Philadelphia Eagles: 2017 NFL Draft Preview

The big question will come down to whether Roseman goes after a running back like Dalvin Cook or Christian McCaffrey or instead takes the top-rated corner on his board.

The Eagles are a franchise on the rise and will go as far as their young signal-caller Carson Wentz will take them. That is unless they fail to draft some competent cornerbacks early and often to solidify an already decent defensive unit and turn it into a championship one.

Key additions

CB Patrick Robinson
DE Chris Long
DT Tim Jernigan
OG Chance Warmack
QB Nick Foles
QB Matt McGloin
WR Alshon Jeffrey
WR Torrey Smith

Key subtractions

CB Nolan Carroll
CB Leodis McKelvin
DE Connor Barwin
DT Bennie Logan
QB Chase Daniel

Priority needs (Offense)

OT…With the Eagles in ‘cap hell’ they’ll need to start thinking ahead. Left tackle Jason Peters might be on the chopping block after the season due to his age and injury history and even though last year’s fifth-round pick Vaitai Halapoulivaati showed promise filling in for suspended right tackle Lane Johnson, G.M. Howie Roseman should add another tackle at some point just in case. Also, who knows whether Johnson can avoid a failed drug test for a third time?

RB…Ryan Mathews can’t stay healthy and Darren Sproles turns 34 in June. This is a huge issue.

Priority needs (Defense)

CB…Without question the single biggest problem area on the Eagles and it isn’t even close. For a team with solid talent at most every other position no one would criticize Roseman if he decides to draft at least three of them this week.

OLB…Nigel Bradham followed Coach Jim Schwartz over from Buffalo and had one of his best seasons. Unfortunately for the Eagles they might not be able to afford keeping him after the season.

Final analysis