Jackson in free agency. It shows the level of dedication Roseman has to the defensive line.

Cox is turning 30 this year and has sustained multiple injuries throughout his eight seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. The former first-round draft pick from Mississippi State needs more help on the defensive line. If the team hopes to get the most out of their future Hall of Fame defender, they will need to bring in another effective defensive tackle to pair with Cox.

Free Agency: With Eagles defensive tackle’s Timmy Jernigan and Hassan Ridgeway becoming free agents this offseason, the Philadelphia Eagles should be looking at free agents to pair with Cox at the defensive tackle position. Jackson will be returning to the active roster in 2020, but the Eagles always want to keep a fresh rotational group available on the defensive line.

Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Michael Pierce would make a lot of sense for the Philadelphia Eagles. While he had a down year in 2019, Pierce has been a solid defensive tackle with the Ravens since 2016.

At 27-years-old, there should still be plenty of tread on the tires. Listed as 6-foot, 340 pounds, Pierce would make an excellent complement to Cox on the defensive line. He could act as another big run stopper on the defensive line.

With the Philadelphia Eagles defense needing to stop runners like Ezekiel Elliot, Saquon Barkley and Derrius Guice for several years to come, the general manager will need to prioritize the defensive line during free agency. Defending the A and B gaps will need to be a focus for the team’s defensive line, as the roster is light on quality linebackers.

2020 NFL Draft: Drafting a defensive tackle in the first round might lead to a full-blown fan revolt in Philadelphia. For several years in a row, draft analysts have predicted Roseman would draft skill position players, only for Roseman to opt for offensive or defensive line talent. This time last year, the cornerback unit was sorely lacking in reliable talent, as it is this year.

But Roseman reliably drafts line talent in the first round and I expect the 2020 NFL Draft will play out similarly. Having the 21st pick in this year’s draft puts them out of reach for many of this year’s elite defensive tackle talent.

It is plausible Roseman opts to trade down in the first round. While answering questions at the Combine this week, Roseman didn’t totally rule out the possibility of trading down.

If Roseman is serious about trading down, there are several big-name defensive tackles available in the first round. Auburn senior Derrick Brown would be the best fit for the Philadelphia Eagles defense. At 6-foot-5, 318 pounds, Brown is a versatile defensive tackle, able to shred offensive lines with incredible efficiency.

Known as a bruising run defender, he has also developed into an elite pass-rusher while at Auburn. In 2019, Brown had four sacks, 11 tackles for a loss and 4 pass deflections, along with 54 total tackles. He can line up anywhere between the tackles and cause maximum damage to an opposing team’s offensive line. Brown is a pocket destroyer.

Can you imagine the disruption the Philadelphia Eagles could cause with Cox and Brown on the defensive line? It may seem like overkill at the position, but these two could line up at a variety of different alignments, challenging opposing quarterbacks to get rid of the ball quickly, lest Cox and Brown get to them first.