Eagles’ Offseason Plans: Drafting Depth At Key Positions

Even though it’s only Week 12, it’s not too early for a team to start formulating its offseason plans. For some teams, this is easier said than done because they have a formidable list of needs (link to Skins article). For others—like the Eagles—a short list of needs has created an opportunity to “beef up” key positions. And with plenty of draft capital at their disposal, the Eagles can use their offseason to gain a big advantage on their division rivals.

The sum total of the Eagles draft picks in 2011 looks something like this: 1 first-round pick, 1 second-round pick, 1 third-round pick, 2 fourth-round picks (one of these was acquired in the infamous Donovan McNabb trade and could become a third-round pick based on McNabb’s performance with the Redskins), 2 fifth-round picks, and 1 pick each in the sixth and seventh rounds.

As far as “needs” go, the Eagles’ main concern should be their offensive line. In recent weeks, this unit has been playing much better than it did in the beginning of the year (likely due to the presence of Michael Vick under center). But its biggest problem is injuries. Players like Nick Cole, Mike McGlynn, and Max Jean-Gilles have all either suffered their own injuries or been forced to fill in at different positions because of other injuries at some point this year. And let’s be honest: Jason Peters isn’t living up to the contract that the Eagles gave him in 2009. I’m not saying he isn’t serviceable, just that there might be a better left tackle prospect out there for the Eagles going forward. And with 3 picks (possibly 4) in the first three rounds, the Eagles are in great position to grab a tackle and another of the versatile “guard/center” players that they love.

In my view, that’s where the Eagles’ list of needs ends. Any other draft picks will just be making good or average units better. But gun to my head, if I had to list the positions that this team should pursue in the offseason, here’s what I’d pick:

• Middle Linebacker: Having Stewart Bradley back in the lineup has made a significant difference to the play of this defense, but if he goes down to injury again, who is there to step in? MLB Omar Gaither has shown mixed results in his playing time with the team, so the Eagles could take a good middle linebacker prospect in the first four rounds.
• Cornerback: The Eagles have some good ball-hawks and route-jumpers in Asante Samuels and Dmitri Patterson, but they lack a good cover corner. Plus, even before his unfortunate injury, Ellis Hobbs had been demoted for his poor play in coverage. The Eagles do have rookie Trevor Lindley waiting in the wings, but why miss a chance to grab a good cover corner prospect with a late-round pick?
• Defensive line:  The real focus of the Eagles’ vaunted defense is its pass rush. A bounty of low-round picks means that the Eagles could flood this unit with new talent and possibly find a few diamonds in the rough to add to the roster.
• Special teams: They have to replace David Akers someday. Also, Jorrick Calvin hasn’t necessarily made himself a staple at KR/PR. The Eagles should consider going after a speedy receiver who can focus on being a quality special-teamer and return man.

The team does have another alternative open to it this offseason. It could make a splash in the trade market, especially considering all of the bargaining chips that the team has to throw around. That’s not saying the Eagles will, but the fact remains that there are plenty of teams that could use some draft picks and I can’t believe that there isn’t a single player from another team that the Eagles wouldn’t mind having on their roster.

Regardless, this is an offseason for fine-tuning and luxury picks for the Eagles. Apart from the offensive line, they have one of the deepest rosters in the league. Look for the team to build depth and keep themselves competitive for years to come.