The Philadelphia Eagles are set to address multiple roster needs as they participate in the NFL Combine, which kicks off today and runs through March 2 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Despite Lane Johnson confirming his return for another season at the age of 36, the right tackle position remains a priority for the team. Johnson, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, missed the last eight games of the previous season due to a Lisfranc foot injury and has considered retirement in recent years.
Having met with new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion and offensive line coach Chris Kuper, Johnson looks forward to contributing to a West Coast-oriented offensive scheme. During his 13-year career, the Eagles have a record of 110 wins, 57 losses, and one tie when Johnson plays, compared to 18 wins and 27 losses without him. Last season, the team boasted an 8-2 record with him on the field.
Alongside Johnson, the health of left guard Landon Dickerson is also a concern. Dickerson underwent meniscus surgery before the last season and faced multiple injuries throughout. Center Cam Jurgens, a two-time Pro Bowl player, also had a challenging season recovering from back surgery and missed games due to knee and concussion issues. The struggles of the offensive line contributed to a decline in the Eagles” offensive performance, prompting general manager Howie Roseman to seek reinforcements at the Combine.
The Eagles are set to select 23rd in the first round of the upcoming draft and currently hold eight picks, including potential compensatory selections. Beyond the offensive line, several other areas of need have emerged:
Tight End Position
Dallas Goedert, who turned 31 and has faced numerous injuries, played in 15 games last season and set a franchise record with 11 touchdowns for a tight end. However, with the conclusion of his restructured contract, Goedert”s future with the team appears uncertain. The tight end draft class is considered shallow, with Kenyon Sadiq from Oregon being the standout prospect, followed by Eli Stowers from Vanderbilt and Max Klare from Ohio State.
Cornerback Needs
Safety and Defensive Line Considerations
Reed Blankenship, an undrafted rookie from Middle Tennessee State, has become a steady presence on the Eagles” defense. As he approaches free agency, the team may struggle to retain him. The draft presents several safety options, including elite prospect Caleb Downs from Ohio State, who is projected to be selected within the top 10 to 15 picks.
Additionally, the question of whether to re-sign edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, acquired from the Dolphins last season, looms large. His performance included five sacks and significant contributions to the defensive front. The edge rusher draft class is robust, with Rueben Bain Jr. from Miami leading the pack.
As the Eagles navigate through the Combine and prepare for the draft, they will need to make strategic decisions to fill these critical gaps in their roster.
