Outlining Offensive Line Changes For The Eagles

In 2013 they were a dominant force, and were also healthy for the entire season.   2014 we witnessed what any NFL team fears, being down multiple starters with our offensive line. Three players were lost for several games due to injuries, (Herremans, Kelce, Mathis) while Lane Johnson had to sit out the first four games for violating the league substance policy.

The starting five are all under contract for the upcoming season, with three of those players on the wrong side of 30.  Jason Kelce and Johnson are young; they are the building blocks for years to come, but what about the rest.

-Peters racked up a lot of penalties down the stretch, but the guy is still a dominating player and graded out as either the top tackle or near the top in his position group.  A hefty cap hit, but typical with a Pro Bowl left tackle. I think the guy has a minimum of two more years left.

– Mathis, the rumors swirled last offseason that he was on his way out the door, and in the end he showed up to camp and played well down the stretch after returning from injury.   He is 33; his contract is up after the 2016 season.   I don’t anticipate him being resigned.

– Herremans has been with the Eagles for a decade, has started at guard, tackle, played through injuries and has really produced well for a 5^th rounder out of a small school.  Sometimes you have to part with those savvy veterans, change can be good, and I feel the Eagles should look to improve as Herremans has steadily declined the last two seasons.

Could Herremans be traded along with a draft pick to possibly improve a position of need on the defensive side of the football?  His contract has two years remaining, the cap hit is respectable for a player who is both versatile and above average at his skill, maybe give Andy Reid a call and work something out.

Without drafting a single offensive lineman last season, the Eagles are sure to address this area in 2015.  How early should the Eagles commit to the offensive line with so many other needs on this football team?

Is this a similar situation as the draft last year with Marcus Smith?  Thinking about the future is good logic, but no starting spots are ‘currently” open, so why not fill a position of “immediate need” first.

Lane Johnson was drafted in the first round.   Herremans (5^th) Kelce (6^th), Peters went undrafted and was signed as a tight-end by the Bills, Mathis was a 3^rd round pick by the Panthers.  I really think offensive line coordinator Jeff Stoutland can “mold” potential replacements at the guard and tackle position with prospects taken in the later rounds.  The Eagles have guys like Tobin and Gardner, the coaching staff likes both of these players so hopefully one can emerge and take over at the right guard position.

Free Agency/Draft

Unless the Eagles are going to cut or trade one of their starters, free agency and the draft would only be for “depth purposes.”  If a Herremans were to be moved, I’d look to insert a free agent veteran as his replacement.

Free Agency– I’d grab a center as I’m not too big on Molk.  Would also like a “big” guard whose player card says he weighs 325 pounds, but we know that is certainly being kind.

Draft- I’d draft a guy in the top 4 rounds, I’d lean more towards offensive tackle.