Inside the Iggles
FanSided

2019 NFL Draft: Ranking the Philadelphia Eagles’ Top 5 Needs

By Justin Grasso

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 21: Derek Barnett #96 and Fletcher Cox #91 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrate the play during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 21: Derek Barnett #96 and Fletcher Cox #91 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrate the play during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

3. Defensive Line

Defensive end or defensive tackle here would work. This might be the third-most important need on our list, but don’t be shocked if it’s the first on the Eagles’. Howie Roseman made it clear a couple of weeks ago that they like to build in the trenches before filling other needs. Defensive line depth is essential, primarily because the Eagles utilize such a heavy rotation on game day.

This season, the Eagles look good up front, even with the loss of Michael Bennett, and Timmy Jernigan. They replaced Bennett with Vinny Curry while they anticipate getting Derek Barnett back. Then, they replaced Jernigan with a Pro Bowl caliber defensive tackle in Malik Jackson. So the Eagles are all set, right? Well, not so fast. Curry is here for a year; then he hits the market again. Josh Sweat would then move up, but his production and durability is a huge concern.

On the other side, the Eagles have a 30-year-old Brandon Graham for three more years, but behind him is Chris Long, who could retire any day now. And if he does decide to stay on the team this year, he’s most definitely going to hang it up after 2019. Seeing how important the defensive line is for the Eagles’ defense makes it very clear that they should never stop building. Load it up.

Home/Eagles Draft