While the Eagles search for their next head coach, one of the things that Jeffrey Lurie and Howie Roseman will need to do is convince the next coach that they have some key pieces to build around.

So who are those pieces?

After a messy, mistake filled 7-9 season, one would think that the Eagles don't have many building blocks, but there is some talent on this roster.

Here are five guys the next head coach can be excited about for the 2016 season.

1. Fletcher Cox, DL - After earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2014, Cox was back and even better in 2015. He earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl and earned another second-team All-Pro honor.  His 9.5 sacks were five more then the previous year, and showed how dominating he could be, being names NFC defensive player of the week this year when he recorded three sacks and two forced fumbles in a win over New Orleans.

2. Jordan Hicks, LB - Hicks might have been criticized on draft day, but the third round pick was performing at an extremely high level before being placed on injured reserve with a torn pectoral muscle, ending his season. Hicks was outstanding filling in for the Eagles' injured linebackers, recording 50 tackles, a sack, two interceptions and recovering three fumbles in eight games.

3. Lane Johnson, OT - While Johnson has played almost exclusively at right tackle, he did start one game at left tackle for the injured Jason Peters, and could take over that position in 2016. At 25, Johnson could be around for a long time and be the key member of the Eagles offensive line moving forward.

4. Eric Rowe, CB - While Rowe didnt get his chance to shine until Nolan Carroll was lost for the season with a ankle injury, once given the opportunity, he showed why the Eagles moved in the second round to grab him. At 6-1, 203 lbs., Rowe is a big physical corner who could be a key member of the Eagles defense.

5. Zach Ertz, TE - Ertz caught nine passes for 152 yards in the Eagles' Week 17 win over the Giants and piled up 13 catches and 122 yards on 17 the previous week in a loss to the Redskins. Overall, over the final four weeks of the season, he flourished, catching 35 balls for 450 yards and one touchdown.  For the season, he ended up with 75 catches for 853 yards and two touchdowns - the next had coach should look for as many ways as possible to get Ertz involved into their offense.

 

 

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