Analyzing the Philadelphia Eagles’ Strengths and Weaknesses

After a disappointing 2020 season that saw them win just 4 games, the Eagles made some significant roster changes this offseason. Whether through the draft, free agency, or the trade market, Philadelphia has changed their outlook for the future. Here are the Philadelphia Eagles’ strengths and weaknesses heading into 2021:

Strengths

Defensive Line

As has been the case for many years now, the Eagles look to have one of the deepest defensive lines in the league. This group is lead by the 6-time Pro-Bowler Fletcher Cox. Cox had a bit of a down year in 2020, but so did the entire Eagles roster. He recorded 6.5 sacks, 22 pressures and 9 TFL’s, posting highlight plays like this one:

These numbers are not bad by any means, and were enough to send Cox to the Pro Bowl. However, he has shown to be capable of much more and looks to return to form in 2021.

What really makes the Eagles’ defensive line special is not just Fletcher Cox. It is the tremendous amount of talent and depth around him. This starts with Brandon Graham, who made the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career last season. Graham, who posted 8 sacks and 29 pressures, has shown he can still be a high-end pass rusher at 32 years old. Not to mention his run defense, which has always been stellar as a heavier defensive end.

On the edge, the Eagles have plenty of depth in Derek Barnett, Josh Sweat, and newly-signed Ryan Kerrigan. Expect a heavy rotation opposite Graham with these three, all of whom are very talented players. It is interesting to note that Barnett is in a contract year, which could increase his production.

Philadelphia also has some flexibility on the inside. Javon Hargrave started off slow in his first year with the team but really came on late. He projects to be a great running mate with Cox on the interior. Hassan Ridgeway is a solid run defender who has progressed nicely and can contribute as a pass rusher if needed.

Definitely keep on eye on 3rd round pick Milton Williams. Coming out of Louisiana Tech, Williams is slightly undersized but is extremely explosive. He showed plenty of promise as a pass rushing specialist in college and has the physical tools to dominate. He might not get many snaps early on, but Williams could become a real contributor as a pass rusher.

Running Game

After Jalen Hurts took over at QB last season, it was no secret Philly wanted to run the ball. Unfortunately, injuries to their offensive line really hurt their efficiency. This season, with more depth at running back and a healthy offensive line, expect a heavy dose of the run game.

The Eagles’ offensive line just might be their best position group. Center, RG, and RT are all set in stone with three Pro-Bowl players in Jason Kelce, Brandon Brooks, and Lane Johnson. All have had their struggles staying healthy in the past. However, all seem to be good to go and ready to dominate in 2021.

On the other side, while there is less proven talent, there is tremendous upside. The left tackle job is currently up for grabs between former first round pick Andre Dillard and 2020 breakout Jordan Mailata. Both players are young with limited experience, but have tremendous potential. The Eagles should emerge with a quality starter at that position between the two of them.

At left guard, Isaac Seumalo projects to be the opening day starter. He was very solid last year is a steady force on the inside. However, the Eagles also drafted Landon Dickerson in the 2nd round of the 2021 draft. At Alabama, Dickerson was always a talented player. However, he missed two seasons with ankle injuries and a third with an ACL tear. That being said, Dickerson is a first-round talent with tons of potential. He could easily take Seumalo’s spot and perform at a high level in year 1.

The Eagles also have a deep running back room. Miles Sanders heads the group and is the clear-cut starter. His combination of speed and quickness with a little power make him a dangerous runner.

He lacks a little as a receiver, but is a talented player who will receive the bulk of the carries. He has the potential to be a top running back in this league.

Philly also signed Kerryon Johnson from the Lions and drafted Kenneth Gainwell in the 5th round of the draft. Johnson will bring plenty of power elements to the backfield that the Eagles were missing last year. Gainwell is a super-shift receiving back with tremendous speed and explosiveness. They also retained Boston Scott, who is another good receiving back. They should get plenty of production from these three.

When talking about the running game, Jalen Hurts has to be brought up. He was a tremendous runner in college and showed it last season:

Whether on designed runs or QB scrambles, Hurts figures to carry the ball often. This just adds another dimension to what should be a scary running attack.

Weaknesses

Secondary Depth

It seems the Eagles have had problems in the secondary forever. While they did make some moves this offseason to address the position group, it just is not up to par.

Fortunately for Philadelphia, they do have Darius Slay to lean on. He definitely had a bit of a down year in 2020 with only 1 interception and 6 passes defended. Both were career-lows since his rookie year. That being said, Slay is still a high level talent and a dependable CB1.

Outside of Slay, things look bleak, and that’s being nice. Avonte Maddox is currently their other starting outside corner, and that is far from ideal. Not only has he struggled to stay healthy, but Maddox stands at just 5’9″ and projects more as a slot. He has some speed, but lacks good instincts and overall coverage ability.

After Maddox, the Eagles have a major question mark. They drafted Zech McPhearson in the 4th round of the draft to fill their void, but he doesn’t project as a quality starter in year 1. They traded for Josiah Scott from Jacksonville, yet another smaller slot corner who struggled to get on the field. Both Craig James and Michael Jaqcuet were miserable in limited time last year.

Things are slightly better at safety, but not by much. The team did sign former Viking Anthony Harris to start at free safety. He is a solid player who had a better 2019 than 2020, but he should be a reliable starter.

There is not much depth behind him besides Andrew Adams, a low-level backup. Harris will be leaned on heavily to make some plays.

Starting at strong safety should be Rodney McLeod, assuming he is healthy after going down late last season with a torn ACL. If not, the team does have K’Von Wallace, an interesting second-year player out of Clemson. He didn’t get much time last year, but showed some nice things and could be a decent player.

Secondary is one of the most important position groups in the NFL, and the Eagles have failed to put together a good one.

Linebacker

It has been a common theme for the Philadelphia Eagles to ignore the linebacker position to focus on other needs. That being said, this philosophy has led to what might be the worst linebacking core in the NFL. Teams shredded the Eagles over the middle of the field last year, and that won’t change much in 2021.

The team did sign Eric Wilson from Minnesota to plug right in at MLB, an underrated signing. Wilson finally became a full-time starter last year and was impressive. He tallied 122 total tackles to go along with 3 sacks and 3 interceptions. He immediately becomes the Eagles best pure coverage linebacker.

Alex Singleton is the next name to be brought up here following a breakout 2020 campaign. He was the most consistent linebacker for the Eagles last year and was great in the run game. However, the 2nd-year player is already 27 and has his struggles in coverage. With limited physical upside, Singleton might play a smaller role on passing downs this year.

The other starting linebacker currently listed on the Eagles depth chart is Shaun Bradley. Bradley had very limited opportunities as a rookie out of Temple but did not show very much. Behind him is Davion Taylor, an interesting 2nd-year player out of Colorado. The Eagles spent a 3rd round pick on him but he has yet to see any significant playing time. He has impressive athletic tools and upside, but needs to develop his skills as a true linebacker to see more playing time.

The Eagles simply lack high-end talent at the linebacker position once again. While they do not value the position very highly, the pieces they have in place are not good enough to get by. There is more upside than last season, but it figures to be a massive weakness once again.