The offensive line was clearly an issue for the 2015 Philadelphia Eagles, but it appears as though it will be much stronger this year. It’ll need to be, seeing as Carson Wentz could wrest the starting job from Doug Pederson‘s ‘Week one starter’, Sam Bradford, and a rookie quarterback behind a shaky offensive line spells disaster for the entire offense.
Philadelphia Eagles Offensive Line Projection
Starting Left Tackle: Jason Peters: Peters, when healthy, is one of the best tackles in the NFL. However he’s getting older (34), and he may start to physically degrade, which should be cause for alarm in the organization. The time to find his future replacement is rapidly approaching, and may have already passed. In which case, the Eagles better hope that Halapoulivaati Vaitai is good enough to get some quality time this year.
Backup Left Tackle: Halapoulivaati Vaitai: Vaitai will likely get some time just about everywhere on the offensive line this season, just to get him some experience. However, he was chosen as a tackle, and it’s as a a tackle he’ll stay, for this season at least. If he flashes enough potential to coaches, he may be able to prove to them he is a capable replacement for whenever Jason Peters retires or is released.
Starting Left Guard: Stefen Wisniewski: Wisniewski is the wild card starter on this list. Technically a center last season for the Jacksonville Jaguars (starting all 16 games), he has had some experience at left guard. While playing in Oakland, Wisniewski spent time at center as well as guard. And he did so playing alongside Samson Satele and Jared Veldheer, neither of whom are nearly as good as center Jason Kelce or Jason Peters. Wisniewski would be good enough to start, and play respectably, but not quite at a great level. Expect to see some Isaac Seumalo at this position.
Backup Left Guard: Allen Barbre: When he had chances to play, Barbre wasn’t that good, but he could handle himself. He’s only the backup if Wisniewski is hurt, as it appears that the staff is unwilling to thrust Seumalo into the lineup yet, however, it’s likely that Seumalo will be the guy that is rotated in the most here.
Starting Center: Jason Kelce: Beard-Man continues to be the anchor of the Eagles offensive line. He received his first pro bowl invitation two seasons ago, but it could be argued that he should’ve gotten one in 2013. With better guards around him, he’s poised to make his return to the All-Star game, this time in Orlando
Backup Center: Barrett Jones: Jones is likely going to be the backup, as it seems Wisniewski will start at guard. Hopefully he doesn’t see much time as he wasn’t very good with the Rams.
Starting Right Guard: Brandon Brooks: Barring disaster, Brooks, the ‘Big Name’ free agent pickup will start for the Eagles. He was very underrated in Houston, and will be given a chance to shine in Philly.
Backup Right Guard: Andrew Gardner: Gardner was playing at a respectable level last year, and then he got hurt. He won’t be vying for playing time this season, but he will be vying for a roster spot, which he will likely win.
Starting Right Tackle: Lane Johnson: Arguably the best lineman on the Eagles, it is impossible for him to be unseated here. However, he criticized Philly fans, which is never a good idea. Hopefully most of them have forgiven him.
Backup Right Tackle: Matt Tobin: Tobin will likely switch back to his natural tackle position after starting 13 games at guard out of necessity last season. He may get some time at left guard, to try and prove it’s him, not Vaitai, that should be considered the man of the future there.
