After a free agency period where the Eagles let talented DE Connor Barwin (49.5 career sacks) and DT Bennie Logan walk, it appeared this unit would likely regress in 2017.
However, in a few savvy moves this off season, GM Howie Roseman was able to show his post-Chip-Kelly-roster-awareness by acquiring talented and young upgrades for these departures. This started with a trade with Baltimore Ravens, where the Eagles acquired stand-out former FSU DT Timmy Jernigan for only a swap of 3rd round draft picks (gave up the 74th selection for Jernagin and a 99th). It is surprising that the Ravens were willing to let go of a young and talented defensive building block, but the Eagles benefited here by adding that building block and building on top of it.
In defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz 4-3 scheme, Jernigan will play next to Pro-Bowl DT Fletcher Cox on the interior to create pocket-collapsing pressure.
To play on the outside of this talented tandem, the Eagles already have a proficient pass rusher in #55 Brandon Graham.
However, to replace DE Connor Barwin the Eagles signed veteran DE Chris Long, the former 2nd overall pick in the draft and son of NFL Hall of Fame DE Howie Long. Long will play next to Cox and slam offensive lineman all afternoon long.
Finally, and most importantly, with the 14th pick in the 2016 draft this year the Eagles selected DE Derek Barnett, the Tennessee All-time leading sack leader (He broke legend Reggie Whites record, for what its worth.) Barnett was projected to go inside the top-10, but an unexpected slide on offensive players inside the top 10 left him on the board, and the Eagles decided to turn what was already a strength into a dominant unit.
DC Schwartz has some experience of coaching talented D-lines into dominant units, A la his time with the Detroit Lions and Ndomakong Suh. Look for a young Eagles team to see success at the point of attack for the next few season with this major trench upgrade.
Cornerback is still an area of concern after losing starters Leodis McKelvin and Nolan Carrol. However, in a semi-lateral move they signed athletic former-colt CB Patrick Robinson, and drafted CB Sidney Jones out of Washington in the 2nd round. Jones was a top-15 talent, but suffered an unfortunate Achilles injury at his pro day at UW and question marks linger about if he can return to the outstanding player he once was.
After boasting what seemed to be one of the worst wide receiver groups in the NFL last year, (As an unbiased Redskins fan I enjoyed watching Nelson Agholar drop every pass that touched his hands) the Eagles desperately needed to find developing QB Carson Wentz somebody to throw to in his 2nd year in the league.
They achieved this and then some, by signing oft- injured but also oft- talented WR Alshon Jefferey to a 1-year deal. When healthy, Jefferey is one of the premiere receivers in the league at using his big frame (6 foot 4) and leaping in the air and making contested catches. Carson Wentz has a big arm and a gunslinger mentality, and a WR like Jefferey is perfect to marginalize his mistakes and ease his transition into the NFL.
The Eagles also speedy WR Torrey Smith, much to the delight of Wentz and likely his big arm as well. Smith, a UMD alumni, has had success in the league using his speed to be a deep threat and take the top off of defenses.
Combine these two, and 4th round pick and former Mitch-Trubisky favorite target Mack Hollins to play slot receiver, and the Eagles have totally revamped this unit. They also already have a (singular) talented WR in Jordan Matthews on the roster, but now that teams will be focused on stopping his teammates, Matthews should join Carson Wentz in the fact that they both enjoy an increase in opportunities and production.
As for the offensive line, adding former 1st pick guard Chance Warmack to compete with LG Allen Barbre should shore up one of the guard spots, while G/C Stefen Wisnewski, resigned to a 3 year deal, may either supplant Jason Kelce as the teams starting guard or provide depth behind RG Brandon Brooks. Either way, the unit looks to take a step forward in 2017 with RT Lane Johnson presumable not suspended and All-Pro LT Jason Peters still having a few years left in the tank.
All in all, after showing flashes of brilliance last year (including a dominant 34-3 win over the super bowl contender Steelers), this roster has only upgraded in every area. With QB Carson Wentz having a full offseason as the starter, as well as HC Doug Pederson having more autonomy over the team as this is now his second year, expect things to mesh in Philadelphia (but hopefully not win the NFC East for unbiased reasons.)
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