2019 NFL Draft: Ranking the Philadelphia Eagles’ Top 5 Needs
![TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 16: Head coach Doug Pederson of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after a penalty call against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 16: Head coach Doug Pederson of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after a penalty call against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/d080ede1dda3af659e224cca0e696b11e27509f1e8b4593d5dcfe8b18b972146.jpg)
4. Linebacker
This may come first on a lot of Eagles fans lists, but don’t be surprised to see the Eagles avoid drafting a linebacker with one of their first three picks in the draft. The loss of Jordan Hicks stings a bit, but just remember, we’ve seen the Eagles go on a Super Bowl run without him. Whether you like it or not, Jim Schwartz’s system does not value a full-time middle linebacker much. Often times, the Eagles thrive with one other guy paired up next to Nigel Bradham.
Kamu Grugier-Hill was viewed as a glorified special teamer last season, but he’s proven that he deserves a higher snap count next year. Plus, the Eagles are still holding out hope for Nathan Gerry. Also, don’t forget they have Paul Worrilow and L.J. Fort on board as well. While many believe that Fort was just a special teams addition, trust that the Eagles surely do not see it that way.
What’s the point of drafting a linebacker so high up to play under 70-percent of the time? Sure, we all dream of the Eagles having a dominant high-profile middle linebacker to pair up next to Nigel Bradham, but there’s really no point in reaching on a guy when there are critical needs elsewhere.