Do the Eagles need to address offensive line in the draft?
The Philadelphia Eagles offensive line during the 2020 season was, in no other words, a disaster. The offensive line woes weren’t much fault on the organization but just the worst possible luck the team could’ve had. Despite the horrendous season, things seem to be looking up for the 2021 season. Jordan Mailata looks incredible, and Andre Dillard, Brandon Brooks, and Lane Johnson will be fully healthy, giving a tremendous boost to the group.
Many articles have claimed that the Eagles need to make selections benefitting the offensive line. While it is true that there can never be enough depth on the offensive line, there isn’t much of a need to bolster the group as thought.
There is an abundance of young tackles already on the Eagles roster. Jordan Mailata and Andre Dillard will have a fierce battle for left tackle, and Lane Johnson obviously will have the other tackle position locked up. Alongside whoever is passed up for the left tackle slot, Philly also has Jack Driscoll, who impressed everyone this past season. During his first start, Driscoll shockingly stonewalled top pick, Chase Young.
There is no reason to select a tackle unless a fantastic player falls lower than expected. Penei Sewell seemed to be that, but following the Eagles trade back, that doesn’t seem like an option anymore. Some prospects like Adrian Ealy are attractive options, though.
The Eagles could use depth at both guard and center, but there are much more places of need on the roster. The leading cause would be a replacement for center Jason Kelce down the line, who is 33. For this season and the future, their guards seem to be locked up. Isaac Seumalo and Nate Herbig are both under 28 years old.
Brandon Brooks is coming off his second Achilles tear but still looks like a superhuman. Matt Pryor was a weak link for the group, but for a third-string guard, he is very passable. If Kelce were to go down with an injury, Seumalo should be able to fill in fantastically and share many similar traits with Kelce, especially with his second-level blocks. Having seven picks during day three of the draft will likely lead to some possibilities to add to the o-line, but Philadelphia needs to attend to other needs first.
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Mandatory Credit: Tim Tai Philadelphia Inquirer
