Beau Allen injury could change draft approach for Eagles
A pectoral injury to defensive tackle Beau Allen will make the Eagles rethink their strategy heading into the NFL Draft.
When Comcast SportsNet’s Eagles beat writer Zach Berman broke the news that defensive tackle Beau Allen had suffered a pectoral injury during a workout, it might not have struck a chord of fear through Eagles nation. But the injury, which we’ve since been told is a pectoral tear that will require surgery, is expected to sideline Allen into the start of the regular season, according to The Daily News’ Les Bowen.
Allen was expected to play a large role for the Eagles this season. He’s expected to compete with newly acquired Tim Jernigan for a starting defensive tackle job. At the very least, he’ll be an oft-used third tackle on a line that relies on regular rotation.
Much has been made of Eagles brass this offseason about the importance of creating competition in camp. And in the payoff of getting to see returning players, like Allen, in their second season in a new scheme after spending most of the last offseason simply getting accustomed to the playbook.
Without a ton of money to spend in free agency, the Eagles have, so far, used the offseason to strategically address roster holes at positions where the upcoming draft isn’t as deep. By trading for Tim Jernigan and signing Chris Long, the Eagles eliminated the need to draft along the defensive line. This left the Eagles free to address their weakest positions, running back and cornerback, in a draft loaded with them.
Allen’s injury, however, means that there’s no competition in camp for Tim Jernigan. It creates uncertainty about what the rotation will look like behind Fletcher Cox and Jernigan when the season begins. Undrafted 2016 free agent Destiny Vaeao and 2016 practice squad holdover Aziz Shittu have shown flashes of potential. Neither, though, approaches the impact Allen has had since being taken in the seventh round in 2014.
With of the timing of the injury, the uncertainty of the return timetable, and the fact that Allen’s production might be limited in the final year of his rookie contract, the Eagles will now likely be tempted to add to the interior of their defensive line in the draft.
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If the Eagles were already planning to draft multiple corners, add to the linebacker corp, address the running back position, and find another young offensive tackle. The hole left by Allen’s injury means something will probably have to give.