Eagles roster: Needs that must be addressed in the next NFL Draft

If you’ve kept your ear to the pavement, you’ve been hearing a welcomed and oft-mentioned narrative recently. By virtue of the New Orleans Saints loss on Monday Night Football, the Philadelphia Eagles currently own the sixth-overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. That is if the next NFL Draft was scheduled for tomorrow. Naturally, whenever that thought crosses one’s mind, others follow.

One, a top-five selection isn’t out of the realm of possibility, and second, what might they do with that and their other choices?

One of the commonly accepted philosophies relative to the NFL Draft is to choose the best player available (BPA) on day one during the first round. Another is to select players that meet team needs on Day 2 during the second and third rounds.

Once you reach Round 4 and Day 3, teams are hoping to get lucky. The Eagles have, at times, found success late. Think Quez Watkins, but more often than not, teams are looking for camp bodies. Kyron Johnson is a great example of a size-speed selection.

Here’s a look at the Eagles’ team needs and some talented players that will likely be available in the first two and a half rounds of the coming selection meeting.

Everyone knows the Eagles need EDGE help, but they may want to address a few other needs.

Two of the Eagles’ top EDGE stars aren’t signed past this season. They’ll most certainly need to add talent there while balancing their salary cap. In looking at how players have performed this season, certain positions have become highlighted as positions of need and value.

Backup quarterback

Gardner Minshew is likely one of the NFL’s best backup quarterbacks. Minshew Mania doesn’t carry the same ring that it once did, but he might finally get a look as a starter elsewhere during the offseason.

The quarterback position has always been one the Eagles value highly for obvious reasons. The Eagles have seemingly found an answer in Jalen Hurts, but Philadelphia would be wise to find an insurance plan.

Running Back

Trey Sermon can be useful if ever given an opportunity. He may also be the Eagles’ best bet to satisfy their need for a workhorse back, a job they have tried to give to both Miles Sanders and Kenneth Gainwell.

Sermon could be a great option for closing out games. Kennedy Brooks is on the practice squad back but hasn’t developed to a satisfactory level. The Birds may want to invest some latter-round capital into a tailback especially if they don’t extend Sanders.

Interior Offensive Line (IOL)

Isaac Seumalo is a very good player that rarely gets mentioned for being so. Sua Opeta has filled in capably when needed. Jeff Stoutland is the league’s best offensive line coach.

Sua and Isaac are scheduled to hit free agency next offseason, and even if Philly keeps one of them around, they may need to invest in another interior lineman. The Eagles have one of the best rosters because it has been built from the trenches. They’ll need to maintain that theory as they undertake a few roster renovations next offseason.

Weak Safety / Strong Safety / Slot Corner

C.J. Gardner-Johnson has been a revelation at weak safety this season. While still learning and growing, he fits in so well with this secondary and on this defense. He leads the Eagles with five interceptions.

K’Von Wallace often plays as the team’s weak safety in dime packages, but his play at safety has often been unacceptable. Marcus Epps was largely under-regarded last season.

Epps has the attitude, personality, and work ethic to lead the back end of the Eagles’ defense. Unfortunately, he may not be a long-term answer at free safety. As such his role this season has been as a strong safety, and it’s likely the better role for him. This team needs depth here, especially if Reed Blankenship isn’t going to earn an opportunity.

Kick Returner/Punt Returner

Britain Covey, the son of author and motivational speaker Stephen Covey, was expected to shine brightly as the Eagles’ return specialist. Sadly, his star burns dimly. Sure, he’s an upgrade over Jalen Reagor, but that isn’t saying much.

Surely, the Eagles can find someone that can fill the void on special teams right? Let’s hope so because, so far this season, Michael Clay’s unit has been hard to watch.