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5 Worst Decisions Philadelphia Eagles Made In 2015

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Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

This was supposed to be the year. In 2014, the Eagles won 10 games but missed the playoffs. That was attributable to a collapse in the last month of the season. This season, they struggled; but while playing in an underachieving division, they had a chance to earn a playoff berth with two games left. They responded by collapsing in the first game, so it’s back to the drawing board. Here are five things that shouldn’t have happened last year and helped lead to the disappointment.

5. Drafting Nelson Agholor In The First Round

Drafting Nelson Agholor In The First Round Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
With more pressing needs and a pretty good draft position, the Eagles decided to part ways with their most productive receiver (the second year in a row they did so). With needs at linebacker, the defensive line and in the secondary, the Eagles opted for offense in the draft. They added Nelson Agholor, who joined a receiving corps and couldn't catch and did nothing to make Eagles fans forget the offensive talent they had shipped off.

With more pressing needs and a pretty good draft position, the Eagles decided to part ways with their most productive receiver (the second year in a row they did so). With needs at linebacker, the defensive line and in the secondary, the Eagles opted for offense in the draft. They added Nelson Agholor, who joined a receiving corps and couldn't catch and did nothing to make Eagles fans forget the offensive talent they had shipped off.

4. Deciding Brandon Boykin Wasn't Needed

Deciding Brandon Boykin Wasn't Needed Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
At times, this team's secondary looked as though they were a junior varsity team trying to defend NFL offenses. One of their best corners and biggest playmakers on defense the previous year was Brandon Boykin. It appeared they had a star in the making, and Chip Kelly decided he wanted to give him away. They struggled all year on defense mostly because no one feared the their ability to make plays in the passing game. They would come through from time to time, but it would have been nice to have Boykin back there.

At times, this team's secondary looked as though they were a junior varsity team trying to defend NFL offenses. One of their best corners and biggest playmakers on defense the previous year was Brandon Boykin. It appeared they had a star in the making, and Chip Kelly decided he wanted to give him away. They struggled all year on defense mostly because no one feared the their ability to make plays in the passing game. They would come through from time to time, but it would have been nice to have Boykin back there.

3. Not Re-Signing Jeremy Maclin

Not Re-Signing Jeremy Maclin Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
This one made no sense. It's almost mind boggling. With an offensive-minded head coach, the team spent an entire offseason downgrading at every position except for tight end where they basically fielded the same unit. Their best running back went to Buffalo, one of their best linemen was told there was no longer a spot for him on the team, they opted for big wide receivers who couldn't run and at times couldn't catch, and the best player of the bunch was allowed to leave and catch passes in a red jersey.

This one made no sense. It's almost mind boggling. With an offensive-minded head coach, the team spent an entire offseason downgrading at every position except for tight end where they basically fielded the same unit. Their best running back went to Buffalo, one of their best linemen was told there was no longer a spot for him on the team, they opted for big wide receivers who couldn't run and at times couldn't catch, and the best player of the bunch was allowed to leave and catch passes in a red jersey.

2. Signing DeMarco Murray

Signing DeMarco Murray Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports
Fans were told the Eagles had to release LeSean McCoy because they had too much money tied up in his contract. They then turned around and signed DeMarco Murray for too many years and too much money. Murray would spend the early part of the season looking like a guy who had too many touches the year prior and had worn down; but in the second half of the season, he evolved into a guy who appeared to have a little tread left on the tires but was being used incorrectly. The jury's still out on how much is left in the tank.

Fans were told the Eagles had to release LeSean McCoy because they had too much money tied up in his contract. They then turned around and signed DeMarco Murray for too many years and too much money. Murray would spend the early part of the season looking like a guy who had too many touches the year prior and had worn down; but in the second half of the season, he evolved into a guy who appeared to have a little tread left on the tires but was being used incorrectly. The jury's still out on how much is left in the tank.

1. Continuing To Rely More On Free Agency Than The Draft

Continuing To Rely More On Free Agency Than The Draft Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports
Remember Nnamdi Asomugha and "The Dream Team"? Rather than build this team through the draft, the Eagles keep opting for the quick fix and hunting for guys in free agency. Darren Sproles and Malcolm Jenkins get passes, but other than that, it feels more like fantasy football than a real NFL team. They even gave away some picks to get Sam Bradford who announced recently that he'd test the free agent market. The Eagles still have holes, and they still don't know who their quarterback is. But with their track record in the draft, does it even matter?

Remember Nnamdi Asomugha and "The Dream Team"? Rather than build this team through the draft, the Eagles keep opting for the quick fix and hunting for guys in free agency. Darren Sproles and Malcolm Jenkins get passes, but other than that, it feels more like fantasy football than a real NFL team. They even gave away some picks to get Sam Bradford who announced recently that he'd test the free agent market. The Eagles still have holes, and they still don't know who their quarterback is. But with their track record in the draft, does it even matter?

Geoffrey Knox is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter, like him on Facebook, and follow him on Instagram.
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