Philadelphia Eagles: 5 Needs that must be addressed in 2018 NFL Draft

Though no one knows what the Philadelphia Eagles will do at the 2018 NFL Draft, we can all see some semblance of a plan coming into focus.

As the 2018 NFL Draft approaches, fans of the Philadelphia Eagles can all lay claim to something they’ve selfishly been feeling. Just about everybody believes the highlight of the annual selection meeting’s first night will be when Commissioner Roger Goodell walks up to the podium in Dallas and says “with the 32nd pick, the World Champion Philadelphia Eagles take..”.

To some, that’s become almost as important as the name that will be called. Let’s be honest though. We know the Eagles brass doesn’t care about that. They’re more interested in how they can add to their six draft picks (that ties them for a league low).

There may be a trade on the horizon.

What can we expect to happen?

The first question is simple. Will the Eagles make a selection at pick 32, or will they trade the pick? If they can move back and still get someone that they think they want a few spots later, make no mistake. That’s exactly what they intend to do.

Until that moment comes, let’s discuss something a little more obvious to everyone. Let’s talk needs. There are a few, but let’s focus on three.

Here’s a few directions we may see Philly go in early.

1. Tight end

This one’s obvious. Trey Burton plays for the Chicago Bears now. The longest-tenured Eagle, Brent Celek, is also gone. Richard Rodgers has been added, but he’s regressed in every season he’s been in the NFL and may be a short-term fix. Eagles head coach Doug Pederson likes two-tight end sets. Zach Ertz is great but will need help.

2. Safety

The Eagles lost both Corey Graham and Jaylen Watkins in the offseason . Rodney McLeod and Malcolm Jenkins are, arguably, one of the best safety tandems in football, but behind them, there isn’t much.

3. Nickel cornerback

After being second-guessed thanks to injury and a rough training camp, Patrick Robinson exploded in the slot position. He hauled in four regular-season interceptions and that pick-six in the NFC Championship Game that will live in Eagles folklore forever.

Unfortunately for Philly, he plays for the New Orleans Saints now, and he’s left some pretty big shoes to fill.

4. Running back

With Corey Clement and Jay Ajayi in the fold, the Eagles appear to be set, but they play the most punishing position in sports. There’s always a need for insurance here, and with LeGarrette Blount leaving Philly for ‘The Motor City’, the Eagles don’t appear to be as set here as they were around midseason last year.

5. Interior linebacker

Let’s be honest, no one thinks Jordan Hicks and Joe Walker can stay healthy. Both are immensely talented and valuable when they’re on the field, but they have to be on the field. Might this be the need the Eagles address first?

Conclusion:

Honestly, trading the 32nd pick doesn’t sound like a bad idea. Philly will need to add as many selections as possible. The draft is around the corner. Where the Eagles go with each pick is still a mystery. What they need isn’t. To make long stories short, however, fans may just have to wait a little longer than they thought they would to welcome the newest member of the Philadelphia Eagles.

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