The Philadelphia Eagles Are Hoping Their New Additions Can Help Improve This Defense, Going Into This Season.
My series covering every NFL team continues with this article taking a look at the Philadelphia Eagles buys. I will be identifying players that I would consider adding ahead of the 2019 season. Also included will be my recommendations on what it might take to acquire these players.
Malik Jackson, Defensive Tackle:
Malik Jackson, 29, signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, formerly of the Jacksonville Jaguars. He ended last season with 25 solo tackles, seven tackles for loss, 12 quarterback hits, and three and a half sacks. That was done over 16 games played and 10 starts. Even with Jackson coming off of a down season, he’s replacing Michael Bennett, who was traded to the Patriots. Jackson remains a quality and versatile interior passer and should get plenty of snaps, making him a nice buy low.
Fantasy Recommendation:
He should be available on your waiver wire, but if not, he shouldn’t cost more than a late round pick. I see Jackson with defensive tackle two production, for this season.
Honorable Mention: Derek Barnett, Defensive End.
Kamu Grugier-Hill, Linebacker:
Kamu Grugier-Hill, 24, is going into his fourth season with the Eagles and someone who I really love going into this season. He ended last season with 33 solo tackles, five tackles for loss, one quarterback hit, and one sack. He did this while playing in 16 games and starting 10 of them. Grugier-Hill is replacing last seasons starter, Nathan Gerry. Kamu is very athletic with solid side line to side line speed. Due to the Eagles not adding a linebacker in the draft, he should see as many snaps as he can handle, thus making his production, skyrocket. He is an excellent buy low candidate.
Fantasy Recommendation:
He should be available on your waiver wire, if not, it shouldn’t cost more than a late round pick to get him. I’d be wiling to offer a mid round pick, if needed. I see Grugier-Hill with linebacker four/five production, for this season.
Honorable Mention: L.J. Fort, Linebacker.
Rodney McLeod, Safety:
Rodney McLeod, 28, is going into his fourth season with the Eagles, but he is coming off an injury shorted 2018 season. He ended last season with seven solo tackles, and four pass deflections in only three starts. McLeod is unsure if he will be ready for training camp, but if he can get fully healthy and quiet his critics, he should get back to being a snap hog, for this Eagles defense. If he can hold off free agent addition, Andrew Sendejo, McLoed makes for a nice buy low target.
Fantasy Recommendation:
Due to his injury, last season, he should be available on your waiver wire. I see McLoed with safety four production, for this season.
Honorable Mention: Jalen Mills, Cornerback.
Conclusion
If these new additions can play at a high level and others can increase their production from a year ago, this defensive unit will be a strong one, going into this season. Given the styles of play from the teams in the NFC East, I think their will be plenty of opportunities to make plays. Ranking these buy-lows in order of priority, it would be, Kamu Grugier-Hill, Malik Jackson, and Rodney McLoed. Hopefully, you find these recommendations helpful in your quest to build that championship roster for 2019. Please keep an eye out for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Please note that when I say linebacker four or safety four potential, that is basing it off of a 10 team dynasty league.