Five Eagles Who Will Make the Roster in 2014

Jan 4, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles kicker Alex Henery (6) and punter Donnie Jones (8) react after a missed field goal against the New Orleans Saints during the first half 2013 NFC wild card playoff football game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

5) Alex Henery, Philadelphia Eagles Kicker

The second choice the Eagles made in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL Draft, Alex Henery of Nebraska, has come under fire for leg strength, or lack thereof, displayed in full over the course of his 2013 season. While it’s reasonable to pin partial blame on the Eagles wild card playoff exit on Henery due to what appears like an inability to kick touchbacks or hit timely field goals, it doesn’t make sense to boot him just yet. The absolute worst thing the Eagles could do in this situation is draft another kicker and give the rookie the job while hoping for the best. It’s not as if the odds are any higher with a free agent, just ask the New Orleans Saints. One minute Shayne Graham is going to have a statue built for him following the win over Philadelphia, and now he’ll be another faceless kicker on a market full of decent-to-mediocre ones in a matter of weeks. Like fellow fourth-year veteran Matthews, Henery will also be entering the final year of his rookie contract. Combining his price comparatively to other kickers, his youth and his knowledge of the organization, it makes sense to have Henery play out the rest of that contract as an Eagle.