Ranking Eagles positional needs after recent free-agent additions

You really have to keep your head on a swivel with this Howie Roseman fellow. He's like an episode of The Sopranos. You never knew what's coming, but we know he is always working. His silence and penchant for keeping things close to the vest can raise the stress levels, which can be tough because, as you know, Philadelphia Eagles fans can be an emotional bunch.

It's like that old saying... 'Fan' is short for fanaticism, and some had gone off the rails after seeing much of Philly's defensive talent exit stage left, but hold on a second. Weren't we expecting that? Did we not know there would be quite a bit of roster turnover?

Ranking the Eagles' roster needs as we open the 2025 new league year

Legal tampering came and went. The new league year began, It seemed as though all we were hearing about was the Birds who were leaving, and there were several.

James Bradberry and Darius Slay were released. C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Kenny Pickett were traded away. Milton Williams, Josh Sweat, and Isaiah Rodgers all signed elsewhere. And, all of those impending free agents... They weren't retained, so they are available.

Fear not! Howie asked for patience, and we're willing to give him such.

Philly has agreed to terms with Zack Baun on an extension. They opened Day 1 of the 2025 league year by re-signing Ben VanSumeren and acquiring RB A.J. Dillon. Then, they addressed what's widely viewed as their biggest need, edge rusher, by adding Josh Uche to the nest.

Everyone caught up? Cool! Let's discuss roster needs after what's been a busy week. Here's how we'd rank them.

1. EDGE

At the time of this story's release, we still aren't certain of Brandon Graham's future, and even if he did return, he'd be 37 by the time the season started. We are a tad concerned about Bryce Huff but excited about Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt. Uche is a good signing, but we'd still like to see the Birds draft a pass rusher early.

We realize B.G. and Jalyx are listed as linebackers. We mention them among the pass rush for obvious reasons.

2. Cornerback

Slay and Bradberry are gone, and with them, Philly loses a lot of leadership. Say what you will about James, he was respected in the locker room.

Isaiah Rodgers is gone. Avonte Maddox is an unrestricted free agent. Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean are excellent. Let's hope Kelee Ringo and Eli Ricks can take steps forward.

3. Offensive Tackle

Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson are the best bookend offensive tackles in the NFL. Le'Raven Clark, Fred Johnson, and Jack Driscoll were all among Philly's free agents, and at the time of publish, none of them have been retained.

4. Defensive Line

The defensive front is where Philly has been hit the hardest. There is, however, reason for excitement. Moro Ojomo, Jalen Carter, and Jordan Davis are the core now, but depth is needed. Thomas Booker and Byron Young are good but not nearly enough.

5. Linebacker

Retaining Zack Baun is huge, but Philly lost Oren Burks. Nakobe Dean's injury means he may miss the early stages of next season. We're excited about Jeremiah Trotter and wouldn't mind seeing him get more playing time.

There isn't much available in free agency at the position, so it would be nice to see the Birds spend one of those eight picks on some reinforcements. One more game-changer gives this unit a chance to be one of the most dominant on Philadelphia's roster.

6. Tight End

Despite knowing Philly is shopping Dallas Goedert, he's still on the roster, and frankly we hope he stays for at least the last year on his current deal. Grant Calcaterra is okay. C.J. Uzomah and E.J. Jenkins are here, but it may be time to come up with Goedert's succession plan.

7. Wide Receiver

The top of the depth chart is phenomenal. There isn't a better duo in the league than A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Yes, that includes the guys playing in Miami.

The bottom of the WR depth chart is slightly concerning. Britain Covey was allowed to become a free agent, and though we like Jahan Dotson, we haven't seen a ton from Parris Campbell, Johnny Wilson, and Ainias Smith.

8. Interior Offensive Line

Trevor Keegan will be good for this team. We have supreme confidence in Tyler Steen. Landon Dickerson is the perennial Pro Bowler.

So far, there hasn't been movement on the Mekhi Becton front. Still, whether he returns or not, it's always good to have depth. As Howie Roseman said, 'You can never have enough good offensive linemen'.

9. Safety

Despite trading C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Philly is pleased with what they have at safety. We can understand why they would be.

Reed Blankenship, Sydney Brown, Lewis Cine, and Tristin McCollum are all capable. Andre Sam' is the understudy, but it still feels like this is a unit that needs a little punch after losing CJGJ. We'll see if someone is added during the NFL Draft.

10. Running Back

Saquon Barkley is the best in the business, and Will Shipley is a good reserve option. Philly, as mentioned, opened free agency by adding a sledgehammer, A.J. Dillon.

Lew Nichols and Tyrion Davis-Price are also on the roster, but for a unit that takes a ton of punishment, it's always good to keep eyes peeled for what might be available.

11. Kicker

Last season we all saw something unfamiliar. We were introduced to a sometimes-ineffective and unreliable Jake Elliott.

To his credit, he was at his best when his best was needed during the postseason. regression comes quickly in the NFL. The Birds would e wise to at least look at a few more guys.

12. Punter

We'll make this short. We'll make this simple. We have no issues with Braden Mann. The Eagles are fine with him and his brilliance should continue into the 2025-26 regular season.

13. Long Snapper

This should probably be ranked higher because Rick Lovato is officially a free agent, but we're feeling like he'll be back (and, he'll be back very soon).

At least we hope so...

14. Quarterback

Last but not least... The most important position in all of sports... We're very happy with the talent Philly has here.

Jalen Hurts is now a Super Bowl winner and one of the best in the business. Tanner McKee could start for a few NFL teams right now.

Call us crazy. But, we feel like Dorian Thompson-Robinson is potentially an upgrade for Kenny Pickett, but the jury is still out on that end. Still, if he's the third-best QB on your roster, you have to feel good about where your team is at the position.