2011 NFL Draft: Top 5 Prospects the Philadelphia Eagles Should Target

As the Super Bowl draws ever closer, the Philadelphia Eagles and their fans are forced to think past the big game.

NFL free agency will be coming and so will the NFL draft so teams need to be ready.

Depending on what the Eagles do in free agency, the NFL draft will be where the Eagles try to solve a lot of their problems.

The Eagles need to focus on their offensive line first.  They need to protect whoever is back there this year and let them make the big plays.

The Eagles also have to consider the secondary help they need coming from the draft.

Whatever the Eagles do, the expectations will be very high for next season.

The following slides are the top 5 prospects on my board for the Eagles.

Enjoy!

Gabe Carimi, OT/G, Wisconsin

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IOWA CITY, IA - OCTOBER 23- Quarterback Scott Tolzien #16 of the Wisconsin Badgers throws under pressure from Defensive lineman Adrian Clayborn #94 of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes as offensive lineman Gabe Carimi #68 defends during the first half of pl

Who He Will Replace: Gabe Carimi will take over the starting right guard spot from Max-Jean Gilles

Gabe Carimi is the most versatile of all the offensive linemen possibilities.

Carimi stands 6'7 and 327 lbs an can play guard or tackle.

He is a good run stopper but his pass rush skills leave a little to be desired.  The Eagles would use him as a guard if they draft him.

Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 15: J.C. Brignone #70 and Derek Sherrod #79of the Mississippi State Bulldogs get ready on the line of scrimmage during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 15, 2008 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Who He Will Replace: Winston Justice at right tackle

Derek Sherrod is a big man, standing 6'6' and weighing in at 305 lbs.

His frame is huge and he still has room to strengthen and add weight and be a hug stopper at the tackle position.

All the pre-combine reports say he is a little rough around the edges but the Eagles would love to get their hands on a player with Sherrod's potential.

Brandon Harris, CB, Miami

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

DURHAM, NC - OCTOBER 18: Eron Riley #15 of the Duke Blue Devils grips the ball as he is tackled by Brandon Harris #1 of the Miami Hurricanes at Wallace Wade Stadium on October 18, 2008 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Who He Will Replace: Ellis Hobbs, whether he retires or not, he needs to be gone!

The Eagles will almost certainly address the offensive line first and cornerback second but if Brandon Harris is there in the first round, they might take him.

Harris is a good coverage corner and by all accounts can tackle, which is something the Eagles defense has lacked.

The cornerback position is one of the weakest on the team and if the Eagles don’t address the problem in free agency (Nnamdi Asomugha, come to Philly!), they will have to address it on draft day.

Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Wide receiver Omarius Hines #82 of the Florida Gators celebrates a touchdown catch with center Mike Pouncey #55 against the Penn State Nittany Lions January 1, 2010 in the 25th Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florid

Who He Will Replace: Either Max-Jean Gilles will become his backup and he will take over the right guard position or he will take over center from Mike McGlynn.

Mike Pouncey is an offensive lineman from the University of Florida.

Pouncey is 6'4' and 313 lbs but is one of the more athletic big men in the draft.

He had success starting at center for the Gators but he also played guard as well.

The Position versatility mixed in with the fact that his brother Maurkice Pouncey has been such a success, will lead him to be heavily considered by all the teams in the late first round.

Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

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CHESTNUT HILL, MA - OCTOBER 03: Anthony Castonzo #74 of the Boston College Eagles congratulates teammate Montel Harris #2 after Harris scored a touchdown in the first quarter against the Florida State Seminoles on October 3, 2009 at Alumni Stadium in Che

Who He Will Replace: Winston Justice at the right tackle position.

According to several different sources, Castonzo is the top offensive tackle prospect in this year’s draft and he could fall right into Andy Reid's lap.

Castonzo is 6'7 and 308 lbs.  He is extremely athletic and can play the run and pass.

They run a pro style offense in Boston College so expectation will be for Castonzo to slide right in a make an impact.