Now that the major free agent signings have been finalized, the Last Word On Sports NFL department will be looking at the top three needs for each team heading into the 2016 NFL Draft. Today, the Philadelphia Eagles are the focus. The Eagles acquired the 8th pick in the draft after general manager Howie Roseman sent Kiko Alonso, Byron Maxwell, and their 13th overall pick to the Miami Dolphins.
Philadelphia Eagles 2016 NFL Draft: Top 3 Needs
Offensive Line
The Eagles offensive line is the team’s biggest need by far. Brandon Brooks was a key acquisition in free agency and Lane Johnson is a nice asset at the tackle position, but the team still needs more help. Jason Peters is 34 and had some health issues last season, so adding another competent tackle would be a smart move. In addition, Jason Kelce played terribly last season and Allen Barbre is mediocre, so upgrades are needed.
The Eagles probably will not target an offensive lineman in the first round because the team is confident that Lane Johnson can make the transition to left tackle. Drafting a tackle would not make sense because of this, and no interior offensive lineman would be worthy of the eighth overall selection. However, drafting an interior lineman in the third round is highly probable. Joshua Garnett, Vadal Alexander, and Nick Martin are three offensive line prospects that could be available in that round.
Wide Receiver
If Sam Bradford (or Chase Daniel) is going to succeed in Philadelphia, he is going to need wide receivers who do not drop every pass. The Eagles led the league in dropped passes last season with 37, so something needs to change here. The team has invested a lot into the position with the selections of Jordan Matthews and Nelson Agholor, but apparently that has not been enough. The only free agent acquisition at the wide receiver position was Rueben Randle, and he has proven that he cannot be relied upon.
It is highly unlikely that the Eagles will draft another first-round receiver, but do not be surprised if they land a sure-handed receiver in the third round or fourth round. Aaron Burbridge and Jordan Payton are two reliable receivers in that draft range who could help Sam Bradford significantly.
Cornerback
The Eagles traded away their top cornerback, Byron Maxwell, so a replacement is needed. The Eagles secondary struggled last season, even with Maxwell, surrendering 267 passing yards per game (fifth-worst in the league). Eric Rowe has potential but still needs to develop. Nolan Carroll is on a one-year deal and is not a long-term solution. The Eagles added Leodis McKelvin and Ron Brooks in free agency for depth.
Vernon Hargreaves is the only realistic cornerback option in the first round for the Eagles, and he’s a fantastic player, but it will be a tough decision if Ezekiel Elliott is also available. If they decide to wait, Will Redmond or Cyrus Jones would be intriguing options in the third or fourth round.
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