At a glance: Philadelphia's roster wasn't a doubt to be competitive in 2019, but the draft shored a couple of positions fup for the future. Offensive tackle Andre Dillard is the clear heir for Jason Peters, while play-maker selections in the second round gives the team options ahead of a contract year for running back Jordan Howard and wide receiver Nelson Agholor.
The first round selection of Andre Dillard in the draft addresses the Eagles main roster concern: an heir for 37-year-old left tackle Jason Peters. Dillard won't be thrust into protecting quarterback Carson Wentz's blindside and can grow with a relatively young group behind him. Philadelphia's main concern now becomes quarterback Carson Wentz's health. No clear timetable is currently set out after the signal caller suffered a back injury in December. While Wentz isn't a doubt to take the field in Week 1, the team will obviously want to avoid any early season rust by getting him fit in time for training camp.
Two play-making draft picks means Philadelphia's offense looks even more exciting than it did since trading for running back Jordan Howard. Wide receiver JJ Arcega-Whiteside was excellent value and is a big-bodied guy that can win 50:50 balls with great top-end speed. Fans mightn't worry too much if he supplants Nelson Agholor on the depth chart after Agholor's frustrating time in Philedelphia. At the very least Arcega-Whiteside compliments Philly's passing game well.
Running back Miles Sanders provides insurance for the Eagles if they decide to move on from Howard in a year, but it also creates a dynamic tandem to move forward with in 2019. It could create a productive season in an ever-changing Eagles backfield that took a dip in 2018 after Jay Ajayi's injury.
DRAFT PICKS (per ESPN)
1.22 Andre Dillard OT
2.21 Miles Sanders RB
2.25 JJ Arcega-Whiteside WR
4.36 Shareef Miller DE
5.29 Clayton Thorson QB
ORIGINAL COVER PHOTO: Philly Sports Network
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