OG Brandon Brooks
Age: 26
Height: 6-5
Weight: 335
Last team: Houston Texans
2015 stats: 14 starts
The Eagles needed a mauler in the ground attack, and it appears that is what they got in the 6'5", 335-pound Brooks. A three-year starter who has played both left and right guard as well as right tackle, Brooks was once described as a "massive, physical freak" by NFL draft analyst Mike Mayock. He can manhandle defensive linemen at the point of attack while also possessing the athleticism to get out and block at the second level.
According to Pro Football Focus, Brooks dropped off quite a bit as a run-blocker in 2015, although the Texans' struggled as a whole in that area, and he actually improved as a pass protector. The two seasons prior, Brooks graded as a top-five run-blocker among all guards per PFF's marks. He's missed just five games over the past three years.
At five years, $40 million with $21 million guaranteed, Brooks figures to be a long-term solution for the offensive line, but where? For now, he'll take over one of the two guard positions, perhaps for Allen Barbre on the left side. But could Brooks be an option to eventually slide out to right tackle when Lane Johnson inevitably replaces Jason Peters on the opposite end? If so, the potential exists for Brooks to far outperform this deal.
If there's any concern at all with Brooks, it seems it's consistency. Then again, he only turns 27 this year and as a third-round draft pick out of Miami, Ohio was a raw product to begin with, so once again, his best days are likely ahead. Another quality, low-risk signing that fills an obvious need, very much in the same vein as safety Rodney McLeod.
Grade: A-