Eagles Rise in ESPN Post-Free Agency Power Rankings

The Philadelphia Eagles have had a busy offseason already, adding a couple of key pieces, in both free agency and through trades, and ESPN has taken notice.

When ESPN released its first power rankings right after the Eagles won their first Super Bowl, the Eagles came in at No. 2, behind the Patriots. Now, after the start of free agency, the Eagles additions on the defensive line, and other areas, helped them pass the Pats, rising to the top spot on the list.

One of the reigning champs' biggest strengths was the defensive line, which featured a league-high seven players with at least 400 snaps last season. The Eagles lost two contributors, Beau Allen and Vinny Curry, but replaced them with two players with eight combined Pro Bowls: Michael Bennett and Haloti Ngata.

Coming into the offseason, Philadelphia was in search of depth and to bring back some of their pending free agents, but so far, they did more than just add depth to their Super Bowl winning roster.

Not only was the team was able to bring back key linebacker Nigel Bradham, it added defensive tackle Haloti Ngata and wide receiver Mike Wallace via free agency, and acquired defensive end Michael Bennett and defensive back Daryl Worley through trades.

Acquisitions aside, the Eagles did take a little hit in free agency.

Tight end Try Burton signed with Chicago and running back LeGarrette Blount signed with Detroit.  Defensive lineman Vinny Curry and Beau Allen went to Tampa Bay. Additionally, Arizona released tight end Brent Celek and traded wide receiver Torrey Smith.

With Howie Roseman you can never rule out another trade or free agent addition before the April 26 NFL Draft. A few areas to consider would be tight end, offensive line depth and linebacker help.