If there’s one sentiment we can take from the last few weeks, it’s that ‘building through the trenches’ isn’t just a means to sustaining success, it’s a lifestyle for the Eagles. Jason Kelce, Brandon Graham and Isaac Seumalo have all been rewarded with new contracts for their efforts, but it’s the last name who may carry the most weight.
If we turn back the clock just a few months, the trajectory of Isaac Seumalo looked very different. Dave Spadaro reported that the former Oregon State lineman would, in fact, be transitioning to center after struggling to win out a starting role at left guard in the previous year. Backing up Jason Kelce not only ticked a box for the Eagles, but enabled Matt Pryor, who was drafted a couple of months beforehand, to then compete with Wisniewski and Warmack, two savvy veterans who are proven in that left guard line of duty.
Training Camp and preseason came and passed, Seumalo was sailing snaps over the head of Nate Sudfeld and it was clear that it would take time to re-settle into a position he previously knew very well. It’s a little known fact that Seumalo was the man snapping the ball to Carson Wentz during private workouts prior to that 2016 Draft.
But after the offensive line started to crumble due to injuries and errors, a bizarre call saw Stefen Wisniewski benched in favor of Seumalo, despite Wis not really doing anything to deserve
He looked stronger, more agile and more confident in his play (as our Film Room will show soon) and it showed statistically too. Wisniewski ranked 62nd out of 88 guards in 2018 according to PFF, while the Eagles draftee ranked 38th.
This move is huge for the Eagles. Seumalo was going into his contract year and at the age of 25-years old, he may prove to be one of the team’s most important pieces. His versatility (as someone that can play every spot on the line) is something the Eagles cherish and when you think of how shaky the line could look this season alone, it’s Seumalo that in that scenario would be the glue.
If Jason Kelce does hang up the boots next year, Seumalo can transition to center. If Jason Peters goes down and for whatever reason, Vaitai is unable to play or isn’t around, Seumalo can move outside. If the
The Eagles are building their team through the draft and to do that, you have to let young players develop. Within the next three years, it’s hard to predict where Seumalo will be starting…but it’s even harder to predict that he won’t be starting at all and that’s why this move is so important.
The Eagles are going to have to find ways to replace two of the most legendary offensive linemen in franchise history within the next three years at the earliest and in that timespan, there could be questions of a potential extension once more for Lane Johnson or Brandon Brooks. Seumalo isn’t just the ultimate insurance policy, but he has been handpicked as the successor to what could be a multitude of
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
