The Wishlist for the Philadelphia Eagles this Offseason
By (Contributor) on February 7, 2009
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The Philadelphia Eagles had a great run this past season. Despite making the playoffs, the Birds still have work to do when it comes to personnel changes.
The two veteran tackles in John Runyan and Thomas are both free agents. Other free agents this year include Brian Dawkins, Correll Buckhalter, Joselio Hanson, L.J. Smith, Hank Baskett, and Nick Cole.
Most of the veteran free agents have been big playmakers, such as Dawkins and Buckhalter. Where does that leave the Eagles? What transactions need to be done in order for them to succeed?
This list covers a fan's perspective on free agents and draft needs that hopefully should help the Eagles get over the hump. With two 1st round picks, the possibilities are endless. PLEASE...make the right choices.
Jordan Gross
This 6'5", 300 lbs of a man is peaking and will test the market on new deals. He has earned it too. He has helped the Slash N Dash duo of Jonathan Stewart and Deangelo Williams become the top running attack in 2008.
Gross can play both tackle positions which would help the Eagles if they end up signing one of the veteran tackles back. As one of the premier tackles in the league, he would help an Eagles team that struggled to run in 2008.
With a healthy Shawn Andrews coming back next year and with Jordan Gross in the lineup, the Eagles' certainly add another dimension in pass protection and run game.
Hakeem Nicks
North Carolina's Hakeem Nicks reminds me of a young version of Anquan Boldin (not that Boldin is by any means old). Nicks has great hands, catches in traffic, tough, and hard to tackle.
Despite his lack of speed and burst, his route-running abilities allows him to get open. He is dangerous in the yards-after-catch runs. He may not beat the defender deep, but he is a very reliable receiver.
T.J. Houshmanzadeh
A proven receiver and a Pro-bowler, T.J. Houshmanzadeh will finally have the chance to get away from the confines of Cincinnati and end up with a playoff team.
Although not breaking the 1,000-yard mark in receiving, he still managed to obtain 92 catches in a Palmer-less season. He would be a great target for Mcnabb and elevate the Eagles' passing attack to a new level.
With Jackson, Curtis, and Avant on board, Houshmanzadeh can defintely boost the receiving core and hopefully help kick Mcnabb's rump back to the Super Bowl.
LeSean McCoy
I usually don't get sold on rookies until they have proven themselves in the league.
That was until I saw LeSean McCoy play.
He has the burst, speed, hands, quickness, and toughness. He can run between the A and B gaps, but is also dangerous in the outside. His cutbacks are lethal because of his burst and speed. He is a Westbrook type back which fits the Eagles' offense perfectly.
He may not be the change-of-pace back but he is a future feature back that the Eagles would definitely need. Please make this happen.
Anquan Boldin
There's really not much to say but...it's Anquan freakin' Boldin. We all know who he is, and we all know what he can do. If you don't then you do not need to be reading any of these football articles.
Now acquiring him may be a long shot since the Cardinals just came from their first Super Bowl and Boldin's contract is not up for two years.
Boldin is unhappy and has demanded a trade. Chances are that he would be rewarded with a contract but I guess it all depends on the cap and free agent needs of the Cardinals.
Only the future knows what could happen. Maybe an NFL draft day trade a la Randy Moss is in the stars?
Chris "Beanie" Wells
This Ohio State running back just might be the most powerful back in college to date. Once he lowers his shoulder, there is only pain waiting for the would-have-been tackler.
Possibly the next Brandon Jacobs, as he is also injury-prone because of his style of running. He hits the lane hard and doesn't back down from contact. He is a north to south runner but is also good on cutbacks.
He may not fit the Eagles' offense, but a player like him, who is tough and physical, is needed in the tough NFC East battles.
Brandon Pettigrew
This OSU tight end doesn't just catch, he blocks too. His 6'5", 260-pound frame is also an advantage because he would not get beat by linebackers and defensive ends easily. He hauled in 42 catches and 472 yards last season.
Despite not being a touchdown vulture last year, he can still get those tough yardages and can still improve in his red-zone presence.
Owen Daniels
Owen Daniels was one of the bright spots this season for the Houston Texans. He hauled in 70 catches and 862 yards in 2008. The Texans' wide receiv....what? He's a tight end? Well, you got me!
His numbers are astounding for tight ends. The Texans' might end up resigning him since he has produced but this is a wishlist.
What is scary is that last season was only his 3rd year in the league. He is STILL getting better.
Jonathan Vilma
Jonathan Vilma is a very disruptive player and fits well in a 4-3 defense. With five years of experience under his belt, he has 7 interceptions, 7 forced fumbles, and at least 560 tackles.
Let's face it, the Eagles' linebackers need a little help and depth. Vilma has been to a Pro-Bowl and named the Defensive Rookie of the Year. I'm not saying all of that is important but it only means that he is accomplished.
With Jim Johnson's blitz schemes and Vilma's speed, his production can only go up.
Michael Johnson
Michael Johnson(93), a defensive end for Georgia Tech, is 6'7", 260-pounds. His frame for a defensive end is an advantage in itself. Although his pass-rush is underdeveloped, defensive line coach Segrest could help him improve.
With Trent Cole and Juqua Parker on the team, Johnson can possibly provide depth and a new dimension to the defense.
His tall frame would give him advantage when the defensive ends back up in coverage. He only needs to develop his strength and speed.
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