The 2020 NFL Draft takes place tomorrow and excitement couldn’t be higher. Here’s everything to know about where the Eagles stand going into day one.
Draft picks
First Round: Pick 21
Second Round: Pick 53
Third Round: Pick 103
Fourth Round:Pick 127
Fourth Round: Pick 145
Fourth Round: Pick 146
Fifth Round: Pick 168 (from NE)
Sixth Round: Pick 190 (from ATL)
The Eagles have eight selections in this year’s NFL Draft with a string of compensatory picks acting as the soul of the haul. The team traded away one of those picks (third round) in a deal for Darius Slay, but are still sitting pretty with a flurry of mid-round ammunition.
Free agency signings
Darius Slay, CB (trade with DET)
Jatavis Brown, LB
Javon Hargrave, DT
Nickell Robey-Coleman, CB
Will Parks, S
Jalen Mills, S
Rodney McLeod, S
Trevor Williams, CB
Darius Slay and Javon Hargrave are the names to note here. The Eagles finally have a shutdown cornerback and are now looking for running-mates within their youth-filled secondary. Slay’s acquisition was a crucial one for a team whose cornerback corps has been punished year after year in the Doug Pederson era, with Roseman refusing to pay big money for a bigger name. That changed this offseason, with Slay becoming the highest-paid corner in the league.
Slay wasn’t the only cornerback added to the mix. durable slot corner Nickell Robey-Coleman joined the team late into free agency proceedings, giving the Eagles a productive DB to fight with LeBlanc over starting rights this summer. Don’t write off former Chargers CB Trevor Williams, either. If healthy, Sidney Jones will have some tough time winning that CB2 spot.
Hargrave will replace Jernigan’s DT2 role and allow Malik Jackson to flex outside as Michael Bennett did. Hargrave is a suffocating nose tackle who signed a long-term deal with the Eagles, coming off of a breakout in Pittsburgh. The Steelers had their hands tied when it came to cap space and had to choose between Hargrave and some other key defensive cogs, with the former traveling to Philadelphia, finally solidifying the DT spot after two years where the questionable depth was the topic of conversation.
The Eagles brought back two familiar faces at Safety and added a new one in the way of former Broncos DB Will Parks. The Philadelphia native is coming home and will likely help negate the loss of Malcolm Jenkins as someone that can line up everywhere from the nickel, to MIKE roles. McLeod and Mills return on prove-it deals, with the Green Goblin moving up to Safety and away from a crowded cornerback corps.
Free agency losses
Halapoulivaati Vaitai, OT, signed with DET
Jordan Howard, RB, signed with MIA
Kamu Grugier-Hill, LB, signed with MIA
Malcolm Jenkins, S, signed with NO
Nelson Agholor, WR, signed with LV
Richard Rodgers, TE, signed with WAS
Ronald Darby, CB, signed with WAS
Timmy Jernigan, DT, signed with HOU
Malcolm Jenkins is the big name to note here and his presence both on and off the field will be sorely missed. Miami seemed to be the Eagles’ free agency nemesis, signing away just about every free agent target possible before moving onto Philly exports!
A lot of depth went missing this free agency. Jernigan, Vaitai, KGH, and Howard, will all need their roles replacing, be it through the draft or in the days that follow.
Unsigned free agents
Corey Clement, RB
Jason Peters, OL
Nigel Bradham, LB
Vinny Curry, DE
Any of these names could return to Philadelphia, with Curry being the most likely due to the lack of security and confidence at the defensive end position.
Nigel Bradham may also come home on a very cheap deal if he doesn’t secure a future elsewhere after a relatively successful tenure under Jim Schwartz and someone that knows the ins-and-outs of his system dating back to his time in Buffalo.
Team needs:
Wide receiver
DeSean Jackson is getting older, Alshon Jeffery has done himself no favors, and Nelson Agholor is now on the Raiders. The Eagles need speed and security at wide receiver in order to ensure the team make the most of the prime years Carson Wentz has to offer.
Linebacker
There is next to no depth at the linebacker position, but it’s subjective. The signings of Parks and Mills will help negate that ‘third’ linebacker role oft filled by Malcolm Jenkins. It now becomes a case of wondering how much confidence the coaching staff has in Nate Gerry and T.J Edwards.
Cornerback
Don’t be surprised if the Eagles draft yet another cornerback. They’ll want some help alongside Darius Slay and have a plethora of nickel options already. A CB2 will be what they covet here.
Offensive line depth
Vaitai’s gone and Jason Kelce isn’t getting any younger. Expect at least one offensive lineman to join Jeff Stoutland’s ranks.
Defensive end
Derek Barnett is entering year four, BG is showing no signs of slowing down, and Josh Sweat will have to step up. Outside of that, depth is minimal and developmental talent will be signed under a new DL coach.
Quarterback
Carson Wentz needs a backup and Nate Sudfeld may be reaching the end of the line here. Mr. Lurie has referenced wanting to draft a QB every year and after Clayton Thorson didn’t pan out, expect some re-enforcement here.
Now you’re well equipped for the weekend ahead. Strap yourselves in and prepare for a wild ride. We will be live-streaming the entire event on our YouTube channel, so come hang out with us!
Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
