The Philadelphia Eagles are taking a long view in setting themselves up for the NFL Draft, where they must continue adding players to their defensive backfield. For reference, last year the squad chose cornerbacks with both their first- and second-round selections. Now, they face an enormous turnover in their secondary this offseason. With head coach Jonathan Gannon, who has extensive experience as a defensive backs coach, at the helm, the Eagles may look to bolster their roster with new talent.
Leading up to the draft, analysts and insiders make their best guesses as to which players might step into key positions for the Eagles. In addition to pursuing the primo cornerback positions, the team is addressing other defensive needs with equal fervor. Among them, the following have bubbled up as intriguing targets. Each one has valuable skills and characteristics that would enhance the Eagles’ defense.
Key Defensive Prospects
One of the bigger names in the mix is Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker. He’s widely praised for his positional versatility and game-changing playmaking ability. Walker’s athleticism and playmaking instincts jump off the screen. He would be a great fit and key piece for any defensive alignment, particularly for a tee-‘em-up and let-‘em-loose defense like the Eagles.
Along with Walker, Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron is a name to watch for the Eagles. Barron has shown excellent ball skills and coverage ability, making him a perfect addition to help the secondary. His experience working under pressure could be helpful as the Eagles try to definitively shore up a constantly suspect defense.
Another interesting name on the Eagles’ radar is Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston. Hairston has earned significant buzz for his impressive footwork and fluidity, making him one of the most exciting cornerback prospects. Pair that with Gannon’s pedigree and track record for developing defensive backs, Hairston could make tremendous strides with his coaching.
Offensive Line Considerations
As much as the Eagles are hunkering down on the defensive side of the ball, they’re still considering offensive linemen to plug in long-term. Grey Zabel, a center/guard from North Dakota State, has caught the attention of scouts due to his versatility and solid fundamentals. With Zabel’s ability to play multiple positions along the line, he would add to the depth on an already talented offensive front.
Guard Donovan Jackson from Ohio State is another name to watch there for the Eagles. Jackson has great size and strength which gives him the ability to dominate in pass protection and in run blocking. His potential to anchor the line makes him an appealing option for a team looking to maintain a strong offensive presence.
Moreover, Armand Membou, a current offensive tackle at Missouri, is an impressive man due to his physical traits. Scouts have raved that Membou has the most elite athletic traits of any tackle in this draft cycle. If chosen, he may turn out to be a major contributor for Eagles. He would provide a long-term solution there as they ramp up their offensive line in preparation for sustainable success.
Defensive Line Additions
Apart from improving their secondary and offensive line, the Eagles have a strong interest in boosting their defensive front. James Pearce Jr., the versatile edge player from Tennessee, is making a lot of noise with analysts. His explosiveness and ability to blow up opposing offenses are elite! Pearce’s potential to generate pressure on quarterbacks could improve the Eagles’ pass rush.
Additionally, Mike Green, the edge player from Marshall, is another player that has a college track record and has some flashes to him. His unyielding playing style leaves opponents guessing. With his skill set for getting into backfields, he has the potential to be a home run addition to Philly’s defense.
The Eagles are focusing on defensive tackles Mason Graham from Michigan and Walter Nolen from Ole Miss. Graham displays elite quickness and agility combined with an explosive first step. On the flip side, Nolen wows fans with his rare combination of size and strength. Plugging in either player would go a long way towards shoring up the middle of the Eagles’ defensive line.
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