Eagles: Best Options To Fill Remaining Roster Holes

Sep 21, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles guard Todd Herremans (79) and tackle Andrew Gardner (66) and center Jason Kelce (62) during pre game warmups before game against the Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Guard

With the release of guard Todd Herremans, the team needs a new starter in his old spot at right guard. Although Andrew Gardner filled in admirably there this past season, he’s not the long-term solution. The team also has Matt Tobin and Allen Barbre but both battled injuries in 2014. Let’s not forget that for the second year in a row, rumors have come out that Evan Mathis is available for trade as well.

Assuming Mathis is eventually traded, that would leave the Eagles without both of their opening day starters at guard from this past season. That is a pretty big deal, especially in a zone blocking scheme where guards need to be more athletic than usual. Although the options at guard in free agency aren’t any good now, the 2015 NFL Draft is full of guards the Eagles could potentially target.

Philadelphia has already shown interest in some of the draft’s best offensive linemen, including T.J. Clemmings from Pittsburgh. According to NFL.com’s Gil Brandt, Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland was at Pittsburgh’s pro day and spent an hour working with Clemmings individually. He is similar to current Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson, since he is relatively new to playing on the offensive line and played various positions before making the switch there in college. But Clemmings is a great athlete and could certainly step in and start at guard immediately in Philadelphia.

Of course there other options in the draft that the Eagles could look at. Former Oregon Duck, Jake Fisher, would be a perfect fit in Chip Kelly’s offense. He already has years of experience in the uptempo system and tested as one of the best, most athletic offensive linemen at the combine. Ali Marpet from Hobart is another prospect that would make a ton of sense for the Eagles on day two because of his athleticism as well.

Next: Wide Receiver