Former NFL GM has concerns about the Eagles' ability to protect Jalen Hurts
When looking at the Eagles' roster, it's hard to find many holes. The team has high expectations after falling just shy of another Super Bowl victory last season. It was always going to be a challenge to keep this core together, as the Eagles entered the offseason in a precarius cap situation and a ton […]
When looking at the Eagles' roster, it's hard to find many holes.
The team has high expectations after falling just shy of another Super Bowl victory last season. It was always going to be a challenge to keep this core together, as the Eagles entered the offseason in a precarius cap situation and a ton of pending free agents.
The team overall did well by retaining Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham, Darius Slay, and James Bradberry. However, one analyst identified one area of the roster that got worse this offseason.
Former NFL GM Randy Mueller, who now writes for The Athletic, recently penned a piece identifying the biggest area of concern for each NFC East team.
For the Eagles, Mueller struggled to find much to be concerned about. Mueller had the following analysis:
The only thing on offense that is of some concern is the number of sacks (44, 11th-most in the league) the Eagles took last season. Quarterback Jalen Hurts is still developing when it comes to processing and reading coverage. The simplistic passing game approach may have a short shelf life vs. really good NFL defensive coordinators the more they see it, so the Eagles must keep expanding the medium-to-downfield portion of this pass scheme.
Many would likely be shocked to learn that Hurts was sacked so much in 2022. It's hard to see how the offensive line has improved this offseason after starting guard Isaac Seumalo and depth piece Andre Dillard signed elsewhere.
Seumalo's starting spot will likely be filled by rookie third-round pick Tyler Steen. Seumalo played 1,135 snaps in 2022 and only allowed one sack, finishing with a stellar 75.2 PFF grade. Those will be tough shoes for the rookie guard to fill immediately.
Dillard was a valuable depth piece to have as someone who could fill in at tackle or guard. Brett Toth, Jack Driscoll, and Sua Opeta are options on the roster who will be vying for that sixth offensive lineman spot.
Mueller's second point was that the Eagles need to keep developing a downfield passing attack. This can only be done if Hurts has adequate protection in the pocket. It will be interesting to see if Steen or someone else can fill in adequately for Seumalo.
Even with the offensive line, this is probably the most complete roster in the league. As long as Hurts stays healthy, the Eagles should be the favorites in the NFC.
Featured image via © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK