We’re nearing the end of our Eagles’ free agency targets tour. The destination? My complete free agency preview and mock draft 2.0. EXCITED? Thought so..
The always volatile, the always spicy, the now always Dougie P owned division is next.
Houston Texans
Offense: None
I’m SO tempted to throw in a reclamation project like O.J. Howard here. The talent is there, but the injuries also have. Could Sirianni’s healthy practices help resurge the former first round pick? Sure.. but let’s not pay more than like.. a dollar.
Defense: Ogbonnia Okoronkwo
A former teammate of future Eagles RB1 Trey Sermon and former player of Howie’s BFF Lincoln Riley, Okoronkwo was a serviceable role player for the Rams from 2019-2021 (missed 2018). Last year, he landed with the Texans on a one year deal and rewarded them handsomely.
From PFF:
From Weeks 11 through 18, Okoronkwo was, simply put, a top edge defender in the NFL. His 87.4 pass-rushing grade ranked seventh at the position, and his 22.6% pass-rush win rate placed eighth.
Could he be heating up entering his age-28 season? If he’s looking for a huge payday for a possible fluke, then it’s best the Eagles stay away. But if he’s truly coming into his own and this is the tip, then getting him at a discounted rate on a team looking for discounted rates will be a home run.
Tennessee Titans
Offense: Nate Davis
Davis is seen as a riser at RG and has steadily improved his play since being drafted in 2019. However, he has struggled to stay healthy. He missed five games in 2022 after missing two in 2021. He’s been an above average run blocker in his career, which is a necessity in an Eagles offense and a trip to Stoutland University could unlock his pass protection potential (yay, alliteration!).
With the Titans losing both Ben Jones and Taylor Lewan, they could ill-afford to lose Davis too. But it makes sense to check in.
Defense: David Long
He’s essentially another Kyzir White, but better. While Eagles fans would love his off-ball, downhill play, they’ll grow quickly frustrated with his inability to cover. BUT WHAT ELSE IS NEW, AMIRITE?
But the dude gets after the quarterback:
Over the past three seasons, his 19.8% pass-rush win rate and 23.8% pressure rate are both the second-best marks among off-ball linebackers with at least 100 pass-rush snaps over the span.
In addition to all of this, Long was tied for the sixth most special teams tackles in 2022 with 14. The best on the Eagles? K’Von Wallace and Zech McPhearson with 10 each. The Eagles need upgrades at LB and ST, so why not do both?
Indianapolis Colts
Offense: Parris Campbell
34 receptions for 360 yards in three years does not scream “sign him!” but 63 receptions for 623 yards in 17 games last year does. Now that he’s finally healthy, is it time for Campbell to realize his potential?
Nick Sirianni sure did love having Campbell on his team, here’s what he said after his 2020 debut:
“He did play a heck of a football game,” Sirianni said. “He looked fast, he looked explosive — everything we’ve seen at practice that he necessarily hasn’t been able to show in games due to some things; obviously some injuries that happened last year.
“So it was great to get him out there and see those things, and let the country see those things, of what he can do,” Sirianni continued. “Because obviously he’s a big-time playmaker.”
With his familiarity and love for Campbell, could Nick entice him to come to the Eagles to fill the speed slot role he envisioned for him in Indy?
Paris is for lovers and Parris is for Brotherly Love.
Defense: Yannick Ngakoue
If you’ve followed me for a few years, you’ve seen how many times I’ve retweeted Yannick’s cryptic tweets and IG stories about his potential teams, mainly when he was looking to leave Jacksonville. Tweet a picture of Dawkins? Liked, retweeted, commented. Post an IG story of Reggie White? Screenshot, post, tag, like, comment… etc. You get it.
After being really, really good for Jacksonville from 2016-2019, Ngakoue has seen his area code change four times in three seasons (Minnesota, Baltimore, Las Vegas, Indianapolis).
Despite the notion that he isn’t as impactful anymore, he still has 19.5 sacks over the last two seasons. Adding him to the Eagles as a situational pass rusher on a defensive line that gets after the quarterback could help him show the old Yannick.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Offense: Marvin Jones?
He’ll be 33.. vet leadership! Ranked top five in contested catches last year. Sure, why not?
Defense: Arden Key
A third round bust in Oakland/LV after three years, Key started to find his footing in San Francisco in 2021. In 2022, he signed a one year deal to go to Jacksonville and ended up as one of their best pass rushers. He played in 41% of the defensive snaps, registered 4.5 sacks and 15 QB hits. If his bread and butter is a pass rush specialist then this could work for the Eagles.
Other divisions: NFC East, NFC West, NFC South, NFC North, AFC East, AFC West
Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire
