Who is on the roster, who will be, and the projected player allocation for each position.
The Eagles go into the off season, coming fresh off a playoff appearance, and loaded with 3 first round picks. A very unique position to be in.
All 11 starters at seasons end were brought in via their own draft picks. Hurts, Sanders, DeVonta, Reagor, Quez, Goedert, Lane, Kelce, Mailata, Dickerson and Opeta (signed UFA). The Eagles will probably go with a defensive heavy draft in April, as well as trading or signing one or two defensive free agents.
(3) QB- Jalen Hurts, Gardner Minshew and Reid Sinnett
Howie, seemingly, committed to Hurts for the 2022 season during the end of season press conference. Unless they get an offer for Minshew that they can’t refuse, I would expect all 3 to remain on the roster. *I would never discount Howie drafting a QB. If there is one in this draft who they really like, it is a real possibility. In any round. Including first.*
(4) RB- Miles Sanders, Kenneth Gainwell, Jason Huntley and a draft pick.
Boston Scott is a restricted free agent, but I would expect him to be back. If the Eagles take a running back in the draft, Huntley probably goes back to the practice squad.
(5) WR- DeVonta Smith, Quez Watkins, Jalen Reagor, and JJ Arcega-Whiteside and one via free agency or trade.
Greg Ward, like Scott, is a restricted free agent that I believe will be back with the Birds for 2022. Reagor might not see much playing time unless he comes into camp as a new man, but he will probably be one of the 5 wideouts on the roster. I expect the fifth to come via free agency. Can never rule out another draft pick, or trade, with Howie though. If they do not go the route of acquiring a veteran, I’d love to see Erik Ezukanma on this roster. (probable rd 3 pick)
(3) TE- Dallas Goedert, Jack Stoll, Tyree Jackson, a FA or a mid round draft pick for a pass catching tight end
Tyree will start the season on I.R. He is rehabbing from a torn ACL after being injured in the last regular season against Dallas. He may be on I.R. all season.
(10) OL- Jason Kelce, Landon Dickerson, Jordan Mailata, Lane Johnson, Isaac Seumalo, Andre Dillard, Jack Driscoll, Sua Opeta, Jack Anderson and draft pick.
The Eagles could use one of their 3 first round picks on a long term Jason Kelce replacement, (Tyler Linderbaum) or at the very least a later round pick for someone to learn and develope under Jason and Coach Stoutland (if Kelce comes back another year). Later round options Cam Jurgens (who has a little Jason Kelce in him when you watch him play) possible 3rd rounder, and James Empey (4th/5th)
(4) DT Fletcher Cox, Hargrave, Milton Williams, Marlon Tuipulotu (or a draft pick)
(5) DE Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat, and Tarron Jackson
The Eagles will probably use one of the first round picks on a DE, and add another via draft or free agency. The Eagles love building through the lines, and I expect that trend to continue. Draft probables: David Ojabo and George Karlaftis
(5) LB- TJ Edwards, Davion Taylor, Shaun Bradley, a draft pick, and one free agent.
It is hard to imagine the Eagles using more than one draft pick on a LB. If they don’t retain restricted free agent Alex Singleton or free agent Genard Avery, it would make sense they sign someone else. This position needs a huge upgrade, and the team knows it. Cuuld this be the year they finally use a first round pick to address line backer? Maybe not, but a high pick is needed.
(5) S- Marcus Epps, K’Von Wallace, and 3 TBD
A lot of holes at this position. Re-signing McLeod on a one year deal makes a lot of sense. A high caliber S via trade does too. Justin Reid is a very popular target. A late round draft pick will likely be used as well.
(6) CB- Big Play Slay, Avonte Maddox, Zech McPhearson, Tay Gowan, Kary Vincent Jr, and for the first time since 2002 (Lito Sheppard), a first round pick on a corner?
With 3 first round picks, the Eagles will have the ammo,and high end talent available, to draft a game changing corner to pair with Slay. Draft Probables: Kaiir Elam, Ahmad Sauce Gardner, or Andrew Booth Jr.
(1) LS- Rick Lovato
(1) K- Jake Elliott
(1) P- Undrafted free agent to compete (with the hope) to beat out Siposs.
So to recap:
9 draft picks: (if they use them all)
2 DE, 1 CB, 1 S, 1 LB, 1 C, 1 TE, 1 RB, 1 DT or WR
Free Agency or trade:
Safety- Justin Reid or Marcus Williams
Wide Receiver- Mike Williams or Juju Smith-Schuster
Linebacker- Alexander Johnson as a stop gap. Hasson Reddick will probaby be too rich for the Eagles, but Leighton Vander Esch would probably cost half of that. A 3 year deal for 24-27 million would probably get that done.
First round mock:
15- Tyler Linderbaum
16- David Ojabo
19- Kaiir Elam
With 3 First Round Picks, the 2022 NFL Draft Takes Center Stage
Philadelphia Eagles Draft Needs
As always, thank you for reading.
David 1/23/22
Follow me @PHLEagleNews