New England Patriots - NESN.com
The run will continue in the City of Brotherly Love.
The Philadelphia Eagles earned the right to represent the NFC in Super Bowl LIX after an NFC East division crown and postseason wins over the Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams and Washington Commanders.
Philadelphia’s recipe for success isn’t difficult to comprehend. The Birds have excelled in all areas of roster construction with home runs in the NFL draft, free agency and via trade. They had arguably the league’s best roster in 2024, despite the recent retirements of franchise cornerstones Fletcher Cox and Jason Kelce.
New England Patriots decision-makers should pay close attention to such roster-building strategies, especially as it relates to Philadelphia’s bread and butter: the offensive line. That was a topic of discussion on NESN’s “Foxboro Rush” podcast released Monday.
The Eagles not only identified talent up front, but used valuable assets on it. Future Hall of Famer Lane Johnson was a 2013 first-round pick, left guard Landon Dickerson was a 2021 second-rounder and center Cam Jurgens was a 2022 second-rounder. A trio of premier picks at positions which don’t all fall under the “premier” category, but the investment certainly looks well worth it.
That was just one method of building, however.
The Eagles developed left tackle Jordan Mailata, a 2018 seventh-rounder who didn’t take over as Philadelphia’s full-timer until 2021. Mailata had arguably the best season of his career in 2024 en route to being named a Second Team All-Pro. He’s under contract through 2028 following a well-timed extension by the Birds. Don’t let him hit the open market.
Previously, the Eagles drafted and developed Kelce, a sixth-round pick in 2011 who started every game he played at center over 13 seasons. Six-time All-Pros aren’t typically found in the sixth round. Decent return, huh?
When it comes to starting right guard Mekhi Becton, the Eagles again bet on talent and their ability to develop it. A 2020 first-round pick by the Jets, Becton departed New York after his rookie contract concluded. He did next to nothing with Gang Green, which is why he was available for a modest deal (one year, $2.75 million) last offseason. It initially was believed Becton would serve as a swing tackle behind Mailata and Johnson, but instead the 6-foot-7, 363-pounder carved out a role on the interior and excelled. Chances are he’ll be rewarded for such resurgence this offseason.
Drafting talent in the case of three starters, developing in the case of two others.
The Patriots could benefit from both as they build an offensive line in front of quarterback Drake Maye. An ability to do both would go a long way in getting New England back to contention.
