Philadelphia Eagles 2013 NFL Draft: Team needs and potential solutions
Philadelphia Eagles new head coach Chip Kelly addresses the media during a press conference at the Philadelphia Eagles NovaCare Complex. (Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports)
The Philadelphia Eagles, for the second year in a row, disappointed on a monumental level. The team’s putrid 4-12 record was put together despite elite talent at several positions across the football field. Longtime head coach Andy Reid was let go and offensive guru Chip Kelly, formerly of the Oregon Ducks, was brought in.
Here is who he, along with the Eagles’ front office, will be looking to accomplish as the team prepares for the upcoming 2013 NFL Draft.
- Nose Tackle: The Eagles are moving to the 3-4, but they have no nose tackle. They’ll be hoping for Star Lotulelei at No. 4 overall. If not, Jesse Williams would make sense atop Round 2.
- Right Tackle: The Eagles had major issues on their offensive line. The return of Jason Peters would fix things on one side, provided he’s close to 100 percent coming off an Achilles tear. Repairing the right side of the line could be solved by drafting Luke Joeckel No. 4 overall, which would allow Todd Herrmans to move to a more natural guard position.
- Cornerback: Remember how great Philadelphia’s cornerbacks were considered after the team signed Nnamdi Asomugha and traded for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie? Well, Asomugha is bound to get released because he was so brutal in 2012, while DRC, an impending free agent, lived up to his nickname, “Doesn’t Really Care.” The front office will have to obtain a new No. 1 cornerback to pair with Brandon Boykin, who had an impressive rookie campaign.
- Safety: Two safeties might be needed, but Colt Anderson was serviceable down the stretch, so Philadelphia might be able to get away with him as one of the starters. Nate Allen, however, was horrific this past year.
- Rush Linebacker: Does Trent Cole make sense for the 3-4? If not, Philadelphia will have to find someone who does.
