The Philadelphia Eagles are set to address several critical needs as they participate in the NFL Scouting Combine, which runs from today through next Monday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Despite the return of right tackle Lane Johnson for his 13th season, the team is keenly focused on bolstering its offensive line.
Johnson, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, confirmed his return last week at age 36. Last season, he missed the final eight games, including the playoffs, due to a Lisfranc foot injury. He has considered retirement in recent years but is now eager to adapt to the new West Coast-oriented system under offensive coordinator Sean Mannion and offensive line coach Chris Kuper. The Eagles” record stands at 110-57-1 when Johnson is on the field, compared to 18-27 when he is absent. Last year, the team was 8-2 with him and 3-5 without him.
Johnson was drafted fourth overall in 2013 from Oklahoma. Meanwhile, left tackle Jordan Mailata, a seventh-round pick in 2018, has also benefited from the tutelage of former offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, who recently left the team. This highlights the potential for finding quality linemen throughout the draft.
Concerns extend beyond Johnson”s health. Left guard Landon Dickerson, a three-time Pro Bowler, underwent meniscus surgery before the season and dealt with neck, shoulder, and ankle injuries. Center Cam Jurgens, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, struggled with recovery from back surgery and missed three games due to a knee injury. With the offensive line faltering, General Manager Howie Roseman aims to explore various options for reinforcements at the combine.
As the Eagles prepare to select 23rd in the first round of April”s draft, they currently hold eight picks, including projected compensatory selections. Apart from the offensive line, at least three other positions require attention.
Tight End Position Needs Attention
The tight end position is crucial as Dallas Goedert, who has faced injury issues throughout his career, played 15 games last season and set a franchise record for tight ends with 11 touchdowns. However, Goedert is entering the final year of his restructured deal, which raises questions about his future with the team.
Oregon”s Kenyon Sadiq is regarded as the top tight end prospect, but the overall class lacks depth. Other notable prospects include Eli Stowers from Vanderbilt and Max Klare from Ohio State, along with Mitchell Evans from Notre Dame, Oscar Delp from Georgia, and Jack Endries from California. The Eagles may need to devise creative solutions to address this gap.
Cornerback and Safety Positions in Focus
Two years ago, Roseman successfully drafted outside cornerback Quinyon Mitchell in the first round and slot corner Cooper DeJean in the second round. However, unless they re-sign Adoree” Jackson, the Eagles will need to fill the second boundary corner spot, which could be addressed by a deep class of cornerbacks. Top prospects include Will Johnson from Michigan and Denzel Burke from Ohio State, along with Tacario Davis from Arizona, Denver Harris from UNLV, Toriano Pride Jr. from Missouri, and Avieon Terrell from Clemson.
At the strong safety position, Reed Blankenship, who joined the team as an undrafted rookie from Middle Tennessee State in 2022, may also have played his final game with the Eagles. As an unrestricted free agent, he is expected to receive offers that the team might struggle to match.
Prospects such as Caleb Downs from Ohio State are considered elite among safeties and are projected to be drafted within the top 10 to 15 selections. Other mid-tier options include Emmanuel McNeil-Warren from Toledo, Dillon Thieneman from Oregon, Kamari Ramsey from USC, Zakee Wheatley from Penn State, A.J. Haulcy from LSU, Bud Clark from TCU, Michael Taaffe from Texas, and Jakobe Thomas from Miami.
Decisions on Jaelan Phillips and Offseason Timeline
The decision on whether to re-sign edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, whom the Eagles acquired from the Miami Dolphins for a third-round pick last season, looms large. Phillips finished the season with five sacks and numerous tackles but faced scrutiny for his playoff performance against San Francisco. The depth of this year”s edge rusher draft class also presents potential alternatives, with top prospects like Rueben Bain Jr. from Miami, David Bailey from Texas Tech, Keldric Faulk from Auburn, and Cashius Howell from Texas A&M leading the group.
As the offseason progresses, key dates are on the horizon, including the NFL Scouting Combine from February 23 to March 2, as well as deadlines for franchise tags and the start of the legal tampering period in early March. The Eagles will be closely monitoring these developments as they aim to enhance their roster for the upcoming season.
