The Philadelphia Eagles, looking to rebound from a season-ending stretch that saw them lose six of seven games, are entering the 2024 NFL Draft with a game plan focused on overhauling a lackluster defense and solidifying a support system around their core players. Addressing the urgent gaps in their defensive lineup, the Eagles are on the prowl for new talent at cornerback, linebacker, safety, and an additional edge rusher, aiming to build a squad reminiscent of Vic Fangio's design, as detailed in a recent article from CBS Sports.
According to CBS Sports, the Eagles are not only seeking to plug defensive holes but also looking to strengthen their offensive line with potential draftees who could take over from seasoned right tackle Lane Johnson. They aim to fill the starting right guard slot with key players who have tasted Super Bowl glory but are searching for the next wave to carry the mantle. This comes at a time when they have wrapped up some of their productive young talents with extended contracts this offseason. On the other hand, they must contend with the pressing need to bolster a secondary that performed too slowly last year. This is highlighted by decisions to be made regarding 33-year-old Darius Slay and 30-year-old James Bradberry, whose performance in 2023 left much to be desired. A full rundown of their available picks was detailed by 6abc.
With the NFL Draft commencing today and running through Saturday, April 27, Philadelphia holds eight picks spanning from the first to the sixth round. These include multiple compensatory and traded selections. A comprehensive list provided by 6abc serves as a testament to the strategic moves made by the team's front office. They'll make their initial move with the No. 22 overall pick in the first round, followed by two second-round picks at Nos. 50 (from New Orleans) and 53 overall. Then, they have a fourth-round pick at No. 120 (from Pittsburgh), three fifth-round picks, including two compensatory picks at Nos. 161 (from Tampa Bay), 171, and 172, and conclude with a sixth-round compensatory pick at No. 210 overall.
With its assets lined up, Philadelphia's draft strategy will likely focus on selecting an offensive tackle in the early rounds, as predicted by football pundits. This would address the glaring gap in the line and lay the groundwork for a player ready to step into Lane Johnson's cleats when the time comes. This speculation stems from the team's recent history of under-investment in certain positions, like the linebacker spot that experienced turmoil last year. Although the acquisitions of Devin White and Oren Burks hold promise, further nurturing of this segment remains a sore spot, according to 6abc.
