Summary

The Eagles had a better than expected year last season, when they went 7-9 with rookie quarterback Carson Wentz at the helm. They played great at home, but only won one game on the road last season, which should improve this season.

Offensively, Philadelphia was average, scoring 22.6 points per game, which was impressive given the amount of weapons that Wentz had to utilize. With a young quarterback, it is good for the Eagles that they have a very good line capable of protecting him. In free agency the Eagles added Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith, which will help Wentz improve even more and make the offense a lot better.

Running back is a position that needs to be targeted in this draft class with Darren Sproles aging and not being an every down back and Ryan Matthews getting injured often. Matthews has only played a full 16 games once in his career. In a class loaded with good running backs, it would be wise to take a play-maker at the position at some point.

The defense looked a lot better last season than it did under Chip Kelly, which likely has something to do with not having the defense on the field for what feels like 99% of the game. They only allowed 20.7 points per game and have some good players coming back.

Jordan Hicks is a great young linebacker and is flanked by Nigel Bradham, who is coming off of a good year, and Mychal Kendricks. Rodney Mcleod and Malcolm Jenkins are both solid starters at safety. The defensive line got a boost when they traded for Timmy Jernigan from the Ravens. He will go nicely next to Fletcher Cox one of the best defensive tackles in the game. Brandon Graham is their best defensive end, but Vinny Curry had a decent season last year and Chris Long was signed to provide some depth.

That leaves corners, which is a desperate need for Philadelphia. They might need to take two corners in this draft because they are so desperate.

Picks and Needs

Philadelphia has eight picks in the 2017 NFL Draft, which will be hosted in their own city. The five picks they own in the first four rounds will be crucial to help them get over the hump in the NFC East and get a playoff spot.

First round: (1) No. 14

Second round: (1) No. 43

Third round: (1) No. 99

Fourth round: (2) No. 118, No. 139

Fifth round: (1) No. 155

Sixth round: (1) No. 194

Seventh round: (1) No. 230

These needs are in no particular order.