As the Eagles prepare for the NFL Draft, the free-agent market could give them added flexibility with their 11 selections later this month.
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The Eagles decided to dip their talons back into free agency last week, re-signing running back Jordan Howard and adding linebacker Eric Wilson. Those two moves gave the team extra wiggle room at their positions.
With the draft less than three weeks away, the Eagles could gain even more fluidity with a few more veteran additions at positions of need, including cornerback and defensive tackle.
Here are three free agents who would make sense for the Eagles:
DT Demarcus Walker
The Eagles don’t have much depth behind defensive tackle starters, Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave, at the moment. While the Eagles will certainly address the defensive tackle position in the draft, adding another experienced interior rusher on a one-year deal would make sense. Walker has produced 50 tackles and 10.5 sacks as a rotational lineman for the Broncos over the past four years.
CB Steven Nelson
The Eagles need cornerback help in the worst way. Outside of Darius Slay, the group is unproven and underwhelming. Nelson is maybe the best free agent on the market right now, and he should command a strong salary. Still, the Eagles need a reliable No. 2 corner with the way the rest of the NFC East has built wide receiver stables this offseason. Nelson has 52 pass breakups and seven interceptions on his NFL resume.
OT Jerald Hawkins
The Eagles could use some depth at the swing tackle position behind Andre Dillard, Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson. While the Eagles have some young depth pieces behind the starting line, hedging their bets with added competition would be wise, especially at offensive tackle. Hawkins could come in and compete with Jack Driscoll for the swing tackle job, further pushing the Mailata/Dillard stakes up a notch at left tackle.
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