Because an NFL season is getting ready, it starts with an audit: what are the strengths and weaknesses of the workforce? Then, how to strengthen via the market and the draft. The editorial staff of DNA of Sports invites you to take stock of the off-season of the 32 franchises.
Cruel. The end of the Eagles season was cruel for the fans. The best team of the 2022 season from start to finish of the regular season, they continued to dominate opponents all the way to the Super Bowl. There, they led in the score. But the end of this blockbuster has a sad ending. Infuriating even for some.
A sequel is planned for 2023 but the writing will have to offer, this time, a happy ending for the spectators. Not easy when two of the main writers left: Jonathan Gannon and Shane Steichen, the two coordinators.
After their hit film in 2022, film producer Jeffrey Lurie’s studios will release a sequel: Will “The Eagles Return” be a box office success in 2023?
The owners
1. Jalen Hurts, QB
2. Lane Johnson, OT
3. AJ Brown, WR
In just three seasons, Jalen Hurts has become bankable : the type of player to whom one entrusts only “first role”. And the salary that goes with it! At the end of the contract after the 2023 season, there is no doubt that the leaders will not hang around to offer him a juicy extension for the next shoots.
The offensive line in general is a strength of this offense. Here, it is represented by its major player. Although 32 years old, Lane Johnson has only conceded 2 sacks in 513 passing games! Only 4 times he missed a block in 399 ground game lineups.
Other actors loom large in this cast, from Darius Slay to Dallas Goedert, but in just one season AJ Brown has become an audience darling. In 2022, he was the most targeted player by his quarterback: 145 times in the regular season then 22 times in the playoffs. If he is not the star of the film, he is nevertheless a major character.
Undesirables
– Kyzir White, LB
– Miles Sanders, RB
– James Bradberry, BC
On paper, Kyzir White’s 110 tackles (+11 in the playoffs) in 2022 cannot accuse him of having had a bad season. But in fact, his signing was meant to add coverage to the second curtain. If it worked rather well at the start of the season, it was less the case afterwards.
In 2022, Miles Sanders had his best NFL season, but paying a runner has become a luxury! And with so many choices to make, it seems unlikely that he will be chosen.
James Bradberry too and it is not his penalty at the end of the Super Bowl that nails him to the pillory: his important position and his level of play mean that he will ask for a contract too important for Philly’s finances.
The summer man
Jordan Davis (DT)
Chosen in the top 15 of the 2022 draft, Jordan Davis had a learning rookie season. With several starts in the middle of the defensive line, he should play more in 2023: more than his 20-25% of defensive snaps and 17.44% on the special team.
With a similar size, Vita Vea only plays half the defensive snaps with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But he makes much better use of his time spent in the field! It is with this example in mind that Jordan Davis must approach the 2023 season.
A player with unreal physical potential, Jordan Davis can become as powerful as John Coffey.
The main players at the end of the contract
1. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, DB
2. Javon Hargrave, DT
3. Jason Kelce, OC
4. James Bradberry, BC
5. Isaac Seumalo, OG
6. Fletcher Cox, DT
7. Brandon Graham, DE
Others : TJ Edwards (LB), Miles Sanders (RB), Robert Quinn (DE), Gardner Minshew (QB), Boston Scott (RB), Andre Dillard (OT), Marcus Epps (S), Ndamukong Suh and Linval Joseph (DT) , Zach Pascal (WR).
Acquired from the Saints with an exchange of draft picks, CGJ deserved a contract extension: 67 tackles and above all 6 interceptions! There is no doubt that the Eagles will do their best to keep him: but it will be expensive!
Javon Hargrave also showed a lot of qualities but although the managers know how to play with the payroll, it seems difficult to retain him because he will be coveted. On March 11, 2023, Jason Kelce has not yet announced whether he will continue the adventure or stop his great career after twelve seasons at the highest level. If he were to withdraw, the Eagles have already anticipated last year by selecting Cam Jurgens in the second round of the draft.
In 2022 again, Isaac Seumalo was good. Admittedly, he benefits from leading teammates but he could have been this weak link targeted by the opposing defenses. Nothing happened: only 4 penalties, 2 sacks, and 1.1% missed blocks for the ground game! Still, the Eagles could let him go and look to the draft for a cheaper replacement.
Finally, how not to talk about emblematic players of this franchise? Their experience in addition to a still correct level of play, make Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham, two candidates for a last dance on a one-season “friendly” contract. Update: Brandon Graham was extended for one season on March 10, 2023.
The main needs
1. Defensive line
2. Linebacker
3.Secondary
4. Special team
Formidable in 2022, the defensive line was populated by thirtysomethings: the Eagles must rejuvenate the squad. The linebacker position seems to be a concern in Philadelphia. Head tackle TJ Edwards is out of contract and if young Nakobe Dean was a general in college, his rookie season was that of a “rookie”.
The market will impact the identity of the back line for 2023. The draft should serve to replace the important departure(s): it is likely that the Eagles will use one of their first three draft picks on a cornerback (10, 30 or 62). Their two choices in the 7th round could also concern defensive backs.
The special team needs to be improved. Punter and kicker are efficient. But going back and defending commitments has been a problem in 2022! Cornerbacks and safety have the ideal profile to defend on a special team and this phase of the game should not be ignored.
Target
Bobby Wagner (LB-Rams)
32 years old and all his teeth. Finally, for the teeth it’s not sure, but what is certain is that he still bites: 140 tackles including 6 sacks, 10 QB hits and 22 run stops!
What is missing from a team, almost ready to win the bet? A little quality, a little more experience and an extra touch of leadership. Bobby Wagner can bring all of that to the Eagles. But of course it will depend on the price.
Having already garnered 91 million dollars in career, the linebacker will perhaps favor a franchise that can allow him to win a second ring? And therefore accept a one-year contract at a reasonable rate.
The new blood
Israel Abanikanda (RB–Pitt)
With two choices in the 1st round of the 2023 draft, Philadelphia will undoubtedly recruit a lineman (DE, DT or OL) and a cornerback. At the end of the second lap, choosing a rider will probably not be an option.
It is from the very end of the 3rd round (choice 94) that the Eagles could find a replacement for Miles Sanders. Israel Abanikanda is a strong runner, capable of advancing the chains: 1,431 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2022. He is also capable of signing big plays: 16 races yielding more than 20 yards (5th NCAA result). Don’t look for his 40-yard time at the 2023 NFL Combine, a minor injury had him booked for Pro Day at the University of Pittsburgh on March 29.
Kenneth Gainwell has proven his worth but his physical Mr Jingles requires the presence of a stronger runner at his side.
4️⃣ 7️⃣ 9️⃣ YDS @Pitt_FB‘s Israel Abanikanda leads the ACC in rush yards 💨⚡ pic.twitter.com/uyD2wVrsYl
— ACC Network (@accnetwork) September 26, 2022
