TAKING STOCK: 2022 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

BY ADAM GREENE

After resting their starters in the season finale against the Dallas Cowboys to prepare for the playoffs, the Philadelphia Eagles were promptly blown off the field, 31-15, by the defending Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card Round.

As inglorious as that ending was, the Eagles not only making it to the playoffs, but clinching early enough to coast into the postseason in head coach Nick Sirianni’s first season is a nice accomplishment. There are plenty of teams that would have loved to have the honor of being the last franchise in NFL history to have its season ended by Tom Brady.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

2021-22 Record: 9-8, second place NFC East

Playoffs: Lost 31-15 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Wild Card Round

NOW WHAT?

Here’s the good news. Sirianni and the Eagles tossed second year quarterback Jalen Hurts the keys and he got the job done. While there’s definitely room for improvement, Hurts justified Philadelphia’s faith in him, completing 61.3 percent of his passes for 3,144 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He led the team in rushing with 784 yards and 10 touchdowns. And while that made him a fantastic fantasy football performer, it’s not what you want in a well rounded offense. Miles Sanders was OK running the ball, piling up 754 yards, but did not score a touchdown. He did average 5.5 yards per carry.

Wide receiver DeVonta Smith’s rookie season was overshadowed by the Cincinnati Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase, but he’s going to be a super star. He caught 64 passes for 916 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie.

FREE AGENCY

Philly’s not losing anyone in free agency they want to keep. As such, they can use their $27,253 million in available salary cap to really fill some holes. With three first round picks, they might not be particularly active in free agency, but I don’t like to go into the draft desperate for needs, especially as a playoff team. They should look at adding an inexpensive edge rusher, maybe someone a little long in the tooth like Chandler Jones or Jerry Hughes.

They also need an inside linebacker the market has just exploded, with Bobby Wagner, Jordan Hicks and Corey Littleton all getting cut over the last few days. I don’t think Wagner would sign with the Eagles. He’ll be too hot a commodity and want to go to a legitimate contender if he can. Littleton, Hicks or even a Kyle Van Noy could and should be realistic options.

DRAFT

In my first mock draft, which has been blown up by blockbuster trades, I had Philadelphia taking Kyle Hamilton, safety out of Notre Dame with the No. 15 overall pick. With No. 16, I selected Andrew Booth Jr., cornerback form Clemson and then at No. 19, I went with Kingsley Enagbare, edge rusher form South Carolina.

They could also look at some more offensive help, especially at running back in the second round. Don’t be shocked to see them try to move underperforming former first round pick Jalen Reagor for some kind of pick compensation on day two or three.

NFC EAST

The Dallas Cowboys, with their roster alone, remain the class of the division. Carson Wentz’s addition to the Washington Commanders doesn’t give me a lot of hope for their fortunes. The mystery team could be the New York Giants with new head coach Brian Daboll, but the Eagles have a year advantage on them and should be looking at another Wild Card appearance.

Follow Adam Greene on Twitter @TheFirstMan.

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