It’s been a transformative offseason for the Philadelphia Eagles. Not only has their once-beloved franchise quarterback been offloaded to the Colts, but the team decided to snatch some of Indy’s coaching staff in the process of replacing Doug Pederson and Jim Schwartz. With the dust now finally settled, it’s time to look at whether the roster has improved and by how much.
Quarterback
2020: Carson Wentz, Jalen Hurts, Nate Sudfeld, Kyle Lauletta
2021: Jalen Hurts, Joe Flacco, Nick Mullens
It’s easy to look at this and say 2021, but we have to remember the expectations at this point in 2020. Nobody expected Carson Wentz to suffer the regression that ends all other regressions. With that said, it’s always hard not to lean towards a younger, cheaper quarterback, in an environment where in which he has a veteran to mentor his development and a new arsenal of weaponry.
I’d also go as far to say that Nick Mullens is very viable QB2 candidate and stands head and shoulders above someone like Nate Sudfeld. As far as QB rooms go, the Eagles have one that will be filled with competition and play that should lift the roster through the rigours of Training Camp.
Verdict: 2021
Running back
2020: Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, Corey Clement, Elijah Holyfield, Michael Warren, Adrian Killins
2021: Miles Sanders, Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott, Jordan Howard, Kerryon Johnson, Elijah Holyfield, Jason Huntley, Adrian Killins
There was a clear vision with the backfield last year, but it was more built on doubling down on talent within the room as opposed to investing in the position as a whole. The Eagles have changed that this offseason, backing a renewed intent to run the ball under Nick Sirianni.
Kenneth Gainwell and Kerryon Johnson could be great additions to a running back room that lacked in both pass-protection and receiving production last year. This makes for a much more complete stable of backs than the one we saw in 2020.
Verdict: 2021
Offensive line
2020: Lane Johnson, Andre Dillard, Brandon Brooks, Isaac Seumalo, Jordan Mailata, Jason Kelce, Matt Pryor, Jack Driscoll, Prince Tega-Wanagho, Sua Opeta, Nate Herbig, Julian Good-Jones, Casey Tucker
2021: Lane Johnson, Andre Dillard, Landon Dickerson, Brandon Brooks, Jordan Mailata, Isaac Seumalo, Jason Kelce, Matt Pryor, Jack Driscoll, Sua Opeta, Nate Herbig, Casey Tucker, Le’Raven Clark, Brett Toth,
Kayode Awosika
The Eagles now have a strong competition at left tackle and most of their starters likely returning to health after an embarrassing 2020 campaign that saw injuries ravage the group from the Summer onward.
The addition of Landon Dickerson is a big one after the team had opted waited a long time to find a long-term replacement for Jason Kelce. His versatility should also provide some insurance of Brooks isn’t ready to go. In a scenario where Dickerson can’t recover quickly enough from his own injury setback, the versatile former Colt Le’Raven Clark should be able to hold the fort.
Verdict: 2020
Tight End
2020: Zach Ertz, Dallas Goedert, Joshua Perkins, Noah Togiai, Richard Rodgers, Caleb Wilson, Jason Croom, Tyree Jackson
2021: Zach Ertz, Dallas Goedert, Richard Rodgers, Jack Stoll, Caleb Wilson, Jason Croom, Tyree Jackson
Not much has changed here other than the Eagles exchanging UDFA Noah Togiai for UDFA Jack Stoll. Stoll offers more in the way of versatility and there is a big cloud looming over Zach Ertz. Had it not been for the late addition of Richard Rodgers, 2020’s unit would’ve probably walked this due to Ertz coming off of a strong 2019.
Having said that, the team have not done enough to prepare for the long-term this offseason. Contract talks with Goedert are encouraging, but the SDSU product has to overcome some durability hurdles of his own and even then it’s not like there is a certified TE2 behind him. That may change next offseason, but if the team do move on from Ertz before the season starts, it’s Dallas Goedert and Richard Rodgers versus the world.
Verdict: 2020
Wide receiver
2020: Alshon Jeffery, DeSean Jackson, Jalen Reagor, J.J Arcega-Whiteside, Greg Ward Jr, Marquise Goodwin, John Hightower, Quez Watkins, Robert Davis, Khalil Tate, Shelton Gibson, Manasseh Bailey, Marcus Green
2021: DeVonta Smith, Jalen Reagor, Travis Fulgham, J.J Arcega-Whiteside, Greg Ward Jr, John Hightower, Quez Watkins, Jhamon Aubson, Michael Walker, Trevon Grimes (IR)
The Eagles have well and truly witnessed the passing of the torch here. The opinion of this year’s room being the more appealing group doesn’t take a lot to justify. A Heisman winning wideout joins a former first-round pick in Jalen Reagor, a reliable slot wideout in Greg Ward, and a plethora of young guns who each have high ceilings if Aaron Moorehead can push them in the right direction. No stupid contracts, no injury-plagued receivers, and a new coaching staff who should be able to avoid mistakes from years past.
Verdict: 2021
Photo by George Walker/Icon Sportswire
