On The Roster: Todd Herremans, D.J. Jones, Jamaal Jackson, Winston Justice, Jason Kelce, Jason Peters, Dallas Reynolds, Julian Vandervelde, Danny Watkins Zane Taylor
Key Departures: King Dunlap, Evan Mathis
In limited play, Dunlap (6-9, 330) showed that too much size is not a good thing. He was constantly exposed last season by smaller Defensive Ends with quick moves who would blow right by him. I also believe Vick had an extremely hard time seeing over Dunlap. Vick (who is only 6'0") would hit Dunlap in the back passes due to how tall he was. Dunlap will most likely be let go of.
Evan Mathis is a totally different story. At Guard, he played consistently well and fit perfectly into Offensive Line Coach Howard Mudd's schemes. On the sprint draw, you could always find Mathis up front leading the way. Mathis has said he would like to come back, and I think the Eagles can work out a new deal with him.
Top Free Agent OL:
1. Carl Nicks (NO)
2. Jared Gaither (SD)
3. Chris Myers (HOU)
4. Ben Grubbs (BAL)
5. Scott Wells (GB)
6. Nick Hardwick (SD)
7. Demetrius Bell (BUF)
8. Vernon Carey (MIA)
9. Chris Kemoeatu (PIT)
10. Evan Mathis (PHI)
Do the Eagles need help on the Offensive Line? Absolutely. Will they go after a big name? Probably not. Jason Peters played extremely well last year, and the maturity of Danny Watkins throughout the year eases the mind of GM Howie Roseman. However, it is likely they sign a backup Tackle, as well as bringing back Mathis. A few names at Tackle to keep in mind: Max Starks from Pittsburgh, and Khalif Barnes from Oakland. Physical, relatively young guys who can fill up some holes in the line.
Expect the Eagles to take a Lineman or two in the middle rounds of the Draft this April.
No comments:
Post a Comment