POSTS
(RSS)
2008 Philadelphia Eagles NFL Draft Needs
The Eagles are coming a disappointing season where they finished the season at 8-8, but last in the NFC East. The Eagles might not have been as bad as it seemed as they lost 5 games by 4-points or less, and were only one game out of the playoffs. This should be a good sign for Eagle fans in 2008, as they could easily make the move back to one of the top teams in the NFC with some good off-season transactions. They have already made a big splash in landing Patriots Pro Bowl CB Asante Samuel. The team parted ways with veteran DE Javon Kearse and it is still yet to be seen if they are going to trade away star CB Lito Sheppard. The draft could be the deciding factor in how big a role the Eagles will play in the strong NFC East that sent all three off the other teams to the playoffs, and seen the Giants make an improbable run to a Super Bowl victory of the Patriots. So lets take a look at what the Eagles need to address in this years draft to make them an elite team once again.
1. Cornerback
This will all depend on what the teams does with Sheppard, if he stays then they can wait till later in the draft to fill this need. The Eagles seem to be getting tired of Sheppard’s injury concerns and might possibly be able to get a couple draft picks or players if they are able to make a deal with another team. The Eagles will have plenty of options if they decide to go with a corner with pick #19. The first round should see nearly all of the top corners taken that have the ability to make instant impacts in their first season. While it might be a stretch that Leodis McKelvin will still be on the board he could make a big impact at not only the corner position but in the return game as well.
2. Safety
While the Eagles will likely be set at the position coming into 2008, Brian Dawkins is getting up there in age and the team is in need of a replacement. If the Eagles decide to go with this route, there is no question that Miami’s Kenny Phillips is the best safety in a weak draft class at this position. Phillips should be on the board when the Eagles make their first pick, but wont see anything near his ability in the later rounds.
3. Wide Receiver
We believe that Donavon McNabb is a big time receiver away from another big season, as many remember the year he had when Terrell Owens was in town. The Draft is also pretty deep at this position, but if they are looking for a big time threat they will need to address this spot early. Texas WR Limas Sweed and Cal’s DeSean Jackson both could be on the board and could be just what the doctor ordered in Philly.
4. Offense Line
The team is starting to get old at this position with both of their starting tackles in their mid 30s and are entering the final year of their contracts. The Eagles will likely need to start looking at some replacements options whether it comes in free agency or the draft. Look for the Eagles to use one of their later round picks to try and fill this hole.
5. Defensive End
With the loss of Kearse the team will likely need to look for a replacement to help the defense that finished in the top 10. The team still has a proven talent in Trent Cole on one side, and Juqua Thomas starting on the other. It is still unclear if the team will send Darren Howard packing after he failed to pan out after signing a big contract with the Eagles. While its unlikely the Eagles will waste an early pick on this position, they will likely look to a 3rd or 4th round pick or look to free agency to take care of the situation.
Be sure to continue to check back as we will continue to be bringing you team-by-team draft articles. Also, be sure to check out our first round Mock Draft. Feel free to leave any comments you might have on the draft and each team’s draft needs in our comment box.
Popularity: 6% [?]
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.