:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/26642331/20130924_hcs_sy4_001.0.jpg)
The success of the Eagles' 2013 off-season was the catalyst for a successful season.
It all started when the Eagles removed long-time head coach Andy Reid and hired Chip Kelly. The Eagles then strengthened their front office by adding new personnel, highlighted by the addition of former 49ers executive Tom Gamble.
As for the player personnel moves themselves, the Eagles first cut bait with veteran players that didn't have a future on the roster. Gone were Mike Patterson, Cullen Jenkins, and Nnamdi Asomugha. Some thought Michael Vick would be cut, but he was re-signed to a one year deal instead.
The 2013 free agent class looks successful. The Eagles didn't spend big money but instead found a number of solid contributors: two solid starting cornerbacks (Cary Williams and Bradley Fletcher), a jack-of-all-trades OLB (Connor Barwin), a top punter (Donnie Jones). James Casey provided depth at tight end and was a great special teams player. He also came on later in the year when the Eagles used him as a run blocker. Patrick Chung and Isaac Sopoaga were less than ideal signings. Chung was supposed to be a starter but didn't prove reliable. Sopoaga was largely ineffective, but the Eagles likely signed him as a temporary stopgap option anyway. Sopoaga was traded away to New England (along with a 6th round pick). So the Eagles essentially jumped up about 25 spots in the draft with that trade.
The 2013 draft class features inspiring, young talent as well. Lane Johnson played well for a rookie offensive tackle and started the whole year. He shows serious promise moving forward. Zach Ertz had a great year considering the fact is takes rookie tight ends time to catch on. Bennie Logan did a good job of taking over at nose tackle midway through the season. Earl Wolff showed potential during his stint as a starter, but unfortunately finished the year with a knee injury. A few undrafted free agents also found their way onto the Eagles final roster, including: Matthew Tucker, Damion Square, Jake Knott, Matt Tobin, and Keelan Johnson.
Howie Roseman doesn't have a spotless track record. Roseman is much maligned for the poor drafts early in his career along with the disastrous 2011 free agent class that featured Asmougha, Jason Babin, Vince Young, etc.. Andy Reid was certainly responsible for those failures as well. It really seems the young Roseman has learned from past mistakes, though. It will be interesting to see how Roseman handles the 2014 offseason and prepares this Eagles roster to make a leap forward in Year Two of Chip Kelly's tenure.
So, do you approve of the job Howie Roseman is doing as the general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles? Vote now in the poll below and leave your thoughts in the comments.
