:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/22004561/20130930_hcs_sy4_133.0.jpg)
The Eagles traded Isaac Sopoaga for a draft pick prior to the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday afternoon. Now that the 32 year old veteran nose tackle is gone, it's time to look at the implications of this deal moving forward.
First, let's note an astute observation by Jimmy Kempski of Philly.com. Sopoaga's departure now means the Eagles have a really young defensive line. No player on the line is older than 25. Along with youth, this unit features talent. Cedric Thornton and Fletcher Cox have been great starters at 3-4 defensive end. Backup DE Vinny Curry is one of the Eagles' best pass rushers. Bennie Logan's held his own as a rookie in limited playing time, as has the giant sized 6'8" Clifton Geathers. Damion Square has been spending time on the game day inactive list but he came a long way to make the team as an undrafted rookie free agent.
As for filling Sopoaga's spot, I imagine the Eagles want to see what Bennie Logan can do in a starting role. Logan, a third round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, consistently played about 30% of the defensive snaps while Sopoaga was in town. That number will now increase. It's possible big Clifton Geathers will see more playing time as well. The move also opens up a spot for Damion Square on the active game day roster. It will be interesting to see how the DC Billy Davis and the Eagles handle their defensive line rotation.
Lastly, the Sopoaga trade opens up a roster spot since all the Eagles received in return was a draft pick. No word yet on who the Eagles will add to the team.
More from Bleeding Green Nation:
- Chip Kelly and the Ghost of Terrelle Pryor
- Former Eagles WR Freddie Mitchell sentenced to 37 months in prison
- Nick Foles returns to practice
- BGN Radio: Eagles vs. Giants Reaction
- Eagles Trade Rumors: DE Vinny Curry available for trade
- NFL Trade Deadline Rumors 2013: Will the Eagles make a move?
- NFL Power Rankings 2013, Week 9: Eagles Fall Down
- The Linc - Chip Kelly's Offense Hasn't Been "Figured Out"