7 offensive tackle options for the Eagles after André Dillard’s injury

As Andre Dillard is set to miss the 2020 NFL season, the depth of the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line looks quite fragile.

Jason Peters is an obvious replacement for Dillard on the left tackle, but what happens when Peters inevitably has to miss out on playing time? Jordan Mailata is the best backup option behind him right now and that’s quite worrying.

The Eagles should look to add more depth to the veterans in the tackle. The options are barely very inspiring and plentiful, which is to be expected at this time of year. Still, here are a few guys the Eagles could sign.

First mentioned Waddle as a potential target for Eagles free agents in March. What I wrote at the time:

Waddle has tackle / guard versatility and 31 starts in 61 games played. Eight of those starts came as an undrafted rookie on Jim Schwartz’s Lions in 2013.

I should also add that Waddle has made 24 starts in 30 games played under former Lions offensive line coach and current Eagles director of player personnel / senior defensive assistant Jeremiah Washburn. There is a certain level of familiarity here.

The Lions traded Waddle to the New England Patriots and he served as their valuable swing tackle as they won two Super Bowl titles while on the squad. Safe to say they couldn’t have done it without him.

Waddle stood in line as the Buffalo Bills’ second team left the tackle in 2019 offseason practice before sustaining a late-season quad injury last August. You would think he was healthy now.

Waddle was only 29 in June, so he should have plenty of tread on the tires. It seems to me to be a good swing option.

The No.2 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft clearly didn’t live up to high expectations, but he still managed to hang around in the league. Robinson has recorded 70 starts in 83 career games. He placed 42nd of 89 offensive tackles ranked by Pro Football Focus last year in 14 starts with the Cleveland Browns. It’s not an ideal starter, but you could do worse in the offensive backup tackle. He is also not 28 years old until October. For the context, Dillard celebrates its 25th anniversary in October.

Hm. Why is Robinson still available? Oh, I totally forgot this:

Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Greg Robinson would be charged with drugs by the federal government after being arrested Monday at a border checkpoint between the United States and Mexico, according to TMZ Sports.

Perhaps not the most realistic option.

Truth be told, I don’t see this signing of 37 years as a safeguard. As a three-time Pro Bowler with 189 starts in 194 games under his belt, Penn probably thinks such a role is under him. It might be a more realistic option if Peters sustains an injury that requires him to miss an extended period. Penn placed 50th of 89 PFF-ranked tackles in 15 starts for Washington last year.

Newhouse, who turns 32 next month, made nine starts in 15 games played for the Patriots last season. He was 56th on 89 offensive tackles. Newhouse has experience at both points of attack in addition to right guard, so it’s a versatile option.

Glenn turns 31 next month and has 95 starts in 97 games. The veteran left tackle recently made five starts in six games for the Cincinnati Bengals last season. PFF had ranked him 36th out of 89 tackles. It might be worth registering.

Mills has made a career of playing good tackle with 84 starts in 90 games played. Not an ideal fit with the Eagles needing a guy with left tackle experience. But if the Eagles are comfortable moving Lane Johnson to the left side and installing Mills on the right, well, that’s where he becomes an option.

The longtime San Francisco 49ers retired earlier this offseason and have lost a lot of weight. So it’s not a very realistic option, I’ve included it here in case people think it’s viable.

VERDICT

I just don’t see how the Eagles could feel very comfortable with Mailata or any of their rookies – Jack Driscoll or Prince Tega Wanogho – playing left tackle when Peters falls. If it were up to me, I’d be looking to sign a veteran swing tackle like Waddle.

What you say?