How much should a team invest in a position group? Just to focus on the offensive line, we know what a top tier line can do for the offense. Let's compare ourselves against the rest of the NFCE. We had a top tier line from 2016-2019. Eagles have had one for 10 years. The Giants and Commanders have lagged behind, to say the least.
But would it surprise you to find out that the Cowboys have invested more picks (8) than any other NFCE team? Giants and Eagles have invested seven draft picks on the o-line since 2020. Washington has invested five for comparison. The Eagles, contrary to some beliefs, do not draft 2-3 o-linemen every draft. So why is their line so good? Let's take a look at each team's draft since 2020.
New York Giants:
2020:
1-Andrew Thomas
3- Matt Peart
5- Shane Lemieux
2021:
None
2022:
1-Evan Neal
3-Joshua Ezeudu
5- Marcus McKethen
2023:
2-John Michael Schmitz
2024:
None
Philadelphia Eagles
2020:
4-Jack Driscoll
6-Prince Tega Wanogho
2021:
2-Landon Dickerson
2022:
2-Cam Jurgens
2023:
3-Tyler Steen
2024:
5-Trevor Keegan
6-Dylan McMahon
Dallas Cowboys:
2020:
4-Tyler Biadasz
(Steele UDFA)
2021:
4-Josh Ball
2022:
1-Tyler Smith
5-Matt Waletzko
2023:
5-Asim Richards
2024:
1-Tyler Guyton
3-Cooper Beebe
7-Nathan Thomas
Washington Commanders
2020:
None
2021:
2-Sam Cosmi
2022:
7-Chris Paul
2023:
3-Ricky Stromberg
4-Braeden Daniels
2024:
3-Brandon Coleman
The Giants, with their horrible front office and substandard coaching, have only one Pro Bowl-level player in Thomas (and oft-injured as well), one of the biggest busts in recent o-line history (Neal), a starter by necessity in Schmitz that many in New York would prefer to see flipping burgers, and JAG wanna-be trash.
The Eagles have two Pro Bowl-level players in Dickerson and Jurgens, a developing starter in Steen, a solid backup/spot starter in Driscoll, two practice squad players, and Prince Wanogho, now with the KC Chiefs.
The Cowboys have a Pro Bowl-level player in Smith, a promising player in Beebe (I have high hopes that he can be a top-5 center in the league), and to be honest, we really don't know what we have with the other players. Biadasz is starting for Washington, but I have no doubt what Beebe will be better by next year.
The Commanders have a Pro Bowl-level player in Cosmi and a JAG parade.
Two of those teams this year added through FA's: Becton for the Eagles and Biadasz for the Commanders. Both did well. Giants FA signings were garbage and not worth mentioning.
What I find interesting is that we had a beasty line from 2016-2019 and absolutely tried to keep our line strong. The problem is that we didn't find any studs besides Smith. 2024 draft is still out of course (Go Beebe!), but we certainly tried. We put two #1's in that drafting too. Let's hope Guyton works out.
The Giants used two #1's, and have a injury-riddled PB player in Thomas and a guy in Neal that aspires to JAG status. They will once again renew the lease on the NFCE basement this upcoming year.
The Commanders haven't invested much in their line, and it shows in their games. There's a reason Jayden Daniels looks like he's running for his life every game.
Now the Eagles...an anomaly. They didn't invest a single #1 pick on their line from 2020 to now. They did invest two #2's, and both players were switched to a new position in the pros (Jurgens does end up at center though). Their HoF-to-be center Kelce was a 6th round pick in 2011, and Lane Johnson was a 2013 #1, but only the third tackle selected due to lack of experience at the tackle position. One NFL exec called him a "Hyper-athlete with limited experience at tackle. Not taking the chance." If anyone wants to nitpick, yes, they took Dillard #1 in 2019, but also took Mailata in the 7th that same draft.
So we have three teams that try to reload on the o-line (Us, Philly, NYG). Three that use FA's to fill gaps (Philly, NYG, Wash). So how can Philly not use 1st round picks and stay elite on the line? IMO, it is three factors.
First, the front office isn't afraid to use any resource to identify talent. Roseman will pick up the phone and talk to coaches. He will ask for their input and use their knowledge, combine it with his experience, and go for players. He has a very good relationship with Stoutland. They also value player input. They listen to veterans that have been around for 10+ years.
Secondly, they know the value of team culture and structure. The Eagles aren't afraid to bring in guys with character issues because they know players like Johnson, Graham, Cox, Kelce, Slay etc. would never put up with someone not buying in. Mailata seems to be going the same route. Barkley is the same way. So is Hurts (in a quiet way). Culture and structure. Becton a fat lazy slob? Not in Philly. Carter a troublemaker every week? Not in Philly. Can't get to the practice facility on a off-day? Go to Johnson's "Bro barn" at his home and work out.
Thirdly, is their coaching that much better? Does Lurie give Stoutland anything he wants because he is the true God of O-line coaching? According to players that worked under him, he really is.
That makes me wonder. Who are our vet players that command respect and push the envelope? What coaches do we have that can take a man that never played football in his life and turn him into a monster on the field? Will Jerry ever see, after watching three years of 12-5 football go to waste, that maybe things must change? Jerry Jones is not stupid. He saw what happened in Washington, in Detroit, and in Philly. I can't believe he doesn't want to win.
I'm sorry guys, I'm venting. I look at my Roger jersey, my pic of Troy holding the Lombardi, and just wonder...*** happened to our team?
(joking with him, here comes the revolt)
