It is hard not to be impressed with what the Philadelphia Eagles have accomplished this spring. Beginning with a roster with very few holes and a less-than-stellar cap situation, the Eagles are among the teams that improved the most this offseason. Whether by resigning hometown favorites, bringing back some familiar faces, adding some exciting free agents or hitting home runs in the draft, Howie Roseman and the Philadelphia front office spoiled Philly fans in 2019. Some moves snatched headlines, while others flew under the radar and although we hope all the new, or not-so-new additions will make their mark, it’s fair to question who will make the greatest impact?
The Philly Sports Network team weighs in:
Liam Jenkins: Zach Brown fills a huge need and comes with an affordable price tag.
It’s difficult to say what the most significant off season move has been as of right now. If we revisit this in five years, there’s a good chance that move will be trading up to select Andre Dillard, heir to the left tackle throne. We may also be looking at Miles Sanders as the next great Philadelphia running back. As of this very moment though, I really feel that the most significant move has been the signing of Zach Brown. Losing Jordan Hicks was a major blow and we know that the Eagles don’t value the linebacker position in the draft. Bringing in a roaming missile who is prolific in run defense, and a man who is about as secure as one could ask for as a tackler, for just $1.5M? It’s a steal.
He still posted 69 tackles despite playing with an oblique injury all year long and of course we all know he became a PFF darling in terms of his coverage grade. The Eagles love to run nickel and dime packages and I think that having Jenkins and Brown on the field at the same time is going to force offenses to run in the direction of Jenkins, giving Brown that freedom to dart to the ball and make a play. This will be very, very reminiscent of the Patrick Robinson signing from two years ago…and look how that turned out.
Bryan Cameron: Drafting Miles Sanders was a move for 2019 and beyond.
A key move the Eagles made this offseason was probably the most necessary move in order for them to truly make another run for a Super Bowl title. This offseason the front office took initiative in adding much-needed firepower to their running back group.
Jordan Howard was the first step in the right direction. The Eagles added the former Bears back via trade for a 2020 sixth-round pick. Since entering the league, The newly acquired running back has the third most rushing yards of any running back in the league. The only two backs he’s behind is Todd Gurley and Ezekiel Elliott.
Howie Roseman made sure he followed up Howard’s thunderous play by adding some lightning to the mix. With the 53rd pick of the NFL Draft, the Eagles then selected Penn State running back Miles Sanders.
Miles Sanders is an interesting pick but the most necessary. He has great lead back potential and could be the running back of Coach Pederson’s dreams. Sanders doesn’t have much wear and tear on him due to the fact that he only played one season. Even though, in that season Sanders made sure people saw the unlimited potential he would bring to the league.
With these two additions, the Eagles may have solidified their running back group for years to come. Paired with healthy Corey Clement, defenses may be left scrambling on how to stop the Eagles run. It also ensures the health of Wentz by the reduced stress and pressure he’ll be facing now.
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