Eagles 2023: NFC Champs again? By: Thomas McGuire
Eagles 2023: NFC Champs again?
Everyone by now, knows that the Eagles fell short in the Super Bowl. I have already alluded to what the team has in place and since that last article things have changed significantly. We’ve added some pieces by way of the NFL draft and have since seen the departure of some individuals that honestly not many were expecting.
Say what you will about Howie, but this man has finally figured out how to draft. April 27 kicked off a night that honestly this writer was dreading. Howie has been hit or miss when it comes to talent, lest we forget Reagor over Jefferson. However, these last few years Howie has really hit on target.
I was convinced going into the draft that we were drafting Skoronski out of Northwestern, everyone else was calling for Bijan Robinson. Color me crazy when the Eagles come out with arguably the best player in the draft. Jalen Carter, the 6’ 3” Georgia defensive tackle, is going to have an immediate impact on the defensive side of the ball, especially considering the departure of Javon Hargrave. His off-field issues were a concern coming into the draft and it caused Carter to fall, and honestly the Eagles made the right decision. I consider this pick to be the best pick in the last 10 years. They also secured up the one area I called out as needing a fix after the loss in February. Nolan Smith, another University of Georgia prospect, will be a first-year starter because of the short comings at linebacker. We also picked up, Steen, a tackle from Alabama, McKee, a QB, and Ojomo the DE from Texas. The two players, also drafted, not yet talked about are Sydney Brown, a Safety with huge, big play ability and Ringo, a piece needed at cornerback.
Howie didn’t only add pieces through the draft, he filled some voids left from some key departures. Miles Sanders is no longer an Eagle, and honestly, I’m not torn up about the loss. His production down the stretch left something to be desired. Gainwell and Scott proved to be more reliable during the postseason and let’s face it they held onto the ball. Before draft night even occurred, Roseman added Penny from Seattle, whom when healthy can be an asset. Additionally, during draft night, when the Lions took Bijan Robinson, I knew that Swift would be available. Howie the very next day secured him in a trade with little to no impact to the future of this franchise.
This team lost some key players with the departure of Hargrave, and CJGJ, but added some pieces that can fill the void. The one hole that I foresee in this team is our depth at O-Line. Isaac Seumalo was another key departure and leaves an opening at right guard. Jurgens can fill the slot in the interim, but I don’t see that being the long-term fix, considering Jurgens is primed to be Jason Kelce’s replacement once he finally retires.
The team came out of the offseason relatively unscathed when you consider the additions made via free agency and the draft. To believe that Howie Roseman is done adding pieces to this team, would be a false narrative. Where there is a will there is a way and Howie knows how to play.
Thomas McGuire - Birds the Word/ Olde City Sports Network
Photo Credit - Philadelphia Eagles & Morning Call
