Where Are The Holes On The Eagles? An Early Look At Your 2018-2019 Philadelphia Eagles

Now, with the Super Bowl victory finally subsiding, the Eagles focus turns towards next season and possibly repeating. However, when you win the Super Bowl, many of your coaches and free agents become a hot commodity for other teams due to the Super Bowl win.

Already this offseason, the Eagles lost QB coach John DeFilippo, Offensive Coordinator Frank Reich, and a couple quality coordinator guys that moved on to better positions with different teams. This normally happens after you win a Super Bowl. Mainly because a team thinks that the winning mentality will carry over to their team.

But, with the NFL new season to officially begin on March 14th, the Eagles have some decisions to make on the active 53-man roster. Most coming on who to bring back and who to release for cap reasons.

However, in this situation, it also opens up for some great competition during training camp to fill holes of the guys who left. But, with last years motto, “next man up”, in the back of their minds, the Eagles should have no problem filling the gaps in their lineup.

Here is what I believe the Eagles will look like on offense…

The Eagles will more than likely find a trade partner for Nick Foles. It seems, with the hire of the new WR coach, Mack Hollins WR coach from college, that Torrey Smith’s option will not be picked up. To get younger, the Eagles will buy-out or ask Brent Celek to retire to bring back Trey Burton. Blount will be replaced by stand-out rookie Corey Clement and the Eagles will get back their Swiss-Army Knife, Darren Sproles.

With those moves, the Eagles will be looking for about 4 to 5 guys to complete their offensive side of the ball. Possibly a WR or two, definitely another offensive lineman, and a 3rd string TE, possibly Billy Brown from the practice squad who they really like. This will leave the Eagles with 24 guys on the offensive side of the ball.

Here is what I believe the Eagles defense will look…

The Eagles will more than likely trade or release Vinny Curry with the acquisition of Michael Bennett. Patrick Robinson will earn a contract too large for the Eagles to bring him back. Beau Allen will get a raise and earn a chance to start on another team. Jaylin Watkins has already been released. Ellerbe was a good 8-week replacement for Hicks, he will retire or find another home.

With these moves, the Eagles will be looking to add 7-8 guys on the defensive side. Mainly as backups, but they will need a starting slot CB, a veteran backup safety, linebacker help, and possibly another addition to the defensive line. This will leave the Eagles 26 guys on the defensive side of the ball.

The special teams unit will be an interesting competition during training camp. With rookie standout Jake Elliott coming in and doing what he did, will Caleb Sturgis even get a chance? Rick Lovato will take the full reins as long-snapper with Jon Dorenbos done his NFL career due to a heart condition. But, the real competition will be for the punter. Donnie Jones retired on top as a champion and the Eagles will need to replace him. They did resign Cam Johnston, but he will not be the only punter in camp. A punter will have to win the job before it is given to him. Watch out for Dustin Colquitt, who is real good friends with Doug Pederson from his time in Kansas City.

So, when you put the numbers together, the Eagles will more than likely carry more defensive guys than offensive guys due to special teams coverage. The break-down should be around 23-25 offense, 25-27 defense, & 3 special teams. However, this is where the battle for final roster spots will be won. You have to play your position, but also special teams if you want to make this team as a backup.

Plus, with the Eagles possibly trading guys away, they could fill some holes through the draft too. I really like Rashaan Evans or Leighton Vander Esch with the 32nd pick. Both are outstanding linebacker prospects and will add to an extremely baron linebacker core on the Eagles

But, all positions cant be filled with rookies. Here are some names to watch that the Eagles already have or may be interested in to fill spots on the roster…

Billy Brown – TE – Eagles

Nathan Gerry – LB – Eagles

Donnel Pumphrey – RB – Eagles

Greg Ward – WR – Eagles

Dustin Colquitt – P – Kansas City

Aaron Colvin – CB – Jacksonville

Gary Barnidge – TE – Cleveland

Tahir Whitehead – LB – Detroit

DJ Hayden – CB – Detroit

Tyrann Mathieu – S – Arizona