2017 Philadelphia Eagles Offseason Preview
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2016 Season Recap
The Eagles concluded the year with an unappealing 7-9 card. It’s not as bad as it looks, as the future is bright with quarterback Carson Wentz, who had a solid debut year, highlighted by guiding the team to a 3-o start. The rookie finished his season with 3,782 yards (236.4 YPG) and a 16-14 TD-INT ratio.
Philly enjoyed good seasons from Zach Ertz and Jordan Matthews, with both pass-catchers recording 800 or more yards, but it’s the running game that made the stronger impact. Through Ryan Matthews, Darren Sproles, and rookie Wendell Smallwood, who each had big games during the season, the Eagles finished ranking 11th in rushing yards (113.3 YPG)
Aside from that, though, no team stat stood out as most were middle-of-the-pack numbers, offensively and defensively, including points, points allowed, passing yards allowed, and rushing yards allowed, which are all ranked between 12th and 16th.
Top Free Agency Needs
Among all the would-be free agents of Philly, veteran DT Bennie Logan might be the only player to be considered by the front office to be re-signed, as he recorded 16 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles on the season, along with also being serviceable in the pass rushing duties.
Wide receiver (no 1000-plus yard receiver in the last two years), cornerback (inconsistent pass defense), and defensive lineman (inconsistent pass rush) are three areas they may want to fill using the free agency market. (former Eagle) WR DeSean Jackson, WR Alshon Jeffery, CB Trumaine Johnson, CB Brandon Carr, DE Calais Campbell, and DE Jabaal Sheard are proven guys in their respective positions that could likely receive a call.
Top Draft Needs
Wide receiver — Though Matthews is quite decent, they badly need a receiver that can produce big. Should they use the 15th pick to address this need, they have a good chance of picking between the three most NFL-ready wideouts in the draft (Mike Williams, John Ross, and Corey Davis), who are all likely to be available in that spot.
Running Back — Sproles, Matthews, and Smallwood can be explosive, but all are inconsistent. Drafting a younger back who has better potential might be ideal. Similar to the WR position, they can also get their hands on t highly-touted back (Dalvin Cook), although they can’t be sure that the RB won’t be selected in the first 14 picks.
Cornerback — The pass defense needs an upgrade. They don’t give up an alarming amount of yards through the air, but they are 28th in passing TDs allowed. This can be acknowledged in the middle or latter rounds.
Defensive lineman — They may want to get a playmaking young, playmaking d-lineman, because as mentioned in the season recap, they aren’t wowing anyone in their quiet defensive production.
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