ReportWire

Tag: Reed Blankenship

  • 13 Free Agent Safeties the Detroit Lions MUST Consider

    [ad_1]

    The Detroit Lions head into the 2026 offseason with one defensive reality staring them in the face: safety depth is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity.

    Brian Branch is still recovering from a torn Achilles, an injury that often requires careful workload management even after a successful rehab. Meanwhile, Kerby Joseph has been dealing with a lingering knee issue that followed him through much of the season. While it hasn’t been labeled career-threatening, it’s also not something that simply “goes away” with a few weeks of rest.

    For a defense that relies heavily on interchangeable safeties who can play deep, in the box, and in the slot, Detroit needs answers, and likely more than one.

    Below is a look at 13 free-agent safeties the Lions should evaluate as they shape the 2026 roster.

    Kamren Curl, Los Angeles Rams

    Curl is one of the most well-rounded safeties on the market. Still just 27 years old, he has quietly been one of the most consistent defensive backs in the league over the past four seasons.

    He allowed only one touchdown in coverage in 2025 and owns an 81.8 PFF overall grade over the last four years — ranking 13th among qualifying safeties. Curl offers reliability, positional flexibility, and durability, making him a strong fit for Detroit’s system.

    Kevin Byard, Chicago Bears

    Age hasn’t slowed Kevin Byard.

    At 32, Byard remains one of the smartest and most instinctive safeties in football. He led the league with seven interceptions in 2025 and posted an 80.3 PFF grade while continuing to excel against the run.

    For a Lions defense managing injuries, Byard’s leadership, communication, and play recognition could be invaluable, even if the contract is short-term.

    Jabrill Peppers, Pittsburgh Steelers

    Peppers brings versatility few safeties can match.

    While his 2025 role fluctuated, his body of work from 2022–2024 tells a different story, when he earned a 90.1 PFF grade with elite marks against both the run and the pass. He has logged extensive snaps in the box, slot, and deep safety roles.

    At 30, Peppers represents a high-upside signing if Detroit believes he can return to form in a more defined role.

    Jalen Thompson, Arizona Cardinals

    Thompson has been a steady presence in Arizona’s secondary for five seasons.

    He is one of the most reliable tacklers at the position, with a missed tackle rate of just 6.3% over the past two seasons. His coverage also improved in 2025, allowing a passer rating under 100 while breaking up five passes.

    Thompson has never finished a season below a 64.0 PFF grade and would offer Detroit consistency and physicality.

    Coby Bryant, Seattle Seahawks

    Bryant has flown under the radar on one of the league’s best defenses.

    Over the past two seasons, he has produced a 72.7 PFF overall grade and has been especially effective against the run, earning an 80.9 run-defense grade since 2024. While not flashy, Bryant offers dependable depth and physical play.

    Reed Blankenship, Philadelphia Eagles

    Blankenship’s 2025 season was a step backward, particularly in coverage, where he posted a 29.9 PFF grade and allowed a 116.8 passer rating when targeted.

    That said, he remains a strong run defender and was a key contributor during Philadelphia’s 2024 Super Bowl run. At just 26 years old, Blankenship could be a bounce-back candidate in the right environment.

    Jaylinn Hawkins, New England Patriots

    Hawkins may be the most underrated safety on the list.

    In 2025, he ranked sixth among qualifying safeties with an 81.3 PFF grade, finishing second in run defense and seventh in coverage. At 28, Hawkins is squarely in his prime and could command significant interest across the league.

    Detroit would be adding a true three-down safety with momentum trending upward.

    Jaquan Brisker, Chicago Bears

    Brisker is an intriguing reclamation option.

    While 2025 was his lowest-graded season, his first two years in the league showed his ability to play all over the defensive backfield. He’ll be just 27 in 2026 and still offers upside if he can return to earlier form.

    Ar’Darius Washington, Baltimore Ravens

    Washington’s 2025 season was derailed by an Achilles injury, but his 2024 performance cannot be ignored.

    That year, he ranked fifth among safeties in coverage with an 86.1 PFF grade and showed the ability to play slot, box, and deep roles. His size (5-foot-8) limits him in some matchups, but his versatility fits Detroit’s defensive philosophy.

    Alohi Gilman, Baltimore Ravens

    Gilman has quietly developed into a reliable starter.

    After being traded midseason, he finished 2025 with a solid 70.4 PFF grade. He brings experience, steadiness, and the ability to function in multiple safety alignments — a valuable trait given Detroit’s injury concerns.

    Nick Cross, Indianapolis Colts

    Cross had a down year at the worst possible time, but the upside remains.

    He ranked 28th among safeties in 2024 and doesn’t turn 25 until the start of the 2026 season. If Detroit believes the dip was situational, Cross could be a younger, affordable option with growth potential.

    Andre Cisco, New York Jets

    Cisco’s 2025 season ended early due to injury, but his body of work remains solid.

    He has earned PFF grades above 60.0 in every season and will be just 26 in 2026. Cisco offers experience as a full-time starter and could rebound in a healthier situation.

    Chuck Clark, Pittsburgh Steelers

    Clark quietly enjoyed a bounce-back year in 2025.

    Splitting time between strong and free safety, he posted a 74.6 PFF grade and an excellent 86.5 run-defense grade. While coverage remains somewhat inconsistent, Clark brings toughness and versatility that Detroit values.

    Why the Lions Must Act

    Brian Branch’s Achilles recovery requires caution, and Kerby Joseph’s lingering injury adds uncertainty. Relying solely on internal options would be risky — especially for a defense built on safety versatility.

    Detroit doesn’t need panic moves, but it does need insulation, depth, and experience.

    Bottom Line

    The Lions have no shortage of options at safety — from high-end starters like Kamren Curl and Jaylinn Hawkins to value veterans like Kevin Byard and Chuck Clark, and upside plays like Brisker and Cross.

    Given the injury context, adding at least one veteran — and possibly two — feels inevitable.

    [ad_2]

    Don Drysdale

    Source link

  • An Eagles Dream Team? Start By Giving Me Malcolm Jenkins and Bucko Kilroy Any Day – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    [ad_1]

    ••

    Credit: Philadelphia Eagles-Facebook

    The Eagles are one of the most electric teams to watch in the NFL , and on Friday, in front of a Lincoln Financial Field crowd encouraged to dress in honor of Philadelphia’s alternate uniforms of black helmets, pants, and jerseys ,  the Eagles will honor Malcolm Jenkins and Bucko Kilroy by inducting them into the Eagles Hall of Fame.

    Malcolm Jenkins

    Credit: Philadelphia Eagles-Facebook

    The Eagles have had some great safeties over the decades. Brian Dawkins pulverized opposing platers in the early 2000s. Andre Waters and Wes Hopkins flattened anyone daring to come across the middle in the early 1990s.

    Bill Bradley was one of the few bright spots for the franchise in the early 1970s. And Andrew Mukuba and Reed Blankenship are well on their way to make a significant impact of their own during the best time in the long history of the Eagles.

    Malcolm Jenkins is at the top of that list as well.

    When he arrived in Philadelphia in 2014 during the Chip Kelly Era , he didn’t just bring hard hits. Malcolm Jenkins was a leader. The culmination of his efforts as a player and mentor was a 2018 Super Bowl Championship in which he pancaked New England Patriots receiver Brandin Cooks,  knocking him out of the game.

    Bucko Kilroy

    Bucko Kilroy became an Eagle in a period when the franchise was anything but stellar. The Eagles had become so bad that the first-ever franchise quarterback actually made a career move, becoming an FBI field agent rather than returning to compete with the Eagles. The team even lost their first ever game to New York at the Polo Grounds 56–0.

    Bucko was born here (Port Richmond) and even attended St. Anne’s Grade School and eventually Northeast Catholic High School. When he joined the Eagles as an UDFA in 1945, Kilroy entered the NFL the very same year that Pittsburgh and Philadelphia joined forces due to the war effort to play one season as the Steagles. 

    Bucko Kilroy would play over a decade in Philadelphia — and even set an NFL record with one hundred and forty-three consecutive games. Behind his Pro Bowl play  was fellow Hall of Famer and running back Steve Van Buren, who ran to a total of 7 NFL rushing titles. Between 1953 and 1955,  Kilroy was a Pro Bowler each year.

    So, when it comes to assembling my Eagles Dream Team?

    Give me Jenkins and Kilroy not only on this day, but also on all days. On any day.

    Tags:

    Categorized:

    [ad_2]

    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

    Source link

  • Another Coverage Option From One Who Just Arrived? – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    [ad_1]

    •••

    Packers at Redskins 09/23/18

    If the Eagles are going to return to the Super Bowl this year — they’ll need some help in the secondary. Rookie sensation Andrew Mukuba will undergo surgery on the fractured ankle that he suffered against the Cowboys on Sunday and has an uncertain timetable for return. Cornerback Adoree Jackson is in concussion protocol and Safety Reed Blankenship is nursing a thigh injury. But perhaps — the key to filling the void has already been in the Novacare Complex this season.

    Last season — in the winter chill of a January Wild-Card Playoff Game at Lincoln Financial Field — Jaire Alexander offered a gesture to Eagles fans that was not — shall we say — exactly made out of love. Now the next chapter of Alexander’s All-Pro Career will be right here in Philly — after acquiring him in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for a seventh-round Draft Pick in 2027 and a sixth-round Pick in 2026.

    Last week — the Eagles placed Alexander on the Reserve/Retired list while he steps away from the game to focus on himself. It means that while he is stepping away from football right now — he could potentially return amid an Eagles post-season run. The move also means that the previous trade will between the Ravens and the Eagles will stand.

    Not long after the Eagles won the Super Bowl in 2018 — Alexander was selected with the 18th overall selection by the Green Bay Packers. Last June — after being released by Green Bay — Alexander signed a one-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens.

    A step back from the game that he loves may be a needed rejuvenation. It may also allow him to rejoin the Eagles at a critical point. A postseason run which would be the second of consecutive back-to-back Super Bowls.

    Tags:

    Categorized:

    [ad_2]

    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

    Source link

  • Challenges In the Defensive Backfield – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    [ad_1]

    •••

    Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.

    It’s one thing when the Eagles lose a game to Dallas after being up 21–0. It’s quite another when they lose much, much more. Twenty-four hours after a loss that sent the Eagles spiraling into the #2 Seed in the NFC — three late-game defensive injuries are coming more into focus.

    Photo Courtesy of Eaglesnation on X.

    Rookie sensation at Safety Drew Mukuka has been reported with a fracture in his ankle and will undergo surgery — with a length of time for his return uncertain.

    Selected in the fifth round of the NFL Draft (2021) by New York — the 5 foot 10 one hundred eighty-four pound Carter. In September of 2024 — New York signed Carter to a three–year ($30.75) million contract extension that includes ($13.61) million in guaranteed money. The result was that he became the highest paid slot cornerback in the entire National Football League.

    This season — Mukuba — who was the last rookie to sign a four-year contract worth $7,160,538, including $4,196,063 guaranteed money. The prospect of starting Mukuba is that his combination with Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell would make the Eagles’ defensive backfield one of the youngest starting in the NFL. He joins that Eagles secondary that was the only team in NFL history to start two rookie defensive backs in the Conference Championship Game and subsequently — the Super Bowl.

    The Eagles other Safety Reed Blankenship exited the game with a lower thigh injury and did not return. Sydney Brown played in his place in Dallas. The status on Blankenship for Friday’s game is unknown. But those two losses were not the only two in the Eagles secondary on Sunday.

    Veteran cornerback Adoree Jackson suffered a concussion in the third quarter. With the Eagles playing on a short week — it is unclear whether or not either Blankenship or Jackson will be able to play. 

    If they cannot go — the Eagles will look for help in the secondary from Kelee Ringo, Michael Carter II, or Jakorian Bennett if he is healthy and back. Sydney Brown will be next up at the Safety position.

    With the Rams looking overpowering against the Buccaneers on Sunday night — a loss on Friday against the Bears is not one that the Eagles can afford.

    Tags:

    Categorized:

    [ad_2]

    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

    Source link

  • The pivotal plays from the Eagles’ embarrassing collapse to the Cowboys

    [ad_1]

    The Eagles’ defense was dominant, Jalen Hurts and the offense built up a 21-0 lead, and then it was all gone.

    [ad_2]

    Nick Tricome

    Source link

  • A Skill Position Where Too Much Is Never Enough – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    [ad_1]

    ••••

    If the Eagles under Jeffrey Lurie and Howie Roseman have taught us anything over the last decade — it’s that they look to acquire talent from anywhere at any time. And with some positions — you just can never have too much. 

    One of those positions is that of Safety.

    It would appear that the addition of Andrew Mukuba in the 2025 NFL Draft just seven months earlier has solidified the safety position opposite Reed Blankenship. But then again — the Eagles rarely worry about being too deep at a given position.

    Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.

    This season — Mukuba — who was the last rookie to sign a four-year contract worth $7,160,538, including $4,196,063 guaranteed money. The prospect of starting Mukuba is that his combination with Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell would make the Eagles’ defensive backfield one of the youngest starting in the NFL. He joins that Eagles secondary that was the only team in NFL history to start two rookie defensive backs in the Conference Championship Game and subsequently — the Super Bowl.

    Notre Dame’s season last year included a 49–14 throttling of ranked Army at Yankee Stadium behind Jeremiyah Love’s 99-yard touchdown run. Earlier in the year — Irvington, New Jersey’s Adon Shuler returned an interception thirty-six yards for the Irish to seal a win over Georgia Tech. 

    This season — Shuler is once again shining for #9 Notre Dame (8–2.) Last week against #23 Pitt — Schuler continued a great season on defense with a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown. The Irvington, New Jersey native isn’t just on the radar of NFL teams. He very well might be on the Draft Board of the Eagles.

    We may not find out until the NFL Draft next April.

    Tags:

    Categorized:

    [ad_2]

    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

    Source link

  • Eagles Youth – Assembled. – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    [ad_1]

    •••

    Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.

    The Philadelphia Eagles have made a big commitment. It’s just not a commitment to longevity. It’s a commitment to youth. Another move toward that roadmap specifically in the secondary was made this week when the Eagles traded wide receiver John Metchie III and a six-round draft selection (2027) for New York Jets Cornerback Michael Carter II as well as a seventh-round pick (2027.) The addition of Carter makes the Eagles secondary one of the youngest in the NFL with Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Reed Blankenship, and rookie safety Andrew Mukuba.

    Selected in the fifth round of the NFL Draft (2021) by New York — the 5 foot 10 one hundred eighty-four pound Carter. In September of 2024 —New York signed Carter to a three–year ($30.75) million contract extension that includes ($13.61) million in guaranteed money. The result was that he became the highest paid slot cornerback in the entire National Football League.

    For the Eagles — last season was the first time in modern NFL playoff history — that a team with two rookie starting defensive backs has reached the playoffs and, perhaps — a Super Bowl appearance. This year is also the first time in the thirty-two years of the Eagles franchise’s existence that two rookie defensive backs have been nominated for the AP Rookie of the Year in the same season.

    This season — Mukuba — who was the last rookie to sign a four-year contract worth $7,160,538, including $4,196,063 guaranteed money.The prospect of starting Mukuba is that his combination with Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell would make the Eagles’ defensive backfield one of the youngest starting in the NFL. He joins that Eagles secondary that was the only team in NFL history to start two rookie defensive backs in the Conference Championship Game and subsequently — the Super Bowl.

    The Eagles aren’t disillusioned with the possibility of some growing pains in the defensive backfield. Last season — Mitchell and fellow rookie Cooper DeJean were the perfect compliment to Darius Slay and CJ Gardner-Johnson. So much so that Slay and Gardner-Johnson are now gone — and Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio trusts Mitchell as isolation on the opponent’s best receiver.

    A commitment to a cohesive unit for years to come doesn’t come without the need for some patience. But if last season is any indication — this winter could be full of pleasant playoff surprises.

    Tags:

    Categorized:

    [ad_2]

    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

    Source link

  • Eagles Bring Back Some Familiar Faces After Roster Cuts – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    [ad_1]

    Amidst all the chaos of a blockbuster trade happening in the division. The Eagles have been loading the practice squad and depth chart back up with some familiar faces from the last few seasons. While we’ve already seen Patrick Johnson make his return in the preseason. The Eagles didn’t stop there.

    Adding To The Practice Squad

    After the initial rush of Waiver Claims saw 27 players get picked up across the league.

    Once the hype of the day was over the Eagles made a few extra additions to the team.

    Britain Covey

    After missing most of last season due to injury, the Eagles tried moving on from Covey in the offseason. Even attempting to find a solution in Avery Williams at the start of free agency.

    Once Williams was released for roster cuts the question became, who would be taking returns? Fangio stated last season he didn’t want DeJean permanently on the return team and the Eagles needed a solution.

    Now the Eagles will have Covey back on the practice squad and be able to promote him to the game day roster three times. In 2023 Covey played in 16 games with 29 Punt Returns for 417 yards and a longest return of 54 yards. 

    For now, there is a solution on the return team.

    Marcus Epps

    Just in case the C.J. Gardner-Johnson trade wasn’t confusing already. The Eagles brought back another familiar face to the practice squad. With 94 total tackles, 4 TFL and 1 Forced fumble on the Super Bowl 57 team. Epps moved on with many of the Free Agents after the 2022 season, where he landed with the Raiders.

    Missing the majority of the 2024 season from a torn ACL. With his 2 year deal expiring, the Eagles brought back Epps and waived Tristan McCollum (who was picked up by the Raiders).

    Epps will rejoin his former team, as well as former Raiders teammate Jakorian Bennett.

    For now, the Safety position group consists of 

    • Reed Blankenship
    • Andrew Mukuba
    • Sydney Brown
    • Marcus Epps (PS)
    • Andre Sam (PS)

    One More August Trade

    The day before 53-man rosters were due, the Eagles brought back one more familiar face from the Super Bowl 59 roster. This time via a trade. 

    Bringing back Fred Johnson gives the Eagles an extra body along the offensive line who’s already familiar with Stoutland and the Eagles offense.

    With 6 games started in the 2024 season Fred will be able to fill in for multiple positions across the OL. Including right guard, tackle and left tackle.

    Now with extra versatility along the offensive line. Will the Eagles finally be finished making moves before their September 4th season opener?

    Or is there one more trick up Howie Roseman’s sleeve?

    Tags:

    Categorized:

    [ad_2]

    Tyler L’Heureux

    Source link

  • Eagles Secondary is in Good Hands – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    Eagles Secondary is in Good Hands – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    [ad_1]

    It’s been a while since the Eagles have been in such a good position in their secondary.

    They’ve always had issues there, and aside from 2022, they’ve never really had a trustworthy secondary.

    With their talent back there, they should be in good hands for the foreseeable future.

    Other than Darius Slay, whose veteran presence is valuable for the other defensive backs, the Eagles are extremely young at that position. The next oldest players in the secondary behind Slay are CJGJ and Isaiah Rodgers, who are only 26 years old.

    Everyone else is 25 and younger and has a ton of time to create chemistry with one another.

    The two rookies, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean looked like they would be the future of the defense halfway through their rookie years.

    Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean (33) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
    Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean (33) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images PHOTO: Eric Hartline/Imagn Images

    Quinyon has locked up some of the best receivers in the league so far, and Dejean has brought much-needed physicality to the team. Both have upgraded the secondary from what the Eagles had at the end of last season and seeing young players pan out this well is exciting.

    The other young guys, including Reed Blankenship, Kelee Ringo, Eli Ricks, and Sydney Brown, have also played well. Sydney Brown seems like he could be a starting safety for the Eagles for the next 5+ years, and the other guys look like they can be valuable to the team, too.

    The biggest thing this young group needs to work on is forcing some interceptions. They only have two as a group so far, and Reed Blankenship has both. Once they can figure that out, they will be a menace to the league for years.

    This young group is full of talent. This is rare for the Eagles, and we should all be excited about their bright futures.
    The Eagles’ secondary is finally in good hands.

    PHOTO: Eric Hartline/Imagn Images

    [ad_2]

    Nate Schweitzer

    Source link

  • 3 Weeks From The Draft. Who Might The Eagles Take With Pick #22 – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    3 Weeks From The Draft. Who Might The Eagles Take With Pick #22 – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    [ad_1]

    With three weeks until the NFL draft.
    Rosters are beginning to take shape and some clear picks are beginning to show.

    With the Bears, Patriots and Commanders expected to take their QBs of the future. There will be a long way to go to see who might fall to the Eagles with the 22nd overall pick.

     

    While the Eagles have recently ended the conversation whether they would trade Reddick or Sweat. Another hole has opened in the depth of the roster.

    Sure the Eagles have already signed Bryce Huff to a $51M deal and have Nolan Smith waiting in the wings after only playing 188 defensive snaps in his rookie season. Barely seeing an increase in playtime after the Eagles had waived Derek Barnett prior to their Week 11 game against Buffalo. 

    Laiatu Latu – Edge, UCLA

    Re-filling the edge-rusher position after trading away Reddick, with Brandon Graham on his final season all while not knowing what you have in Smith and Huff is probably one of the best options for the Eagles at #22. Similar to drafting Davis and Carter in lieu of Hargrave and Cox departures in the last two seasons.

    The biggest area of concern regarding Latu is from a neck injury he suffered during a preseason workout in 2020. An injury that had the University of Washington medical staff refusing to medically clear him to continue playing.

    The Eagles have had multiple instances of drafting players with this warning, including Josh Sweat and Nakobe Dean. 

    If the Eagles don’t believe that Huff and Smith are able to take over enough of the defensive snaps. Bringing in Latu could be the final piece to a new defensive line. 

    NFL.com has multiple mock drafts with Latu going to the Rams at 19 and 24, as well as the Buccaneers at 26. He might fall perfectly within the Eagles range.

     

    Kool-Aid McKinstry – CB, Alabama

    After the disastrous end to the Eagles season. It’s clear a new CB might be needed on the roster. They’ve already gone and re-signed C.J. Gardner Johnson and now brought back Avonte Maddox as well.

    James Bradberry was “part of the plan” when Howie Roseman spoke at the combine, but things can always change by September.

    There’s plenty of available Cornerbacks in this draft. From Quinyon Mitchell, Nate Wiggins, Cooper DeJean and McKinstry are all projected to go in the late 1st round per NFL.com’s mock drafts. 

    Much like Latu. The Eagles may have to look at trading up if they wanted to go after Mitchell in the draft. However, if they wanted to move back in the 1st, McKinstry could be available past 22nd. Allowing the Eagles to regain assets later in the draft.

    With Bradberry and Slay still under contract for multiple seasons. The Eagles should be looking to drafting their predecessors like they have on the defensive line. Unless Eli Ricks or Kelee Ringo have breakout sophomore seasons, a long-term solution needs to be put in place alongside Reed Blankenship and Sydney Brown in the secondary. McKinstry could be that answer, and could even allow them to trade Bradberry before the start of the season. Rumors have swirled about the Eagles landing Surtain from the Broncos, but I’d prefer to draft and acquire a starting caliber player still on a rookie deal.

     

     

    No Offensive Picks?

    The offence may not have been able to score at will last season. But the Eagles defense hemorrhaged yards and points beyond belief last year. Was it all on coaching?

    The Eagles have already gone and signed Saquon Barkley, DeVante Parker, Matt Hennessy and Parris Campbell plus more additions for the offense. Taking another day one defensive pick won’t hurt an offense that recently extended two players on the offensive line. With Mailata, Dickerson and Jurgens all under contract for multiple years. There’s multiple options for the Eagles to find a Right Guard late in the draft if Steen hasn’t won the starters spot.

    The Eagles will still have 7 draft picks following the 22nd pick. Where they’ve been able to make successful picks in the later rounds, including 2 more picks in the the top 60.

     

    Who do you have the Eagles drafting in the 1st round?

     

     

     

     

    Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez / USA Today Sports

    [ad_2]

    Tyler L’Heureux

    Source link

  • Eagles’ Strengths & Weaknesses Entering the 2024 NFL Draft – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    Eagles’ Strengths & Weaknesses Entering the 2024 NFL Draft – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    [ad_1]

    The 2024 offseason is now underway for the Philadelphia Eagles, with the bulk of free agents already gone. With the upcoming draft, they have some choices to make on how to fix their roster.

    What are the Eagles’ current strengths? What are their weaknesses?

    Strength: Offensive Line

    Yes, even with Jason Kelce’s expected yet still gut-wrenching retirement, the Eagles are still strong at their offensive line. It shows how spoiled they’ve been for a long, long time.

    Photo: Eagles Nation on X.

    Sure, the Eagles’ interior offensive line took a big hit with the loss of Kelce, but it will serve as a chance for someone like former 2023 third-round pick Tyler Steen to emerge. He only played 71 snaps last season, so he’s due for an increase in that department. The Eagles have done a fantastic job acquiring and developing offensive linemen over the past couple of decades — the hope is that he can be the next.

    The Eagles know what they have in Landon Dickerson, as he is a two-time Pro Bowler with just three seasons under his belt in the NFL. Getting him was a fantastic snag for the Eagles back in the 2021 NFL draft early in the second round. At 25 years of age, he should be the anchor of the interior offensive line for years to come — especially with his new four-year deal.

    As for Cam Jurgens, he is the likely Kelce replacement at center after playing a lot of guard for the Birds last season (89%, to be exact). He’s still just 24 and played decent last season, so his progression will be something to monitor.

    As for the rest of the offensive line, the Eagles know what they’re getting in tackles Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson at this point. Arguably the best tackle duo in football, the offensive line will still be a strong point for Philadelphia, if not their strongest. If they can stay healthy, there shouldn’t be much to worry about with this unit.

    Weakness: Defensive Backs

    Looking at the Eagles’ first major weakness, the defensive backs took a significant step back from 2022 to 2023. They lost Avonte Maddox this offseason, who didn’t have the best 2023 campaign, but it’s still a loss nonetheless. James Bradberry’s regression has been apparent, and he still has two seasons left on his $38 million contract that he signed last offseason.

    Before free agency, the only positives in the secondary were arguably only Darius Slay and Reed Blankenship. Even Slay took a small step back in 2023, so it was (and still is) a worrying aspect of the team.

    But the Eagles went out and signed safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson to a three-year deal, giving the Eagles their 2022 swagger back and some good coverage at that. The secondary still needs major work, but the importance of that addition cannot be understated.

    Strength: Offensive Skill Positions

    One thing that hasn’t always been great for the Eagles has been their skill positions. Now, however, it is one of the best features of their roster. The duo of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith at wide receiver is can’t-miss good. Both of them will be eyeing Mike Quick’s record from 1983 to 1985 where he notched three straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons — they each have two in a row.

    More recently, star running back Saquon Barkley agreed to terms with the Eagles. He is the only back in the NFL who recorded top-10 rushing yards over expected (RYOE) campaigns in both 2022 and 2023. He had dozens of big rushing plays (10 or more yards) for the New York Giants on a brutal offensive line, so he’ll help bring some explosiveness to Philadelphia. Even if he’s 27, he’s still one of the best at his position.

    At this point, Jalen Hurts doesn’t need to be discussed. Even at his worst, which was arguably last season, he was still a phenomenal quarterback. He will only continue to get better.

    Whether or not a tight end is considered to be a skill position or not, Dallas Goedert makes a good case for it. He’s not just a standard tight end — he can block, catch, and make plays. He is a vital player in the Eagles’ offense.

    Weakness: Linebackers

    It’s been the case for a while now, but the Eagles’ linebackers are not up to par. It’s been a while since that has been a strength, really. It’s both good and bad news that Nicholas Morrow, Zach Cunningham, and Shaquille Leonard are all likely on the way out. They had some good performances in there, but it was overall pretty disappointing.

    The Eagles’ defense needs to improve next season, obviously. Things went smoothly early on, but some bad games against the Washington Commanders of all teams suggest they need more. By the end of the season, surrendering 30 or more points came with regularity. The linebackers definitely played into that, and there will be some big changes. If there was a position that the Eagles go heavy on in the draft and what’s left of free agency, that’ll be it.

    In free agency, the Eagles added linebackers Oren Burks and Zack Baun to the room, but those are more or less depth adds. The addition of Devin White was a high-reward move, but it doesn’t take away from the Eagles’ issues. With the addition of Johnson to the secondary, the linebacker core is probably the Eagles’ biggest weakness as of now, even with White, especially now there.

    Strength: Pass Rush

    Much like the offensive line, the Eagles have had a fantastic defensive line for a while. They have great youth in Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis, while Josh Sweat and Milton Williams are both relatively young, too.

    Photo: —

    Carter, specifically, could take a massive jump for the Eagles. He was an elite player last season, so the hope is that his sophomore season can bring even more. With a duo of him and Davis out there, the Eagles should be dangerous for years to come. But 2024 could be a massive one for both of them.

    Veterans like Brandon Graham and Reddick are still important to the Eagles. Reddick was the Eagles’ sack leader, while Graham has had his game age like a fine wine. He is still a great player at age 35. He is reportedly in the works for an extension to give it one more year. At this point, he’s one of the greatest Eagles of all time — the good news is that keeping him around will actually help the team rather than serve as a sentimental move.

    However, considering the fact that the Eagles signed 25-year-old defensive end Bryce Huff to a contract worth $51.1 million, among their other huge splashes, chances are that someone like Reddick could go. There’s not enough money to keep everyone, and it would be a bit irresponsible for a young team to do that. With that out of the way, the Eagles pass rush should still be an area of strength without either of them. It might take a hit, but it is a young unit with a lot of talent.

    In the draft, the Eagles will have three picks in the first two rounds. That’s plenty of ammo to make some big changes.

    If the Eagles want to go back to the Super Bowl, addressing their needs will be a must. They have the assets to do so adequately.

    Photo: —

    [ad_2]

    Justin Giampietro

    Source link