Philadelphia Eagles (Last Year: 9-8)
2022 NFL Season Preview:
Veteran Additions:
WR A.J. Brown, WR Zach Pascal, DE/LB Haason Reddick, LB Kyzir White, CB James Bradberry, S Jaquiski Tartt.
Early Draft Picks:
DT Jordan Davis, C Cam Jurgens, LB Nakobe Dean. Eagles Rookie Forecast
Offseason Losses:
RB Jordan Howard, G Brandon Brooks, DE Ryan Kerrigan, LB Alex Singleton, CB Steven Nelson, S Rodney McLeod.
2022 Philadelphia Eagles Offense:
The Eagles were the most run-heavy team in the NFL last year. That wasn’t the case throughout the entire season. In fact, Philadelphia was criticized for not running enough in the first several weeks of the 2021 season. The team wanted to pass frequently, but the coaching staff quickly discovered that this was a losing strategy because DeVonta Smith was the team’s only capable receiver, and Jalen Hurts consequently struggled to move the chains on a consistent basis.
Things will be much different in 2022. Philadelphia’s passing attack will be much better because A.J. Brown was acquired for the 18th-overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Brown is one of the most dynamic receivers in the NFL, and he and Smith will form one of the best duos at the position in the entire league. Additionally, the Eagles still have Dallas Goedert as a terrific intermediate threat.
Of course, the Eagles will still be able to run the ball extremely effectively. They won’t call as many plays on the ground, but they’ll be successful in doing so. They’ll split the workload like they did last year, with Miles Sanders getting more touches than any other back. Sanders rushed at a 5.5 yards-per-carry clip, while second-year Kenneth Gainwell figures to be more involved in the passing game now that he has more experience. It shouldn’t be forgotten that Hurts will pick up tons of rushing yardage as well because he’s such a dynamic runner.
All of this is made possible because the Eagles have one of the top offensive lines in the NFL. They no longer have Jason Peters, but Jordan Mailata has emerged into a Pro Bowl-caliber left tackle. Mailta always had untapped potential, but was extremely raw since entering the league in 2018. It took him a few years, but he’s finally playing up to his athletic ability, which is a credit to the coaching staff. Mailata will be bookended by Lane Johnson, arguably the best right tackle in the NFL.
The Eagles can also claim to arguably roster another best player at a position in the interior unit, as center Jason Kelce could qualify for that distinction. Kelce will retire soon, but Philadelphia drafted his successor, Cam Jurgens, in the second round. Jurgens will provide insurance this year, as Kelce will be flanked by Landon Dickerson and Isaac Seumalo. Dickerson struggled initially as a rookie last season, but improved exponentially as the year progressed. Seumalo will be back after missing all but three games in 2021 with a Lisfranc injury.
2022 Philadelphia Eagles Defense:
There were so many shocking trades and signings in free agency prior to and during the 2022 NFL Draft, but the Eagles made a huge move following the events in late April. This, of course, is in reference to the signing of former Giants cornerback James Bradberry.
Cornerback had been a huge issue for the Eagles over the years, but that’s no longer the case. They already possessed one shutdown corner in Darius Slay, and now they have two. Slay and Bradberry will make it extremely difficult for teams to throw to the outside against Philadelphia. The Eagles also have a capable slot corner in Avonte Maddox.
The safety position wasn’t looking nearly as good, at least before the middle of June. Anthony Harris struggled in his first year with the Eagles, yet he was set to return in 2022 as the top player at the position by default. The other starting safety was projected to be K’Von Wallace, a marginal talent who barely played last year because of shoulder and hip injuries. The Eagles had to make a move to upgrade the position, and they did so by adding Jaquiski Tartt to the roster. Tartt had trouble staying healthy for the 49ers in recent years, but he’s been effective when on the field, particularly in run support.
The Eagles figure to have one of the best aerial defenses in the NFL, thanks to the upgraded safety situation, the elite cornerback play and the pass rush. Like Wallace, Brandon Graham missed most of 2021, so his return will be huge for Philadelphia’s defensive front. The Eagles will also get a potent edge rush from Josh Sweat, who logged 7.5 sacks last year. Sweat missed the playoff loss to the Buccaneers for a life-threatening situation as a result of internal bleeding. He’s reportedly fine now, so he should have another strong season. The same probably isn’t true of Derek Barnett, who will likely continue to be a penalty machine.
Fletcher Cox will return to play for the Eagles one more year as well. There was some question about Cox’s 2022 status with the team, but he decided to re-sign for another season. Cox, who turns 32 during the fall, isn’t the same player he once was, but he’s still a great defensive tackle. He’ll start next to first-round pick Jordan Davis, a 340-pound monster who runs faster than Patrick Mahomes.
The Eagles will get even more of a pass rush from newly signed Haason Reddick, a versatile linebacker who will play all over the field. Reddick will join an improved linebacking corps that features T.J. Edwards, Kyzir White and Nakobe Dean. Edwards played well down the stretch last year after barely being on the field. White, formerly of the Chargers, is a serviceable player. Dean, chosen in the third-round, was a steal because he fell as a result of unknown injuries.
2022 Philadelphia Eagles Schedule and Intangibles:
Jake Elliott made a name for himself when he drilled a 61-yard, game-winning kick against the Giants in 2017. He was 30-of-33 in 2021, including a perfect 3-of-3 from 50-plus.
Arryn Siposs is not a very good punter. He had one of the worst net averages last year.
The Eagles neither scored nor surrendered a touchdown last year on special teams.
The Eagles have an easy schedule. Excluding a battle against the Packers, everything looks very winnable.
2022 Philadelphia Eagles Rookies:
Go here for the Eagles Rookie Forecast, a page with predictions like which rookie will bust and which rookie will become a solid starter.
2022 Philadelphia Eagles Positional Rankings (1-5 stars):
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2022 Philadelphia Eagles Analysis: The Eagles were able to reach the playoffs last year as a byproduct of some fluky results. They did not belong there, and that was quickly evident because the Buccaneers dispatched them easily. However, Philadelphia is now much better than it was in 2021. A.J. Brown will make the passing attack much more potent; James Bradberry will greatly enhance the aerial defense; the return of Brandon Graham will bolster the pass rush; and the additions of Haason Reddick and Nakobe Dean will improve the linebacking corps. The Eagles currently appear to be the best team in the NFC East, and they could make a deep run into the playoffs.
Projection: 12-5 (1st in NFC East)
2021 Projection: 4-13. 2020 Actual Result: 9-8.
2020 Projection: 9-7. 2020 Actual Result: 4-11-1.
2019 Projection: 12-4. 2019 Actual Result: 9-7.
2018 Projection: 13-3. 2018 Actual Result: 9-7.
2017 Projection: 12-4. 2017 Actual Result: 13-3.
2016 Projection: 5-11. 2016 Actual Result: 7-9.
NFL Draft Team Grade: A+ Grade
Goals Entering the 2022 NFL Draft: The Eagles traded away one of their three first-round picks for a 2023 opening-round selection, so they’ll rebuild over these two offseasons. The Eagles have plenty of needs, including receiver and interior offensive line. They’ll need to address these areas so that they’ll know for sure if Jalen Hurts is the long-term solution.
2022 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Howie Roseman put together a dreadful draft class in 2020, thanks to his selection of Jalen Reagor over Justin Jefferson. It took two years, but he finally made amends for that. He found a superstar receiver by trading for A.J. Brown. The Eagles didn’t even surrender their earliest selection for Brown, a young, superstar wideout who could easily put the Eagles over the top in the division.
Roseman also obtained two talented players for the front seven of his defense. Jordan Davis is a 350-pound monster who runs faster than Patrick Mahomes, while linebacker Nakobe Dean was a steal in the third round. Dean fell because of some injury issues that happened to be news to him, but regardless, he was well worth the risk at pick No. 83.
The Eagles had a stellar draft class, worthy of an A+ grade. Brown and center Cam Jurgens will provide a huge boost for the offense, while Davis and Dean shored up problems on the defensive side of the ball. Cornerback wasn’t addressed, but Roseman did a great job of injecting tons of talent into his roster.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
13. Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia – A- Grade
The Vikings-Lions trade was shocking. The Eagles-Texans trade is not. This is the least-surprising move of the 2022 NFL Draft. It was rumored that the Ravens loved Jordan Davis, but the Eagles felt the same way about him. The Eagles envision the 350-pound athletic marvel to be a good replacement for Fletcher Cox, so he’s not going to just play two downs. His weight is a concern, but the upside is as big as Davis.
51. Cam Jurgens, C, Nebraska – B Grade
The Eagles lost Brandon Brooks to retirement this offseason, so they needed another interior lineman. Philadelphia fans will be upset this pick wasn’t used on a linebacker, but Jurgens is a solid player who fills a need.
83. Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia – A+ Grade
The Eagles are having an amazing draft weekend. Their latest pick has just made things even better. Nakobe Dean is a first-round prospect who has fallen because of some injury concerns. Those apparently included a pec strain, but seriously, who cares about that? This is a mega steal. Unless Dean has Ebola or something, this pick must be graded as an A+, as Dean easily slots in and upgrades a horrible linebacking corps.
181. Kyron Johnson, LB, Kansas – C Grade
I don’t know why the Eagles traded up for Kyron Johnson when they could’ve obtained him or a similar player at their natural spot. Still, Eagles fans won’t be too upset about another linebacker, given the huge need.
198. Grant Calcaterra, TE, SMU – B Grade
Grant Calcaterra is a major injury risk. He actually had to retire for a season because of concussion issues. He could be a big producer if he sticks around in the NFL, but one more head injury could be curtains for him.
Follow @walterfootball for updates.
Season Summary:
The Eagles managed to qualify for the playoffs, but they were clearly out of their league, as indicated by their blowout loss to the Buccaneers. They ran the ball extremely well, but did nothing else well, which is why the only beat up on terrible opponents.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Two Linebackers: Philadelphia sported one of the worst linebacking corps in the NFL last year, routinely leaving players wide open in the middle of the field. The Eagles don’t value this position very highly, but perhaps they should change their mind. Signed Haason Reddick and Kyzir White
- Two Safeties: Speaking of the middle of the field, both of Philadelphia’s pedestrian safeties are set to hit free agency. They needed to be upgraded anyway. Signed with Jaquiski Tartt; re-signed Anthony Harris
- Wide Receiver: Jalen Reagor is the best receiver in the NFL when it comes to dropping a ball in a clutch moment. Philadelphia is in desperate need of a No. 2 receiver. Signed Zach Pascal
- Guard: Brandon Brooks retired, so the Eagles will need to beef up the interior of the offensive line.
- Cornerback: Steven Nelson proved to be an inadequate starting cornerback across from Darius Slay this past season. Signed James Bradberry
- Defensive End: The Eagles sorely missed Brandon Graham last year. Graham turns 34 this offseason, so another defensive end must be obtained for the long haul. Re-signed Derek Barnett
- Defensive Tackle: Another pass-rushing presence should be acquired in the interior of the defensive line.
- Quarterback: Jalen Hurts is a great scrambler, but his passing accuracy is incredibly inconsistent. The Eagles will give him once more chance because they don’t really have another choice, but they can do better.
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2022 NFL Free Agent Signings:
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Haason Reddick, DE/OLB, Panthers. Age: 27. 
Signed with Eagles (3 years, $45 million)
Haason Reddick has notched 23.5 sacks over the past couple of seasons (11 in 2021). He’s also a plus run defender.
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Jaquiski Tartt, S, 49ers. Age: 30. 
Signed with Eagles
The “lesser” of the two 49er safeties, Jaquiski Tartt is a big help in run support. He turns 30 this offseason.
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Kyzir White, LB, Chargers. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Eagles (1 year, $5 million)
Kyzir White isn’t a great player by any means, but he’s a young, well-rounded, three-down linebacker. He can also play some safety.
Philadelphia Eagles Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
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Fletcher Cox, DT, Eagles. Age: 31.
Re-signed with Eagles (1 year, $14 million)
Fletcher Cox is one of the top defensive tackles in the NFL. He was released for financial reasons, but the Eagles will try to re-sign him.
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Jason Kelce, C, Eagles. Age: 34.
Re-signed with Eagles (1 year, $14 million)
Jason Kelce is one of the best center in the NFL and a future Hall of Famer. He hasn’t missed a game since 2014. The only downside is the age; Kelce turns 35 right before Halloween. However, centers tend to play well into their late 30s.
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Derek Barnett, DE, Eagles. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Eagles (2 years)
Derek Barnett is young and talented, but he has never lived up to his ability. He’s also frequently penalized.
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Rodney McLeod, S, Eagles. Age: 32.
Signed with Colts
Rodney McLeod was once considered a terrific safety, but those days are long gone. McLeod, 32 in June, was beaten in coverage frequently last year. He could rebound, but he may also regress.
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Steven Nelson, CB, Eagles. Age: 29.
Signed with Texans (2 years, $10 million)
Steven Nelson didn’t play as well for the Eagles as he did for the Steelers, likely because Philadelphia didn’t have the same dynamic pass rush. Nelson is a serviceable starting cornerback, but Philadelphia will want better play from the position.
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Anthony Harris, S, Eagles. Age: 30.
Re-signed with Eagles (1 year, $2.5 million)
Anthony Harris has regressed from some great seasons in 2017 and 2018. Turning 31 in October, Harris could be in a permanent downtrend.
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Alex Singleton, LB, Eagles. Age: 28.
Signed with Broncos
Alex Singleton is a sound tackler who thrives in run support, but he tends to get abused in coverage.
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Jordan Howard, RB, Eagles. Age: 27.
Jordan Howard still showed an ability to run well last year, gaining 406 yards on 4.7 yards per carry.
- Boston Scott, RB, Eagles. Age: 27. — Re-signed with Eagles
- Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Eagles. Age: 34.
- Genard Avery, DE, Eagles. Age: 27.
- Richard Rodgers, TE, Eagles. Age: 29.
- Hassan Ridgeway, DT, Eagles. Age: 27. — Signed with 49ers (1 year)
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades | FA Rumors
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