If you have watched the Eagles over the last 3-4 weeks of the NFL Regular Season, you would know that they have struggled mightily in nearly all facets of the game. To say the least, they have been dreadfully underperforming during this span, and have had the worst NFL 3rd-down defense at 48% (via Yahoo! Sports). Opposing offenses on average would convert on 3rd down just under 1 out of every 2 times. Even though they addressed their secondary need by acquiring Kevin Byard from the Titans, they have still been mediocre there if not bad. Before Week 18, the Philly allowed six 300-yard games from opposing quarterbacks (via SportsNaut). It is becoming increasingly clear that the Eagles have one of if not the worst defense in the playoffs.
Not only has the defense been underperforming severely, but their star quarterback has also been extremely disappointing. In the past five games, Hurts has not thrown a touchdown in three of those outings. In the past three weeks, when he has gone against two of the worst defenses in the league, being the Giants and the Cardinals, Hurts did not exceed 35 rushing yards. Not only do the stats of Hurts in Week 16 - 18 look bad, but the eye test has also not seen him play anywhere near a Top 10 QB level, which must be concerning for the Eagles organization and their fanbase as they enter the playoffs.
Top 3 Draft Needs
Secondary
By far, the Eagles top need is Secondary, whether it be CB or Safety. Reed Blankenship is a serviceable defensive back, but the Eagles have had the worst pass defense of any playoff team all season long. As James Bradberry begins to age and continues to get scorched by elite wideouts, he is only going to get worse and worse. While Slay is still an elite CB in this league, I believe the Eagles need to address this position.
Offensive Line
Another need that can be addressed this off-season would be the O-Line. The Eagles have arguably have the best O-Line in the league currently, but they are starting to get older and older. Jason Kelce is now 36, and I believe that the this O-Line class is extremely deep. The Eagles could definitely get good value at this position.
Linebacker
The final need on this list is LB. Even though I believe Zack Cunningham is a solid linebacker, they really have nobody else at the position. They have drafted 2 Georgia products Nakobe Dean and Nolan Smith at edge in recent years, but I still think they could address this position with an elite LB prospect such as Jeremiah Trotter Jr. or Dallas Turner in this year's draft, should they be available whenever the Eagles' pick.
- Alex Bailey
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