Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Need 1: Dynamic CB – Even if Philadelphia signs a cornerback in free agency, the Eagles need to draft a young, dynamic cornerback early in April’s selection process. Darius Slay we’ll return in 2022 after a Pro Bowl season and he works too hard for his game to just fall off the proverbial cliff. Slay is 31 and he’ll be 33 when his deal expires. Avonte Maddox is here long-term, and none of the young cornerbacks outside of Zech McPhearson have seen any significant snaps. Andrew Booth (Clemson), Trent McDuffie (Washington), and Derek Stingley Jr. (LSU) are all names to watch behind Ahmad Gardner.
Need 2: Wide receiver – DeVonta Smith is the guy firmly entrenched as the Eagles’ No. 1 receiver. Everything after Quez Watkins and Greg Ward is up for discussion. Watkins is a talented sixth-round pick, but the lack of production from both J.J. Arcega-Whiteside and Jalen Reagor has been devastating when you compare their numbers with contemporaries at the wide receiver position. With Jalen Hurts needing to take the next step as a passer, look for Philadelphia to address this position via the draft with guys like Drake London (USC), Treylon Burks (Arkansas), and Chris Olave (Ohio State), and Garrett Wilson (Ohio State).
Need 3: Defensive tackle – Fletcher Cox is entering what is likely his final year on the roster as a full-time starter after being re-signed, and Philadelphia will look to the draft even though Howie Roseman believes Milton Williams is a full-time starter. This is a position of need after Hassan Ridgeway signed with the 49ers. Phidarian Mathis (Alabama), Travis Jones (UConn), Perrion Winfrey (Oklahoma) or Devonte Wyatt (Georgia) could all be options, but Jordan Davis (Georgia) is the prize. – Glenn Erby, Eagles Wire
