2012 NFL Free Agents: Breaking Down Philadelphia Eagles' Biggest Needs

Let's keep this simple: The Philadelphia Eagles desperately need upgrades at linebacker and safety. Depth on the offensive line and the interior of the defensive line wouldn't hurt.

And if DeSean Jackson ends up elsewhere (for what it's worth, I really hope he stays), you can add wide receiver to that list.

Since trying to predict what the Eagles will do in the draft is basically impossible at this point, I've identified several potential free agents the Eagles should target. (Note: If I think it's highly unlikely a player will become a free agent, I didn't include them on this list.)

Stephen Tulloch, MLB, Detroit Lions

Tulloch should be priority No. 1 for the Eagles if he hits the market. He's an excellent middle linebacker who is familiar with the wide nine defensive scheme the Eagles run and probably should have been signed last year rather than players like Steve Smith and Vince Young.

In the past three years, Tulloch has registered 392 tackles, six sacks, three interceptions and five fumbles recovered.

And he's a proven commodity, making him a safer option than drafting everyone's favorite mock draft projection for the Eagles, Boston College's Luke Kuechly.

This makes too much sense not to happen. Then again, it did last offseason, too.

Tyvon Branch, SS, Oakland Raiders

The market for safeties is weak, and Branch is probably the best option out there (unless you are willing to risk signing the talented but injury-prone LaRon Landry, that is).

The Eagles might have to resort to praying that Nate Allen and Jaiquawn Jarrett can drastically improve or hope that they can snag a player like Alabama's Mark Barron in the second round.

Branch is worth a look.

Carl Nicks, OG, New Orleans Saints

I know the Eagles spent a first-round pick on Danny Watkins last year and were generally pleased with the play of Evan Mathis, but if you can go out and solidify your line with the top guard in the game, you at least have to entertain that possibility.

Nicks and Jason Peters would give the Eagles two of the best offensive linemen in the game, and added protection for the injury-prone Michael Vick is definitely a good thing.

Marques Colston, WR, New Orleans Saints

Of all of the wide receivers that could become free agents, Colston is the most likely to actually hit the market, which could jack up his price. But if the Eagles end up parting ways with DeSean Jackson, they will need someone to pair with Maclin.

Colston's size and ability to function as a premier possession receiver would pair nicely with Jeremy Maclin's ability to stretch defenses down the field.

The fact that Colston has snagged 70 passes or more and at least 1,000 yards in five of his six years as a pro (he missed five games in 2008) on an offense known for spreading the ball around in New Orleans speaks wonders about his abilities.

And no, I don't want anything to do Plaxico Burress—he does nothing for me.

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