Philadelphia Eagles: Early look at 2021 NFL Draft position needs
By David Glancy
After finishing the regular season with a 20-14 loss, the Philadelphia Eagles finished with just four wins for the season, their fewest since Andy Reid’s final season in 2012. The reported fractured relationship between head coach Doug Pederson and quarterback Carson Wentz was believed to be the final straw leading the Eagles to fire their coach just three seasons after winning the franchise its first Super Bowl.
With question marks at the quarterback position, limited cap space entering free agency, and a head coaching search, the Philadelphia Eagles are a franchise in limbo entering the offseason. While the Eagles are joint third with the fewest wins in the league, the early season tie against Cincinnati moves the Eagles back to the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia’s head coaching decision will drive the franchise heading into a key offseason. The Eagles first must decide if Wentz and his upcoming $34.67 million cap hit are worth carrying beyond the early 2022 opt-out period or if the position should be addressed in the 2021 NFL Draft. The quarterback position is just one positional group to address in the upcoming offseason.
Philadelphia Eagles top 2021 NFL Draft needs: Offensive Line
Regardless of who is playing quarterback, the Philadelphia Eagles must address the offensive line group in free agency. The Eagles posted the third-most turnovers in the league with both Wentz or Jalen Hurts struggling to find consistency behind collapsed pockets. The core of the Eagles’ offensive line woes resulted in the lack of consistency across the unit.
Only veteran center Jason Kelce appeared in all 16 regular-season games with starting left tackle Andre Dillard and right guard Brandon Brooks sustaining season-ending injuries prior to Week 1. Both will be welcomed back however, the offensive line is likely to see another transition. Jordan Mailata may have earned the left tackle spot despite the heavy investment in Dillard and Isaac Seumalo is likely to return at left guard.
Despite Kelce being the only consistent piece in the 2020 season, he will turn 34 by the end of the upcoming season and is likely to remain in Philadelphia much longer. The same can be said for both Brandon Brooks coming off an Achilles injury at 31 and right tackle Lane Johnson, who despite only turning 31 prior to the 2021 season, has struggled with ankle injuries.
The Eagles’ line is both aging and expensive and if consistency is to be found, an investment may occur in the 2021 NFL Draft.