One of the mantras in Philly has been to build from the inside out. During the Andy Reid days the Eagles would spend their first round pick on the offensive or defensive lines nearly every year. Stacking the deck with players who protect, or wreck the pocket. This hasn't changed much recently with Derek Barnett, Andre Dillard, drafted to be the successor to aging vets. So naturally Douglas took this thought process with him to New York where he quickly drafted Mekhi Becton with the 11th overall pick. He also followed this in his approach to free agency, his first deal as GM this offseason was to resign Alex Lewis a starting guard in 2019 to a 3 year deal locking him up until he is 31 years old. He is a 5 year veteran and a solid player to keep. Their first incoming free agents were tackle George Fant, C/G Connor McGovern, and guard Greg Von Roten. All of these players are lower level starting caliber players at this point but they were upgrades over the players they had available. They also added depth by agreeing to deals with C Leo Koloamatangi, C/G Josh Andrews, and drafting T Cameron Clark in the 4th round as a candidate to be the swing tackle. Quite the overhaul in one offseason.
In Cleveland, Berry was blessed with a decent core of linemen. Returning starters Joel Biotonio, and Wyatt Teller at guard, and JC Tretter at center. Starting tackle from 2019 Chris Hubbard will now be the swing tackle after the Browns drafted Jedrick Wills at LT, and signed RT Jack Conklin from the Titans. The Browns also added C/G Evan Brown from Miami, and drafted C Nick Harris in the 5th round.
The next mantra in the Howie Roseman school of team building is having your succession plan in place for aging veterans. Typically by drafting and developing a player over a year or two. We saw this recently with Derek Barnett, who was drafted to ultimately start opposite of Graham but started off as the 4th DE in the rotation.
In Cleveland they drafted DT Jordan Elliot who didn't receive much playing time early on in college but is the perfect developmental candidate behind Sheldon Richardson and Larry Ogunjobi. He will slowly work his way into the lineup this season and potentially take over as a starter next season. Tight end Harrison Bryant was drafted to eventually supplant Austin Hooper or David Njoku, while center Nick Harris is a developmental candidate with the future of JC Tretter in mind.
In New York; they drafted DB Ashytyn Davis from Cal. At 6'0 202 lbs he isn't the in the box safety that Jamal Adams so fans pointing to Adams' trade speculation as the reason he was drafted are off base. This move is actually more indicative of the Jets thoughts on Marcus Maye a former 2nd round pick. Davis is the perfect prospect to groom for a short time before Maye, who is on the last year of his deal, is traded prior to the deadline, or leaves via free agency. Davis adds immediate value as a return man, on coverage teams and in 3 safety packages. He is the perfect compliment to Jamal Adams.
Running back Lamichal Perine is a pick with an eye toward the future of LeVeon Bell in New York. Bell had a down year with career lows in yards per carry, touchdowns, and logged just two plays all year that went over 20 yards, his previous low was 8, and prior to this year he had never gone without a 20+ yard run. Much of that was the offensive line but questions about his relationship with Adam Gase circled as well. That's why drafting Perine makes so much sense. He is a guy who I believe will benefit dramatically from being in an NFL weight room, and maybe eventually even lean out a bit in an effort to create more burst. He however comes into the league a very polished receiver a trait Bell is often lauded for. I could see Perine taking on a bigger role in two seasons when Bell's contract is easier to escape, and they have drafted his successor as the top back while Perine is likely to be the 3rd down back.
Tackle Cameron Clark will serve as a swing tackle, and potentially even play some guard eventually. However long term he could prove to be George Fant's replacement on the right side. Fant is only 27, but signed for just 3 seasons. He isn't the most experienced starter either with most of his playing time coming as a 6th offensive lineman/tight end. It's somewhat of a projection to see him as a starter but it will be interesting to see if New York gets creative with his role leading to more playing time for Clark.
Bryce Hall cornerback, is a guy who could eventually unseat a starter. The doubts on him came from his injury his senior year. At 6'1 202 lbs he has ideal size and length to start in the NFL, and arguably would have been right away had he left college after his junior year. None of the starters in this cornerback group are particularly irreplaceable even heading into this season if Hall impresses.
The third staple of building rosters as Roseman does? Creative manipulation of compensatory picks. Every year the Eagles specifically avoid contracts that would affect the compensatory picks they would receive from their expected losses. We will have to wait and see on this as both teams had to fill needs this season.
No comments:
Post a Comment