The Philadelphia Eagles Offseason
The Good: Trading Carson Wentz
I could have made a list for the Eagles of simply THE BAD, THE WORSE, AND THE UGLY but I have to find something good that they have done this offseason and the only thing they did right this offseason was sticking to their guns on trading Carson Wentz. The fall from grace with Carson Wentz has been quite the saga with Eagles fans, and fans around the league, debating on whether or not he is still a good player and the Eagles made the smart choice to trade him to the Indianapolis Colts. The Eagles deal for Wentz has the potential to be a good trade as it has the potential to be a 1st round pick next year if Wentz plays well for the Colts and they make the playoffs. And with Frank Reich, Wentz's former coach when he went on his MVP run, at the helm in Indy the Colts could end up getting the short end of the stick.
The Bad: Reluctantly Naming Jalen Hurts the Starter for 2021
Although many expected the Eagles to name him the starter after Wentz was shipped out of town, the Eagles boggled the announcement with rumors swirling afterwards that there's an internal struggle with coach, general manager, and owner all having different directions they want to go in at the position. While Jalen Hurts did show some leadership skills in his short stint playing last season, he showed a great deal of improvement will need to made for him to be successful and it probably doesn't help his confidence in his ability to play quarterback when everyone in the organization doesn't seem to believe in him and the proof that they don't believe in him came when the Eagles lost to the 49ers in making a trade up to #3 in the draft which obviously meant that they were trading up to a quarterback. They also signed Joe Flacco in free agency to compete with Jalen Hurts, further instilling doubt at the quarterback position. The uncertainty in the organization is going to spread to the rest of the team and they will likely find themselves in the top 3 of the 2022 draft.
The Ugly: Trading Back to #12
It was bad enough that the Eagles failed to trade up in the draft for the #3 pick, but to trade back with the Dolphins after they traded out to #12 also ensured that the Eagles will likely not be getting one of the top players in the draft. The one thing the Eagles need more than anything going into next year is a playmaker on offense as that was the one clear and evident problem in 2020 for them. At #6, the Eagles would have likely had the pick of the litter at the receiver position with Kyle Pitt's, Ja'Marr Chase, and Devonta Smith likely to be available but with the trade all the way back to #12 Those players are likely to go. Trading back may have gotten them some 1st round picks but it further solidified that the Eagles are trying to mail it in for the 2020 season.
Offseason Grade (Pre Draft): D-
NFL Draft Summary
Day 1 Grade: A
Selection: Devonta Smith The Philadelphia Eagles pulled off a stunning move by trading up with the hated rival Dallas Cowboys, jumping over the arch enemy New York Giants, to grab one of the best receivers in the draft in Devonta Smith. Devonta Smith is a young quarterback's best friend with elite level route-running and tremendous hands which will give Jalen Hurts plenty of confident wide open throws. The controversial selection also sparks up one of the most vaunted rivalries in sports and will make every Eagles game must see television if the former Heisman winner lives up to expectations. Although they gave up a 3rd round pick to move for him, his selection will pay off far more than any extra 3rd pick ever would.
Day 2 Grade: B-
Selections: Landon Dickerson, Milton WilliamsPhilly went into Day 2 with a determination to fix their lines on both sides of the ball. Landon Dickerson was a great center for the Crimson Tide and likely would have been a Day 1 selection if not for a knee injury that cost him his 2020 season. Dickerson's pick is a bit risky with the knee injury but he has immense potential as a plug-and-play lineman if his knee heals up well. Milton Williams is a freak of nature on the defensive line that needs development in order to maximize his potential, his ceiling is through the roof and if they can get him to develop fast, he has the potential to replace Fletcher Cox as he continues to age.
Day 3 Grade: A
Selections: Zech McPhearson, Kenneth Gainwell, Marlon Tuipulotu, Tarron Jackson, JaCoby Stevens, Patrick JohnsonThe Eagles did a nice job of adding more depth to their defensive line with Taron Jackson and Marlon Tuipulotu as well as adding edge depth with Patrick Johnson was a major steal. Kenneth Gainwell is an elusive back that brings good receiving skills to the position and adds good depth to their backfield. Zech McPhearson is a bit of a reach but JaCoby Stevens is a nice addition who will play the hybrid linebacker role and will be a fearsome run defender if he makes the team.
Selection: Devonta Smith The Philadelphia Eagles pulled off a stunning move by trading up with the hated rival Dallas Cowboys, jumping over the arch enemy New York Giants, to grab one of the best receivers in the draft in Devonta Smith. Devonta Smith is a young quarterback's best friend with elite level route-running and tremendous hands which will give Jalen Hurts plenty of confident wide open throws. The controversial selection also sparks up one of the most vaunted rivalries in sports and will make every Eagles game must see television if the former Heisman winner lives up to expectations. Although they gave up a 3rd round pick to move for him, his selection will pay off far more than any extra 3rd pick ever would.
Day 2 Grade: B-
Selections: Landon Dickerson, Milton WilliamsPhilly went into Day 2 with a determination to fix their lines on both sides of the ball. Landon Dickerson was a great center for the Crimson Tide and likely would have been a Day 1 selection if not for a knee injury that cost him his 2020 season. Dickerson's pick is a bit risky with the knee injury but he has immense potential as a plug-and-play lineman if his knee heals up well. Milton Williams is a freak of nature on the defensive line that needs development in order to maximize his potential, his ceiling is through the roof and if they can get him to develop fast, he has the potential to replace Fletcher Cox as he continues to age.
Day 3 Grade: A
Selections: Zech McPhearson, Kenneth Gainwell, Marlon Tuipulotu, Tarron Jackson, JaCoby Stevens, Patrick JohnsonThe Eagles did a nice job of adding more depth to their defensive line with Taron Jackson and Marlon Tuipulotu as well as adding edge depth with Patrick Johnson was a major steal. Kenneth Gainwell is an elusive back that brings good receiving skills to the position and adds good depth to their backfield. Zech McPhearson is a bit of a reach but JaCoby Stevens is a nice addition who will play the hybrid linebacker role and will be a fearsome run defender if he makes the team.
