{"id":13487,"date":"2017-02-23T10:40:40","date_gmt":"2017-02-23T15:40:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonprofootball.com\/?p=13487"},"modified":"2017-02-23T01:01:04","modified_gmt":"2017-02-23T06:01:04","slug":"philadelphia-eagles-2017-off-season-top-3-needs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2017\/02\/23\/philadelphia-eagles-2017-off-season-top-3-needs\/","title":{"rendered":"Philadelphia Eagles 2017 Off-Season: Top 3 Needs"},"content":{"rendered":"

After the disaster that was the Chip Kelly<\/strong> saga, the Philadelphia Eagles<\/strong> switched gears for the 2016 season, hiring a new head coach in Doug Pederson<\/a><\/strong> and drafting a promising young quarterback in Carson Wentz<\/a><\/strong>. The Eagles defense switched back to a 4-3 scheme, with defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz<\/strong> taking over for Billy Davis<\/a><\/strong>, leading to a dramatically improved unit from 2015. For all the upgrades though, and after a three game winning streak to start the season, the Eagles ultimately fell to a midseason breakdown that saw them earn a 7-9 record.<\/p>\n

While Pederson and Wentz appeared to be solid finds from the 2016 off-season, the lack of talent at skill positions and a patchwork offensive line were too much to overcome for the new coach-quarterback duo. Thus, the offense stagnated, keeping an otherwise talented defense on the field for far too long, exposing weaknesses in the roster.<\/p>\n

Despite a rather formidable\u00a0safety combination, the secondary eventually proved to be a liability because of the shortcomings at cornerback. The defensive line also dropped in production, steadily allowing more rushing yards as the season progressed. Whether this was due to the offense\u2019s ineptness or trying to mask the secondary is debatable, but the Eagles would do well to address the situation after more pressing needs.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, the Eagles are in better shape heading into 2017 than they were heading into 2016, but they have some work to do if they want to compete with the Giants, Redskins, and Cowboys.<\/p>\n

Philadelphia Eagles 2017 Off-Season: Top 3 Needs<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Weapons for Carson Wentz<\/a><\/h3>\n

First and foremost, the Eagles desperately need a number one receiver. Jordan Matthews<\/a><\/strong> is good, but it\u2019s unclear if he\u2019s capable of being that top option without a wingmate drawing coverage. Dorial Green-Beckham<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0could<\/em>\u00a0develop into that role, but the best choice would be to bring in some outside talent. Particularly a veteran free agent to add some experience to one of the youngest wideout groups in the league.<\/p>\n

There have been plenty of rumors that there\u2019s mutual interest between DeSean Jackson<\/a><\/strong> and Philadelphia. His deep threat capability would certainly add a needed dimension to the Eagles\u2019 offense. However, there are a handful of other receivers that would work out just as well, if not better. Alshon Jeffery<\/a><\/strong> has elite talent, but injury and dedication concerns could be problematic. Terrelle Pryor<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s another option, though he\u2019s inexperienced at the position. If Cleveland decides to let him walk, his raw talent might be enough for the Eagles to take a chance.<\/p>\n

The last big name, Pierre Garcon<\/a><\/strong>, is a quality, do-it-all type that would bring a leadership element to Philadelphia. He\u2019s not a long-term solution, but he would buy the Eagles a couple seasons while they search for\u00a0the<\/em>\u00a0guy.<\/p>\n

By looking to free agency for a receiver, the Eagles could focus on other needs in the draft. However, if a free agency deal can\u2019t be made, Clemson\u2019s Mike Williams<\/strong> or Central Michigan\u2019s Corey Davis<\/strong> are top choices.<\/p>\n

Philadelphia should also consider finding a more reliable starting running back. Ryan Mathews<\/a><\/strong> is a great option when he\u2019s healthy, but he\u2019s almost guaranteed to miss playing time. This year\u2019s draft has some generational options with Leonard Fournette<\/strong><\/a> and Dalvin Cook<\/strong><\/a>, assuming they fall far. Alternatively, the Eagles could try adding someone like Latavius Murray<\/a><\/strong> through free agency.<\/p>\n

Help in the Secondary<\/h3>\n

The only other glaring<\/em> need for Philadelphia exists at cornerback, a position\u00a0the Eagles have struggled with for the past several seasons. Every other team in the division has an elite receiver so\u00a0the Eagles\u00a0must<\/em>\u00a0get a counter. Nolan Carroll<\/a><\/strong> and Leodis McKelvin<\/a><\/strong> were the starters last season and they were painfully underwhelming. Rookie Jalen Mills<\/a><\/strong> had some good moments as a depth back, but he suffered from rookie mistakes as well.<\/p>\n

Free agency has some some great options with Stephon Gilmore<\/a><\/strong> and A.J. Bouye<\/a><\/strong> headlining the group. Gilmore has consistency concerns but he has familiarity with Jim Schwartz from his time in Buffalo. Bouye is arguably the better player and\u00a0could<\/em>\u00a0be this year’s Josh Norman<\/a><\/strong>, assuming his 2016 wasn’t a one-season wonder. Both generate turnovers, something the Eagles need out of their secondary.<\/p>\n

If free agency doesn’t work out, which is likely considering the Eagles’ cap space issues, the draft has excellent options. Teez Tabor<\/strong>, Marshon Lattimore<\/strong><\/a>, and Marlon Humphrey<\/strong><\/a> are but a few of top corners in the draft this season.<\/p>\n

Forging the Lines<\/h3>\n

Acquiring a couple receivers and cornerbacks would go a long way for the Eagles\u2019 2017 hopes, but adding depth to both lines could make the Eagles a true playoff\u00a0contender.<\/span><\/p>\n

Carson Wentz was one of the most hit quarterbacks in the league in 2016. That\u00a0<\/span>has<\/span><\/em>\u00a0<\/i><\/span>to change. On paper, the Eagles have one of the best offensive lines in the league: Left tackle Jason Peters<\/a><\/strong> is a future Hall of Famer. Right tackle Lane Johnson<\/a><\/strong>, center Jason Kelce<\/a><\/strong>, and left guard Brandon Brooks<\/a><\/strong> are all near the top of their positions. And Allen Barbre<\/a><\/strong> holds his own at right guard. The problem in 2016 was Johnson\u2019s ten-game suspension. The ensuing chaos left the Eagles with a revolving door at right tackle until Johnson\u2019s return. This isn\u2019t a serious need for the Eagles, but with Peters nearing retirement and Johnson unreliable, they would be wise to capitalize on any opportunity to acquire a good tackle or two.<\/span><\/p>\n

The need to shore up the defensive line might come as a surprise since it was a strength for Philadelphia last year. But defensive end Connor Barwin<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s lack of production in a 4-3 scheme doesn\u2019t match his salary and there are also rumors that defensive tackle Bennie Logan<\/a><\/strong> may wish to test free agency. However, Logan\u2019s loss would be mitigated by the presence of backup linemen Beau Allen<\/a><\/strong>, who\u2019s been a stud when playing in relief.<\/span><\/p>\n

A solid run-stuffer at defensive end would be a prime candidate to replace Barwin. That goes double considering the emergence of Ezekiel Elliott<\/a><\/strong> and the likelihood of the Giants bringing in a top-tier back. The Eagles need to usurp the top spot in the perennial arms race if they want to make their first playoff appearance since 2013. <\/span><\/p>\n

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