Philadelphia Eagles: Must Draft Defense

The Philadelphia Eagles had a very disappointing end to the 2014 NFL season. Dropping 3 of the last 4 games to finish the season with another 10-6 record. Don’t get me wrong, 10-6 is a solid mark, but I am ready for the Eagles to take the next step. Eagles Head Coach Chip Kelly is considered an offensive guru, but does that focus hurt the team?

I’ve looked at the numbers and believe it or not, the Eagles defense is not as bad as the numbers looked this season. The most notable misconception is only looking at the numbers without taking into account how much time the Eagles defense spent on the field. That being said, I don’t see any way the Philadelphia Eagles use their top 2, maybe top 3, draft choices on defensive players.

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I really think it would be extremely hard for Coach Kelly to use the first 3 rounds on the defensive side of the ball, but that is exactly what needs to happen. Of course all of this depends on what happens during Free Agency, but with the Eagles current roster and the amount of time the Eagles defense is on the field, drafting some young talent is exactly what this team needs.

The Philadelphia Eagles should have a very interesting offseason. The core of the Eagles defense is young and has some really solid players. The Eagles whole defensive line and even the defensive rotation is stacked with young talent. The best of those players was a Pro Bowl snub, but Fletcher Cox doesn’t seem to concerned.

I want to be here. I do. I certainly want to be here. I want to retire here. – Trent Cole

The Eagles linebacker group features some young talent and some potential holes within the unit. Long time Eagle, Trent Cole, could be a cap causality this offseason. Cole has mentioned that he wants to finish his career as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles and I believe he and the Eagles front office work out a new deal to keep him in midnight green.

The Philadelphia Eagles 2014 1^st round draft choice, Marcus Smith, has been less than stellar this year and unless he improves very drastically, he could quickly be labeled as a bust. Former 1^st round pick, outside linebacker Brandon Graham has finally turned into a player that the Eagles thought he would be, but I think he leaves for a bigger deal with a team that runs a 4-3 defense. Graham transitioned better than expected to his 3-4 outside linebacker role with the Eagles, but I think he would still prefer to move back to his natural pass rush position.

Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles safety position is a constant mess. Current Eagles safety, Malcolm Jenkins, was a much welcomed addition, but the opposite safety spot could use an upgrade. Safety Nate Allen played his best season as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, but overall he is not the player the Eagles are looking for.

So where does that leave this Philadelphia Eagles team? Cornerback, inside linebacker, outside linebacker and safety are all positions of need this offseason. Thats why I believe the Eagles need to use the first couple of rounds to start building this defense. The Philadelphia Eagles can’t afford to have another swing and miss 1st round draft choice like they did last season.

Some of my current favorite players for the Philadelphia Eagles to watch are:

Some of these players are definite 1^st round talent while a few others are more 2^nd round guys. If I could have the perfect draft, I would like Eric Kendricks in the 1st round and Gerod Holliman in the 2nd. Both of these players would be immediate starters and could play key roles in an improving Philadelphia Eagles defense.