Inside the Iggles
FanSided

6 Philadelphia Eagles personnel decisions that will shape draft strategy

By AJ Iezzi

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 23: Howie Roseman, General Manager of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lincoln Financial Field on September 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 23: Howie Roseman, General Manager of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lincoln Financial Field on September 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 09: Malcolm Jenkins #27 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates a defensive stop against the New York Giants with teammates during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 9, 2019, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Philadelphia defeats New York in overtime 23-17. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 09: Malcolm Jenkins #27 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates a defensive stop against the New York Giants with teammates during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 9, 2019, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Philadelphia defeats New York in overtime 23-17. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

Rodney McLeod and Malcolm Jenkins

As most of you know, Rodney McLeod is an unrestricted free agent. He’s coming off a stout 2019 campaign with 74 tackles, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles, giving him, 163 tackles, 23 passes defended, and eight picks during his four-year tenure in Philly.

Outside of his three-game 2018 season, he’s never played in less than 14 regular-season games. McLeod stopping Brandin Cooks‘ hurdle attempt on third and short in Super Bowl LII is one of the most underrated plays from that night. There aren’t many NFL safeties that play with the level of physicality that he does.

Let’s discuss Malcolm Jenkins. While he isn’t a free agent, he has publicly stated that he won’t return under his current contract’s structure. It’s clear that he’s outplayed his contract, and he’s been the Eagles’ ironman. There isn’t a player in the draft or the free-agent market that can adequately replace the three-time Pro Bowler. Taking him for granted would be a dire mistake by the Eagles fans and front office.

If either player is deemed expendable or is determined to move on from Philadelphia, safety becomes an instant priority. The second-stringers at the position are Marcus Epps and Rudy Ford. Neither has shown enough to be considered future replacements for either of Philly’s Super Bowl starters.

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