Entering the spring, the Philadelphia Eagles should remain from complacent.
With the departure of Jeff Stoutland and the arrival of Sean Mannion as offensive coordinator, the Eagles are evolving.
Offense: The "F" Tight End Mismatch
Mannion, heavily influenced by the Shanahan and LaFleur systems, brings a scheme that utilizes 12 personnel (two tight ends) to manipulate defensive alignments. With Dallas Goedert entering his age-31 season and heading toward free agency, along with Grant Calcaterra, the Eagles need a specific type of move-tight end -- the "F" receiver who can win in the seam.
- The Scheme: Mannion’s system thrives on tight ends who can operate like oversized receivers. They must be comfortable detached from the line, running sophisticated horizontal-stretch routes that force linebackers into no-man's land.
- The Sleeper: Justin Joly (TE, NC State). While the first round might tempt them with bigger names, Joly could be the tactical tell for the offense. He is a high-IQ playmaker who specializes in contested catches and option routes, and his ability to transition from a blocking alignment to a primary slot target makes him the ideal successor to the Goedert role without the first-round price tag.
Defense: Adding Perimeter Talent
On the other side of the ball, Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s defense remains the gold standard for modern coverage. Fangio doesn't necessarily want press-man specialists who live on an island; he wants corners with instincts who can play both off-man and zone with elite anticipation, keeping their eyes on the pocket to trigger on the ball.
Read more: The Howie Special: Will Eagles pay premium price for explosive defender?
- The Scheme: Fangio’s coverage shells ask corners to be disciplined in their deep-half responsibilities while being physical enough to stop the run. It requires high-level click and close ability -- the speed to react to a throw the moment it leaves the hand.
- The Sleeper: Hezekiah Masses (CB, Cal). A first-team All-ACC selection and Senior Bowl standout, Masses is the quintessential Fangio cornerback. He tied for the national lead in pass breakups last season (18), while also hauling in five picks. Unlike corners who rely purely on recovery speed, Masses wins with elite processing and instincts—traits that fit Fangio's scheme —and he has the size (6-foot-0) to match up on the perimeter. Still, the vision to thrive in the complex zone structures Fangio uses to bait signal-callers.